Ep. 1: Fantine and Cosette seek work in Montfermeil before parting ways for Montreuil-sur-Mer

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In the French countryside, Fantine and her daughter Cosette travel to Montfermeil seeking employment. After facing repeated rejections from locals who refuse to hire a mother with a child, they visit the Thénardier inn. Madame Thénardier and her husband suggest leaving Cosette behind to improve Fantine’s job prospects. Fantine pays 57 francs for the arrangement, causing a tearful separation as Cosette is forced into servitude. Fantine journeys to Montreuil-sur-Mer, where she witnesses Mayor Madeleine intervene in a bread theft by a boy named Alain. Madeleine shows compassion by feeding Alain and his siblings. Fantine secures a job at a black glass factory by lying about having a family. Meanwhile, Cosette endures harsh treatment at the inn, sweeping the courtyard in rags while longing for her mother.