It wasn't cold. Not yet. But it was so tidy, so exacting,

er young nor old-led him down a wide, carpeted corridor, saying nothing mor

t door. Hurried words, a curt "thank you" and a promise

him with a soft click, as if

that emitted a warm light. Everything had that sheen of things left un

essing. His fingers ran over the

ds were

emo

he ocean, but th

barefoot on th

shing

arn not to look

e. Dark glasses, e

hem... they'll ta

indow. He breathed in the warm night air

Not far from the back gate. She walked purposefully, as if she didn't want to be seen, but she wasn't completely hiding

ut of something older. Recognition. As if he'd already d

seem to see him. Or she didn't want to. Then she

rtain he hadn't slept. He went dow

the gray uniform was waitin

n your office," she said, with

im a clean s

There's mud in

sn't cruel either. As if she

ice – Half a

n abstract painting hung in the back, an

phone. He looked up when Elías walked i

see you stand

his hands in

ty. I don't give it or ask for it," Renato continued.

d, his voice bare

ing cabinets, thankless tasks. You'll move through

nt anything

rmless rebellion. He wasn't a street kid. Nor just any worker. He had

ld are

hesi

n't k

Renato concealed it w

at six. They'll drive you

ed and tur

one asks... say an old family friend re

e terrain. From a distant gallery, someone watches him thro

anything. She ju

ing why, looks up ju

Something has