This summer my parents decided to spend a few days in France. They had been there a long time ago, but never with us. We packed our suitcases two days before leaving because on the morning of the big day, we had to leave very early to reach the Channel Tunnel. I was quite excited and nervous at the same time. I had been learning French since I was 8 years old and knew the basics well, but if I had to engage in a long conversation, it might be a little more complicated. We arrived in France and shortly after, we boarded a plane, because we were going to Marseille, I think. To Faviere beach, to be precise. The plane was scarier than the train, and I was happy to arrive. It wasn't late, so to make the most of the end of the day, we explored our destination a bit. When evening came, we went to bed early. I shared my room with my four brothers, and we laughed a lot before finally falling asleep.
The next day we went to the market. It was very crowded, and I was clinging to my older brother's hand. The crowd frightened me, and I felt quite uneasy. My mother suggested I go for a walk near the beach if it would make me feel better. I didn't need to be asked twice and set off at a brisk pace. As I walked, I noticed a young girl on a bench. One detail about her caught my eye. She was wearing an eye patch, probably to hide an injury she was trying to conceal. I noticed she was reading a book. Whenever there was a book, I wanted to talk to the person holding it. In a shy, hesitant voice, I asked her in heavily accented French:

"Excuse me, but could I ask what book you're reading?"

The girl with the fiery red hair told me it was a schoolbook, but She answered me in French. Luckily, my parents speak a little, but I think if I tried to speak it, my accent would be too strong, and I don't think people would really understand what I was saying. The girl then offered me a seat next to her in English. With a shy smile, I replied,


"Oh yes, thank you, that's kind of you."

She told me she had just gone to the market and that it was really crowded. I nodded and said shyly,

"Yes, I went to the market, but I'm not very comfortable when there are a lot of people." And yes, there are really a lot of people today. Is it always like this? "

And in French, I asked her,

"Would you like to speak in French?"

My accent was certainly very, very strong, but I hope she understands my question. My parents have spoken French since I was 5 or 6 years old, at least from what I remember. I know my older brothers speak to me too. Our actions are quite significant. I knew how to say a few sentences in French, but I don't think I could explain anything complex. For example, I don't think I could explain a complete schedule in French; I think I would get lost in the words. But at least I know how to say the most important sentences.