"I told you Carlota was a musty.
When you finally understand you have to get away from her, it will be too late.
She saw me.
I saw her staring at me.
She saw me.
I warned you.
Your mother. Your grandfather.
You had to stay away from them.
Look at how much damage they have done to you".
Just shut up for a moment, please.
She doesn't usually answer it (to whom?), however, she is so fed up that she could scream if no one was around. But she hears noises coming from the kitchen, there are people at home. Is it daylight yet? Will it be Carlota or Victor?
What are you going to do?
What are you going to do?
You can't go on like this.
You can't let it...
At least get out of bed. You told yourself you would go to the hospital today. You have to see your grandfather sooner or later.
Your mother. You hate her. But she is alone there, it must be hard. You should help, shouldn't you? Your siblings, you haven't spoken to them. They are afraid of you, surely. You have to do something. You have to move.
And Carlota.
Why did she do that last night?
Should you take care of her?
But, she's your friend. She's your friend, right?
"Do you think she's your friend?
How dumb.
She behaves so well with you, and takes care of you as if you were her younger sister... You like that, huh?
Azeneth, you are alone.
And Carlota is not your friend.
Do you think she's offering you her selfless friendship? I can smell something hiding every time you have her around.
So, out of nowhere, she approaches you, who are just the quiet, clumsy, boring and sick girl that no one knows in the town...
Hahhh and she's so energetic and funny, you like her so much. See how you fell in the trap.
Do you really not suspect anything?
Why are we at her house?
Why is she always with you?
You are locked here with her, even though the door is open.
Go on, try to leave and see how she stops you. Come on, give it a try.
Let me try.
Get out of here.
To our true home.
To the blue gate and the old wooden threshold.
To the sweet grenades in the backyard.
To the hot mosaic floor touched by the sun.
Into the arms of those who really love you".
*
In the kitchen, Carlota receives a call while cooking breakfast.
―Hello Victor. Where are you? ―she answers with unusual discouragement and a hoarse voice.
―Are you okay? ―Ahhh, your good uncle knows you.
―Do I sound so bad? Hahaha, I just stayed up a little bit late. A little bit ―she minimizes her hangover, although Victor is usually quite permissive―. You didn't answer me where you are. You always disappear.
―I came to the city, to the hospital.
―Ahhh, did you go to see Don Gustavo?
―Yes.
―Ahhhh... I can imagine what you're going to do... Are you bringing your notable assistants? ―Carlota asks, ironically emphasizing notables.
―Solum and Olegario only.
―Ah, fine.
―I'm letting you know so you're prepared, in case the news of his death reaches Azeneth.
―I hope not. It's not a good time, really. Last night she was very strange. I think it's time to act.
―Ok.
―Well. Let me know what's going on over there, ok?... Bye!
She hangs up and continue cooking. It takes a while until she notices that Azeneth is at the entrance to the kitchen.
―Hey! Look who woke up... Do you want coffee for breakfast?
*
At the hospital, Azeneth's mother, alone in the long, austere corridor downstairs, drinks from a paper cone, standing by the water fountain while staring at the wall.
She's coming to terms with the idea that she might have to spend another week there. She's going to have to contact her ex-husband, because if she doesn't come back to her city soon, she could lose her job.
She shouldn't be taking care of someone who is not even her relative. She still had affection for Gustavo, because he always kept an eye on her and his grandchildren, but this is already too much. Although, she feels indebted to him.
And not to mention Azeneth, who disappeared from Gustavo's house. Fortunately, the neighbors told her where she was. You were warned to her to take care of Dr. Victor Evans, but he is the one who should take care of himself.
―Hi... Are you Azeneth's mother?
She hadn't noticed a man has approached her and continues to talk even when she looks at him confused.
―I imagined you was her mother. You look like her ―he smiles, kindly.
―And who are you, boy?
―Ah, sorry. I'm a friend of Azeneth, I come from the town.
The woman looks at him badly. He's young, but he's clearly in his twenties. Why would Azeneth have friendships with grown men? How much was that girl doing over there?
He continues.
―Azeneth is worried. I hope you understand she lived through something terrible and doesn't want to come to the hospital because she is afraid of Don Gustavo, but she worries. She has sent you something for breakfast ―he hands her a styrofoam container with a pleasant aroma―. Spending the day in a hospital must be hard, especially with an empty stomach.
―Mmj, she knows that well ―she reluctantly takes the food. The truth is she is hungry and does not have money to spare. And he seems like a guy too polite to snub him.
―A friend of mine prepared it. He's a very good at cooking, not to brag ―he smiles heartily―. I'm not very good. Surely you are.
She shrugs, with no intention of answering. But she doesn't want to be rude, so she thanks him:
―Thank you for coming to bring this. I hope you didn't come to the city just for that.
―Oh, no. I had some business to do here. Don't worry. Azeneth only wanted to take advantage of the fact I was coming to send you greetings.
―Send me greetings? ―she doesn't even answer your messages―. And how is she?
―Ahhh, good. Better. Dr. Victor Evans takes good care of her, she will be fine... Want something to drink for your food? I bring you a coffee, a juice or whatever you want.
―No... no need-
―I insist, I invite.
―... Well, thank you.
He accompanies her outside while he talks to her about banal topics.
So, Azeneth sent him, huh?
From time to time, surreptitiously, the boy looks inside, as if waiting for someone else.
*
When Victor Evans asks for help, Solum never says no. Part of him gets excited about every little adventure, and another part laments that the only subject Victor mentions when he calls him is death.
It's not the first time they sneak into a hospital, and that they use Olegario as a distraction.
Now they are both in the stretcher area, where they finally find Gustavo, who lies semi-conscious.
―Hello, Don Gustavo, do you remember me? ―Solum asks, innocently.
―He doesn't listen to you. And don't be loud. People will hear you.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
―Sorry ―he whispers―. So, do you want me to see how it looks?
―Please.
Solum approaches Gustavo and sees his wounds up close.
―Wow, he did this to himself? ―on the way to the hospital, Victor had given him a summary of the story.
―Something like that.
He comes closer, his face very close to the other's face. He spends almost a minute in silence, looking compassionately over the man's body.
He can see clearly what Victor needs to know. He turns to look at him and his expression says it all.
―He's suffering, doctor... a lot... And you were right, he's not going to survive. His soul is almost detached. A breath of wind and it will fly away.
―I understand.
Solum, suddenly, also understands it.
―Ah, then that's why you came. To spare him the agony.
Victor replies, after a pause:
―He would have wanted it that way.
―Oh, right... you are a good friend.
The boy calmly walks away and respectfully waits at the foot of the stretcher, turning out and sideways from time to time to watch for anyone approaching.
It is Victor who approaches Gustavo now. He gently puts his hand on the man's chest, which rises and falls irregularly.
Although he has told Solum that he cannot hear them, he suddenly says:
―I'll do it quickly, Gustavo. Goodbye.
*
By the time Olegario catches up with them, Solum and Victor are already inside the car. The front seat has been left free and as soon as he enters, Victor starts the engine.
―Did she like my food? ―Solum asks.
―Aha ―Olegario no longer has the friendly expression he had a while ago. He seems annoyed.
―How did you entertain her for so long?
―I made up something about Azeneth. She was a bit mean at first, but then she relaxed.
―Haaa, you always manage to get people to like you. Why aren't you like that at home?
―Because I don't want to.
Solum gives one last look at the white building, which is lost as soon as Victor turns the corner.
―Did you ever work in a hospital, doctor? ―the question occurs to him.
―Something like that.
―Doesn't seem funny... Will Carlota work on one?
―She'll work in the doctor Victor's office, you fool ―Olegario replies.
―Ahhh, yes, right?... When she finishes university?
―Aha.
―Ah, it's good that she's going back to the town, I like her very much.
There is a calm silence for a few minutes, until Olegario says to Victor:
―Speaking of Carlota... Aza said she has already heard about the coyote.
―When?
―Last night.
Victor doesn't answer, so Olegario continues.
―Aza and Carlota's relationship must be a headache for you. But now it doesn't matter... We will also face you, doctor. As soon as it's a fact that we are leaving, I will confirm it to you. I guess you will run out of people to help you.
―Don't stop because of me. Don't worry.
After a long pause, Olegario again breaks the silence.
―I forgot to ask what happened to Don Gustavo.
―He's coming here with us ―Solum says―. Can you see it?
Olegario looks back and looks at the boy suspiciously.
―Aha. I can only see them when they are close to you. How fucking scary you are.
Solum laughs. Tiny trails of light surround him, moving like snakes in the air.
―A bunch of them are following me. This always happens when I visit a hospital.
*
Years before, to the southwest, deep in the forest, hours from the nearest town, a large wall stood between the trees. It was a building that, rather than looking ostentatious like some ranches that adorned the foothills of the Mountain, remained discreet behind high concrete walls. At the top of the wall, from a couple of hidden huts, armed men kept watching day and night.
Didier worked there, in one of the huts. He had seen and done many things, but the night before, he had witnessed something that had him very uneasy. Scared, actually.
He had been looking for his superior all day to talk about it, until he found him.
―Hey, hey, boss... Boss!
―Hey, my Didier! How are you doing? ―his boss greeted him enthusiastically as soon as he saw him―. Come here. You were great last night, guys. Not a single thug was allowed to get in. And it's not easy at all, huh? They always arrive at night, always.
―Boss, it's just that... the truth... I didn't do anything.
He received a laugh in response.
―And why are you telling me that?
―Well... it's just... it's just the other two did it. The new ones. Those who were sent to watch with me last night.
―René and Salvador?
―Aha. It would be very easy for me to say that it was me too, but I don't want to ve related to anything about what happened. You don't know, fuck. Look, I get goosebumps just thinking about it.
―Why are you scared, Didier? It seems that the new one is you. That's how it is.
―It's not that! I have seen lots of dead people. What is scary is how it happened. Those guys are from the devil... But you already knew! That's why you told me to take care of myself. And you left me alone up there all night with them.
―Well, maybe I know something. What happened?
―I don't even know how to explain it... In the first place, I don't know how René managed to see them, the thugs, because they were very far away and well hidden when he told us people were coming, I couldn't even see them with the binoculars. Second... just... fuck, you would have seen... ―he was genuinely scared, but he knew his boss didn't consider him the bravest of his men. If he had survived those years, it was because he was ingenious and not because he was brave.
―Tell me!
―He's a guy with powers. I thought no one did those things anymore... I tell you he's from the devil... NOT A FINGER moved, and one by one he grabbed them, but up there from where we were watching, and the others were below, as if he could move them with his mind, as if he had two imaginary and very long arms. With a movement of his hand, he lifted them up and with a movement of his other hand he took away their weapons... thus, in the air he lifted them until they were at our height. And there was already waiting the other, Salvador, who shot them in the forehead. Not a drop of blood fell on us and they fucked them all... I've come to have you change my place; I don't want to be there with them anymore.
His boss paused, as if considering his request.
―Look, I already knew something about this. Why do you think the Patron accepted them just like that? I don't ask. I don't know anything. God will know what things we did in this world and may he judge us. But that René has something, and he is taking advantage of it. You take advantage of him. Right now, they were put there to watch up with you because Salvador is a very good shooter, but those two are going to go up quickly. Stick to them and go up too. They're not going to stay here, they're just starting, maybe they even take you out of this ranch forgotten by the world. Or what? Do you want to spend your nights climbing that wall for the rest of your life, until you get killed? Think about it, motherfucker.
Didier looked at him. He wasn't very convinced, but he didn't seem to have anything to counter-argue.
Seeing that he didn't answer, the boss continued.
―I saw them yesterday when they arrived and I said: These kids are not going to last at all. And I even made fun of the fact that they looked very ridiculous with those clothes they were wearing. But Roni, who was there with me, told me to be careful, especially about that skinny with curly hair one, René, and he told me a few more things and that's why I warned you too... But you know. You know what you're doing.
*
Azael, as they had agreed, arrives a few minutes before five o'clock at Carlota's house and knocks on the door.
He's a little nervous. They hadn't spoken for a few days, and besides, the conversation of the night before was quite unpleasant. He feels uncomfortable and Carlota will probably be in a bad mood.
He hears footsteps approaching the door as he thinks they will find a way to fix things.
Then the door opens and Azael sees her.
―What... What happened to your head?!
―Nothing serious, Aza.
―C'mon, look at you. ¡But... what... show me... Are you kidding me...
Carlota had tried to hide it under a hat, but Azael takes it off without asking.
―Don't touch me, it hurts me more.
―Who did this to you?!
She doesn't respond.
―Aren't you going to tell me?! Do you feel good? Does it hurt?... Hey, Carlota.
―Stoop, go walk, I'll tell you on the way, let's go to your home.
She pulls him by the arm and directs him towards the street.
Azael walks beside her very confused. Furious, too, but he doesn't know who to be angry with.
He waits a while for Carlota to dare to talk, but as she is still silent, he encourages her to tell him.
―So?
―... It was Azeneth.
―Azeneth?!
―Yes! That's how she thanks me... Me... me wanting to help and... but it's not going to stay that way, Victor is already taking charge ―now it's Carlota who is furious.
―But how did it happen?
―Hahhh... Well, it all happened in the morning. I was in the kitchen on a call with Victor. And well, that's another story, maybe you know, that Victor went with your brother and Solum to the city to see Don Gustavo.
―Aha.
―Well, the Don is already dead. He left us. Which is Azeneth's fault too, by the way. But well, I was talking to him about it and then we hung up and I continued cooking, suddenly this crazy girl was at the entrance of the kitchen looking at me. Since last night she was already very strange, but I think that was my fault because I provoked her a little with a few things. But I said: well, everything is fine... but something was definitely wrong with her because she was... well, very strange, and I wanted to talk to her, but she didn't listen to me, that is, nothing that surprises me given her condition, but I didn't think it would happen so soon. And then I saw she was carrying her backpack and she turned around and she was already leaving and I was like: No, Azeneth, you can't go!... Aza, if I let her go it could make the situation very bad, so I thought I have to stop her at all costs... So, I went up to her and she yelled: Leave me alone!
Carlota pauses, searching for the right words.
―And then?
―... Honestly... I don't remember very well what happened next. I think she tried to do to me the same thing she did to Don Gustavo that night... I really don't remember much, I just remember I was very scared...
She stops her narration again. Azael, worried, gives her space until she decides to continue.
―For as long as I can remember, I've seen things. I touch them, sometimes I smell them, I hear them. I've never been afraid. But today I had so much fear that I wanted to rip my head off, and I remember seeing myself banging against the wall, I mean, My head, Myself, I did this to myself, you see? But she made me do it... It had never happened to me that I fell into something like this, I can always defend myself... I should have foreseen that this was going to happen... I woke up a while ago because Victor found me. Obviously, Azeneth was gone, but he went to look for her... he must have found her by now. Bad for her, because with Victor she won't be able to do something ―she concludes, taking Azael's arm.
―What kind of person is Azeneth? I know you had her living in your house because something was wrong with her, but I didn't think she was capable of such things.
―Well, actually... It's not really her who did it. I don't know why I'm blaming her haha. There's something inside her. I was supposed to find out what it was and then Victor was going to take it out, but it's a little late for that, because now that thing is who rules now, I mean?... But it isn't as serious as it seems, I think.
―I'm sure Dr. Victor will take care of it.
―Aha.
Carlota is discouraged, so Azael tries to lighten the situation a little.
―What a good birthday you had, huh? I was so happy because you are now legal and I am no longer a criminal.
It makes her laugh.
―Oh, you're only two years older than me, you're not a criminal.
―The doctor doesn't think the same haha.
―... And in part all this is your fault, yesterday when we had that conversation you made me angry and that's why I took it out on her, and I think that triggered everything because from that moment on her attitude changed.
―Wait wait... I already apologized. And then it's your fault, if you had deigned to listen to me before... And you broke our deal not to use your powers with me, if you hadn't touched my cell phone you wouldn't have seen the calls and-
―Don't start with that.
―You don't start.
It's not a serious discussion but, even so, Azael prefers to change the subject.
―Hey, do you want an ice cream? Do you want to do something? Take advantage of the fact that today is the last day that I will pamper you like a child because now you are an adult ―he jokes.
―... I do want one.
―Well, let's go.
―And you know that today will not be the last day.
―How do you know, huh?
―Because you love me and you always do what I say ―she jokes too. Ha, she's better.
―Ha! You got me.
―Well, you don't always do it... You're going to cross the border.
Not again, please.
―Hey, we said we weren't going to touch the topic until-
―I did everything wrong, Aza.
―What? What are you talking about? ―he looks at her, not understanding.
―... The day I met Azeneth... Don Gustavo came to visit the house with her, and introduced her to us, I think he intended for her to get along with me haha. She was all shy and had... she has that, that kind of gloomy aura haha, and that bad temper, but she was so innocent... When we shook hands, I realized there was someone else in there. Victor noticed it too. You know he didn't need to touch her hand to notice. But he can't see everything I see, he doesn't have those... eyes in her hands like me, and as I've spent time with her, I've seen that thing more clearly. And I don't know, I wanted to play the important one, I wanted to show Victor that I could do that. I think I wanted to use Azeneth to prove something... You were right when you said that I only live seeking Victor's approval. And he said: Okay, take charge. And I did it wrong. If I had separated Azeneth from Don Gustavo in time, he wouldn't be dead right now, and if I hadn't rushed to make that thing inside her uncomfortable, I wouldn't have done this to myself, nor would she have escaped... And now Victor is going to fix everything because it's already out of control and Azeneth is dangerous even for us.
Then she becomes silent and they walk in silence for a while. Azael doesn't know what to say, or if he has to say anything. But he sees her so worried that he could say anything stupid as long as she feels better. He wraps his arm around her shoulders.
―Hey, you didn't do everything wrong. You brought her to your house. If you had left her at Don Gustavo's house, her mother would probably already be dead too, or she herself... And what I said about you and the doctor, it wasn't serious, I said it because I was angry, don't listen to me, it's not true.
―Of course it's true! I hate to say it's true, but it is! I wish Victor believed I could be as capable as he was. Maybe he is right not to do it. Maybe I never will be.
Ah, for that you do have an answer.
―Do you remember when we met? I was beaten hard, and I had... how many? Three? Three broken ribs haha. And you took care of me, you did almost everything alone because the doctor was busy with Solum. And I thought: But it's almost a girl! How many girls can do that? Not even Olegario could... You're learning and that's it, and now you'll go into university and learn more things, and the doctor will continue to teach you what he knows, and God knows how much respect I have for your uncle, but you don't need his approval. Is it really what you want? Go to study medicine and then follow in his footsteps, huh?
―... Aza, that's what I want the most. It's my reason for being here, for existing. And not just because i want to follow in Victor's footsteps, actually. Also because, what I have, must serve a purpose, right? I must serve a purpose. These hands have to be used for something. But first I have to do it well ―she leans her head on Azael's shoulder―. Haaa, where is Azeneth?
Haaa, where is Azeneth? [https://img.wattpad.com/1e6b2615103d7808ce38c5e7a8dd5a754f3b625c/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f5950626646714958413361345f773d3d2d313530313033333837382e313830656364613365346331666361623536343232353037383336362e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]