A winged, disturbing, human figure.

  There is something else: it’s wounded. Its body exhibits not only cuts, but also marks and scars.

  Azeneth stares at it with her mouth open.

  You'll have to get used to seeing these things, right?

  She gets up to take a few steps back. However, nausea returns and a horrible sensation inside her makes her fall to the ground.

  ―Azeneth! Are you ok? ―Carlota has reached her and tries to help her up.

  ―No-nothing happened to me...

  Azael runs past them and together with his brother surround the figure, looking at it defiantly.

  Solum is behind Olegario, not moving. A few moments ago his face was contorted with anger, now he seems rather confused.

  To everyone's surprise, the figure speaks:

  ―It had to be humans who stole this place from me.

  ―Hey, Azeneth, Azeneth, look at me ―Carlota speaks to her, but she can't focus on what she's saying―. I have to get you out of here. Come on ―she pulls her arm gently and only then does she get up.

  A suffocating substance rises from her stomach and leaves her body.

  She expected it to be vomit, but it's something different.

  An idea.

  She looks Carlota in the eye and says:

  ―This place is no longer safe.

  The other looks at her frightened. She pulls back a little. Then she reconsiders and squeezes the hand holding Azeneth's arm, making her walk.

  ―Come on, you have to go back to the house.

  She lets herself be led back to the study, which they cross in a hurry and when they have reached the stairs at the foot of the basement Carlota begins to shout:

  ―Victor! Victoooor!

  They find him in the guest room where the wounded man is, already at the door, waiting for them.

  ―Victor! There's something down there, it tried to attack Solum!

  ―Stay here with Azeneth ―he replies and starts walking towards the basement, wasting no time.

  ―… Well ―Carlota replies, although he is already gone.

  She brings Azeneth into the guest room, and only when the two are inside and she has closed the door does she let go of her arm.

  Azeneth leans against the wall and begins to regain her bearings.

  Carlota is standing, with her hands on her waist. She looks disappointed. Surely she wanted to go down with the others.

  ―I'm fine. You don't have to stay here with me.

  Carlota turns to her, scrutinizing her with her eyes.

  ―Who are you?

  ―What?

  ―Who are you?

  ―It's me. I swear.

  ―Why did you say that?

  ―What?

  ―”That place is not safe”.

  ―I don't know. AI just... it just occurred to me. I was scared, I think. I said it without thinking.

  ―It wasn't you when you said it.

  ―I don't know what you're talking about. I was there.

  She doesn't seem to believe her. After a pause, she simply says:

  ―Be careful, you have to pay attention to what you think.

  ―… Ok.

  Could it have been the woman who said it? No, it was you, you're sure it was you.

  Carlota sighs, stops paying attention to her and begins to walk around the room to make time.

  Azeneth, on the other hand, slides down to sit on the floor.

  But that feeling...

  The room, which she occupied until a few days ago, is small and does not have much furniture. The bed is occupied by this unknown man.

  She tries to think about something else, about what happened there at the door.

  ―Carlota…

  ―Aha?

  ―I wondered if... well... what kind of relationship there is between your friends and Dr. Victor.

  ―My friends?

  ―Olegario and Solum, and Azael too...

  Carlota shrugs.

  ―Well, they’re something like his assistants. They do small jobs for him and he gives them money and protection and that's it.

  ―Oh.

  ―… If everything goes well with you, you might also end up doing one thing or two for him. You already have his protection, that's for sure.

  ―Ah, that would be... interesting...

  ―That's how I met them. They arrived with Victor one day, just like you, and that's it —she even dares to smile tenderly at the memory—. Solum was so tiny haha, like that ―she makes a sign with her hand measuring his height.

  As she spoke, Carlota had sat on the edge of the bed looking at the man. Azeneth has kept quiet, because she wants to hear more, but the other has decided to change the subject.

  ―Can you believe there's nothing on the internet about this guy? It seems that he came out of nowhere.

  ―I thought you... it's just... that you could... with your hands...

  ―I could, but I don't have his permission.

  ―But, when you saw in my keychain... You didn't ask my permission.

  ―I didn't have your permission, but I had Victor's. If I'm in danger, like that day with Susana, or if I have to save someone, like you, I can use my hands because Victor allows me to. Although with you, maybe I didn't do it correctly. I was a little drunk, I'm sorry... The point is that I can't use it with anyone I run into and for no reason, because I have to respect people's privacy and blah blah blah... but I'm sure Victor will end up asking me to see this guy sooner or later...

  ? ? ?

  At the door, the creature moves from side to side, not taking their eyes off Solum.

  ―Get out of here and don't cause problems ―Olegario tells them.

  ―Don't give me orders! Get away from me, get away from here... And you ―they say to Solum―, I'm going to tear you to pieces for being a damned thief.

  Solum looks at them. He is no longer angry. Maybe because he no longer feels in danger after looking at them carefully, their threadbare clothes, their damaged skin and that huge stain of blood on their torso that drips non-stop.

  ―What are you talking about? We don't even know you ―Olegario replies.

  And when you see their feet...

  ―Don't get involved! ―the creature roar and jump on him.

  Olegario and Azael are good fighters. Especially the first one. Solum has even seen him win against men bigger than him. But if that creature were not in that pitiful state, the brothers would have been able to do little with their human physical limitations.

  Before Olegario can defend himself, one of Victor's wings ―which by the way, Solum can see― crushes the creature and makes them fall, raising a new cloud of dust.

  Following the angular shape of the wing, they meet Victor emerging from the basement.

  The creature laugh, with a bitterness that makes a hole in Solum's chest.

  ―Ah! and you have a blessed ally. How smart... Look at these wings, a precious gift that always falls into the trash of your species.

  Azael takes advantage of Victor's arrival, runs to Solum and pulls him by the shoulder.

  ―Go back to the basement, Solum. This monster won't lay a hand on you.

  ―Wait, Aza...

  The creature manage to free themself from that hand that oppresses them, are able to take a step and this time are Victor's two wings that pounce on them.

  Solum finally comes to a conclusion.

  ―Wait! ―he shouts to the doctor, who has been advancing little by little towards them.

  He approaches the creature, which is now fully immobilized.

  ―Hey, Solum, be careful ―warns Olegario.

  ―Wow... You are.. You're just like me... right? ―he asks, and only receives a roar in response―. And they caught you like me ―he continues― Look!

  He points to his own ankles, where scars from ties mark his skin.

  The creature still wear a shackle and some links from a broken chain around their right ankle, their flesh bruised by steel.

  They calm down a little, but as soon as Solum tries to get a little closer, they squirm, trying to break free, blowing a handful of flying feathers.

  Victor, also understanding, asks:

  ―Is this your door?

  ―We didn't steal it from you, I promise. We only found it– the doctor found it ―Solum continues―. I don't know who caught you but we had nothing to do with it.

  Azael and Olegario, behind them, also calm down and look at each other, without letting their guard down.

  Solum continues to speak:

  ―But we've taken good care of it! Right, doctor? I open it from time to time, and Dr. Victor guards this place.

  ―You, opening it! If I hadn't seen you do it just now, I wouldn't believe you. You're not like me, you're just a mimic of who I am. Where's your door? huh?

  ―It's forming... still... and I... I'm still... growing… ―Solum replies, but he's not quite sure what he's saying.

  ―Explain to us, what do you mean that he’s not like you? ―Victor asks.

  ―You take your hands off me! ―the creature roll once more, in vain. The only thing they achieve with the effort is to vomit a stream of blood.

  ―You're hurt! ―Solum says, and turns to Victor― Doctor! Please help them!

  ―Don't touch me anymore... Let me g... ―they stop, stay still for a moment and after letting out a snort they turn to Solum― I won't hurt you, I promise. But let these three go. I want to talk to you.

  ―Please let me talk to them ―he looks at Victor, almost begging.

  The doctor thinks about it for a moment, and ignoring Azael's signal not to do it, he let them go.

  Everyone stands still for a few seconds, waiting for the creature to do something, but they just stand still on the ground, staring at them all waiting for them to keep their word.

  Victor says:

  ―Olegario, Azael, go back to the basement. I'll stay at the exit, watching them from there. If you try to get close to Solum, I'll kill you.

  The brothers reluctantly obey and Victor walks away slowly, walking backwards so as not to lose sight of them, to the exit of the basement. From there he can’t hear them, but see them.

  If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

  When they have been left alone, Solum asks:

  ―Why do you say I'm a mimic of you?... Well, what’s a mimic?

  ―Look at you, you're almost human, and the more time you spend with them, the more you'll resemble them.

  ―If I want I can be a coyote, do you want to see?

  ―Bah, a human and a coyote. Animals. You should be something other than an animal. You are a guide, a psychopomp, and also a guardian. Xolo and Cerberus. And above all things, you are a Key. Or you should be. But you've been broken down. Who was it? Was it he? ―they ask, nodding towards the basement.

  ―No, no! It was another man...

  ―What did he do to you when he caught you?

  ―I don't want to talk about that.

  ―Well, it ruined you. You say your door is forming, but it will never finish doing so, not with someone flawed like you.

  Solum has hated his door since he discovered it and has avoided thinking about it as much as possible. When Victor told them they no longer had to worry about the men dumping people there, Azael and Olegario encouraged him to come back to investigate further. He refused.

  And yet, the fact that the Key to this lagoon have told him that, has dismayed him so much that he says nothing more.

  You should be relieved, right?

  ―Look at that ―they point to the mark on his chest―. You've been sealed...

  ―Oh. This was done by the doctor... for my sake.

  ―And it's proof that you're broken. You need a seal to work.

  ―I'm learning... Someday… I won't need it anymore.

  ―Ha. "Someday"... Good luck with that... Nature will soon discard you, before you can do anything.

  ―Will it discard me?

  ―Maybe it brought you here so that I can get rid of you, but I don't have the strength anymore.

  ―… And you.. What did they do to you when you were caught?

  He receives no response.

  ―Did it hurt? A lot? You're safe now.

  Instead of answering, the creature say:

  ―It was a long captivity.

  Solum can imagine. When the doctor discovered the door, years ago, it was already abandoned.

  ―Why did they catch you?

  ―For the same reason as you, probably.

  ―Why?

  ―Don't you know?

  ―No.

  ―Small creature. I told you we’re Keys. Not just any key, there are many things we can open... Don't let them capture you again, and stay as far away from humans as you can.

  ―I'll never, ever ever let myself get caught again, but not all humans are dangerous. They, my friends, saved me.

  The Key of the lagoon try to speak when blood again gushes from their mouth.

  Please let me help you.

  ―Do what you want then ―they say at last―, but be prepared, because very strange things are going to happen soon. That's what I want to tell you: get ready, and guard your door. Take care of it.

  ―What are you talking about?

  ―Those who caught me, achieved their goal. They succeeded... and I was able to escape, but to no avail, because I couldn't stop them from using me and now everyone will see the consequences. Besides, I'm going to die soon. I just wanted to get here, I want to die here.

  ―No, don't say that! The doctor is very good! He will heal you! You know who he is, right? You know he can heal you.

  He beckons the doctor to come closer as he himself walks towards the creature, which no longer tries to resist his approach.

  ―It's too late, you know it because you can see it.

  Solum can see it. He knows they will die soon because their soul is already detached from their body and only pure will holds them together.

  ―But-

  ―Not one of those blessed human spawns is going to save me.

  ―The doctor can! Doctor! ―in denial, he calls Victor again, who is already approaching and quickens his pace when he sees the urgency on Solum's face.

  ―Don't let him come near me... Just let me die in peace where I belong.

  They walk towards the lagoon.

  The boy doesn’t dare to touch them to stop.

  When they attacked him a few moments ago, they had seemed like a monstrous entity, now they seem so small and fragile that his heart breaks.

  Victor reaches out to them, but stays quiet.

  ―Doctor, he's dying.

  ―Just leave me alone... You ―they point to Victor with a trembling finger― who have been blessed with wings that only corrupt the recipient, and you ―he turns to Solum― incomplete creature… ―they are silent, Solum fears that they are going to fade away, but only pause to change their mind― I thank you... for taking care of this place.

  ―Wait, please-

  ―Solum ―the doctor silences him.

  ―This door will die with me... It will disintegrate along with my body. Water will become sacred water and... it will remain here as a memory, until the desert mutates and the lagoon disappears. Save this water. And take care of your door... Even if it doesn't serve its purpose, humans will find a way to take advantage of it...

  They move slowly, making their way through the calm water, sinking deeper and deeper.

  Solum walks a few steps towards the lagoon. He doesn't try to get close to them, he just walks, not understanding why.

  Victor, on the other hand, moves away a little.

  When they see him approaching, the creature stop, to look at him, the water reaching their knees.

  ―It's the first time I've met someone like me ―Solum says.

  The Key turns toward the center of the pool, and then turns their gaze with it.

  ―I lied to you. You're not an imitation of anyone. I've lived... for centuries, long enough to understand that there is no one like me... nor anyone else but me, because we’re all creatures of this earth... So I don't understand why I feel less lonely because you're here.

  ―Me too... I feel less alone now.

  Solum sits on the edge of the lagoon, hugging his knees.

  The Key turn over and advance until they sink. Only a faint trail can be seen on the surface, then a bubbling of bubbles, and at the end nothing but the reflected sky.

  ? ? ?

  Years before, Olegario was looking out the window of the room Victor Evans had lent them. He was bored. They had only been there for a few days, but it felt like months had passed. He soon became accustomed to the routine of that house, into which the Evans had moved some months ago. What he didn't get used to was doing nothing. They spent most of the day hiding in that room and soon got fed up with the television, the only thing that broke their monotony were the novelties that came with taking care of a coyote-boy who had to learn to go to the bathroom like a decent person.

  ―Hello! ―a little head of violet hair peeked into the room, without knocking on the door.

  Oh, and her.

  Carlota Evans was a headache. Victor had forbidden them to disturb her, but he let her be intrusive. Worse, the doctor had put Azael in her care.

  ―Shhh... Aza is asleep ―he said reluctantly.

  ―Oh, sorry ―she replied whispering, but she still entered the room.

  The coyote got up from the corner where he was resting and approached Carlota wagging his tail. She greeted him with the same joy. She treated it like a new toy. Then she approached Azael, who was sleeping on the bed in the room.

  ―How’s he? Sorry that I’m late today but I was punished for responding to a teacher... How hateful the teachers are here... ―the girl carelessly left her backpack on the floor and also a plastic bag with things inside.

  ―Don't wake him up...

  ―But I have to check him... Well, I'll when he wakes up- Oh, no, no! ―the coyote was sniffing her things―. It's for food, coyote! Look! ―forgetting to lower her voice, she pointed to Olegario for the bag―. I'm going to make enchiladas! Since you are passing through, you have to eat the food of this country! And I don't want to be presumptuous but I cook very well... And you ―she returned with the coyote―, you have to learn how to behave at the table... You're going to like what I'm going to prepare! Do you know how I do it? First you put the chiles...

  Olegario took advantage of the fact that Carlota was talking to the coyote to sneak out.

  It was hard for him to accept it, but not only did he want to avoid the doctor's niece, he also wanted to avoid his brother. He was no longer upset with him, he just felt uncomfortable. He couldn't even look him in the eye. And that animal, he just wanted to get rid of him soon.

  He tried to sit in the living room for a while, then wandered around the kitchen. From there he was looking out the window at the garden strewn with herbs and fragrant plants, when a noise from the basement caught his attention.

  It seemed like they were building something there.

  He peeked carefully.

  Downstairs he found the doctor opening a hole in the wall. In reality he was arranging bricks while a pair of sledgehammers lifted by invisible hands hit the wall. By that time, Olegario already knew that the doctor could do that kind of things, although he couldn't avoid to be surprised.

  Victor, who noticed her presence, stopped.

  ―Ah, sorry... I just... heard noise and thought I might help somewhat.

  ―Thank you, you don't have to. You're still hurt, keep resting.

  ―I'm fine now, and I'm really getting a little unhinged locked in the room.

  The doctor thought for a moment. He looked sideways and finally said:

  ―There's a shovel there. You can help me gather the rubble.

  ―Yes!

  From that day on, he helped the doctor in the afternoons, when he finished seeing patients. When they weren't working in the basement, they were busy with the rest of the house, which the Evans were still refurbishing.

  Victor Evans was an apathetic, serious man, who didn’t ask many questions and his words were short and concise. The best company at that time for him.

  Matching the doctor's silence with his own silence, he didn’t ask him why he, who did not look like a man who got his hands dirty, was building alone in the basement, much less understood what he intended by making a hole in the wall.

  One afternoon when they were transplanting some plants in the backyard, the doctor asked him a strange question.

  ―Do you know how to drive?

  ―Huh? Well, yes.

  ―I need someone to drive for me tonight.

  ―Ah... where do you want to go?

  It seemed that the doctor had forgotten that he couldn’t leave the house. And of course, he didn't have a license or papers.

  ―I can't tell you. You'll take me somewhere and wait for me in the car, with the engine running. It will be late at night, so no one will see us. I'll pay you well for it. If something happens, you must go back by yourself and tell Carlota. She'll know what to do.

  Olegario looked at him confused.

  ―… At least... Could you tell me what you're going to do at that place?

  ―There are people... doing things they shouldn't. I’ve been asked to manage the situation.

  Why did you accept?

  He wondered over and over again as he drove down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere during the late hours of the night, following the directions of Victor, who was traveling with him.

  Out of gratitude? Curiosity? Money?

  Lights appeared on the horizon.

  Dammit.

  When they got close enough, Olegario saw a couple of houses.

  ―That's it. Stop here.

  ―There’s still a stretch to go.

  ―It's not safe for you to get any closer. Wait for me here ―he said and left the car―. Attentive.

  ―Aha.

  The doctor walked towards the houses and was soon lost in the darkness.

  Olegario waited for a long time. One, two hours.

  He shifted in his seat. He was beginning to get tired of sitting, but he shouldn’t move from his place as a driver. He leaned back as best he could and leaned his head back on the seat, looking out the window, at the horizon of black silhouettes of distant mountains.

  He began to get impatient, but stuck to the plan. The doctor had told him that if he didn't come back, he should do nothing but drive back by himself, not to wait for him.

  And he didn't even need to say it. Who knows what shady things that man is up to.

  A peculiar smell made him turn towards the houses. The intensity of the lights had increased. It smelled of smoke.

  He got quite scared when, without seeing it coming, the doctor opened the car door suddenly.

  Fulfilling his duty, he started the car quickly.

  The lights had turned to flames.

  He sped away from the place.

  He didn’t stop stepping on the accelerator until they joined the road and other lights appeared, those of the towns in the region.

  As he approached the town he slowed down and by the time they reached the Evans' house, the car was moving so calmly that it went straight into the garage.

  They both stood there for a moment. They had not uttered a word all the way.

  ―What happened there?

  ―Do you want to know?

  ―… Yes.

  ―I killed them all and burned the houses. They deserved it.

  Olegario froze. He hadn't been able to sleep for days because he had killed a man even though he thought he deserved it too, and the doctor was there confessing that he had killed several —he didn't want to ask how many— people with all the calmness in the world.

  Maybe...

  Maybe that's why he has made you accompany him.

  ―I'll have more work for you, if you're interested ―the doctor said as he got out of the car.

  Olegario didn't answer, he also left the car and entered the house.

  Do you regret killing that man?

  God, yes.

  In the room, Azael was awake.

  ―Hello! Where were you?

  ―Helping the doctor with some things.

  He changed his clothes, dropped down on his side of the bed and got into the blankets. He accidentally kicked something.

  It was the boy, who slept curled up at the foot of the mattress.

  ―Shit, what is he doing here?

  ―He got in there. It's cold, there's no way I'll get him out of bed.

  Olegario rolled his eyes and just pushed him a little to make space. The boy, half asleep, walked until he was in the middle of the two.

  ―And why are you awake, huh? ―he asked Azael.

  ―I don't get comfortable. It doesn't hurt anymore, but I don't settle in.

  ―Let's see...

  He rearranged the pillows.

  ―And are you cold or what? There is another blanket there.

  ―A little, yes.

  Olegario snorted but got up to keep him warm.

  He lifted the child up a little, so that the blankets didn't cover his face.

  Azael soon fell asleep and he stayed awake for a couple more hours, as usual.

  Through it all, he was grateful to be able to sleep in a comfortable bed and a warm room.

  His gaze swept across the ceiling and the few pieces of furniture in the room that were barely drawn in the dark, then he turned to see the silhouette of his brother, still a little childish.

  You'd kill for him again, no doubt.

  ? ? ?

  ―But... what did you mean that strange things are going to happen? ―Azael asks Solum.

  It's late at night and they're all in Victor's studio.

  ―I don't know, Aza. It was related to them, with something they did to them when they was trapped, but they didn't say more ―Solum is sitting at the central table, his head down.

  ―You should have asked it ―says Olegario, who is in front of him at the table, his arms crossed.

  ―I'm sorry... I had a lot of questions in my head but... Everything was very confusing.

  ―Well, don't scold him! It must have been shocking to meet someone like him ―Carlota interrupts the conversation to defend him, while she approaches him and hugs him from behind with a maternal attitude―. And to see them die, that must have been worse. Poor Solum.

  ―I'm not scolding him, I'm just saying that-

  ―Maybe they’re still alive ―Azael says, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

  ―We could go out and look for them! ―Carlota suggests.

  ―They’re dead ―Solum says.

  And no one questions it. If he says it, it’s true.

  Victor, who had remained silent, speaks at last:

  ―They’re dead and they wanted that to be their grave. That's all.

  ―Don't you know what you meant by strange things happening? ―Azael asks.

  ―My knowledge of doors is very limited.

  Carlota, resting her chin on Solum's head, asks:

  ―By 'strange' do they mean something bad? Or a good thing? Or just something strange strange?

  ―While I find out, the visits to the pool are over.

  An exclamation of disappointment is heard on everyone's lips. Victor continues:

  ―We'll only go open it once in a while while it's fading. I'll go with Solum.

  Carlota, suddenly, changes her attitude.

  ―I also think we should no longer go there with such confidence.

  Azael notices that Carlota looks at Azeneth when she says that, and it seems strange to him. You'll ask her later.

  ―Ok ―Olegario concludes, standing up―. Let's go now.

  The pertinent farewells are given and the three boys leave the house.

  They walk back through the town, which lies calm and dark.

  In the distance, a dog barks in despair.

  Azael, who doesn't like silence, says:

  ―What a scare they gave us, huh? They seemed aggressive at first.

  ―Did they seem? ―Olegario tells him―. It lunged at Solum with the intention of killing him.

  ―They weren't aggressive. They were just afraid ―Solum says, and asks after letting out a sigh ―Should I be afraid?

  ―You must take care. Of humans, of spirits, of anything. You have to learn to differentiate who wants to hurt you and who doesn't ―Olegario replies.

  ―For example, you can trust us, obviously ―Azael tells him.

  ―Hey...

  ―What?

  ―Sorry

  ―Why sorry?

  ―Because you stayed here because of me... but if you hadn’t gone to that house that day, perhaps I would have suffered the same fate.

  There is a short silence. Azael looks at his brother, who turns his face, because he doesn't like those conversations, so he ends up talking.

  ―We talked about that, Solum. That's not true. We could have left long ago if we had wanted to.

  ―And why did you stay?

  ―… I don't know.

  Solum kept looking down. Azael thought it was because he was sad, until he realizes he is looking at the scars on his ankles, already hidden by the socks.

  Olegario finally speaks.

  ―Whatever it was, it seems that we stumbled upon a valuable key that day.

  ―A faulty key ―Solum replies.

  ―Don't say that ―Azael nudges him―. We’ll see if it is true. I see you do your job very well.

  ―I think Dr. Victor knew.

  ―What? That you were a Key?

  ―That I'm a faulty Key.

  ―Why would he know? He already said he doesn't know much about the doors.

  ―I think he's lying. I think he knows more ―he looks up―. Is it true that it's safe to go to my door now?

  ―Aha. I took the doctor there when he got rid of them ―Olegario replies―. We spent about three nights waiting for them to appear, he got information from them, then we went to take care of a few other people involved. And that's all. That mine is clean of that shit.

  ―Maybe I should go.

  ? ? ?

  After that hectic night when Victor put the seal on her, after having experienced that commotion at the door ―Will these things always happen when you are with them?― and having confused Carlota with her words, the days pass without news for Azeneth.

  Victor constantly asks her if the woman has spoken to her, if she has manifested herself, and the answer is always no.

  She and Carlota treat each other with reservations, but they seem to be in peace and share the room and the housework in harmony. Sometimes they even get along.

  She hasn’t seen the doctor's assistants since that night, and though she is curious about their business and is intrigued by the whole event at the door, understanding little of what is going on, she has not even questions to ask.

  The wounded man is still in the guest room, unconscious. Azeneth sees him getting worse every day, but Victor continues to visit him at night to try to cure him.

  Every morning she goes to her grandfather's house to water the plants.

  She’s now there, on the fifth day after receiving the seal. Despite the fact that the day is cloudy and the sky announces rain, she has insisted on coming as this is her only moment alone, away from the Evans. It's not that they bother her, but around them she feels exposed, as if they know more about her than she does.

  The silence of the woman, of Clementina, rather than relieving her, worries her. She fears that she will appear at the least opportune moment.

  She thinks of her as she walks the hose around the house quickly.

  She keeps weaving her thoughts even when she leaves the house and walks back.

  You'll have to return to your city in just over a month.

  Her distracted steps deviate a couple of blocks.

  What will you say to your mother when you see her? How will you greet your siblings?

  The white building of the town Clinic appears in front of her.

  Will you be perceived as a different person when your classmates at school see you again? Because that's how you feel.

  Before you know it, you're in front of a yellow house.

  She doesn't have to knock, because the woman is sitting in the front yard.

  ―Girl, you did come.

  It's the first time she's seen her smile.

  The woman gets up and opens the gate for her, inviting her to enter the house.

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