The small group remained gathered a large amount of time, but it would be inaccurate to tell how long because the sun never moved again, since the accident. Suddenly, everybody starts to go their way. The children pretend to catch one another. They sometimes disappear from where they stand to reappear a bit farther. They look like a ship that sails the light. They float on the air but never touch the gloom.

Alice is the shiest child of them all. She likes to keep her distance from the others and think about everything Papou says. But unlike any expectation in the middle of the desert a river draws a line. The water is still, beautifully clear but when the girl bends over it to see her reflection... nothing happens. She tries to move, throw some sand to the bottom and finally decide to touch it. She comes closer and closer until she can connect with the unmoving stream. But Papou emerges from nowhere et pulls her back to safety.

— Papou ! You scared me !

— I beg your pardon, Alice. But it is dangerous to wander beyond the river. It is even more dangerous to dive into it !

— Why is that ?

— Because. As long as you are here with me, I can protect you. But outside the ring, there are dreadful things you are not ready to deal with.

— Can it be ? It looks so peaceful... perfect... quiet.

— Always keep in mind that the sight you have of the world is never the truth. Make the most out of the moment. Play with your friends. But above all of this, make the most out of your childhood.

— Alright, Papou. I will keep that in mine.

The young lady went back to the inner circle and Papou stared at the distance with anger in the eye and his stick fiercely held in his hands. Far from here the horizon was starting to blur, just the same way the roads seem to thaw the hottest days of summer. But... could it be anything else this time ?