Vicky's Story
Since Don Ogro refuses to let me start rehabilitation therapy, we decided to spend part of the morning at the pool. Metheo, like any energetic and determined child, managed to convince Don Maximo and Doménico to join him in the pool. Meanwhile, Doña Carlotta and I sat at one of the tables near the pool, where I reviewed my schedule and programmed all the stages I must fulfill during Max's rehabilitation process.
Doña Carlotta: Vicky, tell me something, are you married?
Vicky: No, Carlotta, the truth is that for the past 5 years, I have only focused on Teo, my studies, and work.
Doña Carlotta: And Teo's father? Doesn't he help you with the child?
Vicky: Teo is not really my child. On the contrary, I am his older sister. Our mother passed away during childbirth, and Teo was born prematurely. Since then, I have been taking care of him.
Doña Carlotta: Oh, I'm sorry, dear. I didn't mean to ask such a personal question.
Vicky: Don't worry, Carlotta. I have already learned to live with that pain. Matheo is my life, and without him, I wouldn't have been able to cope with my mother's death.
Doña Carlotta: I understand, my dear. And Teo's father?
Vicky: He's in prison. Actually, my mother died because of him. He used to drink excessively, and on my birthday, he began beating and stabbing my mother, leaving her in critical condition. They could only save Matheo, but my mother had already lost a lot of blood. Despite the severity of his crime, that miserable man only received a 5-year sentence.
Doña Carlotta: What a despicable man. He should have been given a life sentence.
Vicky: That's exactly what I thought, but there was nothing more we could do.
Doña Carlotta: Tell me, does Matheo know that you're his sister and not his biological mother?
Vicky: Yes, Carlotta, my child knows half of the story, but he doesn't know the details. I don't want to fill his heart with hatred. As for his father, we haven't talked about him. Teo is a very intelligent boy, and I know he reflects on it. I'm only waiting for the day when he asks me about his dad.
Doña Carlotta: You have a great heart, my dear. Taking responsibility for a newborn and premature baby is not easy.
Vicky: That's right, Carlotta. Well, I think that's all for today. I have to take Matheo out of the pool; otherwise, he might get sick. Besides, he has to do his homework. I want him to stay focused and dedicated to his studies.
Doña Carlotta: Hahaha, let the child enjoy, dear.
Vicky: Of course, Carlotta, but this boy needs strict boundaries. If you show any weakness, believe me, he won't hesitate to exploit it.
(We both laughed. I got up and headed to the pool.)
Vicky: Mateo, it's time to get out of the pool. You have to do your homework, my love.
Teo: Mom, just a little longer, please.
Vicky: No, absolutely not. That's my final word, and don't even think about asking for defense because young man, you will do as I say.
Teo: Alright, Mom. I'm coming.
Doménico: Wow, with that strong character of yours, there's no doubt you'll tame the beast that is Max.
(I glanced at Doménico with a serious look, but seeing Don Maximo laughing at his comment, I had no choice but to laugh too. If Valentina were here, they would get along so well. By the way, I should call Valentina and see how things are going over there.)
Vicky's Story
We left the garden area and went back to the room for Teo to take a bath and do his activities. While Teo was bathing, I decided to put on my headphones and listen to music. I chose to listen and hum along to one of my favorite songs by Bacilos, "Mi Primer Millón" (My First Million).
..."I just want to play on the radio"...
..."To earn my first million"...
..."To buy you a big house"...
..."Where your heart can fit"...
..."I just want everyone singing"...
..."This song everywhere"...
..."From San Juan to Barranquilla"...
..."From Seville to New York"...
..."Oh-oh-oh, oh"...
..."Oh-oh-oh, oh"...
...Oh-oh-oh, oh...
...Oh-oh-oh, oh...
Max's Perspective
My nanny finished helping me change, but instead of going to the library, I decided to go to the office to review some pending matters for the companies. I realized that I left my cellphone in my room, so I will look for it later and then go to the library. I arrived at the office and my father wasn't there, which was much better for me. The less I see them and get pressured about those damn therapies, the better.
I finished organizing what I had pending, left the office, and took the elevator to find my cellphone. I looked at my watch, it was 11 in the morning. I was on my way to my room when I suddenly noticed someone singing loudly in the room across the hall. Damn, don't they realize there are convalescing people here who are bothered by the noise? I turned and went straight to the room, and there she was, completely focused, singing that song.
Max: Miss, could you please stop singing?
Miss,
Miss, damn it, she can't hear me 😠😠😠😠
I touched her shoulder, giving her a scare, and she sat down on my lap. Now that I have her so close, I've never seen such beautiful honey-colored eyes. She quickly got up, I don't know what that was, but when I touched her, it felt like an electric shock had hit me. She quickly stood up, her face red with embarrassment.
Max: Couldn't you just listen to your song? Do you have to sing? And you sing horribly.
Vicky: Why does it matter to you if I sing or not? I'm inside my room.
Max: I remind you that this is my house. (I looked at her annoyed. Now I see where the disobedient child takes after.)
Vicky: Well, if it bothers you, use earplugs, then you won't hear me.
That made me even angrier, so I stormed out of my room, slamming the door. Who does this woman think she is, coming here to test my patience? I stayed in my room for the rest of the morning and decided to go down to the library after lunch. Since the accident, I never sat at the table to eat with my family. My mood hasn't been the best throughout my life, but after the attack, I became a man with a dark soul, only displaying my coldness.
Vicky's perspective
I was so focused on singing that I didn't notice Don Ogre had entered. My heart almost jumped out of my chest, and I felt so embarrassed when I tripped and fell on him. At that moment, I wished the ground would swallow me and spit me out in Spain. As expected, I couldn't escape his bad temper. But does this man ever smile? Matheo came out of the bathroom, I changed him, and a lady approached to inform us that lunch was ready and we should come to the table. Matheo and I walked towards the table where Doña Carlotta, Doña Chabela, Doménico, and Don Maximo were all waiting for us. As always, Matheo has become the life of the table. He speaks, and we all listen attentively.
Don Maximo: So, Teo, you enjoy playing board games the most?
Teo: Yes, grandpa. Although my favorite will always be chess, I've won several championships, and in my age category, I've been the best. Well, my mother taught me when I was 3 years old, and now she never beats me anymore, 😏 and by the time I was four, I learned how to read, so I always read about chess to become the best.
Doménico: Wow, so you're a little genius, huh?
Vicky: Hahaha, yes, Teo is an excellent child. When he sets his mind on something, he doesn't stop until he learns it. Before chess, he loved everything about dinosaurs. He would spend the whole day talking about them.
Doña Carlotta: You must be so proud to have such a brilliant child.
Vicky: Yes, I am. (I answered, looking at my child with so much love. I've always made sure he knows how proud I am of him, and that motivates him to be better every day.)
Don Maximo: Well, in the library, I have a chess table that you will love, and a collection of books for you to prepare and continue being the best. Max also loves chess, so I hope one day you can compete against each other 😉
Teo: Really? Yessss, thank you.
My son ran towards Don Maximo and gave him a strong hug of excitement, so he quickly finished eating as he couldn't wait to go to the library.
We left the dining room, and I accompanied Teo to the library. Before leaving him alone, I told him to behave well and not touch anything except what was related to chess. Teo is a very careful child, so I can leave him alone without any problem.
I went to the office with Don Maximo and Doña Carlotta. We were talking there for a while. After that, they took me to a space specifically adapted for Maximiliano's therapies, and it's exactly as I requested. They even installed a small, safe swimming pool for the initial stages to prevent accidents. They went to do their own things, so I stayed here for the rest of the afternoon, settling in and preparing everything for when Don Ogro agrees to start his therapies.
Narrated by Max:
I finished eating, so I made my way to the library. I want to read a bit and, if possible, play chess alone. Since I was a child, I have loved it, and it's the only thing that makes me forget the world.
Entering the library, I noticed Teo there, focused on what appears to be a book. Does this kid know how to read? It surprised me because he can't be more than 5 years old, so I got curious and approached him.
Max: Hey kid, what are you reading? (said teasingly)
Teo: My name is not kid, it's Matheo or Teo. And if you doubt that I can read, give me any other book, and I'll read it perfectly.
(I observed in silence. I must admit that this child responds better than any adult his age, so I quickly replied)
Max: Alright, Teo, then I'll ask you again, what are you reading?
Teo: I'm reading a math book that caught my attention. I'm doing my homework, but I'm not very good at math, so I'm researching.
Max: Hmm, you're doing well. Well, I'll leave you, and I'll go read too.
Teo: Max, can I call you Max?
Max: Yes, of course, as long as you don't annoy me.
Teo: okay, I'll probably ask you something then 🤷🏻♂️
(Here we go, you definitely can't trust anyone)
Max: What are you going to ask?
Teo: Two things. First, why are you so grumpy? Second, why don't you want to do your therapies?
Max: The first, I was born this way, and I will die this way. If you show any weakness to people, they will hurt you. As for the second, I don't think your mom can help me.
Teo: Maybe you're right about your first answer, but life has many choices. You don't always have to choose what seems best but what makes you happy. And regarding the second question, my mom is the best, so I would give it a try.
Max: "Little Prince," huh? Maybe you're right, but my situation is hopeless.
Teo: Yes, "Little Prince"! I really like that book. Well, you lose nothing by trying.
(I see the boy staring at the chessboard)
Max: Do you know how to play chess? (He looked at me with a smile on his face, as if plotting something)
Teo: Yes! How about a deal? We play chess. If I win, you resume your therapies with my mom, and you stop being so grumpy with everyone.
Max: And if you lose?
Teo: I'll convince my mom that we should leave.
Max: I hope your suitcases are still packed.
(I quickly settled in front of the table. This kid has no idea that I have been a European chess league champion)
We started the game, and I must admit that the boy is quite tough. He carefully considers his moves, and I have never faced an opponent as good as him.
We've been playing for 30 minutes, and I think I'm winning. For the first time in three years, I'm smiling at my triumph.
Max: I think I'm going to win.
Teo: It's your turn, so make your move.
(I made my move to checkmate, but I didn't realize that the boy made a clever move, leaving me in shock. I've been defeated by a 5-year-old. I can't believe it.)
Teo: Well, Max, I hope you are a man of your word. Tomorrow at 8, I'll be in your room looking for you to start your therapy sessions, and I hope you'll have your best smile ready. (Matheo said, with a triumphant smile on his face)
Max: You're a pretty smart kid, from what I can see.
Teo: Did you think I would bet without being sure to win?
Max: I see that now.
Teo: Well, now it's time for me to leave, I have to finish my tasks.
Max: Do you want me to explain? I'm really good at math.
Teo: Would you really do that for me?
(Teo looked at me with excitement on his face, and without realizing it, he hugged me impulsively)
Max: That's nothing, you just beat a chess champion 😏
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