A fragance of scandal

This story takes place in the small town of Willow Creek, nestled in the heart of the American Midwest. Willow Creek is a place where time seems to flow more slowly and where family and community traditions remain deeply rooted. With just over 5,000 inhabitants, it's the kind of place where everyone knows each other and every face is familiar.

The main street of the town, lined with century-old trees, is the beating heart of Willow Creek. The red brick buildings and picturesque storefronts evoke a bygone era. You'll find a variety of small shops, each with its own charm: Mr. Harper's hardware store, which has existed for three generations; Mrs. Johnson's bakery, renowned for its homemade apple pies; and the corner café, "Mary's Place," where residents gather each morning to discuss local news over hot coffee and fresh donuts, the smell of freshly ground coffee mingling with the sweet aroma of pastries.

At the heart of this small town lives the Thompson family, consisting of father Leon, eldest son Leon Junior (LJ), and younger daughter Elisabeth.

Elisabeth, aged 18, is a young woman of captivating beauty and grace. Standing about 5'7", she has a slim, athletic figure, the result of years spent running and playing soccer. Her wavy blonde hair falls on her shoulders like a golden cascade, often tied in a ponytail so as not to interfere with her sporting activities or studies. Her sparkling green eyes contrast with the blue eyes of her father and brother, and always seem to shine 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, particularly visible in summer.

Today, Elisabeth is bouncing with joy. She's going for a walk near Lake Willow Creek with her brother LJ, and in the evening, she'll attend the last party before school starts. She chooses a pretty white dress adorned with small floral patterns, grabs her handbag, and leaves the house.

LJ is already waiting for her in his car, an old Impala he completely restored. When he sees her coming, he smiles: "Ready for your last peaceful day before school, Eli?" She returns his smile and answers: "More ready than ever!"

She settles into the front passenger seat, fastens her seatbelt, and takes advantage of the journey to reply to her friends on her phone. LJ looks at her with a sigh: "Always on your phone... I bet even during your soccer matches, you're glued to your phone." "You have to keep up with the times, big brother. Your little sister is as popular as you were back in the day."

With a smirk, LJ starts the car and they head toward the lake.

After half an hour's drive, they reach a small cliff overlooking the lake. LJ parks the car on the side and they both get out. LJ gives his sister an impatient look, eager to start hiking. Elisabeth steps out and contemplates the beauty of the landscape.

It's truly a magnificent spot, a cliff popular for romantic dates. Unfortunately, she's never had one. Her father and brother discouraged any potential suitors, and until now, she was too busy studying and playing soccer. But this year, she's decided to loosen up a bit. She feels ready to have a boyfriend.

LJ, who has already started walking, turns around and sees his sister lost in thought.

"So, Eli, are you coming or not? I have all day, but if you want to make it to your party, you'd better get moving."

"I'm coming, I'm coming," she hastily replies. She joins her brother and they set off on the trail that starts from the cliff.

Elisabeth looks at her brother with affection. Leon Junior, often called LJ by his friends and family, is a 23-year-old young man who resembles their father greatly. Standing nearly six feet tall, he inherited Leon's stature and build. His thick brown hair is cut short, often leaving a rebellious lock on his forehead. His blue eyes, like the sea after a storm, shine with a mischievous gaze. LJ has an angular face, still free of the wrinkles of age, though a light beard highlights his jaw. His large, callused hands reveal his attachment to manual labor, but he also has a taste for innovation.

The two have always been very close, a strong bond nurtured by their father who involved them in various activities, whether sports, fishing, or movies. When she was younger, it was LJ who took care of her, their father having entrusted him with the responsibility of looking after his little sister. And LJ has never failed in this mission.

With time and his professional obligations, LJ was like a migratory bird, coming to land near his sister during quiet weekends. These shared moments are precious to them, reinforcing their complicity and fraternal bond.

They walk around the lake, laughing heartily, then stopping to contemplate the sun's reflections in the water. After a lively walk, they discover an isolated cove. LJ unfolds a blanket on the grass, while Eli, barefoot, moves toward the turquoise water. She regrets not having brought her swimsuit, unlike LJ who anticipated the heat. Suddenly, a wave of cold water surprises her, and LJ bursts out laughing seeing her soaked to the bone.

Eli, clutching her sandwich, watches LJ lounging in the water, eyes closed. "You're going swimming, but you didn't bring a towel?" "No room in the bag, and with this heat, I'll dry quickly." LJ joins his sister, a tear of water on his cheek, and they eat in silence, lulled by the murmur of the waves.

After the meal, LJ falls asleep in the sun, while Eli decides to go for a walk. After a few minutes of walking, she arrives at another cove. From a distance, she spots someone swimming in the water. The silhouette is imprecise, but something about its appearance troubles Elisabeth. She suddenly feels observed, as if a heavy gaze is resting on her. She quickens her pace, determined to discover the identity of this solitary swimmer.