The Ink-Stain (Tache d'encre) — Complete

"The Ink-Stain (Tache d'encre)" by René Bazin is a story about Fabien Mouillard, a young law student in Paris, whose ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when he spills ink on a rare book at the National Library. Before this event, Fabien felt his life was uneventful as he focused on his studies and remembered being raised by his uncle. This accident not only changes his view on his future but connects him with new people, like the wise Charnot and his daughter, Jeanne. Fabien's dreams of becoming a lawyer and his interest in literature illustrate his journey toward finding his place among intellectuals and creating a future different from the one he imagined.