Chapter Ten: The End of Another Adventure
June 24, 2002—6:07 pm
I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be back in civilization again. I LOVE NEW YORK! These last few days have been absolutely crazy. We arrived back in Santa Maria de la Lluvia on the 21st, took a plane to Manaus on the 22nd, and just barely made the New York flight on the 23rd. Alex is on the couch, sleeping and, I must say, I'm exhausted too. I just wanted to document these last few events before I forget about them.
After we arrived in Santa Maria de la Lluvia, Santos revealed that he knew about Karakawe all along. We met us with Joel, who was being looked after by the nuns at the hospital and saw Carias get into his private plane to be flown to Manaus for intensive treatment, Torres sobbing on his shoulder the whole time. Apparently, his cracked skull will leave him with permanent brain damage, but Torres still refuses to let go of him. Her attraction is so obvious I feel like an idiot for not picking up on it before.
Timothy, Leblanc, and I have decided to use the evidence photographed to start a campaign for protecting the Indians. Although I don't particularly want to spend the rest of my life working with Leblanc, I can no longer deny that he isn't useful. Apparently, this trip gave him inspiration for a new book. Hopefully this one will be at least semi-truthful.
As for financial backing, Alexander gave me three egg-shaped rocks of what looks like crystal. He swears they're diamonds. I swear he's finally lost his marbles. Still, I'll have them examined, just to set his mind at ease.
I must admit, I am rather proud of Alexander. He's grown much more these past few weeks than I could have ever imagined. I'm sure John and Lisa will be equally proud (well, not exactly—maybe 'frightened' is more of the word) when he tells them of his exploits. The only problem is that he insists on me calling him Jaguar. I wonder why?
In summary, this trip has been a learning experience like no other. I didn't get the article I wanted, but, still, an opportunity to document the life of the People of the Mist, to me, seems even more important. My grandson grew up in that rainforest, I can tell. Something happened to him; it's almost like his old self died and he was completely reborn. As far as myself, I'm learned a few things too. For example, my new number one rule is to NEVER, EVER go ANYWHERE with Alexander again. He's bound to find trouble and, if he does, I don't think I'll be able to live through it again.
Kate Cold