Chapter-1: The Old Business of Men
Diego shook away his memories of their old business together, and headed to the open market, Mercado Principal.
His routine for today required him to purchase a few items to snack on during the lucrative consultation. Within a short walk he arrived at the market and explored his usual stalls. He purchased plump purple higos, warm pan dulces and other essential items.
Finished with the market, Diego wiped his forehead and walked the remaining blocks to his bank at a brisk pace. The rub of heat burned his head and neck, and shoulders.
Despite the stickiness under his brown business suit, Diego moved faster. He crossed Guadalupe Road with long steps, maneuvering around horses, side stepping carts and smiling at unfamiliar faces that eyed him with curiosity.
Diego arrived at a quarter past twelve to his favorite bench. It rested within a wide shadow, beneath his favorite tree. The shade of his thick oak tree relaxed his muscles, and he eased into another routine. He sat and watched the bank’s fountain in action.
In the middle of the fountain, a three tiered simple structure overflowed and created three waves of careless falls. On occasion, a light mist reached Diego from the seven spouts of the fountain. His face cooled with tiny dew drops that tickled his mood.
Mocking birds, blue jays and golondrinas raced about the fountain, unencumbered and free. Some birds soaked in the middle of the fountain, splashing up water on one of the elevated circular tiers. Other birds raced through the parabolas of stream, maneuvering in acrobatic stunts.
Diego smiled. The muggy heat of the day lifted from his body. And his thoughts released their tight grip over his persistent dreams. He felt better, all calm. He breathed in deep and slow, and then let it all go, allowing his tension to melt away.
Wind chimes, two buildings north of Diego, broke the tranquil scene he relaxed in. The door to the barber shop slammed. It rattled him. And, the surging shock forced his eyes wide open.
A little boy raced in front of Diego. The four year old moved with urgency to play on the fountain. The boy reeked of pure joy, though he struggled up onto the ledge and scraped his knees. The little one yelled at the birds; and he scampered along the edge with playful imitation. A step more and the boy held his arms out to the side. He laughed and tight roped along the fountain’s edge.
Diego’s heart beat faster at the sight of the little boy. He straightened up on his bench and stared with a strained look at the animated child. The little boy skipped and jumped. Most annoying of all, the boy moved without a single worry.
Left and right, Diego searched for relief. He found no one to aide him: parents, gone; other people, far and away. The wind chimes settled down, and Diego expected someone to appear. He waited an eternity of seconds and gave up. Instead, he returned his sight back onto the little boy. And, he stood, and took one step forward and locked in place.
The water level of the fountain reached high enough to cover this boy nose deep: the child could drown. On the other side, the height of the fountain edge dropped low enough: the child could crack his skull open. Danger, dangers all around the boy; yet the little one played and laughed in his private lighthearted world.
Diego watched with a choking heart. The boy moved, happy at play. While, the man suffered in place. Diego’s dry mouth opened. But, no words, no sounds and no ideas flowed out.
In stealth swiftness the father of the child came into view. Diego’s heart caught its beat, thumping slower into a relieved rhythm. The father picked the child up by surprise and spun him around, lifting him and lowering him like a light little bird.
Giggles and laughter let loose from both father and son. Another playful spin and they carried on with their day.
Diego followed the father and the child with his twitching eyes, half listening to the birds and heat. Water fired out from the fountain spouts in a steady gush, and crash landed. It created a rumbling sound, like a river rapid at the bottom of a great canyon.
The afternoon soaked Diego in place. His damp white shirt clung to his chest, and sweat trickled down the side of his neck.
One tight breath at a time, the details of Diego’s surroundings released their heaviness. His rigid jaw loosened in waves, relaxing his mouth wide open. And, he crashed backward onto his bench.
Intermingled in this symphony, an image of Father Philippe flashed into Diego’s mind, followed by the candles and the altar of the old church. Off in the distance, Diego stared with unease at the young boy in his father’s arms. The child continued to laugh and to giggle under his easy light from the sun.
“Dios Te Ama Asi,” said Diego. He glanced at his pocket watch, “you foolish child.”
Ten minutes of rest passed away at a tense and rapid pace. At 12:25 p.m, Diego ended his lunch break five minutes early. And, he returned to his work, to be safe within the thick and heavy walls of Banco De La Republica.
Thank you for your time. Part three of chapter-1 will be posted next Monday.
Total Consciousness 