Chapter 3

It was the best thing I could have done to disappear from that asshole six years ago; I couldn't bear his torture any longer and needed to find a way out. It was fantastic to have learned so much from Andrew Corona.

I couldn't be self-sufficient today. I was able to survive thanks to the old man I had been living with for the past six years. He was like a father to me again since the first day we met, and I will be eternally grateful to him for never questioning my business.

The cottage I shared with the old man wasn't much more than a room, but it was adequate for me to rest until daybreak and go about my daily business.

The first cricket chirping woke me up, but my ass was still too lazy to get out of bed. I suddenly remembered a transaction with my new client. I had been warned not to be late. "Ahhh," I groaned as I stood up abruptly.

I dashed into the bathroom, took a quick shower, dressed quickly, and dashed out of the hut, my jacket slung over my shoulder. I dashed back inside, kissed the old man's brow, and dashed out.

"Great," I exhale, brushing my hair back and putting on a face mask. Then I collided with the next bus stop.

An incoming call beeps on my phone, and I quickly pick it up, hoping I don't miss it. "I'm hoping you're already there; I don't like waiting," he said as he hung up the phone! That was a savage remark!

I got off the bus and went to the coffee shop, where we agreed to meet. I was relieved to have arrived earlier than that scumbag, seeing as the restaurant was empty.

I cringed at the thought of how rude he sounded on the phone. He'd better pay a lot! Nothing less than $15 was expected. After all, I put in a lot of time and effort to prepare for it.

He walked in, sat next to me, and ordered a coffee for two.

"I hope it's worth a shot from a little girl," he said, smirking.

"Believe me, this little girl has everything it takes inside your head." Don't be fooled by my age. "Here," I said, almost dragging the envelope to his side.

"It doesn't work that way, mister," I say, and he quickly pulls some money from his pocket. "Here," he said, handing over the cash, and I did the same.

"You're smarter than I thought," he remark.

"That's what they say."

"Nice meeting you, hope to see you again," he said, shaking my hand. "Hopefully it's just a business meeting," I added as I walked away.

As I walked down the familiar street, I took out the money and counted it; surprisingly, it was more than I expected. A whopping twenty dollars! Woah! This is excellent news. Today, old man will eat something new.

A pickpocket abruptly yanked the money from my grasp. "Goddamn it, you this asshole, give me back that," I yelled as I chased him down; he was a fast runner, but I was able to catch up with him. I slammed him against the wall, folded his hand behind his back, and grabbed my money quickly before releasing him.

"Don't try that again, little boy; I'm not always cool, okay?" I said as I tapped his shoulder and walked away.

"Please help me; my mother is dying out there, and all I needed to do was buy her some medicine and sandwiches. Please!" The little boy begged, clutching my knees. The image I dreaded appeared on my face, and a tear streamed down my cheek.

I stoop to his level and ruffle his hair. "Can you tell me your name?" I inquired.

"Juan Antonio," he says.

"That's a good name you have, take this, and take good care of your mother," I said as I handed the money back to the little boy. I couldn't bear the thought of him becoming traumatized if he lost his mother.

"Thank you very much, sis! Thank you; I will make every effort to look after her "He said, and I nodded and turned to leave when he stopped me.

"Can you tell me your name, Sis?" I was taken aback. "I'd like to remember your name and repay your kindness one day," he said.

"My name is Cynthia De'Lacruz, and I'm here to help you get your mother back on her feet," I said, and he nodded and descended out of my sight.

I take a deep breath, exhale, and re adjust my jacket as I make my way back home.

"Today was so exhausting, famished, old man, is there anything left for you? I inquired as soon as I removed my jacket and face cap.

"I got this from the neighborhood," he explained as he pulled out some cooked rice.

"Woah! Thank you, hun! My stomach is already grumbling!"

"Come on, let's eat," he said, bringing a spoon forward for me.

"You're right, old man."

I look at the old man, who is eating peacefully, as I eat my rice. I'm curious what's behind your story old man." I said, and he uhm in response.

"Why do you choose to live here? Why do you beg as a living? Why always introverts?" I asked all at once.

"Finally got the courage to ask?" He said.

"Yes old man, I felt it your story and don't want to intrude, but I became curious you know"

"I felt good after eating this," He said and stretched his arm.

"I became this way because I lost my family in a fire accident, everyone was not safe except me, and I live with the guilt."

"Where were you when it happened?" I asked sadly.

"I was at work, and only returned when it was already late. I could have stopped it only if I got home earlier. My wife and the twins will have been saved by now." He blurted and for the first time, I saw the old man I have lived with for the past six years who cried out like a baby.

"I was traumatized for several years and had to undergo extensive therapy, which resulted in my dismissal from my job.

"Are they supposed to dismiss you?" I inquired once more.

"Yes, Cynthia, I was out of work for over a year, and believe me, no one expects you to still work for them here in Mexico City. I wasn't bothered because even the earnings seemed worthless, so I ended up here, and I'd rather die here with the grief.

"Hey, come on! Are you in tears?" When I heard, I quickly wiped away my tears. "No, I'm not; I'm actually very sad."

"Oh, you should eat more, I'm fine! You are aware of that "I shook my head as he said this.

"I'm sorry to hear about your loss, old man. That must have been a lot to bear for you."

"Yes, it is, dear. I'm hoping they'll forgive me."

"They must forgive you because it was not your fault. You must get that off your mind and move on with your life." I hugged him and said.

"Thank you very much, little girl!"

"No one ever refers to me as that old man," I explained.

"Oh, my bad. It was a slip of the tongue. You had previously warned me about this. So, is there still a plan for today?" I overheard.

"Yes, indeed! I'm going to gamble tonight, and hopefully I'll win this time."

"I hope you don't lose again and cry your ass out here, hun."

"You're making fun of me because I only lost once?" I was saying when an incoming message beeps on my phone. "What a bunch of knuckleheads!" The message makes me cringe.

"Hey, what's up?"

"They invited me over for some new gambling, and this is a lot of money.

"Are you in again this time?"

"You can count on me not to let it go. Do me a favor, old man." I begged

"Not again," he said, "I will win this time and buy your favorite rotten potatoes from the street," I hoped.

"I'm not sure why I keep falling into your trap; hopefully, this is the last time." I thanked him for his words. "You are the greatest.

"I know right!"

~

"Woah!" I jump up in delight when I play the final card. "I triumphed!" I said as I extended my hand for the money.

"Not so easy, girl, let's play another one, okay, that was so quick and not fun." He stated. He has the audacity to believe he can outwit me.

"Just hand me my money and let me go," I grumbled. These jerks think I'm stupid because I let them win the last round?

"Hand it over," I said, and he pushed him to the ground and walked away. "I quickly followed suit and unexpectedly jacked him." I pull a pocket knife from my pants pocket and place it on his neck. "Give me or I'll slide this down your throat," I threaten, and he hands it over quickly, falling.

I counted it, and it was exactly $10 for the challenge. "Next time, don't try to outplay me, I am not the little naive girl you think," I said as I hit his leg and happily jogged out of the club.

On my way home, I bought the rotten potatoes for the old man on the night street.

I'm back at home "As soon as I took off my head cap and shoelace, I made an announcement.

"You must have defeated them to be happy this night."

"Yes, Mr. Old Man! I was victorious! "Here," I said, handing over the potatoes and his money.

"Congratulations! You make me proud every time," he said.

"Says who teased me earlier!"

"C'mon, I was just trying to make you stronger!"

"I heard that, enjoy your meal," I mumbled before collapsing and falling asleep.

"It's too late," he said, pushing me away. "This is your father's heart! This is your father's heart! This is your father's heart!" My ear continued to ring.

"Noooooo," I scream at the top of my lungs. I was shrieking, tears were streaming down my cheeks, and I heard, "It's a dream, Cynthia, wake up."

"You're burning up," the old man said as he rushed over to get me some cold water and a towel to place on my scalded brow.

"Thank you, old man; you should go back to bed now; I'm fine."

"Are you certain?" I shook my head when he asked

"Okay, goodnight.

"Goodnight, old man," I said as I stood up to get some water while he was fast asleep.

Life with an old gentleman isn't all bad. Putting myself in his shoes, I will forever live with the guilt of my family because his life also took a u-turn and made him that way. Now I understand why he's an introvert; being traumatized for over a year wasn't a joke. I had it as well, but I was stronger than the old man, who found it difficult to move. He has a weak heart.

The pain cut deep into his soul, and we were identical, except that I was more wounded in the heart. Because of that jerk that makes me watch my dad in torture.