Jean-Pierre has lived his entire life in a town that was once prosperous. He remembers when the local factory was open, providing jobs for everyone. The streets were filled with energy, and families believed in a bright future for their children here.
Now, as he walks through the town center, that vibrant world seems to have vanished. The factory closed decades ago, and the young people left for big cities to find work. The empty storefronts are reminders of the businesses that could not survive.
A deep feeling of nostalgia washes over him. It's more than just missing the past; he misses the sense of belonging and the shared purpose that once defined his community. He knew every shop owner by name, but now strangers walk by in silence.
His daily walk is a quiet ritual to honor what has been lost. He pauses at the old fountain in the square, remembering the summer festivals that brought everyone together. The fountain is dry now, and the square is usually empty.
Sitting at the only cafe still open, he watches the slow afternoon. He understands that the world changes, but he cannot help but feel that progress came at a cost, leaving his town and his generation behind.