Extract Two and a Half

TWO AND A HALF

Extract

The message

Lisa and numbers had a long-standing love affair. The only one, in fact, that had never disappointed her. Her reputation as a mathematician with outlandish theories had followed her to this small coastal town in the south of France, which she had chosen for its unique light.

That morning, when she opened her eyes, the light had changed. She wasn't quite sure how, but she went out onto the terrace, sat down in a chair, and, facing the sea, let her body completely relax. She closed her eyes and felt a soft, sweet, vibrant warmth penetrate her… a transfusion of happiness! Everything became clear in a dazzling instant, and she literally jumped up in her chair, shouting, “I’ve found it!”

At that very moment, the front door slammed shut and Lisa turned around. Frozen in this state of bliss, arms folded, she refused to return to reality. At the far end of the living room, she noticed her computer screen flashing, indicating an incoming message. Could this be "the" message she had been waiting for for the past six months?

It couldn't be a coincidence; she didn't believe it anyway. She slowly approached the object of her delusion and took her time pressing the "open" button. It was indeed him, David, her equal in mathematics and the only one with whom she could discuss her latest theory, the solution to which she had just discovered! The content of his message left her speechless:

“Lisa, I’ve figured it out… your latest theory is spot on and absolutely brilliant! It’s going to change everything! I have to see you. Hugs and kisses. David”