> —We are in a room...
>
> —They are in a room...
>
> —They would be in a room...
>
> —Is there any difference in that sentence? Not for both of us. Not for me. Not for this story. The story that must be told. The story we want to be told. The story I long to know.
>
> —Reader, could you find the story for me? I know 'The Story' is hidden within some paragraph of my tale..
Capitulo uno: La escuela
— I'm sorry, teacher, I'm running late!
A young man with blue eyes, red hair, and freckles rushed in through a door. From his appearance, it seemed like he had just finished running a marathon; his breath was rapid, and he couldn't stop sweating, staining his clothes. Speaking of his clothes, the young man was wearing a completely white robe that covered his entire body, except for some black shoes that stood out due to their dirtiness.
—No problem, young man...— the teacher replied with an ironic smile —Since you arrived late today, I'll arrive late tomorrow, and we'll be even...
The teacher was quite tall and skinny, with black hair and black eyes, wearing round glasses with thin gold frames. He had an aura of a scholar and the smile of a good friend. The most notable thing about him was his robe, which also covered his entire body, but his was black, contrasting with the young man's white robe.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
—Are you planning to stand there the whole class?— the teacher asked as he noticed the young man hadn't taken a seat.
With some embarrassment, the young man entered the classroom. The room was square and not very large, only fitting a maximum of 15 people. The walls and the floor seemed to be made of wood. Oil lamps provided illumination, reaching every corner of the room. In the middle of the room, there was a large desk where the teacher sat, and forming a square around him were eight smaller desks, but for some reason, all of them were empty.
—Do any of them belong to someone?— the bewildered young man asked, noticing the loneliness of the room.
—Can't see anyone, young man, but if you spot someone: let me know! I'll make a run for it— the teacher replied with irony.
Realizing it was a joke, the young man sat at the desk that seemed to be less scratched by bored students.
—Well, your first task, young man, is to introduce yourself to the others...— the teacher said, taking out a black notebook to jot down the attendees.
—Shouldn't we wait for the other students?— the young man asked, looking around at the empty room.
—There are only two other students in class 20 for special children...— the teacher said with some annoyance —A boy who's sick and a girl who tends to miss class quite often.
—Could you go first, teacher?— the young man asked, blushing —I've never done it before, and I don't know what to do.
As a student would, the teacher stood up from his chair and said slowly:
—My name is Aquiles, I'm 43 years old, and I'm a teacher in the 4th of 5th floor, hexagon 8 of 18. I could say I love discovering mysteries among the shelves, and I have no doubts that I hate senseless books. When I grow up, I want to continue being a teacher. My parents were merchants.
The teacher finished and looked at the young man expectantly. Understanding the teacher's gaze, the young man stood up and said in a childlike voice:
—My name is Adam, I'm 10 years old, and I'm a student in the 4th of 5th floor, hexagon 8 of 18. I could say I love searching for things among books, and I have no doubts that I hate people who say meaningless things. When I grow up, I want to be a floor explorer. My father is a floor explorer.
—Very well, excellent introduction, Adam —Aquiles said with a smile —Do you know why you came to this school?