I lost count of the operations I’ve had since I was shot...but I hope I will be able to smile again soon
I get flashes and noises. Sometimes there are smells too. It usually comes back to me at night, for example when I’m going to bed. Or suddenly during the day.
“I clearly remember the police officers who spotted me on the floor before they made their attack. They signalled to stay still and not to make any movement because, of course, the terrorists were still inside. I was almost the only survivor in this area. And then there was that moment when I finally took my courage in both hands and I got up holding my arm, and telling myself that to save my skin. I really had to get out of there.”
Last week Gaelle met the police officer who helped her escape. And she has been in touch with the doctor who first treated her at hospital. She says: “According his wife, my case shocked him badly. He remembered all of my wounds very clearly.
“When he saw my photo he wept, and when we spoke on the phone it was very emotional – we are going to meet soon.”
Gaelle has also been back to visit the Bataclan. She says: “The first time I returned it was for a service dedicated to families and victims of the attacks.
“I went with a very close friend, but it was particularly hard and painful.
“That night, I finally cracked and I certainly let go of everything I had kept in during the previous months about my son and my loved ones. The second time I went back it was more random. I happened to be in the neighbourhood.
“I stopped in front. I looked a long time and then a young woman came out and suspected that I was one of the victims. She was very considerate and I went in. This time I was alone. The emotions were very different.”
Gaelle is a member of the board of directors of the association 13/11/15. It helps wounded like her and bereaved families.
I asked what has changed in her since the attack. She replies: “Of course, there has been a lot of things, but if in the past I was already spontaneous, today, I am probably even more so.
“I take things much more calmly and when I go to hospital I see cases far more serious than mine. When I go to the cinema or the restaurant, I am more vigilant than before and I tend to react quickly to the slightest noise.
“I avoid busy areas. And, most of all, I like to share good family moments and to spend more time with my son.” GAELLE CHEVALIER ON ESCAPING FROM BATACLAN
I got up holding my arm, telling myself I really had to get out