While Desza and Sheldon formed an alliance unknown to Candado, he and his family enjoyed peaceful days in their village. Before leaving at the start of the holidays, Héctor had given an order—or rather, a request—to keep as much information as possible about the situation around them hidden, such as the Witnesses and Circuits. He wanted Candado to be able to relax and enjoy at least a month with his family, as he was recovering both physically and mentally, as Clementina and Hammya confirmed.
Raindrops tapped on Hammya’s window, waking her up. Her hair, however, had started to change color a few weeks ago, turning a light red. According to her, this happened every July.
“Oh god, I don’t want to get up,” she murmured, covering her face with the blanket. “It’s cold.”
Finally, she threw the blanket aside, sat up in bed, stretched her arms, and yawned.
“I’ve got to wake up Candado.”
She got out of bed and looked in the mirror, fixing her hair before leaving the room. Still sleepy, she headed to Candado’s room, smoothed her clothes, and opened the door.
“Excuse me,” Hammya whispered.
The room was dark. On the desk, a pile of books and papers; on the bed, Candado lay sleeping with a book on his face.
“Oh, he stayed up all night again.”
Hammya walked over to him, gently took the book from his face, and placed her hand on his cheek. But as soon as her palm touched his face, a hand emerged from under the sheets and grabbed hers.
“What are you doing?” Candado asked, eyes closed.
“Are you awake?”
“Hammya, don’t do that.”
“Sorry.”
Candado let go of her hand and opened his eyes.
“Did you sleep well?” he asked as he sat up.
“Yes, thanks for asking,” she replied, glancing at the messy papers and books on the desk. “I don’t need to ask you; I already know.”
“It was necessary. I couldn’t sleep all night. I haven’t received the journals or news from the other guilds, so I had to distract myself to ease the stress.”
“(That’s because I suggested to Héctor to block the news.) Either way, it’s not good for your health.”
Candado got out of bed, dressed in black pants and a red shirt. He walked to the bathroom, turned on the light, and grabbed his toothbrush, looking at himself in the mirror.
“Are you still there?”
“I just want to make sure you don’t fall back asleep.”
Candado began brushing his teeth, not paying her much attention. After rinsing his mouth, he looked at himself in the mirror again.
“Doesn’t Clementina need you?”
“Are you kicking me out?” she asked, giving him a sweet, pleading look.
“Yes. If you don’t want to take the door, you could always try the window... though we don’t have any ladders.” He snapped his fingers. “Which do you prefer? I recommend the window; it’s faster.”
Hammya let out a laugh.
“Hey, do you even realize what you just said?”
“Yes,” he answered, laughing.
“Don’t pee in my room.”
Hammya laughed so hard she ended up on her knees, completely losing her composure.
“Calm down, girl; you’re overdoing it now. I’m not a clown or a comedian.”
Hammya composed herself and, with a deep breath, pounced on Candado, knocking him to the floor and landing on top of him. She placed a hand on his neck and held a pencil eraser close to his eyes.
“Revenge,” she grinned.
Candado looked into her eyes.
“Oh, I see, this is about that time you came in here, and I threw you to the floor. But…” he pointed at the eraser, “I didn’t have such a shabby weapon.”
“It doesn’t matter; a win is a win. I’m surprised you let your guard down.”
“I’m at home. I don’t need to be on alert around my family. Though… you’re an exception.”
Hammya felt something at her waist, looked down, and saw Candado’s hand holding a brush.
“But…,” Hammya stared at him, bewildered. “What is this?”
“You’ve got a lot to learn, a whole lot.”
Hammya dropped the eraser and moved off him.
“If you were an enemy, my brush would be red instead of pink.”
“Didn’t you put it away?”
“When I saw your attitude, I figured you’d pull something on me… something only you could provoke.”
Hammya looked at the brush.
“Whatever. If all you’re thinking about is revenge, you can leave now.”
“Why is your brush pink?”
Candado examined it and lifted it to his eyes.
“What? Is that weird?”
“Well, I don’t know… it’s not very…”
Candado squinted at her.
“Very what?”
“…Nothing, I just thought you’d be more into purple, violet, or even lavender.”
Candado made a face.
“Hammya… my favorite color is pink.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t have guessed that in ten lifetimes.”
“But it caught your attention, didn’t it?”
“Why not a blue, red, or something? I mean, even your beret is blue.”
“Because I like the color, and that’s that.”
“Well, as long as you’re happy, I don’t mind.”
“You don’t mind?”
Hammya blushed.
“I’m not supposed to care, but why don’t you care?”
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Hammya calmed down slowly, but her embarrassment didn’t fade quickly, and in that situation, she couldn’t speak without stuttering or saying something thoughtlessly.
“But if you say it doesn’t matter, then fine, I guess.”
Candado put his toothbrush away, turned to Hammya, and looked at her.
“Girl, I know you don’t care about most things I say, but I’m about to undress so I can shower and change.”
“Oh, well, I’ll wait downstairs, but before that…”
“Get out.”
Hammya fell silent, shrugged, and left the room. The door closed behind her.
“…”
“I can still hear you breathing.”
Hammya chuckled softly and walked away. As she bounced down the stairs, her gentle humming filled the house, reaching baby Karen’s ears, who clapped and giggled, catching Europa’s attention.
“What’s up, my love?” Europa asked as she picked her up and kissed her cheek.
“It’s Miss Hammya,” said Clementina, lying on the couch with a pillow on her head.
“Hi.”
“Good morning, Hammya. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, very well, thanks for asking.”
She took another step down and looked at Clementina.
“Are you okay?”
“Nothing, Miss Hammya. I’m bored. I don’t know what else to do,” she said, rolling onto her left and flopping face-first onto the floor. “Life as a robot like me is so boring; nothing to do, nothing to see, and no one to annoy.”
Europa laughed lightly and turned her attention to Hammya.
“Did you check on my son? Is he still asleep?”
“No, he’s up already.”
“Well, I…”
“Wonderful,” interrupted Hipólito, dressed like a French chef without his traditional hat. “Call him for breakfast.”
“Right away,” Hammya said with a smile.
She climbed the stairs again, approached Candado’s door, and started knocking softly while saying:
“Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello.”
The door swung open, revealing Candado in a black robe, his hair wet, holding a towel around his neck. His eyes, full of annoyance, showed his patience was gone.
“What do you WANT?!”
“Were you busy?”
“I LEFT MY HOT BATH TO ANSWER YOUR BLOODY KNOCKING AND THE PAINFUL SOUND OF YOUR VOCAL CHORDS!”
Candado fumed, but Hammya smiled.
“Sorry, but they’re calling you, breakfast is ready.”
Candado slammed the door. Just as Hammya was about to knock again, he opened it, giving her an intense look.
“Don’t you dare,” he muttered, then closed the door. “Now go away.”
Candado walked back toward the bathroom.
“Need help?” asked a Tínbari from the tub.
“Start by leaving, then I’ll give more instructions.”
Tínbari winked his left eye, making Candado throw shampoo at him, but before it hit, Tínbari vanished, and the shampoo hit the wall, spilling everywhere.
“Little rascal…”
Meanwhile, Hammya bounced down the stairs.
“Mission accomplished; the target’s been alerted. He’s in the shower,” Hammya said, giving a mock salute.
“Well done, cadet,” said Europa.
The two of them high-fived.
“Has madam returned to her childish state?” Clementina asked.
“Of course not. Her attitude changed dramatically when Gabriela was born,” said Arturo, sitting on the couch watching TV.
“Really?”
“Oh yes, she was very cold, but when I met her, she began to thaw slowly. When Gabriela was born, the coldness vanished,” Arturo said, glancing at Europa. “No matter how many years pass, she’s still beautiful.”
“I see, it must be mutual.”
“Of course, it is,” Mr. Barret said, smiling.
At that moment, Candado came down the stairs, dressed in long red pants, brown shoes, a white shirt, a red vest, and his signature blue beret.
"It's cold today," Mr. Barret said sarcastically.
"I saw it coming, so don't worry," Candado replied, returning the jest.
Europa and Hammya stepped out of the kitchen in perfect coordination.
"That was quick," Hammya said, surprised.
"When I'm not in the mood, I speed up my bath."
"Oh, son, you're here."
"No, I'm upstairs…" Candado choked and began to sweat. "Damn, I did it without thinking."
When he turned around, he found himself face-to-face with his mother.
"Sorry."
Resigned, Candado removed his beret, bowed his head, and closed his eyes. Instead of getting upset, Europa gently stroked his head.
"There, there, it's fine; I used to do that too."
Candado lifted his head and put his beret back on, never taking his eyes off his mother.
"Sorry, I'll be more careful, Mom."
Mrs. Barret patted Candado's head once more and returned to the kitchen, not without winking at Hammya and giving a discreet thumbs-up.
"I'm glad you're in a good mood today," Grandma Andrea remarked.
"Stay out of my mind."
"Sorry, I can't help it."
Just as Candado was about to respond, his mother interrupted him.
"Come eat."
Everyone got up and headed to the kitchen. Candado was also preparing to go when someone knocked at the door.
Candado stopped and looked toward the entrance, but Clementina was quicker.
"Go eat, sir. I'll handle it."
Candado adjusted his beret and left the room.
Clementina reached the door, straightened her tie, and opened it. Behind it stood a familiar, smiling face: German.
"What are you doing here in this weather?"
"I came because I need to see Candado."
"Is it urgent?"
"No, not at all," German said smoothly.
Clementina stepped aside and let him in.
"Come on in, the master is eating."
"Oh, I hate to interrupt. Maybe I'll come back later."
"It's no trouble; even psychopaths are welcome. Join us."
"I'm flattered to know I have a place here."
At that moment, Mr. Barret was returning from the bathroom.
"Benítez, how's the family?" he asked, hugging German and patting him on the back.
"I'm glad the boss finally realized he has a son."
German always spoke bluntly, though with a smile. He had never forgiven Candado's parents for neglecting their son.
"Well, those days are behind us."
"They’d better be, sir," German said without losing his smile.
"Let's not argue here."
"Don't worry, Clem. I'll graciously accept the invitation."
"My dear, come eat," Mrs. Barret called from the kitchen.
German, who was about to leave, stopped and looked at Clementina with a mischievous grin.
"Is Mrs. Barret here?"
"Of course."
"Good."
German closed the door and walked toward Clementina.
"That changes everything. I accept the invitation."
He then strolled toward the kitchen, removing his black gloves.
"Looks like he's going to do the same with my wife."
"Don’t doubt it, Mr. Barret. German has been wanting to do this for a while but never had the chance."
German made a dramatic entrance, exaggerating his body language. He was in high spirits.
"Good morning, Barret family," he said, bowing to them.
"We're not royalty or nobility, so please, stand up," Candado said.
"Oh, of course, of course."
German focused all his attention on Mrs. Barret, who smiled at him.
"Have a seat. My table is your table."
"Thank you, Candado."
German sat to Candado's right; Hammya sat on his left. No sooner had he sat down than Clementina approached, discreetly pressing something sharp to the back of his neck.
"I’ll serve you, German," she whispered in his ear. "If you dare make Mrs. Barret or Candado uncomfortable, I’ll make you pay in the most cybernetic way possible."
"Bring me a glass of water," German said, looking at her with an intimidating smile. "Please."
Irritated, Clementina went to the kitchen. When she returned, she placed the glass beside him with a frown and sat to Mrs. Barret’s right.
"Is something wrong?" Mrs. Barret asked.
"No, nothing, Mrs. Barret."
Clementina gave German a warning look, to which he responded with a smile. The family was complete, except for Hipólito, who wasn’t built to eat, and Grandma Andrea. They enjoyed the rice stew, one of Candado's favorite dishes. They conversed, with Hammya chattering nonsensically but making everyone laugh. Clementina, however, remained vigilant.
After everyone had finished eating, German spoke up.
"So…"
Clementina reacted, transforming her left hand into a pellet gun.
"So?" Candado asked.
German closed his eyes.
"Everyone's happy, everyone’s a family."
"Of course," Candado replied with a smile.
"I’m glad."
"What?"
"Is something wrong, Clementina?" Candado asked.
"No, nothing. Don't worry about me."
Clementina relaxed slightly but kept her guard up.
"I’m glad for you, Candado."
German got up, took his plate to the kitchen, and then returned to Candado.
"I need you to come with me, please."
"Now?"
"Now."
"Is something wrong?" Mrs. Barret asked.
"No, nothing, relax."
Candado stood up, snapped his fingers, and his chair folded itself away. He went to the kitchen, washed his hands, and returned.
"Alright, let's go outside."
"Be careful, my dear," Mrs. Barret said.
"Don’t come back late," Mr. Barret added.
"Don’t worry."
Candado went out with German, closing the door behind him.
"How did you know I was going to take you out of the house?"
"I didn’t know. I just wanted to be outside."
"I see."
Candado leaned against the lamppost by the door.
"So, what’s up?"
German took a light blue envelope with white polka dots from his pocket.
"This is unusual," Candado sighed as he took the letter.
"Seems she found out about little Saillim."
Candado squinted at German.
"Don't tell me."
Then he looked at the envelope, carefully opened it, and slipped his left hand inside, pulling out a necklace with a ruby heart pendant.
"Truth?"
"The one with the pretty wheels."
"Looks like she discovered something important to give me this necklace."
"What does it mean?"
"Sorry, but that's something between her and me."
"I see. So, will you go?"
"Of course, I will." Candado put the necklace in his pocket, then opened the door. "Hammya, get dressed and come!"
He closed the door again.
"I see you're handling it well."
"Excuse me?"
"I heard that girl is doing things right."
"I see, good to know."
"That sounds hollow. Is there something else?"
"Honestly, I’m scared."
German’s smile faded.
"Scared?"
"Honestly, her way of being is terrifying."
German returned to his usual smile.
"I see, don't worry me like that. I thought it was serious."
"What did you think?"
"Nothing, my friend."
"Hammya is the first person I've met who’s noisy, annoying, stubborn, and kind… and who made me deeply grateful from the bottom of my heart."
"No doubt about it."
At that moment, the door opened.
"I’m ready."
Candado looked at Hammya.
"Esmeralda, when's your birthday?"
"December 6th. Why?"
"I just wanted to know. I’d like to give you something special."
"You're giving me a gift?"
"Maybe, or... well, I might give you something."
"Hehe, now I have one more reason to look forward to my birthday."
Candado turned his back, snapped his fingers, and his black leather coat flew from his window.
"Awesome. Still impressive," German said.
"Alright, let's go."