ESSENCE

omitted to send me a blank envelope, and by the logo of your company I was able to identify it, and so I would like to ask you to accept this humble reward Atte. Mr. Luis González, Sales Manager of Novic & Association.” Envelope with logo!! But what an anonymous heroin disaster that had turned out!! Another random mistake!! She takes the check. It's neatly folded, she opens it slowly, like it's a Christmas present, even if it's not Christmas. She can't believe what she's seeing, she puts on her glasses, her mouth opens to suck in as much air as it takes to keep from drowning. Her words want to come out, she feels dizzy, as if drunk without having had a drink, her pulse races too fast and her temples beat wildly. She doesn't know what to do, she is disoriented, on the verge of exploding....But suddenly, like a flash, what she should do comes to her mind. The cards are cast. She has only one path, and that is where she will go. Marisa smiles, and she suddenly realizes that she hasn't smiled for a long time. She closes the office door behind her. On her desk is signed satisfactorily and without regret in her own handwriting, as a faithful witness, alone and expectant.... her resignation requests. 50

Wake up Like a gentle breeze washed away the rubble that nested silently in a corner, dark dusts took flight, the ashes were scattered without brightness or color. Like a warm wave suffused with light the shadows of ghosts that haunted, without ceasing, in cavalcades, and the impact blinded me, with sounds, with looks, a touch of magic I sensed. Like a warm fire omen of suns reached my sky of gray clouds, kissed my languid dreams, caressed my weariness of silent tears, and I was reborn in diamond. 51

ESCAPE She hid in an alley... she leaned her back against the wall as if to feel contained, sheltered... safe. Her breathing was ragged, she was still panting after several minutes. Her heart seemed about to leap out of her chest. She remained motionless for a few moments... time seemed eternal. She didn't know how long it happened. When she believed her heart rate had been restored, she decided to come out of her hiding place and try to reach her house. Home… that place where she felt safe… but until when? She could not continue living like this... always on the edge, always fearing being caught and no longer having the long- awaited freedom for her... She KNEW what the risks were when it all started!!! They had considered it without half measures. Everything was clear at first. But things got tangled up and were getting more and more complicated. They began to fail her, lose interest and belittle her. There was confusion and mistreatment. She had to start lying and sneaking away so she wouldn't be hurt, so she wouldn't get hurt…or killed. And now she had come to this point and she didn't know how to escape… she had to find a way out… She had to come up with a plan to… escape. But where to start? Where does she go so as not to be found? How, how? It was clear that she had to do it. There was no other alternative, no, there wasn't. She had to change her appearance, her identity. She looked at herself for a long time in the mirror... she felt unhappy, tired, on the verge of exhaustion. She was a young and pretty woman; she had the possibility of making transformations... several. Yes, Marcela Almada had options. 52

She had several ideas and had to put them into practice. She first decided to change her name... then her appearance. Her clothes would also change... they would no longer be so luxurious or flashy. But where to get simple and informal clothes? She suddenly remembered her neighbors and went to ask them, with the excuse that she had a costume ball and at 9:20 p.m. it was too late and she couldn't rent it. They agreed delighted and very pleased. She dressed in the borrowed clothes in front of the mirror, and that's where her real change began. She felt renewed strength, almost euphoric!!! Then she took the scissors and gave her hair a new look. She stopped being long and silky. She stopped being herself, she continued her transformation, she looked different... She began to feel different. She took the money from her hiding place. All of her savings accumulated over the years were there. She prepared a small suitcase with what she needed to travel. She still hadn't figured out where……but she was sure she would be far…far away….as far as possible. A new life was opening up on her horizon, new alternatives, as many as she wanted. To be able to choose… with total freedom… with all the long-awaited freedom of her. Time would take care of accommodating things and distances would bring new winds without storms. She looked around her and saw her lavish house. I would miss none of that. She looked at herself in the mirror again and realized her total change. She put aside everything superfluous, jewelry, furs, handbags, high-heeled shoes. She wouldn't need them anymore. She would now be a new person, she would have a new image, a less sophisticated appearance. Yes, Marcelo Almada was a new individual. 53

I am here and now I am here and now no peace to stop me, no voice to call you, without eyes to look for you, in the shadow of nothing, in the nothing that agitates me, with the desire to find you and find myself in your gaze. I am here and now forgetting my sleeplessness, letting go of the past like a flowing project, upstream or downstream, driven against the current, without knowing their destiny, Knowing that you have marked me. 54

EXPIRED The pattering of the rain hit the window panes... I woke up shaken, sweaty. I sat on the bed I was like in a trance. I shook my head as if to get rid of the vestiges of the nightmare that still haunted me; It was shocking, incredible, amazing. I dreamed that I had gotten up to go to work, like every day, drinking my black coffee without sugar, and going out into the street with an umbrella in hand. The storm raged with all its fury and the water fell in torrents. I was trying to take refuge under the flimsy fabric of the umbrella that was flapping like a leaf in the wind. I decided to wait under the roof of a business that was winding down a bit. I stared, stunned. Everything around was black and white, but…nothing moved, like a movie on pause. It was a terrifying image. Only the rainwater felt real, it moved to the beat of the blizzard, as in a macabre dance. Lightning streaked across the dark sky, illuminating it with flashes of gold. I was startled. I felt like I was under a hypnotic state. I opened and closed my eyes several times as if trying to wake up; there was no case. People remained motionless, as if nailed to the sidewalk... petrified. I pinched my arms to experience my own pain. I wanted to feel alive inside that stamp of paralysis. I went into a business to ask someone if they knew what was going on. Behind the counter there was no one. No people, no sounds, no lights. Everything was silent, static, in shadows. I got out of there and started running. The wind was blowing hard. He moved chairs and tables. The tablecloths fluttered aimlessly, fell and rose again. 55

I approached a man sitting at a bar table. I looked at him suspiciously trying to guess if he could see me. I passed my hand in front of his eyes... and neither he nor he flinched. I turned on my heel and saw a car parked on the corner. I approached cautiously, fearing that someone would surprise me; the engine was running but no one was inside. A furious stampede of thunder shook the lifeless trunks of the trees hard. The rain stuck into my face like sharp little needles. I was soaked and the anguish ate at me. He couldn't understand what was happening. He wanted to escape, without knowing what. He wanted to get somewhere, without knowing where. Wanted to… The pattering of the rain hit the window panes... I looked at the needles of the alarm clock…they had stopped; time no longer existed. 56

I come today I come today with open hands, I want to embrace your soul to save it like a treasure next to mine. I come today to bare my soul, renewed illusions, no footprints, that hurt our feeling. I come today to give myself whole, devouring you with the sweetness of your kisses and your look Today I come to stay. 57

INSOMNIA The walls of her room closed in on her…and she wanted to run away from it. The air was stifling, almost nauseating. A light bulb barely illuminated the small room, with peeling walls. The window that revealed a restless and bustling night on Corrientes Street was also small. The clock said 11:15 p.m. It was Thursday, November 5; the day of her birthday, but without celebrations, just another sleepless night and they were… Claudia decided to go for a walk. She wanted to breathe in some fresh air, fill her lungs with new aromas, look at the faces of the people who walk the streets at dawn. On Sunday afternoon she had walked along the same sidewalks but with a different mood, more relaxed, unhurried, looking at shop windows. She had tried several perfumes until she decided to wear the same one as always. She had finished the afternoon and went into the bar on the corner of the hotel where she lived. She had caught her attention the man sitting at the table in the back. She had an absent gaze, lost in some dark and distant point on the horizon. The moon read her thoughts. It was a hot night and he seemed to be shivering. He was wearing an overcoat. At night the images are different. The lights of the shop windows can even dazzle as much as the cars that drive at high speed. Everything seems to move faster in the shadows of the night. Everyone is in a hurry to get there, to hug a loved one, to take shelter in their home. But Claudia, with her recently turned 45 years old, carried her loneliness like a brand attached to her skin and she was in no hurry, no one was waiting for her, not even a home. She had lived alone in that room for several years, almost ten now. 58

She had come from the countryside, from Coronel Suárez, where she lived with her sister and her mother, who no longer wrote, not even a postcard for the holidays; they had lost track of her and Claudia did not want them to locate her either. There she was a simple seamstress; and she came to the big city with such illusions of working as a fashion designer... and she had only gotten a position in the sheet and tablecloth factory. There was nothing exciting to tell, why write to them? She was going to cross the street to have a coffee in the corner bar. The traffic light forced her to stop. An absent- minded passerby crossed without looking. Claudia did not hesitate, she pounced on him and pushed him towards the sidewalk. The car's wheels squealed under braking. The driver leaned out as if to say an expletive but held back. Claudia looked at the passerby and her jaw dropped. Her eyes widened and seemed to bulge out of her sockets. She was in awe, like in a trance. He, still confused, thanked her with accentuated cordiality, inviting her to have a coffee. They sat at a table in the corner of the bar. There were few people at that time. Outside, the night was filled with stars and the street was empty of cars. Claudia's heart was beating very fast as if wanting to escape from her chest. Her hands were sweating and a slight tremor moved her lips; she could barely articulate a word. -Hello, I'm Claudia… Claudia López- she said with a whisper in her voice. -My name is Sergio Bermúdez, I am a textile engineer. I suffer from insomnia and I come to this bar almost every night to read the newspaper- she commented as she took off her overcoat. 59

The Rose Just listen to your heart he he doesn't know how to lie... he talks to you softly for your ear, for your cravings, the ones that bloom like roses in the field and seduce your skin numb with promises 60

THE CONFERENCE He planned the trip down to the smallest detail. There were only a few days left and the anxiety was gradually increasing. It was his last presentation, his magisterial conference… The long-awaited one!! The day of departure arrived faster than imagined. The suitcase prepared, his briefcase with the speech corrected for the umpteenth time, and then would come... the well- deserved rest. How long has it been since he took a vacation? So much that he did not remember. The taxi came on time to pick her up. She arrived very early at the airport. She liked it that way. He preferred to arrive with enough time to dispatch the suitcase, have a coffee, relax, reduce anxiety...... The plane took off on time and the flight was very calm, even she was able to sleep for a few hours and savor an appetizing lunch. They were waiting for her when the plane arrived and they took her to the hotel. The conference was held at 8:00 p.m. She had enough time to take a walk in the city. Paris looked beautiful. He remembered her fully from her last visit three years ago. Its colorful streets, its bustling bars, its always warm people. The Parisian music enthralled her ears, bringing back memories with a touch of sweet melancholy. She stopped more than once to listen to the pianists from the window of a bar, or to some street guitarist in the square. It was the middle of December. The holidays were close and people were running through the streets looking for gifts for Christmas. Businesses were lit with brightly colored lights and festooned with countless garlands. A Santa Claus waved his bells to attract the public. Everything looked in splendor!! 61

Time passed very quickly. When she wanted to realize it, there was barely an hour left for the conference. She headed back. She was starting to get cold and she hadn't worn a coat. She began to feel the cool. The first stars were shining and the lanterns were lit in the streets. She was going at a fast pace to shorten the distances and decrease the cold of the evening. Upon arriving at a corner in a surprising way…everything was left in the dark. She stopped short and looked around her. The city of light was left gloomy!!!! She thought it would only last a few seconds. Instinctively, she leaned her back against the wall as if to feel protected... if only by a wall. She couldn't see anything at all. She, too, was not aware of exactly where she was. Not even the distance that separated her from the hotel. The bustle of the people ceased completely. As if she was all alone. She couldn't ask anyone… .No one was around!! She felt a knot in her stomach. She convinced herself that it was something momentary, that light would soon return to the city, that she would return to the hotel, that she would give her keynote speech, just as she had planned, that later she would take her long-awaited and well-deserved vacation, what...? What the hell was going on? That was her last thought. The next day she was found. She had absent look and disheveled clothes. She was sitting on the sidewalk, her back leaning against the wall of the hotel where she had stayed. 62

Light and shadow I blur behind the shadow of a halo of smoke, light, ethereal My image is clouded lose shape, and it evaporates in the air, fragile. is absent hot, glassy, pales, until lost 63

LOCK OF GOLDEN HAIR He looked at his image in the mirror... and didn't recognize himself. It was an unexpected change. Outside of calculation, of all logic and reasoning. But he had no choice. His life depended on it. Andrea went out into the street. She didn't know what she would find. She couldn't stay at the shelter. It was dangerous. She had to risk it. The alley opened at her feet with her latent moisture. The only light that shone was from the moon. It was a full moon night. She reached him with the sharpness of her. She had plenty of courage to face her fate. She was going to meet her. He was already marked. She turned the second corner and a loud noise stopped her. Heavy metal music played from a nearby balcony. She clutched the bag tightly against her chest. She felt it pulse rapidly. Her breath hitched with puffs of air. She felt the cold soak into her bones. She zipped up her jacket up to her neck. She crossed her arms to keep her body heat from escaping. She crossed the square at a brisk pace. The light of a lantern illuminated her face. She felt stalked. She looked to the sides of her, she didn't see anyone. She turned to look behind her… either. She entered to the Defense and Carlos Calvo bar. A lot of people because it was almost dawn. Her wristwatch indicated 05:45 am. She sat at a table in the back. She asked for a cortado. She started waiting. When she already thought that she would not come, she saw her enter. She caught her breath suddenly. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. A golden lock fell on her forehead. It was exactly... her double of hers. 64

\"I'm going to take your place,\" she said without preamble and sitting down at the table. -But…How is it possible?... You are…just like me- Andrea said hesitantly -It was necessary to make changes in my face to look like you... Here is the ticket to Rio and some money... the flight is in three hours. You have to go now- said the woman firmly, handing him an envelope. -Why are you doing this? …Why are you helping me? Andrea asked with keen intrigue. -It doesn't matter now... You have to go now! -She stood up as if hurrying her to leave. Andrea went to the bathroom. She vigorously washed her hands and her face as if she wanted to get rid of all the internal dirt that was corroding her. She checked her envelope that the woman gave her. She saw the ticket and hid the money in her underwear. A shot was heard in the distance. Andrea shuddered. A small obituary of hers fell from her hands, she picked it up trembling and read: \"I'm your twin sister that you never knew. I got you into this mess... and today I paid my debt.\" She looked at her image in the mirror... and she didn't recognize herself She no longer had the golden lock of hers on her forehead. 65

Do not go yet Wait... don't go yet and listen how the birds sing outside the window, with a soft murmur of larks and sparrows, trembling under the crystalline dew, and in tenuous fluttering they deliver their passions. Wait..., don't go yet and look as the sun rises sleepily rejoiced at the creation of a new day after the calm of the closed night, slowly, like the child who shelters her joy. Wait... don't go yet and feel which soft petals my skin shells under the slight caress of your hand, exhale, so many sighs, so many tears of love, that the air is lit with fairy magic. Wait..., don't go yet, stay, Just one more moment, complete, unique, to give us all our feverish madness, and enraptured together without haste to give each other, I passionate, you with sweetness. 66

TIME FOR DECISIONS It was time to make decisions. Luciano knew that he had no alternatives. He was not yet 40 years old and his life was collapsing like a domino effect. Gambling debts do not forgive. He wrapped the sculpture and hugged it gently. The wall clock marked the hour of noon. He went out into the street with a firm and fast step. The sun was merciless with the asphalt, it seemed to boil with a temperature above 30 degrees. It was hard for him to keep up. His walk slowed; he was breathing hard. He took a deep breath, unbuttoned his shirt. He began to feel sweaty, exhaustion winning over his desperation. He entered a bar, stood in the back, leaned the sculpture on a chair and ordered a cold beer. The place was small but had a nice atmosphere. Boisterous voices filled the space. -You can't do it… you shouldn't- Luciano heard that they were talking to him but he didn't see anyone. He looked everywhere. No one was watching him, not even out of the corner of their eyes. He started to get alarmed. Fear oppressed him. He didn't dare move. Did her consciousness of him speak to her? -Here I am in front of you. Look at me- A great lividity was growing on his face and his gaze turned glassy. -A sculpture speaks to me! -Luciano was like in a trance. He didn't recognize his own voice. He didn't believe what was happening. The waiter brought him the beer. Luciano did not notice his presence. He was absent, disengaged. \"You shouldn't sell me, I can alleviate your despair,\" the enigmatic voice remarked firmly. Luciano shook his head as if to rid himself of the absurd words, paid for the beer he didn't even drink, and plunged back onto the pavement. The heat was still intense but more 67

bearable. A few blocks away was the pawn shop and that's where he headed. He entered the premises cautiously. Don Gerardo attended to a young woman. She looked around her. Long shelves full of various silver, gold, and bronze objects. Some of value and others insignificant. When he saw it vacated, he walked over to the counter. -I need to sell this sculpture- Luciano said with a broken voice -I'm sure you'll like it, it's a very valuable piece- he added vehemently. Don Gerardo unwrapped it slowly, with great care, almost fearful. He felt that it was a masterpiece, and he was not mistaken. -You. You don't want to sell this sculpture, right? -he insinuated skeptically- You can't do it- he said firmly. \"Why not?\" \"What value can it have?\" asked Luciano with some mistrust. -Worth? Do you know what sculpture this is? - No, I see that you don't have the slightest idea. See, sir, this is the Mariana marble sculpture. It is the \"Virgin with a veil of transparency\". It was sculpted in the 19th century by the Italian artist Giovanni Strazza. He must take her to a museum. The closest is the Galileo, here in Florence. This sculpture is priceless. Its value is incalculable! - Don Gerardo explained with words full of euphoria Luciano choked on the words. He couldn't snap out of his stupor. With trembling hands, he gently wrapped the sculpture and without saying goodbye to Don Gerardo he left the premises with the marble piece under his arm. It was beginning to get dark, the sun barely disappeared behind the horizon and some threatening clouds loomed. Luciano preferred to return to his house and take a refreshing bath. He fell asleep almost immediately. Exhaustion overcame him. His body ached from the searing 68

heat. His soul ached from the discouragement that continued to grow. At dawn he hurried up. It was time to make decisions, again. He dressed quickly as if time was burning him. He looked up on the map how to get to the museum. He took the sculpture and started on the road. The heat harassed. He would not stop in his tracks under any circumstances. He arrived exhausted, his hair damp with sweat. His swollen feet were heavy as cobblestones. They received him with kindness and urgency. He showed them the piece of marble. They did not come out of the astonishment of him. It was beautiful they said. They arranged the payment immediately. \"Don't leave me. This place is cold, desolate. I'll die of love without you,\" the voice told her heartbroken. Luciano felt his pain in his own flesh like a stab. He reached out to caress her and ease his anguish. Subtly the sun illuminated the two marble sculptures. 69

I want I want to go out to the world and shout that I can that I no longer have fears that prevent me from moving forward, that I can fend for myself without your help or your support, alone with my head up, my hair in the wind, my firm step, and above all and simply looking like shield my irresistible smile 70

OBSESSION He went on a trip, on a journey of no return... One ordinary afternoon, a few months after her imminent departure, Sandra decided to come back to life. She had to grieve, open doors and windows to the outside world. Let the light in again... They rang the bell with particular insistence just as she was about to leave. She wasn't expecting anyone at that hour. \"Who is she?\" She asked as she looked through the peephole in the door. -I bring a gift from the firm Fernando Gálvez- answered the voice firmly. Sandra was startled thinking that it was impossible to receive anything from her... She caught her breath, opened the door, took the gift and thanked the courier with a tip. She was excessively large, she unwrapped it with great care and the astonishment was even greater... A painting with the complete image of Fernando's body! She leaned him against the wall and sat on the couch to slow down her heartbeat. She looked at him stunned; she couldn't understand... Who sent her the painting? She came closer to take a closer look and there she discovered an envelope on the back of the painting. There was a note inside: \"Together forever...Fer.\" Was it a macabre joke or did she…she decided to call the firm and make sure? \"Fernando Gálvez y Asociados, good afternoon,\" said a female voice. -Shall I speak with Laura, Mr. Fernando Gálvez's secretary? Sandra asked with some fear. -The former secretary, Mr. Fernando... no longer belongs to the firm- she answered with a trembling voice. -This is Sandra, the girlfriend... I mean the ex-girlfriend of... I received a gift from the firm and I was wondering if...- 71

\"I took care of sending it to you... Did you like her?\" Her voice said with emphasis. -I was surprised…I didn't expect…after…- Sandra decided to cut the communication. Now she knew who but she didn't understand why they sent it to her if he was gone, she had left... forever. Perhaps she left express orders to send it to him after… She took the note again and on the back of it she could read: \"When I am not by your side in body and soul, I will reach you through my painting.\" The painting looked so real! It seemed to be there, in front of her. Fernando's eyes looked at her through the painting with feverish obsession, like her feeling the imperious need to possess her. A chill ran through Sandra's body. She squeezed her eyes shut as if she wanted to wake up from a nightmare. And she couldn't contain herself anymore, tears began to bathe her face and a strong tremor shook her completely. She fell onto the chair, covering her face with both hands, and a piercing moan erupted from her throat. -He went on a trip, to a trip with no return...! - Sandra shouted from her soul In her ear a whisper fluttered \"I'll always be here\" 72

Feeling I have the feeling to be in love, lost, like a fool, without remedy, with the soul. love screams at me from the bowels, burn... tremble... with passion and without calm. 73

BLACK EYES Everything seemed to be ready to board the plane... but over the loudspeakers they announced that there would be a small delay due to technical problems. After almost two hours of waiting to get on the plane and now this... -It wasn't a good omen- Elena said to herself. She had to calm her nerves, wait for them to announce the boarding again. She decided to go to the bar and have a coffee, black and without sugar. She got ready to watch the people go by, everyone was in a hurry to get… somewhere, it didn't matter which one, they just ran, pushing suitcases, holding their children, cursing under their breath at the delays that caused great waste of time and money. After a while, which seemed like an eternity, they announced that they could board. They walked by the sleeve to get on the plane and upon arrival they were greeted with a warm greeting and due apologies for the involuntary delay. She found her seat, A 23, and settled down trying to keep her cool. Elena didn't like to fly very much, but her circumstances forced her to do so. Her job demanded it. She was the commercial manager of a cosmetics company and she had to travel to Rome to present a new line of makeup. Luckily, she had given him a window seat. She liked to watch and feel how time slipped from above. The images grew smaller as the plane rose, and a blanket of white clouds seemed to float below. She took off her shoes to be more comfortable and relaxed…yes, she really wanted to feel that way. Dinner was served shortly, light but substantial. She realized that she was very hungry... she hadn't had a bite for hours 74

She looked at her watch, it marked 10 pm. The plane would arrive in Rome around 8 in the morning. She would have time to sleep; but before she had to go to the toilet to clean herself. She asked permission to come in, she walked down the hall...it seemed endless In the toilet she looked at herself in the mirror, she had dark circles under her eyes, she looked tired and she was sleepy. She had to sleep for a few hours to feel energized. At noon she was expected for her presentation event. She wet her face several times and washed her hands with soap. She put cream on her hands to soften them. The coconut aroma of the cream pleased him. She felt quite comforted. She left the toilet more relaxed and ready to have a peaceful and restful sleep. She suddenly noticed something that caught her attention. There was an incredible silence. No murmur was heard among the passengers. Elena looked around…no one moved or spoke. Their eyes were fixed…as if they were hypnotized. They looked like flesh and blood statues!! But what the hell was happening? Elena wondered. A voice from beyond the grave was heard... she didn't seem human... She was issuing orders from the TV screen, forcing a landing on the nearest island, Jamaica. Elena couldn't bring herself to look... She was afraid of falling into the same hypnotic state and... She had to do something to get everyone out of that situation!! It occurred to her that the same thing should happen in the control cabin too... and she felt a huge emptiness in her stomach. She had to do something soon, soon… She wasn't sure if it was a recording or if she was broadcasting live. It occurred to her that she could disable her CCTV so she would stop transmitting and… She walked down the hall with her back turned to avoid looking at the screens. The voice kept giving orders. Her 75

voice became imperious, it was heard with fury and vehemence. I was totally insane; it was a total delusion. While she was holding on to the seatbacks, her most fervent desire was to escape from this place and this situation... but her left foot tripped on a fold in the carpet and she fell rolling without being able to stop. In his mad rush his body turned and his head was tilted to the right. Her gaze froze as she saw huge, cold black eyes that stared at her without seeing from the screen. 76

Wanderer dream wandering dream that craves to anchor in golden beaches, prisoner of sun and sea, fly over clouds of crystals, bathed in light and storm, among the dewy grass, the traveling soul nest. I tremble with laughter and songs with the awakening on the surface, like a white dove that takes off, like fruit, how ripe it is going to fall, and after the search for the impossible in it running your hand finds... paradise embraced without understanding. 77

SUSPENSION BRIDGE She had no idea how she got there, nor when or why. But he was sure that he wanted to leave as soon as possible. The place was dark and inhospitable. He felt the humidity of the environment inside his bones. There were no windows to be seen, just a barred door locked with a large padlock. He felt tired and weak. What time would it be? How long had he not eaten? Who was holding him prisoner? Thousands of questions were going around his head and he couldn't find any answers. After a long while he heard the gate open and a hairy hand left a plate of food on the floor. At that moment he thought that the most important thing was… to eat. He felt starving, he felt…lost. He didn't know how long it was before he was able to stand up. His body ached as if a steamroller had run over him. He had to get his strength back!! He had to find a way to escape from there!! But how?? With that giant who stood guard day and night. Impossible!! He had to find a way…he had to find it! Actually, he felt a panic fear, strong tremors throughout the body shook him constantly. He tried to walk around the room a bit... that helped him relax his legs, relax, think... And from so much thinking and pondering, something in his head was taking shape. He climbed on the bed and caught a glimpse of a small crack the size of a keyhole. It only allowed him to support one eye. He blinked several times to focus the image that he continually distorted from the effort he was making. He came to see water, as if it were a river, further on a bridge and towards the horizon a lot, a lot of vegetation. He imagined that he would be on an island, but where? Since when? Because? Anyway, it was better to worry about getting out of there as soon as possible. 78

He imagined a thousand situations to escape from his confinement. Biting the jailer's arm, stomping on his fingers, yanking open the door when he brought the food…but in reality, neither idea seemed really good. One day, when she brought him food, he impulsively returned the plate, showing that he was not interested in eating, that he had become fed up with this situation and would rather starve than continue in that unfortunate situation. This seemed to totally surprise him… He suddenly flung the door wide open and could see all of the humanity in him…… God, he was huge!! More than he ever imagined... His eyes widened enormously and he stifled a cry of terror... Suddenly he realized that he was getting too close and his instinct for preservation was stronger than his astonishment and how a fireball passed by through the middle of her legs. He started running in any direction, he didn't know where to go, but any way out was better than staying there. He came across tunnels and passageways. His head kept thinking that he needed to see some crack with light from outside….and he looked for the light…. And he found her, and towards her he ran, ran and ran with all her might!! He sat down to catch his breath, just a few seconds, he had to clear his thoughts, imagine that he was already outside, safe. He did not dare to look if the giant was behind. The risk was latent…. There were several exits, but none were safe, which one to choose? On one side was the ditch, he did not know how deep it was, nor what was at the bottom; there was also an exit into a profuse vegetation, but he also did not know if some wild animal could be hiding. And finally, there was the river, rather the suspension bridge over the river, which was so dilapidated that it was not known how much longer it could resist. He chose the third option... and as he could he hung himself from the bridge. The sun was full, he calculated that it was noon time. A strong wind was shaking the bridge strongly. He drew 79

strength from where he did not know and began to go through it. He had to get to the other end at any cost! Halfway across the bridge, the wind picked up, causing it to lurch sideways like paper. He gripped the railing as tightly as he could and walked with his eyes straight ahead. He didn't want to look down! The river watched him with its wet eyes as if wanting to attract him... and he resisted, and resisted. At that moment a strong jolt paralyzed him. He looked back and the giant was just about to start walking on the bridge. No, he shouldn't let her! As if pushed by an invisible hand, he reached the other end of the bridge. He had no tool to destroy it to prevent the giant from going through it. He had to think fast, otherwise he would catch up with him and he would be lost. Suddenly he heard an incredible sound coming from nearby. He crouched down as low as he could and was in a fetal position. And there he saw it, huge as a skyscraper, an elephant striding past his hiding place. He lunged hard with his two front legs on the bridge and it collapsed instantly. The giant man was left waving desperately in the air until his humanity was lost in the river. The current swept him away in a few seconds. When he saw it disappear on the horizon, he stood up, the elephant leaned gently and allowed him to climb on his back. The sun was going down, and soon they came to a small village. They came out to receive him, some excited, others enraged. He was in prison for not wanting to marry the boss's daughter. Now the boss was gone, and his daughter would force him to be her husband. That punishment was worse than prison. 80

I feel you arrive I anticipate you coming... a tremor invades me all, the wait drowns me, defiant, aggressive, mercilessly surrounds me no hurry catches me I anticipate you coming... in a blazing fire enveloping that suffocates, no defined boundaries of space or time, I plunge headlong. I feel you arrive and dreams become crystalline the soul is clothed with full desires, without dark holes of solitude, it's like an early party for the immense glory of having you. 81

REFLEXES His friends had warned him. It was not a quick task, much less an easy one. It required time, patience, and sacrifice. Above all sacrifice. Others had already had the same idea and had no luck. Rather, they had not even been able to reach the place. They had died trying. Some due to lack of water and food, others due to fatigue, many had been lost in the desert... the few who returned suffered from permanent hallucinations. Pedro Valenzuela was determined to do it. He was a man of great build, 1.90 m tall and 120 kg in weight. Brown skin and black eyes. He always seemed to be in a bad mood. He spoke through his teeth, denying his dark and gloomy life. He was not afraid of anything neither shadows nor bad omens. He had to prove to everyone what he was capable of. He had to find that jewel and make it his. He would pay off his gambling debts, buy a house, cattle. If his life would change, his life depended on that jewel. His name was Diamante Marquise, but they called him Tear of Blood, because of the lives he had cost. They said that he was buried in the caves of Naica, in Mexico. Pedro looked for maps of the area. He checked if there were any nearby villages. He inquired about the climate, the vegetation and the fauna of the place. He prepared his long- sight, his flashlight and his weapons, machetes, rifles, pistols with bullets and flares. He bought provisions for several days, food and canteens with water. A bottle of whiskey… inevitable. On Sunday afternoon he rested in the barn. The air was cooler than in his small room. At sunset he got ready and got his horse ready. He preferred to go out in the cool of the night. He and his horse would tire less. 82

He rode several hours with the moon as his witness and the stars guiding him. Around dawn he took a short break and went over the map reading to make sure he was on the right course and locate the coordinates of the caves. He had calculated that he would arrive in three days, only riding at night... but Pedro was in a hurry, in a hurry. He resumed his journey after noon, before the sun began to go down. As night drew near, the horse began to show signs of tiredness...however, Pedro decided to continue...he did not want to waste time...time was very precious and he had to... The horse stopped short and refused to continue...he was exhausted. The dawn of the second day was already looming and Pedro was forced to stop his march. He rested under the shade of a tree, ate some groceries and drank a few shots of whiskey. He could not be otherwise. The water was for emergencies The next day he would arrive at the place marked with a cross on the map. In the afternoon he would be there. There was less to go... her anxiety about him quickened her pace, set the pace for her. He decided to continue the trip... but his horse had already given up. He stared at him as if he couldn't understand…as if he didn't want to understand. And now that? He had to continue on foot… it would take longer than he thought, than calculated, than… hell… he hadn't foreseen that… But it was his reality… her undeniable reality of him. He had to take it on. He had no choice. He loaded his provisions and his weapons. The map in his pocket and his gaze on the horizon. He continued the journey alone… all alone in the night and in the desert. After three days of walking a lot and resting little, he finally reached the caves. He took his long-sighted and watched from afar at the entrance. Two tigers guarded her. They looked hungry. But they were not going to stop Pedro. He searched through his groceries and found jerky in his 83

saddlebags - dried and salty meat - He first threw one of them away from the tiger so that he could sniff it. A tiger raised its head and ran off to find its prey. Then he did the same with another piece and the second tiger also sought food from him. With free entry, Pedro went into the cave. It was dark, very dark. He took his flashlight from his saddlebags and illuminated the cave. She checked his map to locate the exact spot where the diamond was buried. He walked the distance indicated on the map... and found the place... and dug up the diamond. His reflections blinded him for a moment. He couldn't believe it... He had it in his hand... he was squeezing it tightly. For the first time, a big smile spread across his face. Growls behind him startled him. He turned sharply and saw them… both tigers were sealing the exit. He took his rifle and took aim. He didn't have time to fire a single shot. The pieces of jerky were not enough. The tigers were too hungry And they marked their territory. 84

You and I You and me... nothing else is necessary, the world revolves outside of us there is no rush to achieve goals, there are no fears that invade us. Our laughter will suffice to continue, and with clasped hands, nothing will change our destiny, only you and I will decide. 85

DEAFENING NOISE Like every afternoon, I sat in front of the window that overlooks the park. He loved watching the sunset. Everything was embellished! The golden rays of the sun made the leaves of the trees shine; the grass looked like a carpet of light. In the distance, the river followed its course, with its soft and singing murmur, tirelessly. And I was amazed as if I saw it for the first time! Night fell slowly over the field... no, I didn't want to leave, I didn't want to stop admiring it Suddenly the trees began to sway to the right and left, as if pushed by an invisible force. The rocking became more and more intense, until they learned more and more. A thud startled me!! I looked around me and couldn't make out where it had come from. I felt restless. She was alone in the house, unprotected, paralyzed…. I took a deep breath and hid behind the curtain. My breathing became agitated, and a tremor shook me whole. I took another deep breath and hiddenly looked through the window... It was very dark... just a dim moonlight illuminated the field. Inside the house there were no lights on; I hadn't had time to do it. Night came suddenly and the noise didn't give me time. I crouched behind the curtain as still as possible, ears open. I only listened to my heartbeat and my short breathing and again the thud. I heard it closer…. as if I were on the other side of the wall. My fear was so great that I couldn't distinguish where it came from exactly... or I didn't want to find out... I felt that my heart was going to jump out of my chest, that it would pierce my throat and be thrown at my feet. I looked at my feet.as if waiting to see him fall…I noticed that they trembled just like my hands. That my whole body was a single tremor. I bolted upright like an arrow and slammed my body against the wall behind the curtain. The smell of 86

camphor was making me nauseous, I held my breath, only my eyes moving restlessly in all directions trying to see through the darkness. And I heard the thud again. It seemed to be inside my head, piercing my temples like a hammer. She was shaking and she didn't want to…she wanted to scream and she shouldn't. I bit my tongue so hard that I tasted the bitterness of my blood. And suddenly the whole room rumbled with a deafening noise. The chandeliers swayed sideways; the floor felt creaky under my feet. I looked at my feet, they had gotten wet. In seconds the water reached my hands... I started to move, I started to shake them to get out of there. I had to escape, I had…. The water was up to my neck. A piece of wood from the floor brushed against my head. I turned my body desperately and tried to hold on to her…My fingertips could barely touch her. I took a long stroke and took her, hugged her desperately. The wood supported me, kept me afloat…… I looked around me, the window no longer existed… neither did the field…. The river left its channel and took over everything. 87

I came back I came back after a long journey lonely traveler... I found you the same, the years did not pass, despite the truncated dreams, the storms. I saw you walk towards me with an absent gaze, your fine thinness, and I knew how to guess in your eyes the scars you carry in your littleness. I was afraid to follow the thought that fluttered in my mind almost without wanting to, but the impulse to reach you was stronger, I realized late that I didn't know how to lose you. My eyes, my arms, my soul embraced you, and I understood that the distance united us, with the same passion as the first time, when your tears and mine smiled. 88

SIGNS The illuminated sign dazzled him... The departure time of the train to Brussels was at 12.15 p.m. He looked at his watch, there were only a few minutes left. He had to hurry to get to the platform. Enrique Sandoval lifted his suitcase into the air and ran as if the wind lifted him. He got into the car and searched for his seat anxiously. His agitated breathing made it difficult for her to focus her eyes. He breathed in several times until he returned to normal. With his ticket in hand he walked down the aisle until he found his seat. He settled his suitcase on top and with a sigh of relief he sat down. He closed his eyes as if to lower his anxiety level and began to relax. Just a few moments later the train began its march, reaching almost 200 km per hour. The estimated travel time was approximately two hours. It was 12:30 when Enrique began to feel restless…like a tingling in the back of his neck that intensified at times. Annoyed, he stood up and went to look for the guard. \"Is something strange going on?\" he asked, frightened. -Absolutely. It's just a little vibration because we're going through a tunnel. In a few minutes it will pass- - the guard assured him Enrique returned to his seat and tried to calm down. After the tunnel, the mountainous landscape gave him an inner peace. He admired the snowy peaks at that time of year. The holidays were close and he would spend them with his family. He thought how long it had been since he had visited them. Work prevented her from enjoying those joys… But all that would be about to change. Now it was time to treat yourself to some little treats. The tickling stopped and sleep was winning over him, until a shake from the foundations mobilized him again. He looked out the window and the landscape had changed. It 89

was as if the train was traveling over the treetops, over the snow-capped mountains and soaring into the clouds trying to break through. He couldn't believe his eyes! What was happening? He was afraid to unbuckle his seatbelt for fear of being ejected. He looked around… there were no passengers. Where was everyone? Had they gotten off at a station? He wanted to scream and couldn't even hear his voice. He felt his body paralyzed but his heart was pumping faster than normal. All the signs indicated that it was a myocardial infarction. He tightly closed his eyelids thinking that soon everything would pass and… \"Sir... wake up sir... we've arrived\" he heard a voice speaking behind him while he shook his shoulders -Arrived…where? - Enrique asked speaking with difficulty. He had blurred vision He felt agitated as if he had run a marathon, he looked at his watch, it said 2:15 pm. The two hours of travel had passed and… The illuminated sign dazzled him… Fourth Dimension. 90

And if suddenly And if suddenly turning my head in any corner I saw you, without even knowing you I would know that you are the one I seek, the one who always I waited, intuited, you will arrive like a whirlpool of Dreams, and I will wish you in the silence of a hug, in the caress that surrounds, and my world will be reborn like a flowery field. 91

STUMBLE They had told her a lot about him. \"It contains rutile inclusions like tiny needles that intersect each other and cause the star effect,\" said one of the connoisseurs. -The color varies from blue in various shades, to pink, orange, yellow, green, lavender, from gray to black- mentioned another. -It is an incredible stone, a powerful talisman that guides travelers and seekers- finished another of those present. Julián Caceres was amazed at the descriptions they gave him of the star sapphire. Why do you consider it a talisman? he asked curiously. \"Because the man who has a star sapphire in his hand, he will reach a good intellect,\" the oldest man said. \"Wow!... I have to find a star sapphire!\" Julian exclaimed. He considered himself a clumsy man, others saw him as a total jerk. -In Sri Lanka, one of the largest star sapphires in history has been found. It exceeded 50 carats- another of the men mentioned. \"A ring with the star sapphire stone must be priceless!!\" someone else exclaimed. Julián thanked them and hurried out. He had to organize his trip and compose his life... no, actually, he had to rise again... like the phoenix. The plane that took him to Sri Lanka arrived two hours late due to technical problems and he had to make a forced landing. The passengers, grateful to have arrived safely, quickly slid down the sleeve. Julián tripped over the strap of his bag, he went down rolling and tumbling like a ball. Luckily, he only suffered a few scrapes and a prominent bump when he abruptly hit the ground. 92

Without making a sound he stood up, took a taxi and headed for the 5-star hotel \"The Kingsbury\". He checked in and paid with his card for a couple of nights. After making himself comfortable in the room, he decided to go down to the solarium by the pool to take a bath. People enjoyed the delights of sunbathing and cooling off, drinking long drinks of exotic juices that the waitresses dressed in colorful and sensual outfits served. Julián admired them open-mouthed and, in his distraction, he didn't see how close the edge of the pool was. He actually saw him late, when he fell with a loud crash into the water. He stayed there for a long time to avoid further stumbling blocks. After noon he went to the restaurant for lunch. Only then did he realize that he hadn't eaten for hours. With a voracious appetite, he wolfed down some ravioli with a mixed sauce and for dessert, his favorite chocolate and walnut ice cream. At the end he felt heavy. He got up slowly and suddenly discovered an immense jewelry store in one of the corners of the hotel hall. He immediately thought of the star sapphire ring and went there, with such bad luck that he did not notice the waiter in front of him, with the tray carrying glasses of champagne. The clash was inevitable. He jumped all up in the air, while Julián fell full length and thus got new scrapes and another prominent bump. He got up as he could and shook the glass that fell on him. He entered the jewelry store and asked about the ring. They showed him several. They were so beautiful! After trying a few and finding out the prices, he made the decision and bought one. The seller put it in the case and Julián in his pocket. He was more than pleased… radiant, happy. He thought inside of him that everything was going to change, to improve... 93

He decided to go up to his room and take a hot bath. He wanted to put on the ring and go out to explore the city... He did not notice the sign that indicated \"Under Repair\", nor the cables lying on the floor... he tripped over one of them and fell down the elevator shaft. 94

INDEX 5 6 Prologue 7 Halfway 10 Dance academy 11 Smiley hug 14 Cornered 15 Caresses 17 Appearance 18 Oh! The glory 21 With the minutes counted 22 Toast to hope 24 Overflow 25 Face to heaven 28 Disagreement 29 Heavy load 31 Distraction 32 Beginning and end 35 The illuminated sign 36 Who do you dream of 38 The collective 39 I will grow 41 The sea 42 When I remember you 45 The night lamp 46 Decision 51 Incidental errors 52 Wake up 54 Escape 55 I am here and now 57 Expired 58 I come today 60 Insomnia 61 The rose The conference 95

Light and shadow 63 Lock of golden hair 64 Don't go yet 66 Time for decisions 67 I want 70 Obsession 71 Feeling 73 Black eyes 74 Wanderer dream 77 Suspension bridge 78 I feel you arrive 81 Reflexes 82 You and I 85 Deafening noise 86 I came back 88 Signs 89 And if suddenly 91 Stumble 92 This book is out of print on November 20, 2017 at the FXN Chart Workshop Yerbal 2248 Federal Capital Argentina 96

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