Rafa walked along a narrow street, passing balconies that hung over the sidewalk. The untamed weeds on the cracked pavement danced in the breeze, and a crooked street sign on the corner read Jermaine and Royal.

The tightly packed houses stood adorned with weathered chairs on their inviting porches, creating a maze-like path to navigate. The air was filled with the joyful sounds of laughter and playful games from the children, while each store serenaded the passersby with its own unique jazz melody.

As Rafa neared his mother's house, he caught a glimpse of her engaged in an animated conversation with the neighbor. His heart raced as he walked up behind her, knowing that he was terribly late.

His mother whirled around, "Bueno tu, te cres rey o que?" She asked, arms crossed in anger. "Que pinches ora's son estas de llegar, Rafael?" She demanded.

"Sorry, mom, for a moment there I guess I did think of myself as the King. Just trying to make you proud by staying consistent is all," he replied, playfully ducking his head as he entered the house, anticipating a firm smack.

"O, si?" She took off her sandal as he sneaked inside.

Catalina turned to her neighbor Sandra. "Deja voy a darle de comer a este cabezon."

"Handale, pues, Yo tambien, ta ni me baño, y ya van hacer las siete," Sandra replied, turning to go home.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

As Catalina walked inside, she could hear the booming music coming from Rafa's room. "Bajale a tu ruidazo Rafael!" she shouted. "Rafael!" She persisted, but the music didn't quiet down.

Catalina then stormed into Rafa's room, demanding that he lower the volume of his obnoxious music. However, when she entered his room, she was taken aback.

Rafa was bringing out the cursed book he had taken from the man in the abandoned apartment building.

Rafa panicked, hastily shoving the book back into his backpack and kicking it under his bed, while quickly reducing the music. Catalina released the doorknob and asked in a demanding tone, "Y eso que?"

"Que de que?" Rafa replied, his nervousness evident.

"Take it out and show me, Rafael," she ordered.

Rafa retrieved the bag and pulled out the book, revealing its sinister appearance. Catalina whispered a prayer under her breath and made protective gestures around her face and body. "Otra ves Rafael?" she asked, disappointed in him. "How many times have I told you to stop searching for that damn demon?"

"But it's not even about you, mom" he responded, his voice tinged with frustration.

Catalina shot back, "You really think it doesn't hurt me to know you're out there, wandering the streets, getting into who knows what? Just to meet that conniving monster that caused me so much pain? Every single thing you do is about me."

Rafa's disappointment consumed him as he hung his head low, the weight of his emotions pulling him down onto the bed. He stretched out, letting out a heavy sigh that echoed with his longing. "All I want is to meet him," he expressed calmly.

"For what? So he can take you from me? Catalina said, plopping down next to him. "Is that what you want?" she persisted. "Accept it, you don't have a father."

"But I know in my heart that's not true," Rafa said. "My old man is out there somewhere, and I keep getting these creepy calls from another dimension. It's like the other side keeps knocking, you know? And how can I ignore a plea for help? Like today, I got this book from a guy who accidentally trapped his dead wife's soul in its pages. Mom, she was begging to be set free. Was I supposed to turn my back on her cries?"

"Yes!" Catalina exclaimed, her voice filled with urgency. "You gotta do what any normal kid would do and book it. Or act like you don't hear 'em at all."

"But I do hear them. And if I don't, then who will?" Rafa responded, his tone filled with determination.

"It's not your job to be a hero, Rafa," she said, sounding worried. "I just want you safe and attending school like you're supposed to."

Catalina got up and headed for the door, calling back, "The principal called again."

Rafa sat up, remembering that he skipped 6th period.

"Did you think I wouldn't find out? Ven a tragar algo. You're grounded."