takila

Do you think I've never yearned for her in my heart, Ernesto?

Before Mom died, she told me that when she first met you, she had a flower pinned to her chest, and it was the flower that drew you to her from the crowd.

Dad, do you still remember what flower it was?

I...

Don't remember.

*sigh*...

That's too bad. I was hoping you would be able to tell me.

Please wait, Mr. Ernesto.

Hah, long time no see, Mr. Booker.

Lady Candela heard that you returned to Dossoles, and hopes to meet with you.

If you don't mind me asking, what does Miss Candela need me for?

Please get in the car. Lady Candela will let you know once you arrive.

Well... I was planning on paying her a visit anyway. I appreciate the lift, Mr. Booker.

This is... a wedding venue? This is where Ms. Candela is?

With me, please. She's waiting at the frontmost table.

(Taps at the glass with a fork)

Conductor, would you mind pausing this wonderful melody? I'd like to offer a few words to the new couple.

During this short half a lifetime of mine, marriage has always been such a distant word. I have loved deeply, but love has never given me the courage to enter such a special contract.

What kind of courage must one find before signing over his hand to another with which he has no blood relation, along with his property, body and soul, and future?

Before the wedding, I asked our groom, Mr. Will, if he was aware of the risks that came with this undertaking, akin to walking into the wilderness naked.

But, he told me that he would weather any storm just to see that flower on the other side.

(Raises glass) Go forth then, Mr. Will, and bravely trek into that raging storm. Fill every day and night of her life with happiness.

May your love be true for all of eternity!

May your love be true!

(Squeezes his lips tightly)

Lady Candela, he's here.

It's been a while, Ernesto.

Ms. Candela, long time no see. Have you been well?

What is he doing here? The gall of that man, showing up at a wedding reception hosted by Lady Candela...

Shh... Keep your voice down. She invited him here. Remember how she said before the ceremony that she'd bring a special guest?

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure you're all familiar with this young man. His name is Ernesto Salas, one of my most capable staff. He used to work in the International Trade Management Department.

Welcome back to Dossoles, Ernesto.

I appreciate the warm reception, sir.

Have you been enjoying your extended vacation, Ernesto?

There's nothing worth concerning yourself over, Ms. Candela. Though I did run into some unexpected surprises, I've been well overall.

Unexpected surprises? I'd like to hear more.

Your eyes look a little red. Is everything alright?

I've been away too long, and I've forgotten how hard the wind blows along the beach here.

Is that so? I think the wind is pretty tranquil tonight, just the way I like it.

Did you... refloat this boat?

Yes. I planned to decorate it at the end of the year and put it back into use.

Even after all those explosions, even sinking to the bottom, it can still serve?

It has served me faithfully in the past, so I didn't want to move on. Even now, I still look forward to how it will serve me in the future, and fully believe in its potential.

You never struck me as the nostalgic type.

What matters to me isn't how long something has been around, but rather how long it'll last.

Besides, truly worthwhile things aren't afraid to stick around for a while, just like the bottle of rum sitting on the table – produced in my private winery, aged for seven years, the finest batch of that year.

Seven years in the darkness has only served to enhance its aroma.

Would you like to try a glass?

Haha. Thank you, Ms. Candela. Half a glass will do. After being away for so long, I can't hold my liquor as well as before.

That is fine. Mr. Booker, please pour out half a glass for our guest.

Ah, I can do it myself.

(Raises eyebrow) Are you no longer accustomed to our way of doing things?

I appreciate it, Mr. Booker.

Here you go.

Thank you. Now then, Ms. Candela, if you don't mind.

(Takes a sip from the glass)

How is it?

*cough* *cough* Rich and full-flavored indeed. I would expect nothing less from your discerning tastes.

But do you like it?

Haha, this came from your personal collection. How have another opinion?

You went to see your father. How's he doing?

Well, he's still in decent health. Thank you for looking after him. I will always remember this favor.

Hmph. I'm sure that stubborn old fossil had some choice words for me, even locked away in prison.

No, no. If anything, the brunt of his criticism was directed at me, over how I'm nothing like him and don't share his ambitions.

A pity he's so old and addled he can't even recognize his own son.

Hahaha... Always the joker, Ms. Candela. There's no father out there who couldn't understand his own son.

You are anything but lacking in ambition. If anything, your sights are higher than just this one city.

I'm not sure what you mean by that.

Dossoles will not always belong to me. I am getting older, while its glory continues to shine ever brighter. More and more people flock to it, and I am searching for someone.

Someone who can help me defend this light in a world surrounded by feral beasts, someone who can take it much further even after I am gone.

So, would you like another glass?

(Strokes the glass in his hand)

Take this bottle of wine home with you and savor it slowly. Maybe eventually, you will come to appreciate its taste.

Throw it to me, throw it to me!

Yeah, yeah. Hand it over here.

Huh? Where'd it go?

My man, you lobbed that thing.

What's this?!

Hahahaha! Looks like I'll be waiting for good news from you.

This... is embarrassing. I'll hand this back to the bride and have her throw it again.

Keep it, and treat it as a good omen. Dossoles has no shortage of fine ladies.

Seems like it's getting dark. If it's not convenient for you to head back right now, you can spend the night at the nearby hotel. I've already asked them to keep a spare room for you.

Thank you for your consideration, Ms. Candela.

I have other business. See you around.

Hmm? Didn't you have something else you wanted to discuss?

Ernesto, your life could be a lot more comfortable if you completely cut ties with Bolívar. Have you ever considered that?

(Shakes head)

Why not?

Because, its thorns are what brings me joy.

Go forth then, Mr. Ernesto, and bravely trek into that raging storm. Fill every day and night of its life with happiness.

Ugh, my head hurts... I haven't had anything this strong in a long time...

Jeez... Why'd I take the bouquet with me when I left? Well, whatever... I'll just toss it in a trash bin later.

Why are there so many people standing around up there? Señor, excuse me, but would you mind letting me through?

Isn't that the casino from yesterday?

Buddy, you'll want to give it a minute. Someone just died in the casino.

Someone died?

Some hapless fellow just scored a jackpot. Couldn't handle the stimulation apparently and died on the spot.

Hmm, that's... quite the cruel twist of fate.

A stretcher exits from beneath the magnificent gates of the casino. Ernesto can vaguely make out a human figure beneath the white sheet, his brow furrowing into a frown as he prepares to leave.

Suddenly, a gust of wind lifts up the corner of the cloth, revealing a mutilated arm beneath.