‘We lost touch after she divorced the American and moved to San Francisco to live on a women’s commune.’
Ahead of them, the pale sands stretched into the distance before meeting the sea. Children built sandcastles and a vigorous game of beach cricket was taking place, accompanied by loud shouting. The official ceremonies to mark the anniversary had taken place a week previously and now the beaches were the preserve of holidaymakers once more.
‘Do you think any of them can comprehend what took place here?’ Colette asked, eying the families.
‘Not really,’ Fleur replied. ‘I can’t myself and we lived through it.’
‘Perhaps that is how it should be,’ Colette said thoughtfully. ‘We made the sacrifices, so they don’t have to.’
She leaned against Sébastien. Fleur reached for Charles’ hand, and with her other, she linked arms with Colette.
Still friends after so long, they sat and watched as the sun went down.