A figure clothed in rags moved about the streets. A life of crime had taught her to tread about silently, blending into the shadows. Upon her head sat a cap that had been hastily put on to cover the mess of hair underneath. The dirty rags that covered her body were covered in holes and were several inches too short. This creature lurking in the dark was named Eponine. She was the counterpart to what Americans may call the "rags-to-riches" story. She was born into a well-off family. Wearing expensive clothes and playing with dolls, she was much better off than her adoptive sister, Cosette. Cosette had been the one wearing rags as a child. As both girls grew into young women, they both became beautiful in their own way. Cosette radiated youth and innocence while Eponine gave off an air of sadness and misery. As Eponine shed her beautiful clothes and dolls for rags and hats, Cosette traded in her rags for beautiful gowns and outfits. The two girls grew farther and farther apart as they grew older (not that they were particularly close in the first place).
As Eponine roamed the streets begging for food and money, a tall, brown-haired man bumped into her. She fell and landed flat on her back, scraping her elbows in the process. She cursed as she tried to pull herself back up when she found a hand, waiting to help her get up. She hesitated, unable to comprehend the kind gesture. When she finally realized he was waiting to help her, she took his hand and stood up. She gazed at his soft brown eyes that seemed to hold an air of concern.
"Are you alright?" the man asked as he brushed dirt off her shoulders.
"I'm – I'm… fine", Eponine managed to stutter back.
"Let's get you to a doctor", the nameless man replied. Eponine did not reply. She stared at him with her mouth slightly ajar, not attempting to conceal surprise. In her entire life, no one had taken the time to care about her. No one had ever asked how she was feeling, or felt worried for her. An awkward silence rose between the two when Eponine realized the man had just said something.
"What?" she said stupidly, hoping that he wouldn't run away. He chuckled softly.
"Let's go find you a doctor", he repeated. "My name is Marius Pontmercy", he added as he stuck out his hand. She shook his hand in a surprisingly firm handshake and replied:
"And I'm Eponine Thena-" she paused. Not wishing to disclose her true family name, she simply added: "Jondrette."
They both walked towards the nearest hospital while striking up a chat. She learned of his life as a student at university and he learned of her life as a child. Eponine chose to keep quiet the details of her teen years, which had been frequented by crimes ranging from burglary to prostitution. Their conversation was lively, and both Marius and Eponine let out a hearty laugh from time to time.
Though she had known little love throughout her life, Eponine still kept herself happy by believing that one day, she would fall in love and live a happy life, escaping from her dark past. After all, her name meant love. She smiled, filled with joy as she practically skipped with Marius at her side. Perhaps things were finally turning around for her.