SARAH: What just happened?

PAUL: I don't know...

BALZAC: But what... Oh!

As Paul and Sarah come to their senses, Balzac rushes into the inn, having recognized the two individuals.

SARAH: He's escaping! Let's go in, this is where he was supposed to meet his friend!

They set off after him, ignoring the owner's calls. A door slams shut as they enter. The two creditors open it on the fly. The sight that awaited them was startling. In the small room, covered with drawings and paintings, a man is dying.

Balzac kneels at the weakened man's bedside, his red hair sticking out of his nightcap. Seeing them approach, he stands up.

BALZAC: My dear friends, I know you're after me for my debts. But please, could you have the decency to say goodbye to my friend Vincent, who is dying, in peace?

The two creditors, somewhat doubtful, leave the room. Long minutes pass, with the two men's voices echoing in the background.

SARAH: All the same, it's getting to be a long time.

PAUL: Let's have a look and see where they're at.

As Paul and Sarah open the door to take in the scene, a surprise awaits them: Balzac isn't there! They rush into the room.

PAUL: What? But how?

SARAH: He couldn't have disappeared, could he? There's no window!

VG: Calm down... I'm dying, but I can explain.

The man's voice is weak, causing the creditors to lower their voices.

PAUL: Have you hidden it somewhere? PAUL: Where is he?

VG: He went for a little leap into the future, after I told him what I'd seen.

SARAH: What do you mean?

VG: You see, I really like Montmartre. I decided to go there to see it one last time before I die. I was so surprised by what I saw! All the tourists, of which there were many in normal times, were dressed in the same way, reproducing the same pose, taking the same photo! I don't know what happened there, but something did happen in 2023. Maybe a painting?

PAUL: 2023? What are you talking about?

VG: You'll just have to see for yourself. The machine is on my desk.

SARAH: What is this thing?

VG: Press the central button. It works a bit like a radio.

SARAH & PAUL: A what?

As the three characters talk, Sarah clumsily touches the button. Again, a flash of light fills the room. The last image the creditors see is that of the man coughing, grabbing an easel and a brush from the foot of his bed.

Photo credits : Musée d'Orsay - Paris