It was 8:30 in the morning on a warm July 23rd.

Candado woke up feeling a comforting warmth surrounding him. It wasn’t unusual—his mother was lying beside him, holding him close, while the lit stove kept the outside cold at bay.

“Mamá...” he murmured softly.

Candado smiled and placed a hand on her cheek, savoring the peaceful moment.

“I wouldn’t want to get up if it means staying here with you.”

With his eyes still half-closed, he tried to drift back to sleep. But then, the door creaked open ever so slightly. A figure tiptoed into the room. It was Hammya.

Candado instinctively shut his eyes, focusing on her faint steps on the spotless floor. She approached the bed, and he cracked one eye open just enough to catch a glimpse. In the dim light, her crimson eyes glowed like embers, their intensity betraying a worried expression. He understood her concern instantly—it was all for him.

Hammya extended her hand, gently resting it on his head, unaware that he was awake. After a moment, she smiled faintly and whispered, “Get better soon, Candado... Everyone’s waiting for you. I’m waiting for you.”

“Thank you,” he replied quietly.

“Wha—?” Hammya stifled a gasp, startled.

Candado lightly grasped her wrist and slowly sat up. In the darkness, he couldn’t make out her exact expression, but the glow of her eyes was unmistakable.

“Good morning, Hammya,” he said in a hushed tone.

She bit her lip, trying not to scream in surprise, and gave a quick nod.

Letting go of her hand, Candado turned his attention back to his mother. He tenderly stroked her cheek.

“The sun’s up, Mom,” he said gently.

Europa stirred, her brows furrowing slightly as her nose crinkled. Slowly, she began to wake.

“My darling...?”

“No, it’s me, Mom.”

Her eyes flew open, and in an instant, she pulled her son into a tight embrace, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.

“Good morning, Mom,” he greeted.

“Good? No… these are wonderful mornings,” she replied warmly.

After a long hug, Europa looked over at Hammya and extended her arms to include her in the embrace.

“H-hey...!” Hammya stammered, visibly flustered.

“Good morning to you too, my little chlorophyll-deprived tree,” Europa teased playfully.

(Oh... so that’s where Candado gets his sense of humor.)

Europa stood, stretching her arms with a contented smile. “I’ll go prepare breakfast.”

“Please,” Candado replied.

“Thank you,” Hammya added.

As Europa left the room, Candado swung his legs over the side of the bed, revealing purple pajamas with his name elegantly embroidered in white cursive.

“All right, time to get dressed. If you’d kindly leave, great. If not... well, I don’t mind.”

He extended his right arm dramatically, and Hammya, already anticipating his antics, raised her hands defensively.

“Stop!”

“What?”

“I—I mean, I’m leaving!” Hammya said with a sheepish grin.

“Good. Do it.”

Laughing under her breath, Hammya exited the room. Candado snapped his fingers, then began selecting his outfit for the day. After carefully adjusting his vest, gloves, and tie, he slicked his hair back.

He paused in front of the mirror, placing a hand on the glass. “Looks like the cage is working again…” he murmured before sighing and turning away.

When he stepped into the hallway, Hammya was waiting.

“Feeling cheerful this morning?” he asked dryly.

“Do you want to know why?”

(She has such sharp ears...) he thought, before answering, “I don’t know why, and I don’t want to ask.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Hammya pouted but quickly replaced it with a mischievous grin. As Candado walked ahead, she pulled something from behind her back: his beret.

“Surprise!” she said, placing it neatly on his head in one quick motion.

Candado stopped, his hand brushing the top of the beret.

“Oh, wow. You’re so...”

“So what? Cute?”

He stared at her in silence, offering no reply.

“What?”

Candado ignored her and headed downstairs, leaving Hammya trailing after him, determined to make him answer. When they reached the living room, they found Clementina sitting on the couch with Karen on her lap, watching cartoons.

“Good morning, Clementina,” Candado greeted.

“Good morning, young master.”

“Forget I said that,” he replied, a faint flicker in his eyes.

Clementina shot him a warning look, glancing meaningfully at Karen. Sensing the tension, Hammya quickly covered Candado’s eyes.

“What…?” he muttered, confused.

“Is something wrong with Canda?” Karen asked, tilting her head.

“No, nothing. We’re just playing!” Hammya improvised nervously.

Candado gently took Hammya’s hands and lowered them.

“It’s fine. You can let go now.”

She complied hesitantly, watching as Candado approached Karen, who launched herself into his arms without warning.

“Anything to report?” Candado asked softly, holding her close.

“Karen behaved well,” Clementina replied with a smile.

“I’m glad. That’s very good.”

“She’s adorable, isn’t she?” Clementina cooed, stroking Karen’s hair.

“She really is,” Hammya admitted with an affectionate tone.

Just then, Hipólito appeared in the doorway. “Time for breakfast, everyone!”

“That was quick,” Candado remarked, setting Karen back in her seat.

“Of course,” Hipólito replied with a grin.

“Don’t overdo it, old man,” Candado quipped sarcastically.

“Whatever you say, kid.”

Candado cast a meaningful glance at his family before heading to the kitchen with Hammya, Clementina, and Karen in tow.

“Perfect,” he remarked as he saw everyone gathered around the table.

Before sitting down, he helped Karen into her special chair. Though she frowned at the sight of it, she didn’t put up much of a fight. She understood, albeit reluctantly, that the chair was necessary for her safety.

“This chair again?” Karen grumbled.

“It’s for your own good, little one,” Candado said with a kind smile, securing her in place.

Karen shot him a mock scowl, but her lips eventually curled into a resigned smile.

Candado took his seat between Europa and Hammya.

“So, what’s on the menu today?” he asked.

“Milk for the kids, coffee for the grown-ups, and an assortment of croissants and sweet biscuits,” Grandma Andrea announced as she began pouring drinks.

Breakfast unfolded uneventfully, though Andrea couldn’t help but notice the subtle tension in Arturo and Europa. While both wore smiles, a mother’s intuition told her they were deeply troubled. Something in their demeanor reminded her of the darkest days after Gabriela’s passing.

Her gaze shifted to Candado, who appeared calm, almost detached, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. When their eyes met, he offered her a serene smile, as if silently assuring her, Everything will be fine.

Andrea returned the smile, though unease lingered in her heart. What more could a mother do in moments like these?

After a few more minutes of lighthearted conversation about family anecdotes and everyday matters, breakfast came to an end. Candado stood, gathered the plates with an almost magical efficiency, and carried them to the sink, where Hipólito and Clementina were already washing up. Then, he scooped Karen into his arms and returned to the living room.

There, he settled her on his lap and turned on the television. He carefully selected a children’s channel, avoiding anything too intense or frightening. Karen nestled into his arms, entirely absorbed by the cartoons on screen.

Candado idly flipped through the channels with the remote in hand.

“Candado’s hogging the remote again,” Andrea teased from the kitchen.

“Oh, really? Does he always do that?” Hipólito asked with curiosity.

“Of course. He loves watching cartoons with Karen,” Clementina chimed in as she dried a plate.

Andrea sighed nostalgically. “Gabriela used to do the same with him when he was little.”

Clementina suddenly set down the plate and approached Candado.

“Candado, I need you to come with me to a friend’s house.”

“Sure thing. See you later, Miss Hammya.”

“Later,” Hammya replied with a nonchalant wave.

Andrea and Clementina left the house, leaving Candado with Karen and Hammya in the living room. Wasting no time, Hammya plopped down beside Candado on the couch.

“What are you doing?”

“Talking on the phone. What does it look like?” Candado replied dryly, his eyes still fixed on the screen.

Hammya tilted her head, amused. “Looks like you’re back to your old self.”

Candado frowned and glanced anxiously at Karen.

“Karen, did you hear anything?”

The little girl, engrossed in the television, gave no indication of having heard their exchange. She stared at the screen with a seriousness that was almost comical.

“Thank Isidro she didn’t hear me,” Candado murmured in relief.

“Your sister is… interesting,” Hammya commented, her gaze still on Karen.

“She’s enjoying her show.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Fine, fine… I think I’m regaining control over my body.”

Hammya leaned closer, her expression growing more serious. “Who was that person?”

Candado blinked, confused. “Person?”

“Yes, you know, the dark you.”

The boy shifted uncomfortably in his seat but seemed willing to explain.

“Oh, you mean Odadnac. That’s what Gabi called him.”

“Odadnac?”

“Yeah, it’s complicated to explain, but it’s not a secret, so I can tell you.”

Hammya nodded, intrigued. “Go ahead.”

“Odadnac was born from my anger, jealousy, rage, pain, and fear. He’s the personification of everything negative within me. According to my grandfather, everyone has a part like that, something that activates when we’re in danger. In my case, I gave him life with my powers. I’m not the only one; my great-grandfather had something similar, or so I’ve been told.”

“That’s… incredible, and terrifying,” Hammya said, still processing.

Candado’s eyes clouded briefly. “What’s curious is that Odadnac was different. He loved Gabriela. She was the one who gave him his name.”

“Odadnac?”

“Yeah, it’s my name spelled backward.”

“Oh!” Hammya gasped, covering her mouth. “That makes sense now.”

“You’re only realizing that now?” Candado said with a wry smile before continuing. “But the truth is, Odadnac hates me. I locked him inside me, and that infuriated him. When my health started to deteriorate, his prison began to crack, and he managed to escape.”

Hammya placed a gentle hand on his cheek.

"You don’t have to apologize for anything."

Candado nodded but gently moved her hand away.

"The strange thing is, I feel like there’s something I’ve forgotten. Every time I try to recall it, fragments of images appear, but then they vanish. I’ve tried writing everything I saw."

"How many times did you try?" Hammya asked.

"Two hundred times, according to my notes."

"Two hundred? That’s insane."

"I know. The last page had a plea scrawled in my trembling handwriting: ‘Don’t try again. It won’t be pleasant.’"

"Why do you think you wrote that?"

"It must’ve been something too painful," Candado admitted, rubbing his eyes. "The pages were crumpled, as if I had cried over them."

"Relax. Don’t push yourself anymore."

Sensing the shift in mood, Karen stopped watching TV and wrapped her arms around Candado, her sweet smile lighting up the room.

"Never grow up," Candado murmured, holding her close.

"You’ve got quite the personality," Hammya teased, standing up.

Candado chuckled, and before Hammya left, he made a request:

"I want you to go to the guild for me. I’m not in the mood to go out today."

"Why not?"

"I’m with Karen."

Hammya smiled, ruffling his hair before heading for the door.

"Alright, I’ll go. See you later."

"Yeah, see you, Hammya."

With a lighthearted grin, Hammya waved goodbye to Candado. As she stepped out, her thoughts wandered, and she decided to take her time heading to the guild. It had been a while since she enjoyed a relaxed walk—vacation had been a whirlwind of activities, including dyeing her hair green in a sudden whim. Now, as she thought back on it, it seemed unnecessary. At least Candado said I looked cute, she mused with a soft giggle, humming a carefree tune.

She no longer felt annoyed or self-conscious about her hair's natural red color.

Turning a corner, she ran into Natalia—known to many as Pio—engaged in a lively conversation with another girl named Tarah.

"Hammya!" Natalia greeted her warmly.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

"Hey, Pio." The "redhead" smiled and turned her gaze to the other young woman. "And who are you?"

"I’m Tarah Camila Ortega, leader of the Bluejay Guild," the girl replied, extending her hand. Hammya shook it in response.

"Are you the one who never wears shoes?" Hammya asked, her curiosity piqued.

Tarah glanced at her bare feet and shrugged.

"I don’t like them. They always hurt me."

Natalia chimed in quickly, "She’s the mayor’s daughter—that’s why the city’s always spotless."

Hammya nodded approvingly before remembering her errand.

"Well, I’m here because Candado sent me to the guild."

"Ah, so the boss is starting to act like himself again," Tarah chuckled.

The conversation turned more personal when Natalia added, "We were just passing by."

"Passing by?" Hammya raised an eyebrow.

"I’m visiting my boyfriend," Tarah said proudly.

"Boyfriend? Who is it?"

"Esteban."

"Him?" Hammya couldn’t hide her surprise.

"Yes, I like the way he is. I’m very much in love."

"I don’t get it."

Tarah laughed gently.

"When you find your other half—your orange or your apple—you’ll understand."

Natalia stifled a laugh, clearly enjoying the banter.

"Still teasing me about my hair?" Hammya protested.

"Sweetheart, when it was green, I missed my chance to make jokes. Now that it’s red, I’m not holding back."

Tarah checked the time.

"Saint Rita! We’re running late. See you!"

After saying goodbye, Hammya resumed her walk, her mood lighter, almost skipping with joy as the cool breeze brushed her face.

Soon, she came across Andersson, who was adjusting the lettering on a sign outside a shop.

"Hi, Hammya. Running errands?"

"No, just heading to the guild. What about you? How’s everything?"

"Good, though my brothers are still sleeping." Andersson turned toward the shop as his name echoed from inside.

"Andersson, when you’re done, take a break, alright?" came a commanding voice.

"Yes, sir."

Back to the conversation, Andersson asked,

"How's Hänglås doing?"

"GLaDOS?"

"No, Hänglås, which is 'Candabo'... candado in Swedish. I have a hard time pronouncing his name in Spanish."

Hammya laughed at his confession.

"Speaking another language isn't easy, but keep trying, okay? You'll improve, I'm sure of it."

"Thanks, Hammya."

"See you later!"

With a friendly farewell, Hammya walked away, greeting several people along the way before finally reaching the guild.

“Whew, it’s freezing.” She rubbed her hands together as she climbed the stairs and knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" a voice asked from the other side.

"Hammya."

An awkward silence followed her response.

"Declan? Why aren’t you opening the door?" another voice chimed in.

"I don’t want to open it."

"It’s too cold to leave her outside."

"She has a roof to go back to."

Hammya crossed her arms, letting out a small sigh of frustration as she waited for someone to finally decide to let her in.

The sounds of a scuffle soon reached her ears.

"Stop it, Wilson!" Lucas yelled as he struggled. "Get your hands off me!"

Declan and Lucas continued their argument, completely ignoring Hammya, who stood outside, unsure of what to do.

"Wow... he still hates me," she murmured with an awkward smile.

Suddenly, a female voice interrupted from the other side of the door.

"Excuse me, could you open the door?"

"GO AWAY, ERIKA!" Declan and Lucas shouted in unison.

A loud crash reverberated through the space, echoing all the way to the entrance.

"DON’T YELL AT MY SISTER!" a roar followed.

Hammya took a step back, her heart racing.

"(I don’t want to go inside anymore. This is scary...)"

She turned on her heel, trying to escape.

"Don’t worry, I’ll come back later..."

But before she could get far, the door creaked open. Erika stood there, smiling, her expression both elegant and unsettling. It was an odd sight: her innocent smile contrasted with the chaos behind her. Lucas was embedded in the wall, while Lucia was pounding on Declan, who managed to block most of her blows.

"Sorry for the mess," Erika said nonchalantly. "This only happens when Candado isn’t around."

"I see..." Hammya replied, her doubt evident. She inclined her head and greeted, "Hello, Lucia."

"Hi, sweetheart!" Lucia responded brightly, still clutching Declan by the collar of his coat, her fist raised threateningly.

"Hello, Declan."

"Hello, beast," he grumbled with no emotion.

Seizing the distraction, Hammya slipped into the house and greeted Erika with a kiss on the cheek.

"Hi, Erika. I’m glad you’re doing well."

"Likewise." Erika closed the door behind her. "What brings you here so early in the morning?"

"I’m surprised you’re all up so early."

"We usually get up around six or seven to manage the guild. Of course, it’s a bit strange doing it without Candado."

"I see. Is Héctor here?"

"Yes, he’s in the office with—"

"THE DOOR, ERIKA!" Lucia interrupted, furious.

Without hesitation, Erika flung the door open, almost instinctively. Lucia grabbed Declan by the lapels again and hurled him out of the house, straight into the muddy yard, still wet from last night’s rain.

Declan got up, glaring at his soiled clothes. He clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. His teeth ground together as his bloodshot eyes filled with seething rage.

In a swift motion, he drew his sword, gripping it with his left hand. As he did, his eyes began to glow with a vibrant green light.

"Oh no... this just got bad," Erika muttered nervously.

Lucia grinned with amusement. She dashed toward Declan and, as she stepped outside, leaped into the air, extending one leg, which turned to solid gold.

"Goodbye, Irishman."

"You little—" Declan began, but he couldn’t finish his sentence.

Lucia landed on Declan's sword, deflecting it, and delivered a kick to his head that sent him sprawling to the ground.

“This is a mess…” Hammya whispered, closing the door softly.

“But…?” Erika began to say.

“Don’t worry. They’ll be fine,” Hammya replied calmly, taking Erika’s hand. “Come with me. I need to talk to Hector.”

“Alright…” Erika murmured, casting a final glance at the door, hesitating about whether she should intervene or not.

As they passed Lucas, who was dusting himself off after emerging from the rubble, Hammya greeted him.

“Hi, Lucas.”

“Hi, Hammya,” he replied, pulling a phone from his pocket and dialing a number. “Matlotsky, I need you to fix something… again.”

Hammya and Erika finally reached Hector’s office, though technically, it belonged to Candado.

“Wow, I think this is the first time I’ve been here,” Hammya commented, eyeing the door.

“Yes. Usually, Candado is inside managing the guild, talking to other leaders… or staring out the window for hours, pondering solutions to every problem he encounters.”

“I can already picture his routine.”

Hammya knocked softly on the door.

“Come in,” a voice called from inside.

As they entered, Hammya was struck by the sight of the office. The walls were painted in an elegant green, and at the far end was a single window without bars, adorned only with a white curtain that let the light filter through. On either side hung two portraits in places of honor. To the left, a serene Gabriela Esperanza Barret smiled gently. To the right, a youthful Alfred Velázquez Barret beamed brightly, his identity confirmed by a nameplate beneath the portrait.

Flanking each portrait were glass display cases filled with various items, though none were books. This stood out to Hammya, who noticed that the entire office only contained four books, neatly arranged on a small table.

The floor of white-and-yellow tiles gleamed, and in the center of the room stood a black wooden desk, free of decoration except for a single massive notebook atop it. In front of the desk, two red armchairs stood out, one of which was occupied by Viki, lounging casually.

“Is something wrong?” Hector asked with a kind smile.

“Not exactly… Candado didn’t want to come,” Hammya admitted.

“I see,” Hector sighed, closing the book he had been reading. “I should’ve guessed. I thought he’d send Clementina, as usual, but this is quite unusual.”

“It means Candado trusts you,” Viki said with faint enthusiasm.

“Maybe, maybe.”

Hector stood and walked over to Hammya.

“So, what’s going on? I really wanted Candado to come, but it seems you’re here in his stead. Does that mean he doesn’t care about the situation?”

“Honestly, I don’t think that’s the case,” Hammya interjected.

“Explain.”

“Well, do you remember when Candado hit you in the chest that time?”

“Yes, though I should clarify that it wasn’t him—it was Odadnac.”

“Right. I think he feels guilty and doesn’t know how to apologize.”

Hector pondered this for a moment.

“Perhaps I should visit him instead.”

“What? Seriously?”

“Of course, Viki. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened,” Hector replied, glancing at her.

“First time? This has happened before?”

“Oh, right, you weren’t there. Back in the garden, there was this boy who used to bully him, but Candado never retaliated. I wasn’t his friend back then. One day, the boy crossed the line and hid his beret. That pushed Candado into a blind rage. I always saw kindness in him and wanted him to stay that way, but as his fist was about to strike the bully, I instinctively stepped in and took the blow myself.”

“Wow,” Erika said, surprised.

“You didn’t know?” Hammya asked.

“Not at all.”

“Well, the thing is, Candado felt terrible about it and skipped the garden for a few days until I decided to visit him at home. Luckily, I found him playing alone in the plaza. That’s when I thought it would be fun to spend time with him. From that day on, I offered him my friendship, and he gave me a tie in return.” Hector touched his chest. “This tie.”

“That’s so cheesy,” Viki remarked.

“Jealousy speaks in those words, my dear,” Hector teased.

“What a sweet story,” Erika said, touched.

“So that’s why you always wear that white tie,” Hammya noted, with no intent to offend.

“Am I imagining it, or are you implying I’m low on resources?”

“No, not at all. By the way, can I ask you a question?” Hammya quickly changed the subject.

“Of course, go ahead.”

“I’ve always been curious—who has been with Candado the longest?”

“Oh, that. It’s no secret. I suppose you’re asking who the ‘pioneers’ of this guild were.”

“Exactly.”

“Well, me, Krauser, Joaquín, Ocho, and Declan. We visited him often at his house in Ireland. He didn’t speak Spanish but could understand it. Later, in first grade, Lucas, Germán, Matlotsky, Erika, and Lucía joined. In second grade, Walsh, Pio, Antonela, and Frederick came along. In third grade, Candado befriended someone who didn’t want to join the guild. Her name was Glinka, and she was quite intimidating. In fourth grade, Ana María Pucheta joined us. In fifth grade, Viki and Anzor. Sixth grade saw no new members. And this year, which is seventh grade, we met you and Liv. Andersson doesn’t count, as he’s not formally part of the guild.”

“Wow.”

Hector pulled an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Hammya.

“Nelson sent this a few hours ago. That old man seems to never sleep—I received it at five in the morning.”

“What’s inside?” Hammya asked.

“No idea. I haven’t opened it.”

“Can I open it?”

“No, it’s Candado’s, not yours.”

“Boo…”

"Alright. Send it to Candado. I personally wanted him to pick it up, but if Nelson sent it so early, it must be important."

"You know it's 9:16 a.m., right?" Erika interjected.

"I spoke to Nelson and asked him to wait a few hours so Candado could get some rest. He agreed."

"Fine, I'll take care of delivering it."

Héctor placed a finger on Hammya's forehead.

"Yeah, it's all sweet and everything, but don't even think about opening it."

"I understand."

"Héctor, don't be rude," Erika said, brushing his finger away.

Héctor looked out the window and saw Lucía watching the scene intently, making him a little uncomfortable. He quickly pulled his hand back and gave her a wave. Lucía sighed, pressed against the glass, then walked away, giving Héctor a sigh of relief.

"Thanks and goodbye," Héctor rushed.

"Eh? Alright, if you say so," Erika said.

Hammya left the room. As she walked down the hall, she saw Lucas and Matlotsky repairing the wall.

"This is incredible, you’ve made it look brand new. I'm impressed," Lucas remarked.

"What amazes me is how the hell you broke this concrete wall with your back," Matlotsky replied.

"It was during a fight with Declan."

"I knew black folks were tough, but not that tough."

Lucas laughed at the comment.

"Hey, guys."

"Hey, Hammya," they both responded.

"I see you repaired the wall."

Matlotsky pretended to be embarrassed.

"Don’t be a clown," Lucas retorted.

"Shut up, you space alien portrait," Matlotsky joked.

Lucas ignored the comment.

"Well, I see you're in a hurry, so I won't keep you."

"Thanks, have a good day."

After saying that, Hammya left the house. She had planned to say goodbye to Lucía and Declan, but they were still fighting like their lives depended on it, so she decided not to interrupt.

Meanwhile, at Candado’s house, he was sitting on his armchair, playing riddles with his sister Karen.

"What number, added twice, gives four?"

"Two," she quickly responded.

Candado clapped and continued.

"What goes through the sea and doesn’t get wet?"

"The shadow."

Candado clapped again enthusiastically.

"What is round, but hollow, and flies through the air?"

"The wheels of a plane."

"Bravo!" Candado exclaimed with a smile.

"Another one, another one," Karen begged, excited.

"Okay... What is big and strong like a lion?"

Karen raised her index finger and declared firmly:

"You."

Candado was stunned.

"Exactly... What?"

"You," Karen repeated without hesitation.

Candado adjusted his beret, lowering it over his eyes.

"Can I... Can I know why?"

Karen looked at him seriously and replied:

"Candado is big because he always gives me the things I can't reach. Candado is strong because he always lifts me up, even with heavy boxes. And Candado is like a lion because he always protects me."

Candado, now unable to hide his emotion, covered his face with both hands.

"By Isidro... I never expected this."

From a corner, Clementina, the android, observed the scene with a camera in hand. Since the "cameras" in her eyes had filled up with nothing but photos she had taken, she had bought a camera to fulfill the same function.

"For the album —she said while capturing the moment."

When Candado recovered from his embarrassment, he embraced Karen tenderly.

"You're so cute, Karen. I wish you would never grow up."

"That's impossible, both you and I know that". she replied with childlike wisdom.

At that moment, Arturo burst into the room.

"Playing house".

“No, we're playing riddles,” Candado replied.

“I see,” Arturo said as he sat down next to them. “Keep playing with your sister.”

Candado adjusted Karen in his lap.

“That’s what I’m doing.”

Arturo smiled.

“By the way, how do you feel?”

“Very good,” Candado replied.

“No pain?”

“No, nothing.”

Arturo affectionately patted Candado’s head.

“I see.”

“So do I,” Karen added, leaning in to receive some affection as well.

Arturo smiled and petted her head.

“You know, when I see you with Karen, you remind me a lot of Gabi. She was very affectionate with you.”

Candado looked down.

“Yeah... she was the greatest person I ever knew. Her kindness, that unmistakable smile... She always saw the good in people, she used to say they just needed another chance.”

“It’s painful to think she’s not here anymore.”

A heavy silence filled the air.

“Many times, I lied to myself,” Arturo continued. “Every time I opened the door, I hoped she would come running to hug me like she used to after work. I wanted to believe she was at a friend’s house or on a trip.”

“She’d never go on a trip,” Candado said with a small smile.

“I know... but I wanted to believe she was still alive. It’s very painful for a father to lose a child to a disease that slowly consumes them.”

Candado raised his gaze, hope gleaming in his eyes.

“Wherever she is, I think she’s watching over us with a smile.”

Arturo nodded, patting his head.

“Dad...”

“I’m so sorry for being a bad father. Losing her shattered me, and I neglected you. I was selfish, only thinking about my pain. You suffered too, and you must have hated us a lot.”

Candado vehemently shook his head.

—Dad, I never hated you. I love you both so much.

At that moment, Hammya burst into the house, panting and sweating.

“Candado!”

Father and son looked at her in surprise.

“What's going on? Why are you so out of breath?” Arturo asked.

“I ran here,” Hammya replied, wiping the sweat from her sleeve.

“I think I’ll leave you two alone,” Arturo said, standing up awkwardly. “See you later.”

When Arturo left, Candado turned to Hammya.

“So?”

Hammya handed him an envelope.

“This is for you.”

Candado took it curiously and sighed.

“What now?”

“I want to know what's inside.”

“You're such a gossip.”

“Come on, I braved this cold to see Hector. The least you can do is show me the contents.”

Candado exhaled in resignation and opened the envelope. When he saw what it contained, his expression changed.

He pulled out an A4-sized photograph. It showed a woman with lilac hair, violet skin, and closed eyes.

Immediately, Candado put the photo away and looked nervously over his shoulder.

“Relax,” a voice whispered from the black smoke. “She’s not here.”

“Where is she now, Tínbari?” Candado whispered.

“She’s in the garden, doing gymnastics.”

Candado stood up from the couch.

“Clementina.”

The android stepped out of her hiding spot, awkwardly concealing the camera behind her back.

“Yes, young master?”

“I’ll spare you the insults for now. I want you to look after Karen.”

“Where are you going, Canda?”

“Me?” he asked nervously. “Your brother has some work to do, I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t take too long.”

“I won’t,” he responded with a smile.

“What’s going on? Who’s that girl?”

“Hammya, do...”

“Girl?” Europe interrupted as she came out of the kitchen in tight black pants and a sleeveless blue shirt.

“Mom, what are you doing here?”

“What a great physique!” Hammya admired.

“Thanks, Hammya. And as for you, Candado, this is my house. There's no problem with you coming into the living room, is there?”

“No, of course not, no problem.”

“I heard something about a girl.”

“Yeah, the truth is…”

Candado covered Hammya’s mouth and pulled her close to him.

“It’s nothing, don’t worry.”

Europa smiled mischievously.

“Ah, my son is at the stage where girls his age are looking for him.”

“Mmhmm, mhmm, mhmm,” murmured Hammya under Candado’s hand.

“Yeah, I get it. Candado is very handsome, isn’t he, Hammya?” Europa asked, amused.

Hammya blushed deeply.

“Say no or shut up!” Candado whispered.

Hammya hesitated, then began nodding her head.

“Not that!” he whispered again, exasperated.

“Right? My son isn’t handsome.”

“Mom, I think…”

“Then I’ll leave you two alone. Ah, youth.”

Europa returned to the kitchen, and after a few minutes, she headed to the garden to continue exercising. When the garden door squeaked as it closed, Candado let go of Hammya.

“What’s wrong with you?” she asked, annoyed.

“She didn’t do anything wrong, ma’am,” Clementina intervened. “She only said you were handsome.”

“I have no problem with her saying that, but not in front of my mom.”

“Are you embarrassed?” Clementina asked coldly.

“Canda is handsome,” Karen commented innocently.

Candado softened, but quickly regained his seriousness.

“No, but my mom would spend an hour praising me and talking about me.”

“Then you’re embarrassed,” Hammya stated.

“Would she talk about your childhood?” Clementina asked, intrigued.

Candado looked at her seriously.

“Believe me, you don’t want to hear about my childhood.”

Hammya smiled.

“It doesn’t matter.” Candado grabbed Hammya by the wrist. “Let’s go to my room.”

With that, he ran, pulling her along.

“Good luck, Hammya!” Clementina called with a smile.

“Clem, sweet, sweet,” Karen asked as Clementina lifted her in her arms.

“I’ll give you something later, darling,” she replied tenderly.

When Candado arrived in his room, Tínbari appeared again.

“What a scene.”

“Silence and make sure no one hears us.”

“On it, on it.”

“What’s going on, Candado?” Hammya asked, confused.

“What is that old man thinking...?”

“An envelope?”

“Yes, Tínbari, but the envelope doesn’t matter, it’s what’s inside.”

Candado pulled out a photograph, which alarmed Tínbari, who up until then had been charismatic.

“Is she...?”

“Ahmm, Candado…”

“Yes, it’s her.”

“Canda...!”

“I can’t believe it,” Tínbari expressed.

“HEY!” Hammya shouted, angry.

“What’s going on?”

“That’s what I want to know. What’s going on, who is she, and why are you so surprised?”

Candado handed the photograph to Hammya and then collapsed into the chair at his desk.

“Her name is Amabaray.”

“A Bari?”

“Yes and no. She’s a Baray, which means ‘mother’ in Roobóleo. She served my mother. Like Tínbari, she was the Baray of love and desire.”

“Was?”

“My mom had a problem when I was about to be born. She was very weak, and it seemed she wouldn’t survive the birth.”

“You?”

“No, my mother. The doctors said only one of us would survive. Mom had used up so much of her spirit to save the world from a war. Unfortunately, she had used her strength while she was three months pregnant, which left her sickly.”

“What happened?”

“What had to happen. Mom was ready to save me, but Amabaray didn’t want that. She wanted her friend to see me. So, she decided to sacrifice herself.”

“Sacrifice herself?”

“She intervened in the life of a human and stopped the death of both by using her own vital energy. Only the energy of life can save another life. She was the first Baray to save a human at the cost of her own,” Tínbari explained.

“Wow… Why did you hide this from your mother?”

“She doesn’t remember. Only my father, my grandfather, my sister, and I know because Amabaray erased her memories. It’s as if they never knew each other.”

“How do you know all this? It’s strange.”

“Gabriela told me when I was a child. She always cried when talking about her. They must have been very close.”

“I see.”

“But there’s something strange here.”

“What’s that?” asked Hammya, intrigued.

“How does Nelson know that I know this story? I never told anyone. He should believe I’m unaware.”

“That photo is recent, Candado,” Hammya said seriously.

“Do you know where she decided to sleep?” he asked, not taking his eyes off the photo.

“No. She disappeared one night. All we found was a letter and a necklace... the same one your mother wears now.”

Candado fell silent for a few seconds, his mind working at full speed. Finally, he stood up and walked to the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

“Whoever it is,” he murmured, “someone knows something. Maybe even more than I do.”

“What will you do?” Hammya asked, watching him intently.

“I’ll talk to Héctor.”

Candado opened a drawer and took out his phone. He dialed a number quickly while Hammya and Tínbari watched him in silence.

One minute.

No one answered.

Two minutes.

Candado began to grow impatient.

Five minutes.

“Someone answer the damn phone!” he grumbled irritably.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, a trembling voice answered.

“Hello?”

“IT’S ABOUT TIME!” Candado shouted.

“Ca-Candado?” Héctor stammered on the other side of the line.

“Oh, sorry,” Candado said, in a somewhat calmer tone.

“You have no idea how my heart is after that scream...”

“And you have no idea about my patience.”

“What?”

“Nothing. I just want to know: who sent you the envelope?”

Héctor was silent for a moment before replying.

“I guess you already know. How did you find out?”

“There were a few things that didn’t add up.”

Héctor sighed on the other end of the line.

“It’s true. The envelope wasn’t sent by Nelson. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to lie to you, but I thought you’d come if you believed it was from him.”

Candado clicked his tongue.

“Ah, I see. How did the envelope get to you?”

“It was dropped off at 5 a.m. A stranger handed it to me in person.”

“Can you describe them?”

“I couldn’t see their face. It was too dark, but their voice... was soft and cordial.”

“Soft and cordial?” Candado repeated, frowning.

“Yeah, something like Germán’s. Although I highly doubt it was him, because the voice was very feminine.”

Candado fell silent for a moment, processing the information.

“Did they say anything else?”

“Yes. They asked me to say hello to you and to meet Nelson tonight. Then... they said something strange, like a melody:

‘Moon of dreams, shine in the sky, Your light is my guide, my beacon and desire. You light the path of the girl who sings, With her eyes to the sky, her soul enchants.’

‘... Moon of the sky, do me a favor, Come down to meet me, come with your love. Desire blooms, my soul calls you, And in your light I find the peace it claims.’” Candado completed softly.

“Exactly! How did you know?”

“It’s a lullaby.”

“Lullaby?”

“Yes, one that was sung to my mother when she was a child.”

Héctor seemed to think in silence for a moment.

“Hmm... is something wrong?” he finally asked.

“No, nothing important. Keep working.”

“Do you want me to go with you tonight?”

“No. I know I’ve hidden a lot of things, but this time I want to do it without my friends finding out. Please.”

Héctor let out a light laugh.

“Friends? Did you say friends?”

“Yeah, is there a problem?”

“When was the last time I heard you say that so sincerely? Alright, I won’t do anything, but I want you to tell us everything later.”

“I promise.”

“I’ll see you, Catriel.”

Candado hung up the phone and turned to Hammya and Tínbari, who were watching him expectantly.

“What’s going on?” Hammya asked.

“I don’t know. You tell me.”

“What?”

“Oh, sorry. I was thinking about other things.”

“What are you going to do, Candado?”

“I’m going to see Nelson.”