In 1799, when Gaspard was 10 years old, he made up an imaginary friend named Melchior. His mother bleached cloths, his uncle dyed them, and his father carved plates. Together, they made “Indiennes” fabrics, which were bought by wealthy merchants traveling from Europe to Africa to buy slaves. When Gaspard realizes what the fabric is used for, he secretly starts to draw his imaginary indigo friend on the cloth until, one day, the word "ABOLITION" emerges.