Mercédès, desperate to help, turns to Villefort for mercy and is denied. She then seeks out Edmond’s father — a man broken by grief and sleeplessness, who refuses to leave his home. “If he gets out of prison,” he insists, “he will come here first; I must be waiting.” His love has become an anchor, binding him to the place where hope still lingers.

Through the thin ceiling above, Caderousse listens helplessly as the old man’s steps give way to sobs, and sobs to prayers. Even those who wish to comfort him cannot reach him. The days grow quieter, his door remains closed, and when he finally speaks again, it is to Mercédès — telling her with calm acceptance that he no longer waits for Edmond’s return, but for the reunion beyond life itself.

⸻

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The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.