Chapter 161

• Marcel's POV
• The midday break had finally arrived, and as the factory bell rang out with its usual hollow clang, a wave of relief passed through the workers like a quiet ripple. Conversations sparked in every corner—footsteps echoing toward the exits, laughter trailing behind groups heading to nearby eateries, and the distant clatter of trays in the factory’s internal cafeteria. It was like watching life exhale after hours of holding its breath.
• I didn’t join the exodus. I rarely did.