La Madeleine is an exceedingly admired restaurant. The critics rave about La Madeleine because its menu is heavenly and designed for the gods. With a modern and sleek interior and an adorable café in the courtyard, La Madeleine is an exquisite addition to Paris. And I happen to be one of its chefs! My name is Aldéric Saunière and I live a dull life; even though my exhilarating job has people killing for positions, this battle does not affect me. But three years ago today my life was changed forever and it all started at work in France: la Madeleine. . .

In the kitchen, world class chefs were preparing dinner for the restaurant’s guests. Beautiful soufflés, tarts, and croissants wound their way from the congested kitchen to the hungry customers. Chardonnays along with many varieties of white and red wines were flying off the shelves. The staff was absolutely busy and the kitchen was hectic. Clattering silverware and breaking dishes filled the background noise. The kitchen television was on the evening news. Reports of violence, government intrigue, and international cooperation were being dissected by the anchors. The most interesting headline that I heard all night was about the Hope Diamond as it had been stolen by thieves.

A waiter handed my customer’s order to me. He wanted Lobster Parisienne.

At La Madeleine, it is the custom to take the clients to the lobster tank to let them pick out their lobsters. I enjoy visiting the lobsters as they amuse me.

I left the kitchen, wearing my culinary jacket and chef’s hat, and walked into the restaurant. An aged man was sitting alone at a small, candlelit table. His face was eccentric yet softened by his wrinkles. He seemed lonely.

“Bonjour, je m’appelle Aldéric. My name is Aldéric and I will be your chef for tonight. Shall we go and select your lobster?”

“Bonjour. No, I don’t like meeting my dinner before I’m about to eat it,” chuckled the old man. “I think I will have to pass on that.”

“I understand. I will pick out La Madeleine’s finest lobster for you.”

“Merci beaucoup,” said the man.

I left him to get his lobster. His blue eyes seemed gloomy once more as he was abandoned for another time. I understood why he didn’t want to see his dinner; he couldn’t separate a lobster from its friends and deliver it an isolated death. He wanted to save the world from another lonely lobster just like himself.