Intro

My heart beat with the intensity of a drum in a frantic concert, a wild uproar that reverberated
in my chest like thunder. My mind was a whirlwind of possibilities, surging in like an
impassioned throng, an avalanche of ideas pressing against my chest, making it hard to
respire, strangling my inhalation.

In my frantic quest for salvation, my attention honed in on Cecilia, my beatiful girlfriend., my

lovely muse, my six-month companion. Her presence in the passenger seat was like a warm
beacon illuminating my path in the midst of the day. Her hair, as black as a moonless night,
cascaded over her shoulders with the grace of an ebony waterfall, and the breeze. Cecilia's
eyes, a deep blue like the ocean, radiated confidence and tranquility, akin to a serene sea
seemingly untouched by storms. They mirrored the assurance of someone always ready to
confront any challenge that came our way.

What truly enamored me about her was her personality. She had always been a fun-loving
person, with a natural knack for sensing when someone needed help and an unwavering
willingness to provide it. Her friends affectionately called her the "walking dictionary"
because of her ability to talk about a wide variety of topics. No matter the situation, she
always maintained a positive attitude, even in the toughest times. It was that combination of
beauty, strength, and understanding that made her unique and special to me.

In the tempest of my thoughts, Cecilia perceived my stress with a sensitivity that contrasted
sharply with my inner turmoil. With a gentleness seemingly from another realm, she clasped
my hand and gazed at me with eyes brimming with tenderness. Her lips curved into a small,
reassuring smile, not to belittle my concerns, but to imbue me with tranquility. Her words
echoed within me like a soothing balm, quieting the tumult of my turbulent thoughts, swirling
like an untamed hurricane. "Darling, don't worry, it's just a brief introduction. You needn't
fret," she whispered, as though her words were a gentle sea breeze. She had always
possessed the skill to ease my nerves in moments like these, as if she bore a natural gift for
dispelling any encroaching anxiety.

The reason behind all my worry was simple: the upcoming visit to her parents' house, an
experience that promised to be challenging and filled me with apprehension.

Cap 1

As we journeyed through the city streets, bathed in the warm rays of the sun that painted
everything in golden and orange hues, the weather bestowed upon us a pleasant sense of
well-being, free from any discomfort. The buildings stood tall like sentinels on the horizon,
their silhouettes fading into the distance, welcoming us as we approached our destination.

The trees, with leaves of brown and light orange tones, gently dropped their foliage onto the
city's cold ground, marking the transition to the new season: spring. It was a time of change,
but also of beauty, where nature renewed itself and the city adorned itself with warm, vibrant
colors.
During a brief pause, I directed my focus towards Cecillia. "How are you holding up? Are you
alright?" I inquired, conveying my worry for her welfare on a day brimming with intense
emotions. Despite her attempts to project composure, I detected a hint of tension and
defensiveness in her demeanor. Aware of the hurdles she had encountered in her past
romantic endeavors and her intricate familial dynamics, I recognized that this scenario might
elicit intricate emotions.

Cecilia paused for a moment, her gaze drifting into the distance before softly uttering, "This
will be very easy, don't worry." Yet in the recesses of my mind, I lingered, pondering if we
had left enough food for our beloved cat. With a tranquil demeanor, I reassured her, "Don't
fret, we haven't forgotten. Before we left, I made sure Lua had plenty of nourishment." Lua, a
sleek gray feline we had welcomed into our home, had seamlessly woven herself into the
fabric of our budding family.

Upon arriving at Cecilia's parents' apartment, her surroundings unfolded before me for the
first time. The residence was nestled within a contemporary architectural marvel, nestled in a
serene corner of the city, imbuing an air of tranquility. The building's structure exuded a
profound sense of modernity, standing out with regal grace against the urban backdrop.

The building soared with elegance, presenting a palette of colors ranging from blues to
whites, creating lines that seemed whimsically drawn, adding texture to the ensemble. The
tower stood out for its balconies spread across different floors, each adorned with an array of
plants and flowers, lending a touch of freshness and color to the structure. This place
achieved a harmonious fusion between modern style and nature, creating a unique and
inviting atmosphere.

As we ascended in the elevator to the seventh floor, the atmosphere underwent a drastic
change. The air began to feel heavy, almost suffocating, and a sense of fear of the unknown
gripped me, as if I were venturing into a strange place with the possibility of danger lurking
around every corner. It was at that precise moment that we were greeted by her mother, who
welcomed her daughter with a warm embrace and greeted me with an affectionate kiss on
the cheek as a sign of welcome.

As we walked down the hallway, my eyes settled on numerous family photographs adorning
the walls. In these images, Cecilia's achievements were reflected, from trophies won to
moments shared at family dinners. However, as I progressed through the photos, I sensed
an underlying melancholy, as if there was a sense of obligation behind capturing those
moments.

Don Alfonso, sporting his characteristic contemporary-colored Irish cap and a gray sweater,
greeted us, immediately revealing his scant enthusiasm, especially towards my presence.
He wore reading glasses and held the day's newspaper in his hand. Suddenly, his eyes fixed
on my face, and with a firm, almost military voice that brutally pierced my ears, he asked,
"Well, tell me, what do you do for a living?"
His question caught me off guard, as I didn't expect him to break the silence so directly and
bluntly, so to speak. Trying to conceal my shock, I took a breath and replied, "I'm doing
temporary work at November Flowers Hospital while I pursue my doctorate degree." The
surprise on Don Alfonso's face was evident. I suppose, judging by my appearance, he had
thought I was a vagabond or one of those unemployed musicians who used to attract girls
like bees to honey. This clarification seemed to calm him down a bit from the tiger that was
Don Alfonso.

At that moment, Doña María entered with a cup of chamomile tea with honey, one of
Cecilia's favorites due to its natural sweetness without the need for sugar. She also offered
us some handmade chocolate cookies that had clearly been prepared with care and culinary
skill by Doña María. I took one out of courtesy, and Don Alfonso got straight to the point,
asking me, "Why are you with my daughter?" Cecilia seemed increasingly frustrated by her
father's hostility towards me, shooting me a glare of irritation and exasperation, and the
impending barrage of questions he was about to unleash towards me. Finally, she dared to
intervene and said, "Dad, please, stop." However, Don Alfonso completely ignored this
gesture and turned his gaze towards me, like a sphinx awaiting the correct answer to an
enigma.

I pondered how to formulate my response as I observed Don Alfonso, who awaited with an
expectant expression. Finally, I began to broach the subject cautiously. "Well, since I first
met her, I found her to be an incredible person. Her determination to achieve her goals
without giving up and her ability to motivate me and her friends are impressive. Her way of
crafting the best jokes with references to so many works I love, in general, I adore everything
about her personality."

Don Alfonso persisted with his interrogation, displaying a growing interest in unraveling my
opinions on a myriad of subjects. As the conversation unfolded, I noted Cecilia's concerned
gaze, her efforts palpable in softening the tension that had settled between her father and
me, poised to intervene if necessary. Despite his initial disdainful expression, Don Alfonso
seemed willing to afford me an opportunity to prove my worthiness to his daughter and
satisfy his curiosity about my character . Gradually , his demeanor eased, and his initial
guard dissipated.

"What do you make of the state of our nation?" he inquired. "Well," I began, "it's challenging
to encapsulate in a few words, but I believe there are several aspects that could be improved
in our country. Firstly, I think it would be beneficial to increase oil production and refining.
While I understand this is a contentious issue, the country's economic situation is not optimal
at the moment, and we need to generate jobs and provide livelihoods for our citizens.
Additionally, it would be important to create incentives to attract foreign companies to the
country, which could boost the economy. It would also be helpful to streamline some of the
excessive bureaucratic processes that may hinder the influx of creative ideas that could
benefit the country." Don Alfonso nodded with a brief movement of his head, confirming his
understanding and approval of my response. He seemed to appreciate my grasp of political
matters and proceeded with another question: "And what are your thoughts on education in
our country?"
I responded with a calmer tone: "Well, as a student here, I've been fortunate to attend a
private institution, so the level of education is better compared to other options. However, I
believe there is still room for improvement in the overall education system. The country
hasn't invested as much in education as some others, and there's still a significant portion of
the population with a low level of education."

Don Alfonso continued his questioning, his curiosity unfurling like a cat's claws, delving into
my opinions on a wide array of topics. As the conversation flowed like an unpredictable river,
I caught glimpses of Cecilia’s worried gaze; she was a lighthouse in the storm, doing her
best to dispel the tension that had woven itself between her father and me, ready to
intervene if the seas grew too rough. Despite his initial expression of disdain, Don Alfonso's
demeanor was like a fortress slowly lowering its drawbridge, willing to grant me an
opportunity to prove my worth to his daughter and, out of sheer curiosity, to uncover the
person I was beneath my surface.

His stern façade began to melt like ice under a warm sun, and the room itself seemed to
breathe easier. The questions transformed, growing less intense and more casual, like a
garden blooming after a long winter. The atmosphere shifted, imbued with a gentle, colorful
aura of cordiality. We began to chat about lighter topics—sports, music, our favorite foods—
and the conversation took on the comforting hum of a friendly gathering. Even María and
Cecilia joined in, as if Don Alfonso's acceptance of me was casting a spell that made
everyone feel more at ease. At one point, I noticed a slight smile play across his lips, a clear
sign that the atmosphere was becoming as pleasant as a spring afternoon.

Finally, as we swapped stories and ideas like merchants trading precious goods, Don
Alfonso reclined in his chair, embodying a lion finally at peace with a new cub in his pride.
He settled into his "throne," his posture an open gesture of welcome.

"Well, Cecilia," he remarked, "this young man is truly unique. I don't dislike him at all. He
seems to be an intelligent young man and an expert in football. One of these days, I'll invite
you to a match, young man." The relief in the room was palpable, a collective exhalation that
felt like a gentle breeze after a storm. I responded with heartfelt gratitude to his invitation,
feeling as if I had just been handed a key to a new world.

Cecilia, now visibly more relaxed and confident, continued to explain the reason for our visit:
"That's good, Father, that's why we came today. We wanted to talk to you about our
relationship." Alfonso looked at Cecilia with a face of uncertainty, and she continued,
"Father, Martín and I have been dating for about six months, and we've decided to live
together." The news echoed through the room, and a mix of emotions was reflected on the
faces of everyone present.

The expressions of her parents mirrored a nebula of astonishment, but what predominated
was the depth of their disappointment, like extinguished stars in a once brightly shining sky
of expectations. The mother, breaking the silence, posed a question that echoed with
melancholy: "Daughter, why did you keep silent for six months? We are your parents, and
this time in the dark has left us wounded. I accept Martín now, but what if it were someone
else?" The mother seemed engulfed in sadness, as if the lack of connection that existed
within the family manifested as an insurmountable abyss between them.
Ceci, from the outside, appeared to come from a seemingly solid family, but the cracks in
their connection led her to distance herself with minimal contact. Although her parents
provided everything necessary, the emotional core had its flaws. The mother, less restrictive
than the father, was more like a specter who visited at night due to her overwhelming work.
On the other hand, the father, emotionally closed off and burdened by work, left little time for
emotional bonding; thus, Ceci turned to her friends and then to me for more intense
situations, as if her heart were wrapped in shadows.

##Cecilia, now visibly more relaxed and assured, continued to explain the reason for our
visit: "That's great, Father, that's why we came today. We wanted to discuss our relationship
with you." Alfonso looked at Cecilia with an expression of uncertainty, and she continued,
"Father, Martín and I have been dating for about six months, and we've decided to move in
together." The news resonated in the room, reflecting a mix of emotions on the faces of
everyone present.

The expressions on her parents' faces mirrored a nebula of astonishment, but what
predominated was the depth of their disappointment, like stars extinguished in a dark sky
that once brimmed with bright expectations. Breaking the silence, the mother posed a
question that echoed with a tinge of melancholy: "Daughter, why did you keep this a secret
for six months? We are your parents, and this time in the dark has left us wounded. I accept
Martín now, but what if it had been someone else?" The mother seemed engulfed in
sadness, as if the lack of connection that existed in the family manifested as an
insurmountable abyss between them.

From the outside, Ceci seemed to come from a family that was ostensibly solid, but the
fissures in their connection had led her to distance herself with minimal contact. Although her
parents provided everything necessary, the emotional core was flawed. The mother, less
restrictive than the father, appeared more like a specter who visited in the evenings due to
her overwhelming job. On the other hand, the father, emotionally closed off and preoccupied
with work, had little time for emotional engagement; thus, Ceci turned to her friends and later
to me in more intense situations, feeling as if her heart were wrapped in shadows for her
parents.##

When Cecilia explained her reasons, she unveiled the communication breakdowns in her
home, a family tapestry that had unraveled over time. Her mother, tears glistening in her
eyes, accepted the response, acknowledging the exhausting nature of her work and the
emotional distance that had settled over them like a persistent fog. Her father, with a voice
tinged with longing, explained his lack of emotional openness, attributing it to the chains of a
strict generation, a past seemingly trapped in a stopped hourglass.

After an emotional moment, they thanked me with praise and expressed their happiness for
their daughter's decision. As we said our goodbyes, the change in the father's demeanor
was palpable. From distant and dismissive in the morning, he approached with an unusual
tenderness, whispering in my ear, "Take good care of my precious one, better than I have."
His words resonated like a melody of reconciliation, filling the air with a promise of
redemption.
The mother, still in tears, embraced me warmly after the emotional encounter. They
repeated the gesture with their daughter, sealing a moment of familial reconciliation and
understanding, like constellations aligning in a freshly illuminated sky, where shadows began
to dissipate, revealing the possibility of a new dawn for the family.

As we left the apartment, still hungry, we decided to go to a nearby restaurant we had heard
about. As we walked there, I asked Cecilia how she felt. I could see a spark in her eyes, as if
something had reignited within her after everything that had just transpired. With joy and
determination in her voice, she replied, "It was incredible, really. It went much better than I
expected. You even managed to get my father to show emotions, which is very rare."

I was filled with an indescribable happiness. I had felt guilty for not telling her parents
sooner. The difficulties in her family had delayed our decision about our relationship,
becoming an ever-growing burden. However, sharing our truth with them and receiving their
blessing to move forward in building our own family filled us with joy and relief, as if we could
finally breathe under a clear sky after a long, dark storm.

I expressed my feelings to Cecilia at that moment and embraced her tenderly, allowing our
hearts to draw even closer. She was taken aback for a second, lost in thought, but then a
smile graced her face, and her eyes sparkled with complicity and love. It was as if that hug
sealed our connection in a special way, strengthening our commitment even more.

I gently took her hand and led her to the Italian restaurant I had already reserved to
celebrate this new chapter in our lives. It was the beginning of a phase filled with hope and
shared love.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, the elegance of the place was palpable. It was one of those
Italian restaurants that transported you to a little slice of Italy. Its bright neon sign read
"Massimo's." The restaurant featured a neoclassical architectural style, with bricks that gave
the walls a soft, uneven orange hue. The ceiling was a mix of uniformly arranged wooden
planks and weathered tiles. At the end of the facade, ivy clung to the wall with its curling
tendrils, adding a touch of harmony between the architecture and nature.

We reached our reserved table and eagerly perused the menu. I opted for a delicious
lasagna, while Cecilia decided to enjoy the asparagus with ravioli. We ordered sparkling
water to accompany our meal and patiently waited for our dishes to be meticulously
prepared in the restaurant's kitchen.

While we waited, we immersed ourselves in a more relaxed and easygoing conversation.

We talked about our future plans, the places we wanted to visit, and the goals we shared as
a couple. We felt a growing complicity and a sense of relief after overcoming the tension of
the meeting with her parents.

The atmosphere at "Massimo's" radiated a cozy and romantic warmth. The dim lights
created an intimate and welcoming environment, while the soft glow of aromatic candles
accentuated the ambiance. The music, performed by a piano and violin in a beautiful duet,
filled the space with a melody that resonated in our hearts.
Our food finally arrived, and the exquisite aromas of the lasagna and asparagus made us
feel as if we were in the paradise of Italian cuisine. Each dish was prepared with a delicacy
that only a true chef could achieve, with meticulous attention to detail and a deep
understanding of the flavors of the cuisine.

The tables were adorned with care, each detail meticulously arranged with flowers and
charming decorations, infusing our surroundings with an atmosphere of elegance. Despite
the bustling restaurant, filled with the laughter and conversations of other couples and
diners, it felt as if an oasis of tranquility emerged exclusively for the two of us. It was as if the
clamor of the outside world faded away, leaving us immersed in our own bubble of love,
where we shared glances and smiles like melodic notes in our personal symphony.

We savored every bite, sharing our impressions of the food with surprising synchrony. Each
dish was a culinary masterpiece, and our words became genuine expressions of our
feelings. It was a magical moment, as if we were sharing emotions through each word. It
was something I hadn't experienced in a long time, a deep bond forged through our
conversations, reaffirming that the decision to be with her was the perfect choice.

We decided to share a dessert of tiramisu, which proved to be just as delightful as the rest of
the meal. We toasted with glasses of red wine, celebrating the success of today.

When we finally left the restaurant, the city was illuminated by the night with a waning moon,
and the streets were wrapped in a tranquil silence that invited us to walk hand in hand,
enjoying the serenity of the night as we made our way home to rest together.

Upon arriving at the apartment, we were greeted by Lua, our beloved cat. He approached us
with a mischievous smile on his feline face, winding around our legs playfully like a long,
distinguished serpent. As he did, he emitted a purring consonance, his way of expressing
affection toward us. It was a tender moment, reminding us of the joy our pet brought into our
lives. The little gray ball of fur was ready to share the rest of the night with us in our warm
home.

The tables were adorned with exquisite care, each detail meticulously arranged with flowers
and enchanting ornaments, weaving a tapestry of elegance around us. Amidst the bustling
restaurant, filled with the symphony of laughter and conversation from other couples and
diners, an oasis of tranquility seemed to blossom exclusively for us. It felt as if the world's
clamor melted away, leaving us cocooned in our own bubble of love, where our glances and
smiles danced like harmonious notes in our private symphony.

Each bite we savored was like a brushstroke on a canvas of flavors, and we shared our
impressions with a synchronicity that felt almost otherworldly. Every dish was a culinary
masterpiece, and our words transformed into genuine emotions. It was a moment steeped in
magic, as if we were weaving our hearts together through each utterance. This depth of
connection was something I hadn't felt in ages, a profound bond that reaffirmed that
choosing to be with her was the most perfect decision.
##We then indulged in a tiramisu, a dessert as delightful as the rest of our meal. We toasted
with glasses of red wine, celebrating the triumph of the day, the clinking of our glasses
echoing like a bell of joy in the night.

As we left the restaurant, the city was bathed in the soft glow of a waning moon, and the
streets were enveloped in a serene silence, inviting us to walk hand in hand. The tranquility
of the night embraced us, guiding us home through a tapestry of stars and shadows.

Upon arriving at the apartment, we were greeted by Lua, our beloved cat, who welcomed us
with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. He wound around our legs with the grace of a
serpentine river, his purring a gentle symphony of consonance, expressing his affection. This
tender moment reminded us of the joy and warmth he brought into our lives, a little gray ball
of fur ready to share the rest of the night with us in our cozy sanctuary.##

Chapter 2

At dawn, the windows were covered with a fine layer of dew, a reminder of the night's chill
and the moisture that had soaked the early hours. The dim light in the room would only fade
when the golden sun rose to illuminate the new day. My eyes gently opened, and I noticed
Cecilia had awakened too. She lingered in silence for a moment, as if meditating on her
thoughts. Then, with the tenderness of a mother approaching her child after a long day of
school, she moved toward me.

Cecilia's hair was tousled, resembling a field of grain at sunrise, and her smile lit up the room
like a radiant sun. She greeted me warmly, "Good morning, love. How did you sleep?" In an
instant, she surprised me with an unexpected kiss on the neck. Her lips moved slowly across
my skin, each touch like a gentle caress that left me speechless. Every gesture of hers was
an explosion of emotions that took my breath away, and I was left trying to find the right
words amidst the whirlwind of feelings Cecilia stirred in me.

We decided to prepare breakfast together, though Cecilia took charge in the kitchen. Her
culinary skill was undeniable, inherited from her mother, and she worked part-time as a chef
at a nearby restaurant. She made an exquisite omelet with ham pieces and a heart-shaped
decoration made from tomatoes. The steam rising from the pan had a special beauty, and
each bite of her dish was a gift, showing her appreciation for me.

After finishing the meal, we decided to walk to her workplace, as it was close by. As we
walked, we began discussing our future plans, now that her parents had accepted us into
their family. While we talked, we noticed a girl of about ten years old across the street. She
had blonde hair and wore a striking red dress. We watched as she danced to the rhythm of a
popular song. Her rhythmic movements filled us with tenderness, and when we looked at
each other, we both saw the same desire in each other's eyes.

In the synchronized turn of our heads, our eyes merged into a cosmos of their own, as if a
million stars illuminated the firmament of our connection. The sparks of that moment twinkled
around us, carrying the promise of a shared future. At that precise moment, as if our souls
had conspired to reach perfect harmony, we simultaneously whispered the words that
resided deep in our hearts: "Let's have a daughter." A shared whisper that resonated like the
beginning of a new symphony in our love story.

The atmosphere became infused with a special aura, an essence that ignited the spark of
emotion in our gazes. We melted into a passionate kiss, where surprise and joy entwined in
fiery whispers. Our lips fused in a warm and deep encounter, taking us to a realm where love
manifested with every touch. It was a kiss that sealed a pact of love and family-building, a
cherished promise woven into time.

When we finally parted, we intertwined our hands and walked in harmony. Cecilia's soft skin
blended with mine in a symphony of shared tenderness, immersing us in mutual ecstasy.
This magical moment resonated with the connection of our souls, like a delicate whisper
from the surrounding universe witnessing our deep union. It was an eternalized instant,
where each heartbeat was a measure in the melody of love and the creation of our family.

I felt deeply happy and connected to Cecilia, knowing we were taking an important step
toward building our little family. With Lua, our cat, the two of us, and our future daughter, the
excitement of this new chapter in our lives filled us with joy and anticipation. It was a moment
we would remember forever, a profound commitment shared on the path of love and family.

However, fate had other plans, and an unexpected twist loomed over us. As we crossed the
street, a chilling crash made us turn our heads. Cecilia, driven by her maternal instinct,
leaped forward to protect the girl on the other side.

But fate threw a surprise in our path. As we crossed the street, a sudden crash alerted me.
Cecillia , guided by her maternal instinct, surged forward decisively, like an earthly angel
protecting the small child from the threat of a distracted driver and the ominous truck bearing
down on them.

The sound faded into the background as my eyes, fixed on Cecilia's brave figure, captured
the sequence of her daring action in slow motion. The surroundings became a suspended
canvas, and I could perceive the determination in her eyes, the strength in her stance, and
the moment before impact, where destiny intertwined with bravery.

The initial crash was followed by an overwhelming silence, as if the universe held its breath
awaiting the outcome. When the dust finally settled and reality emerged, a mix of
astonishment and relief overtook us. Cecilia, with the girl safely cradled in her arms, stood as
a beacon of courage amidst the chaos. Fate had thrown us an unexpected challenge, and
Cecilia, with her heroic act, had altered the course of our destiny, leaving an indelible mark
on the tapestry of our lives.

In the blink of an eye, a runaway car barreled toward Cecilia, as if Hades himself had sent a
wild chariot to test our fate. The world stood still, and silence seized the scene, broken only
by the echo of my screams, like the wails of lost souls in an enchanted forest. My heart
pounded like a rabbit's under a predator's gaze, and my hands trembled in rhythm with its
beats, like leaves in the wind heralding an imminent storm. In my mind, I saw the brief
moment I had to react, an instant slipping through my fingers like sand, consumed by time,
standing as a hungry wolf, stalking my unprotected heart.
My fingers, disobedient, became puppets without strings, and a sense of helplessness took
hold of me, as if I were trapped in a nightmarish dream from which there was no escape. I
looked at Cecilia lying on the ground, her life flickering like a candle in a dark whirlwind, and
felt a lump in my throat that threatened to choke me.

Amid the anguish and uncertainty, I clung to Cecilia's hand, barely warm despite the cold
asphalt, as if her touch was the only light in the darkness threatening to consume us. I
promised I would stay with her until help arrived, and her eyes, with their last gleam,
consoled me, like fireflies flickering in the dusk, never leaving me alone in that abyss of
uncertainty.

Fortunately, the driver of the vehicle, equally stunned by the tragedy, managed to dial 911
and request medical assistance. The siren of the approaching ambulance resonated in the
air like a celestial savior descending from the heavens, breaking the silence with its song of
hope. The flashing lights of the emergency vehicle sparkled like shooting stars, carving an
uncertain but promising path toward the potential salvation that awaited.

Chapter 3

In the tumult of the tragedy, the Moirai wove their mysterious tapestry, delineating Cecilia's
fate. The hospital, with its flickering lights, stood like a beacon of faith, a bastion of hope
amidst the swirling chaos. The hospital structure resembled an ancient castle, and we, two
desperate souls, knocked on its doors seeking a glimmer of salvation.

As we waited in the emergency room, some doctors recognized my face from my previous
internships there. Though they offered kind smiles, they urged me to wait in a separate
room, isolated from the unfolding tragedy. I felt like a castaway on a distant shore, watching
helplessly as the waves of uncertainty crashed against me.

The clock's hands moved at a snail's pace, and time became an eternal river in which I
drowned. Each minute weighed heavily on my chest, and anxiety enveloped me like an
ominous shadow looming over my soul.

Finally, a doctor approached with the gravity of an oracle bearing grim news. His words, like
icy daggers, pierced my heart. He informed me that the blow to Cecilia's head had been
devastating, and nothing could be done to save her. The news left me in a state of shock, as
if trapped in a labyrinth of nightmares from which I could not escape. I felt the world
collapsing around me, and reality faded into a dark abyss.

The next day, the weight of grief pressed down on me like a slab of granite, and I felt like a
somnambulist as I made my way to Cecilia's funeral. My black clothes resembled the
feathers of a mourning raven, a bird lamenting the loss of its flight companion. The funeral
felt like an ancient rite, a ceremony where the living honored the dead. The sky, painted in
shades of gray and black, seemed to be in mourning with me.
When I took the podium to speak about Cecilia, the words flowed like a river of tears and
shared memories. Each word became a whisper of love and farewell, as if I were conversing
with her spirit in the beyond. The wind whispered shared secrets and memories, as if the
leaves of the trees joined in a chorus of whispers. Despite the tragedy that had separated
us, her love endured in my heart like a bright star in the firmament of my existence. It was a
bond that transcended death, a connection that time and distance could not break. The
magic of our love, beyond tangible reality, manifested in every word I spoke in that solemn
moment, and I felt her presence in every breeze that caressed my face as I spoke of her.

Chapter 4

My desperation intensified as I crossed the threshold of that dilapidated room where we had
shared our lives. In that instant, I found myself plunged into an unanswerable question, an
abyss swallowing my very reason for being. Everything vanished in the blink of an eye,
shattering my heart into tiny fragments. We had built a complete family, but Hades had taken
my angel, and the home that once brimmed with her fragrance, was now a sanctuary of pain.
Even our cat, whom we had adopted together, felt like a gaping hole in the foundations of
our life. I lacked the strength to rise from bed, and the thought of an eternal sleep to reunite
with her in the afterlife tempted me. My heart was haunted by the guilt of not realizing sooner
the significance of her final moments.

People tried to cheer me up and help me overcome this nightmare, but I simply couldn't. Her
absence left a void impossible to fill. Even Lua, our cat, tried to comfort me, but my eyes
couldn't even focus on her. Tears blurred my vision, and the world darkened without her. I
couldn't control my sorrow; I longed to be strong, but life without her seemed unreal. Even
my relationships with friends withered, as if an invisible, towering wall separated me from the
world, weighed down by her death and the emptiness that filled every corner of my
existence.

I sought solace in photographs, but they only sharpened my anguish. Each image evoked
happy memories we shared: our first picture in a sushi restaurant, our laughter in the middle
of a storm while fishing, her smile during our camping trips, and the day of my friend's
wedding when we promised to be together forever. Now, those images were just pixels
without context, and my life lacked meaning.

Every corner of the house was filled with memories of us, but everything felt stale and
lifeless. The sun cast an unpleasant light in a room that felt empty without her, as if her spirit
still lingered, keeping me company in my solitude. Facing the mirror, I confronted a distorted
reflection, a body that seemed to have lost its essence, an empty shell, like a blank canvas.
My eyes, shadowed by sleepless nights, appeared red and exhausted. My body displayed
the pallor of someone who had lost the color that once defined it, and my face, a map of
hypocrisy, narrated the absence of a meaningful life. My hands, almost skeletal, revealed
vulnerability, like the branches of a tree that had lost its leaves.

Every detail became a harrowing echo of desolation: a body that seemed to have fought a
war, dirty and unkempt hair lamenting like an abandoned mane. My tears, an uncontrollable
cascade, told the tale of a downward journey, and the longing for what once was resonated
in every corner of my being. I felt filthy, repulsed by the image reflected back by that
inquisitive mirror, as if guilt and sorrow had taken physical form within me, plunging me into
the depths of melancholy.

My thoughts plunged into darkness, dragging me to the brink of hyperventilation and mental
madness, all revolving around my beloved Ceci. I wondered if ending it all would be a more
desirable release than persisting in this endless agony, for what was the point without the
driving force of my existence, without a clear purpose?

Thoughts, detached from present reality, sank into the morbid and vivid image of my
beloved, a prisoner of that torturous accident. I deeply regret not having even one more
week, or better yet, one last day together, instead of being engulfed by the stress of visiting
her parents. Don Alfonso, as unyielding as a rock, suggested that I was some sort of threat,
while I strained to impress, my face frozen in a mask of feigned excitement because I
believed he was taking me to his daughter. And the restaurant, which took its time to serve
us, was dimly lit in a way that suggested low interest.

It weighs on me that our last day together was one of the most miserable, a squandered
opportunity that could have been spent escaping to her favorite hideaway in Paris or
enjoying dinner at a considerably better place. Or perhaps, we could have simply shared
words for an eternity, delighting in her captivating stories. It is futile; this dreamlike thought
disgusts me. I wish for an end to my existence. Life... you left my arms, leaving me alone in
this earthly realm that I no longer find favorable; yet, even if you could see me now, you
wouldn’t want to witness the transformation I’ve undergone.

Every happy couple that crossed my path felt like a dagger to the heart, a searing reminder
that everything that could have been had vanished into shadows. The idea of being with
anyone else was inconceivable; María was my universe, her essence irrevocably intertwined
with mine. Any attempt to seek solace dragged me into a dark abyss, where the notion of
eternal hell became a seductive alternative.

Chapter 5

I found myself enveloped in a strange darkness as I left my home. Work, once monotonous,
had become exhausting, and meals lost their flavor without Ceci's expert touch in the
kitchen. Monotony surrounded me, and every step felt like carrying the weight of a stranger
through the dark tunnel of my existence. I decided to take a walk, seeking a clarity hidden
somewhere in the night, while the arcane depths of my sorrow slowly revealed themselves.

In the vast canvas of my existence, the world faded into a drab monotony, each daily activity
transforming into a joyless act, a tasteless spectacle that failed to ignite my spirit. People
continued their mechanical routines, while my friends gradually faded into the distance, like
shadows slipping out of my reach. A simple memory of María, that muse who no longer
illuminated my life, unleashed unstoppable tears, turning her absence into my perpetual
shadow, haunting me at every corner of this loveless labyrinth.

The gloomy abode that was supposed to be my home called to me with its acrid aroma,
inviting me to never leave. Why should I? There was nothing outside, only the enemies of
my past lurking at every corner. The mere thought of going out oppressed my already
shattered soul. How foolish I was! How had I allowed my soul to suffer so much? I took a
swig of strong alcohol, that semi-transparent brown liquid emanating a nauseating and putrid
aura. It was supposed to ease the pain, so I drank it without question. A torrent of fire
coursed through my throat, rising up my nose and reaching my eyes, which filled with
burning tears. How could I continue this farce when what I most desired was gone? What
was the point of continuing in this earthly plane? The idea of death lingered, a tempting call
from Hades to join my beloved. Doubt gripped me—what should I do?

Chapter 5

Lying on bed just doomscrolling on that web trapping space called social media ,seeing just
how perfectly pretend how beautiful life ,i despise it but i missed how it look,then my door
knock a gentle and confused knock on my door,i reluctantly and vaguely move my body felt
heavy as the bed help me carry weight ,moving step by step reaching that obnoxious
door ,as i see (insert name)i see my friend rodolfo ,i had see him in a way i friend from
college ,he was a little shy in social invitations but always like to keep in contacts with his
social group ,he moved to another country when we finish i had seen him for 2 years

Later ideas
The protagonist reluctantly goes to the shelter, not out of a genuine desire to make a
difference, but to prove to himself or others that he’s making an effort. Inside, the shelter is
bustling with activity, yet it feels oddly disconnected from his own life. He wanders through
the aisles, feeling detached and out of place, until he encounters an older woman with a
gentle, worn quality to her features and a subtle air of determination.

She is tending to a group of animals, her movements deliberate and soothing. The woman
has experienced a loss of her own—her dog, a source of comfort during tough times, passed
away recently. The dog’s loss serves as a harsh reminder of the protagonist’s new reality,
reinforcing his sense of isolation. She doesn't overtly share her story, but there are hints: a
faint scar above her eyebrow, a certain sadness in her eyes when she looks at the animals,
suggesting she’s been through something tough, yet she doesn’t dwell on it or seek
sympathy.

As they interact, the protagonist discovers that the woman has also experienced abuse from
a past partner. Her dog had been her protector and companion during those traumatic times,
and its loss was devastating. She talks about her grief with a quiet strength, explaining how
she channeled her pain into helping other animals in the shelter.

Instead of immediately inspiring the protagonist, her words trigger a mix of emotions—anger,
resentment, even jealousy. He isn't ready to let go of his pain, and the idea that someone
else could move past their grief and find solace in helping others feels alien and frustrating.
He lashes out, questioning why he should care about anyone else’s suffering when his own
is so consuming.

The woman, patient and understanding, doesn't react with anger. She acknowledges his
pain and explains that everyone’s journey through grief is different. She shares how the
shelter gave her a sense of purpose when she felt lost, and while it didn't erase her sorrow, it
provided a way to channel her emotions into something meaningful.

Over time, the protagonist begins to see the animals in the shelter differently. He notices
how they respond to the woman’s care, their trust slowly building despite past traumas. He
starts to help, initially out of obligation, but gradually he finds a small measure of solace in
the routine tasks. The process is slow, and he often backslides into despair, but there are
moments when he feels a flicker of connection to the living beings around him.

One day, while caring for a particularly skittish dog, he sees a reflection of his own fear and
pain in its eyes. The dog, wary and trembling, reminds him of himself. He spends hours with
it, speaking softly and offering gentle touches until the dog tentatively responds. This small
breakthrough stirs something within him—a realization that, like the dog, he too can begin to
heal.

The protagonist’s journey is far from over, but the shelter becomes a place where he can
start to rebuild his sense of self. The older woman remains a quiet guide, her own scars a
testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through his work with the animals, he begins
to see that pain and loss can coexist with hope and compassion, and that healing, though
slow and painful, is possible.