The Gardener

The story unfolds in a tense and suspenseful atmosphere as Serge Shuster, a man of great influence and power as Special Adviser to the President of the Republic, suddenly finds himself in a life-or-death situation. His name has appeared on the infamous Matignon List, a mysterious and highly classified record of citizens deemed threats to the state's stability. The list is a formidable tool, used discreetly by the government to eliminate those who pose a risk to the power structure, often without hesitation or due process. Serge's inclusion on the list leaves him with a bleak outlook, knowing that his time is running out. His family, too, is now exposed to danger, forced to live in constant fear. As the reality of his situation sets in, Serge undergoes a transformation. He goes from being an authoritative figure to a desperate, anxious individual, navigating the shadows in search of a way out. He knows his options are limited, and the weight of responsibility towards his loved ones weighs heavily on him. Enter Léo, the Shuster family's simple yet resourceful gardener, who becomes an unlikely savior in the midst of chaos. Unassuming and unpretentious, Léo possesses a deep affection for his garden and the creatures that inhabit it. When some particularly injurious pests, like slugs, threaten to destroy the tranquility he has worked so hard to create, Léo is determined to protect his beloved garden at all costs. As fate would have it, Léo's instincts and protective nature also make him an instinctual guardian of the Shuster family. He harbors unspoken resentment towards individuals who would seek to harm innocent lives, much like the 'slugs' he despises. Little does he know, however, that these pests take on a sinister form in the world of the Matignon List – figuratively embodying the senseless destruction that this sinister plot has wreaked. Against the backdrop of danger and uncertainty, Léo takes it upon himself to shield the Shuster family, crafting a clever, grassroots plan to keep them safe from harm. Using his inherent knowledge of the landscape and his intimate connection to the garden, Léo orchestrates a complex yet effective defense mechanism. He skillfully manipulates the environment, harnessing its numerous potential hazards to protect those under his care from the all-encompassing evil lurking just beyond the garden's boundaries. While, his own safety is forfeited in order for the others to stay whole, throughout the trying ordeal, Léo stands firm, exemplifying what it truly means to serve in the highest caliber. This testament to his humanity transcends boundaries of class and occupation and demonstrates that even the 'least prominent' among us have attributes to make a tangible difference in another person's life. In a sense, Léo, this straightforward individual holds power greater than he can know - a genuine human spirit radiating truth, as he bravely tries to lift humanity with the knowledge which he had garnered all these years. Ultimately, The story revolves around two sides: evil on one side - manifest in the system, but existing more fully because we don't use our better side enough to question our way of thinking, yet all seems to not exist, as then, opposite wisdom shows its true strength - a true strength - inside a man living every day, like Léo, so able.