Chapter 1 : A walk around the lake
This story takes place in a small American town called Willow Creek. Nestled in the heart of the American Midwest, Willow Creek is a place where time seems to move more slowly, and where family and community traditions are still deeply rooted. With a population of just over 5,000, Willow Creek is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else and every face is familiar.
The town's main street, lined with century-old trees, is the beating heart of Willow Creek. The red-brick buildings and picturesque shop windows evoke a bygone era. Here you'll find a variety of small shops, each with its own unique charm: Mr. Harper's hardware store, which has been here for three generations; Mrs. Johnson's bakery, renowned for its homemade apple pies; and the corner café, "Chez Mary", where locals gather every morning to discuss local news over hot coffee and fresh doughnuts.At the heart of this small town lived the Thompson family.
The family consisted of father Léon, eldest son Léon Junior and youngest sister Élisabeth.Élisabeth, aged 18, is a young woman of captivating beauty and grace. At around 1.70 m tall, she has a slender, athletic figure, the result of years spent running and playing soccer. Her wavy blond hair cascades to the middle of her back, often tied back in a ponytail so as not to interfere with her sporting activities or studies. Élisabeth's sparkling green eyes are a charming contrast to her father's and brother's blue eyes, and always seem to sparkle with energy and curiosity. Her face is soft and harmonious, with high cheekbones, a delicate nose and full lips often curved into a friendly smile.
Her fair skin is dotted with a few freckles, especially visible in summer.Elisabeth was excited. Today, she was going to take a walk near Willow Creek lake with her brother LJ, and in the evening, she would attend the last party before school started again. She chose a pretty white dress adorned with small floral motifs, grabbed her handbag and headed out of the house.
LJ was already waiting for her in his car, an old Impala he'd completely restored.When he saw her arrive, LJ smiled at her, "Ready for your last quiet day before school, Eli?
"She returned his smile and replied, "More ready than ever!
"She settled into the front passenger seat, fastened her seatbelt and took the opportunity to answer her friends on her phone.
LJ noticed and sighed, "Always on your phone... I bet even during your soccer games, you're hooked on it."Eli chuckled.
"Gotta keep up with the times, big brother. Your little sister's just as popular as you were back in the day."
LJ, with a smirk, started the car, and they took off toward the lake.After half an hour's drive, they reached a small ledge overlooking the lake.
LJ parked his car on the side and they both got out. LJ grabbed his backpack and urged his sister to hurry. Elisabeth got out and contemplated the landscape. It really was a beautiful spot, a popular ledge for romantic rendez-vous. Unfortunately, she'd never had one. Her father and brother discouraged any potential suitors, and up until now she'd been too busy studying and playing soccer.
But this year, she had decided to let loose a little.
She felt ready to have a boyfriend.LJ, who had started to move forward, turned and saw her sister lost in thought. "So, Eli, are you coming or not? Me, I've got all day, but if you want to be at your party, you'd better get moving."
"Coming, coming," she replied hastily. She joined her brother and they set off on the stroll that started from the corniche.