Way Back Home

by Clickgeniera

This story is more dramatic than the ones I usually write. An improvised plan has quite disastrous consequences. The main characters are not as perfect as in the series, which was aimed at a family audience, here they are more human and sometimes things go wrong for them.

16. November 23rd (8)

I´m posting this story quite fast, I hope my readers will not miss any of the chapters.

November 23rd (8).

"Does Felipe know I'm awake?"

"No, he's out with the vaqueros and we haven't been able to tell him yet."

"I would like to talk to him as soon as possible."

"As soon as I see him I will tell him." Don Alejandro replied. "I am sure he will be very relieved. I think he has suffered as much as we have, although he has not expressed it at any time."

Diego looked his father in the eye. "I've hurt you all, and I'm sorry for what I did." he said.

"You'll have to be more specific. What do you mean?" replied Don Alejandro, though his tone was not stern.

"I suppose everything: becoming Zorro and not trusting you, dishonoring Victoria, risking my life stupidly."

Don Alejandro stopped him with a gesture. "By the time I began to know what was going on, the only thing that mattered to me was that Victoria's baby is actually my grandchild, and that at least something of you would remain with us. Also when you got married I felt like we were fulfilling your last will, because it really was what you wanted, I think it's what kept you alive." The older man's eyes watered, and Diego could not hold back the tears either. Don Alejandro cleared his throat to dissimulate and tried to lighten his tone. "The bad thing is that I told Victoria that I could not reproach Zorro and her for what happened, and to top it all off, I have prayed so many times asking you to wake up that I ended up promising I don't know if to the Virgin or some saint or another that you and I would start anew. I'm so grateful that you're alive that I'm willing to keep my promise and forgive you for anything you've done these years, though I'd like you to tell me about that when you're feeling better."

"Of course." Diego nodded and asked something that also troubled him. "Do you know what has happened to Toronado?"

"Some men say they have seen a black horse in the hills, but he is a very elusive animal and has no saddle or reins, so they don't know if it is really him. Perhaps Felipe can tell you something about the matter."