The year was 1945. The place was the French city of Lyon. The date was April 12. Allied troops had recently liberated the city, and after years of privation and curfews, life was starting to return to normal. The fact that it was spring only increased the feeling of euphoria over the departure of the hated Nazis, and the much more relaxed presence of the allies.
A 19 year old French girl went out for the evening with her friends. This was the first time she had been allowed to go out at night, since the curfews had been lifted. But she had lied to her father. He had no idea she was going to a dance. A dance put on by the American GIs. This 19 year old mademoiselle loved to dance, but had never had the opportunity during the war years. Now she was finally getting a chance to enjoy her youth.