Rooftoppers

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and animal death.

The next night, Sophie begins training herself to run on rooftops, working on her strength, agility, and balance with a regimen of exercises. Finally, she climbs onto the roof and practices running back and forth, mimicking Matteo’s technique of putting his weight on his toes. She gains a new appreciation for muscular strength and the freedoms it allows, as well as for the unique vantage of the rooftops, where smells and sounds mingle from all over Paris and the moon looks twice as big. Excitedly and defiantly, she calls Matteo’s name but gets no response. Nevertheless, as she runs over the rooftops, leaping between buildings with increasing speed and confidence, she thinks, “This is how heaven must feel” (118).

After carefully grooming herself to hide any trait of eccentricity, Sophie accompanies Charles to his appointment with the chief police commissioner. Her eyes are now continually drawn to the roofs of the buildings they pass. The police building looks perfect for climbing. However, the meeting turns out to be an “ambush”: The rigid-faced commissioner threatens Charles with prison if he doesn’t abandon his “childish search” and leave France.