Episode 19

Hector took a few steps forward and spoke seriously, looking directly at him.

"Seriously, what's your deal? Calvin was just a fling for you; that much is clear. Now tell me, why do you care who he's dating? He deserves to find someone who treats him with the value he deserves."

"Who said he was just a fling? Your friend didn't let me explain the situation and assumed things his own way. He told me he was into me and now he's already dating someone else?"

Hector couldn't help but smile at what he said.

"And you got engaged the same night you slept with him. Tell me, who's wrong here? You're a committed man, not him. Let him live his life in peace; move on, if you really want what's best for Calvin, the best thing you can do is stay away from him."

Hector went back to his device, and Frank left that space, realizing that he would not be able to persuade Calvin's best friend. Upon returning to the recruits' area, Frank was intercepted by Eddie, who placed a hand on his chest, preventing him from proceeding.

"I heard you missed a great opportunity. Why didn't you file a complaint against Calvin?"

Frank looked at Eddie's hand, removed it from his chest, and replied, trying to make it clear that he was tired of the subject.

"What would I gain from that? The opportunity you're talking about is yours, not mine. It's no news that you want Calvin's position, and if you think you can use my case with him to achieve that, you're sorely mistaken," Frank retorted firmly.

"You think I need your case with him to get promoted? I knew he wouldn't be able to keep up the act for long and would eventually screw up. Most people here don't agree with his attitude; if he assaulted his lover, what could he do to others? You could have thought big; if you had gone through with the complaint, you would have gotten support from several people in here, and that could be seen favorably by a commander or colonel."

Frank was understanding where Eddie was going with this. If he had to rise, it would be through his own efforts and not at the expense of anyone else, just as he had learned from Calvin.

"You can all rest assured. Calvin only assaulted me because I provoked him. So, if everyone goes back to the way things were, everything will be fine."

Frank wasn't willing to pursue the matter further. He turned his back and walked away, leaving Eddie with an expression that indicated the conversation wasn't over yet.

"So, just don't provoke him? Is that what could happen if the 'wall' is provoked? I think it would be interesting to pay to see that."

Far from the barracks and unaware that anyone might be plotting against him, Calvin arrived at the gym he frequented occasionally. He paid for the day and headed to one of the treadmills. On the other side, Dereck was leaving, and when Calvin looked up, he recognized a familiarity in his face.

Calvin considered approaching Dereck, but as he left, he was intercepted by someone who was used to training with him. He had the impression that it could be the man from the night before, but he missed the opportunity to confirm by not starting a conversation.

Faced with the approach, Calvin had no choice but to give his attention to the man who approached him, heading towards the equipment. Dereck, in turn, didn't see Calvin and might not even recognize him, as he was quite intoxicated the night before.

Dereck drove to Lincoln Park in his car. He enjoyed going to that park because the view of Lake Michigan relaxed him, something he needed at that moment. Upon arriving, he started walking around the place, observing the animals, taking some pictures and then heading towards the lake. He believed that there he could calm his mind.

Meanwhile, at the gym, Calvin finished his workout and decided to head to the same park. As he rode his motorcycle, he was still thinking about his friend's advice, the decisions to be made when he got back and, of course, the man from the club. He wondered if it was really him there, and if so, that would be a huge coincidence.

Calvin enjoyed the company of animals, which is why he liked that park, which housed a zoo. He played with some animals before leaving, putting on his headphones and starting his run. As he ran, he enjoyed the scenery around him.

Dereck, in turn, was at the edge of the lake, also enjoying his music. As he imagined, being there, contemplating the lake, brought clarity about his future decisions.

After much reflection, Dereck moved away from the lakefront and returned to the center of the park, where several people were strolling or just passing through. As he approached a bend, about to enter a wooded area, two children ran past him, and one of them fell. Dereck looked back and went up to them to check on them.

At that moment, as Dereck bent down to check on the child, Calvin came running in the opposite direction of Dereck's path. Neither of them saw each other, and it seemed that fate was playing with them, keeping them so close and yet so far apart.

The child's mother soon appeared, and as he only had a few scratches, Dereck went on his way, still advising the child not to run like that. He continued walking, watching the boy get up, even with his scraped knee, and show a willingness to continue playing with his brother. This ended up being a lesson for Dereck.

He smiled and continued towards his car, already knowing what he would do when he arrived at the hospital the next day. Just like the boy, he would lift his head and move on, not letting that incident take away his peace, after all, he hadn't done anything wrong. If he had to leave that place to obtain the peace he needed, he would not hesitate to do so.

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