︵‿୨ - March 10 1951 - ୧‿︵

He wasn't there. Every Saturday Bruno and Camilo would put on a show for the town. Bruno would write the scripts. His rats would perform while he and Camilo provided voices. Every week Wilfredo would sit and watch from the bar. Scribbling notes into the journal he kept in his back pocket.

He wasn't there.

"Let's get started already. We're running late." Camilo complained. Taking his seat behind the stage.

"Ah, sí, sí…" Bruno scanned the edge of the plaza one more time. Hoping in vain he might see his friend materialize from around the corner.

Maybe he was running late? No. He knew that wasn't true. Wilfredo was never late for anything. No, if he wasn't here, he didn't want to be. Of course, this wasn't any sort of betrayal. Bruno had never asked him to watch his shows. He was under no obligation to do so. He wasn't there.

"Tío Bruno!" Camilo snapped.

"Voy!" Bruno assured as he rushed back to the stage to take his seat.

Camilo looked like he wanted to ask him something but decided to hold off till after the show. Bruno's performance was distracted and clumsy that day. A few times Camilo had to deliver a line for him. By the time it was over and people were funneling out Bruno was too lost in thought to help wrap up the stage.

He absentmindedly smothered Beatrice as his thoughts ran wild. Was Wilfredo angry with him? He said he wasn't but he still seemed so angry. So hurt.

Camilo's voice snapped Bruno back to the present moment. "Are you going to help me or what?"

Bruno turned to see his sobrino's irritated expression. He had already finished taking down the curtains and was packing everything inside the stage.

"Perdona." Bruno apologized quickly. He began undressing the furry actors who'd come to wait by his feet. Sergio especially seemed annoyed with being clothed for so long. He made sure his displeasure was known when he nipped Bruno's toe upon seeing Beatrice undressed first.

"Ay! Wait your turn." Bruno scolded. He couldn't blame Sergio though, he was neglecting them. He needed to keep focused.

"Qué pasa contigo?" Camilo asked.

Bruno stared at him blankly. He tried to think of a reply. He couldn't tell him the truth that was for sure. "Oh, well you know, nothing in particular, really, just, like…" Was about all he could think to mumble out.

Camilo crossed his arms and raised a brow at him. "You get in a fight with tu novia?" He seemed a little bitter. Did Bruno do something to upset him? Why was he so good at offending people lately. Wait? What was he talking about?

"Quién? Qué?"

Camilo rolled his eyes in frustration. "Jacqueline." He groaned as if he thought it was obvious. "She's not here. She usually watches our shows."

That's right. Jacqueline and Wilfredo usually watched the tablas together. Jacqueline did skip out more often of course. She usually said hello at least. It also occurred to him that Wilfredo's scribbling in his journal might be confused for passive distraction. Most of the time he spent with Wilfredo publicly Jacqueline was there. Bruno wasn't sure how he felt about the growing rumors about the two of them. He figured it was better than people knowing the truth.

"Oh, bueno, I'm sure she's just busy." Bruno replied awkwardly. He didn't really care too much where Jacqueline was right now. She wasn't at work but that wasn't unusual for her. Wilfredo's absence was very unusual.

"Ah, sí, I'm sure she's really busy." Camilo's tone was dripping with sarcasm. He reached over to pluck the costumes Bruno had been collecting from his hands. "Ella te va a comer vivo." Cemilo grumbled under his breath.

Bruno couldn't quite tell if he was meant to respond or not. He couldn't help but feel offended. "Don't talk to me like I don't know what I'm doing. Your sixteen. What would you know?"

Camilo packed the costumes inside the stage along with the curtains and props. He clicked the large wooden contraption shut before turning his attention back to Bruno. Leaning over to prop his elbow against the stage and gave him a serious look. Camilo was rarely very serious but he looked genuinely frustrated with him.

"You know she's una puta, sí? The whole town knows it."

"Don't talk about her like that." Bruno snapped. He was almost surprised by how quickly he cut the boy off. He never much cared for the way people spoke about Jacqueline. It was starting to bother him more and more. "Besides, you're too young to be using that kind of language." He tried to justify. Camilo wasn't wrong. It still felt wrong. Jacqueline wasn't a bad person. She didn't deserve to be talked about like that.

Camilo raised his hands in submission. "I get it. I like her too. Es guay, pero ella es demasiado para ti. I'm just trying to look out for you."

"You're being really disrespectful is what you're doing." Bruno was starting to lose his patience with this conversation. Even if he were sleeping with Jacqueline, it would still be insulting to know his family thought he was too naive to know what he was getting himself into. That said... He thought he could handle her brother.

Camilo shot him daggers before getting up and collecting their gear to head home.

Bruno only barely registered the look. His mind started to wander again. He'd panicked last night. Maybe Wilfredo just needed a day to himself. Was he angry with Bruno? What about story hour? Would he be turned away on Monday? Jacqueline hadn't stopped by either. Not that she always did but she watched the tablas often enough that it might be something of note. Perhaps Wilfredo's absence had caught her attention as well...

"You coming or what?" Camilo called back from halfway across the plaza.

Bruno scurried to his feet before sulking over to his sobrino. All the while his eyes stayed locked in the direction of the library. "Maybe I should stop by the library and see if they're doing alright." He wondered aloud.

"Jacqueline's probably hanging out with Elonzo." Camilo corrected him. "Pero por qué no charge right into that disaster zone if you want."

"Jacqueline, right, no, no, your right. I should just give them space." Bruno mumbled out before pulling his eyes away from the street.

"What did you do to make her mad anyway?"

"I, I don't know…" That was a lie. He knew what he did.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

Bruno stared blankly down at the page. Anxiously tapping the dresser with his pen. He was trying to get an early start on writing next week's show. He'd eased off of writing romances ever since Jacqueline called him out on it. Bruno was half tempted to just go flag Jacqueline down tonight so he might have someone to talk to. He hadn't seen her all day. Was she mad at him too? Did she know what he did to Wilfredo? Story hour at the library was on Monday.

Wilfredo decided he was going to start doing it twice. One story hour for la clase juvenil and one for la clase mayor. He told Bruno not to come to las clases mayor. Dolores relayed the message. Wilfredo had said he worried the more mature content might be uncomfortable for Bruno. Bruno wondered if Wilfredo was actually looking out for him. If he thought Bruno was too sensitive after the Shakespeare incident, or if it was simply an excuse not to have to work together more than necessary. Wilfredo wasn't telling him not to come. Still, Bruno couldn't shake the feeling he wasn't wanted at the library.

The message Dolores delivered was practical and impersonal. The professional distance Wilfredo seemed to be maintaining hurt almost as bad if not worse than simply being pushed away.

Bruno hoped Jacqueline hadn't decided to cut him off too.

Dios mio the vision! Bruno dropped his pen on the floor. More details started flooding back to him. The night he spent in Wilfredo's room. Bruno's memories of that night were foggy. He'd spend hours trying to recall as many details as he could. The things Wilfredo had said to him. The way he touched him… Bruno had barely thought about his conversation with Jacqueline. He only just now remembered what had spurred him on in the first place.

"I can't marry Jacqueline!" Bruno slapped his hands over his mouth almost as fast as he had blurted it out. He screamed into his palms in frustration. He couldn't say things like that out loud. Dolores could hear him.

Bruno looked down to see Rosa standing on the dresser. Rearing up on her hind legs and swaying slightly as she observed him. Curious, questioning, little eyes.

"You're right." Bruno sighed before flopping back on the bed.

"She probably knows already." He'd be shocked if Dolores hadn't listened for him the morning after. Bruno had woken up late. Missed breakfast. Snuck in while everyone else was out of the house. There's no way she didn't look for him when he didn't come down for breakfast.

Bruno's face flushed hot red He thought of his conversation with Wilfredo that morning. Dolores knew now didn't she? There was no ambiguity. No metaphors. He'd poured his heart out. Said things he'd kept bottled up for years. Dolores heard all of it.

Juanita crept up to nibble at his face. Bruno reached up a hand to return the affection with a scratch behind her ears. He turned to look at Juanita. She was large and fat. Her teeth had grown a dark orange color, and her fur was longer than most. Carlos had already taken the opportunity to nest in Bruno's hair. The buck wasn't looking much better. They were old. Bruno wasn't sure how much longer he'd have them. Bruno picked Juanita up and held her to his chest. He ran his fingers through her fur. Careful not to move his head too much and disturb her life partner. Rats didn't live very long. They made for excellent company. Especially when Bruno was alone. Carlos and Juanita were born in the wall. Lived most of their lives that way. It was jarring for most of the rats to suddenly be exposed to so many people. These two had adapted to Bruno's new life as though nothing had changed. They were brave little creatures. Loving and kind.

Bruno lifted Juanita up to his face to kiss the top of her head. "Te quiero mija." Bruno whispered. "Y tú." He added as he reached up to scratch Carlos's back with his finger. The sleepy old man merely burrowed deeper into Bruno's hair in response.

Bruno had lost so many rats over the course of his life. It was always sad to see them go but he'd run out of tears to shed many years ago. He'd grown accustomed to saying goodbye. It wasn't just the rats. Friends, acquaintances, Bruno was so depressingly accustomed to letting go of people. Don Diego was the closest thing he'd ever had to a father. Bruno knew he was saying goodbye when he told Diego about the vision. Bruno could have kept that knowledge to himself... Diego deserved the chance to make the best of his last days with Carina.

Bruno never said goodbye to Carina.

He never told his family goodbye. He just left

Maybe that was why it had been so easy to reject Wilfredo's affections. Bruno knew Wilfredo wouldn't be staying. He knew he'd be saying goodbye eventually. Why did it matter so much when it happened? Why, despite all his experience, did he still want Wilfredo so desperately?

Bruno still wanted to treasure his limited time with Wilfredo. It had only been a day. One day hurt worse than Bruno had been prepared for.

Eventually, his aimless musing was disrupted by Sergio and his littermates demanding snacks. Bruno had already fed the rats today. Sergio and his brothers were little goliaths who would bully their sisters out of a meal if he didn't give them extra. Much as it frustrated Bruno it was for now much easier to give in to the little monster's demands to keep the peace.

Juanita and Carlos seemed rather displeased with having their snuggle time cut short. Bruno had little choice but to head down to the kitchen to sneak some leftovers for the boys.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

"No more after this." Bruno insisted to the fat buck in his hands. Sergio seemed dismissive of Bruno's demands. He merely flicked his ears in the direction of the kitchen.

Bruno sighed. He made his way down the stairs to the courtyard. He was in the process of checking the warmer for arepa's when Castia's rattling tiles swiped it away from him. Bruno was about to protest but stopped when the swinging cabinets directed his eyes to the front door.

Julieta was home early.

"Muchas gracias for the help. You really didn't have to."

"It's no trouble. I may not be magic but I've got two arms and two legs that aren't broken." Bruno knew that warm, friendly, voice.

His heart sank into the pit of his stomach. He rushed to hide Sergio and grab a glass of water to justify his kitchen trip.

"Hola Bruno." Julieta chirped. Entering the kitchen with a large sack of cornmeal. "How was the show today?"

"Bien." Bruno croaked awkwardly. Gripping his glass a little tighter than he should have. Bruno hurriedly took a sip to clear his throat then elaborated. "It was a good show I think. The crowd was a little thinner than usual." He tried really hard not to look directly at Wilfredo as he said so.

Wilfredo was carrying in a few crates of produce. "Where do want these?" He asked Julieta. He didn't even seem to register Bruno's presence.

Julieta screwed up her face for a moment to think. "Upstairs, just in case. There's a cold storage space in my room." She turned to Bruno and nearly gave him a heart attack.

"Could you go show him?" Julieta asked. Her request was so simple and sickly sweet.

"Ah, sí, claro." Bruno pushed off the counter and scurried past Wilfredo.

Impatient with this new distraction Sergio was quick to nip the back of Bruno's neck in protest.

"Ay!" Bruno jumped and swatted at the misbehaving rat. Sergio hopped to the floor only to glare at him before scurrying off.

Bruno turned to look back at Wilfredo. Bruno expected Wilfredo to ask what that was about. To tease him, or ask if he was ok… To say something…

Wilfredo only stared back expectantly. Gesturing up the stairs with his eyes.

"This way." Bruno instructed with an awkward smile. Pointing towards the stairs. Wilfredo knew full well where the stairs were. Bruno didn't need to say anything. Wilfredo didn't need to say anything.

Bruno wished he would say something.

He could help but flinch as Wilfredo silently pushed past him up the stairs. Following behind perhaps a bit too eagerly Bruno pointed to Julieta's door.

"Her room is right there." He told him redundantly. "Right next to Mamá." It was hard to miss, considering it had his sister's face on it. He hoped perhaps he might elicit some dry sarcasm.

Wilfredo merely grunted and he shuffled the crates in his arms to try and free up a hand to open the door.

"Oh, let me help you with that!"

Bruno rushed over to open the door for him. For a moment their hands touched as they both reached for the doorknob. Wilfredo pulled his back. Sudden. As though he'd been stung. Bruno looked back up at him. Pushing the door open. There was no hint of hurt on Wilfredo's face. No hint of anything.

Once inside their footsteps echoed faintly on the polished stone floor. "Julieta really got the best room if you ask me." Bruno chuckled. "It's like una casita pequeña inside Castia."

Julieta's room was an open space with a massive hearth against the far wall. The entire wall was lined with countertops and cooking utensils. Far more tools than she needed for day-to-day chores. Very useful for experimenting. The fire in the hearth never needed to be fed. When his sister was stressed the fire would roar. When she was tired it would reduce to low rumbling embers. In all their years he'd never seen the fire go out. Despite the permanent blaze, the temperature was always perfect.

There were three archways leading to different spaces. On the left-hand side, a spare bedroom for those who were especially ill or whose injuries required more than a single meal could mend. Past that was the door to the pantry. A large maze of shelved tunnels that Juileta miraculously never got lost in. On the right hand was another archway past her bed to the cold storage. A series of tunnels like the pantry though they were always frozen. Julieta told him once that the pantry and cold storage were all connected. Bruno would rather take her word for it. The last thing he wanted to do was get lost in cold storage. Pepa did once. Thankfully, her gift was enough to keep her warm till Julieta could find her. Pepa did thaw out several pounds of raw chicken though.

Wilfredo cleared his throat. He adjusted the crates again. "Cold storage?" he asked.

"O-over there." Bruno pointed to the archway on the right-hand side.

Wilfredo merely nodded and went to put the groceries away. Bruno hovered behind him as he did so. Bruno could see his breath in the icy tunnel. He hated the cold. Wilfredo didn't seem bothered.

"It was a shame you missed our show today." Bruno said sweetly.

"I was busy." Wilfredo replied bluntly. Looking for some empty shelf space.

"Not too busy to run errands for mi hermana." Bruno muttered bitterly. He didn't intend for Wilfredo to hear him. Bruno nearly swallowed his own tongue when Wilfredo replied.

"Emphasis on was." He clarified before pushing past Bruno to exit the tunnel.

There it was. That dry wit. For some reason. It didn't feel funny or charming. Not now. Not when Wilfredo could barely spare Bruno a glance.

He stood alone for a moment in the cold storage tunnel. The chill that was starting to seep into his bones felt suddenly very appropriate. Wilfredo was never cold. Not to Bruno. This was so alien. Wilfredo didn't feel like the same man. There had to be some way to get him back. Unless…

What if this was the real Wilfredo? Cold and calculating. Only concerned with those he saw benefit to charm.

Bruno shook his head. No. No that wasn't right. He refused to entertain the thought. He knew Wil. He knew the real him. This wasn't it. Wil was hurt. Bruno just needed to give him space. Things would go back to normal before long, surely. Bruno just needed to be patient. He only prayed things would return to the way they were before it was too late.

Bruno pulled himself together and scurried out of Julieta's room. He caught Wilfredo leaning in the open doorway to his mother's room.

He overheard him offering to help Mamá and Mirabel with paperwork. Bruno hardly registered the details of their conversation, only the warmth in Wilfredo's voice. The pleasant smile on his face. The smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

︵‿୨ - March 12 1951 - ୧‿︵

Monday rolled around and Bruno broke down and decided to talk to Jacqueline. Story hour had been a miserable affair. Wilfredo had avoided addressing him almost entirely. He talked to Camilo and the children for sure. He'd laugh and smile and discuss the subject matter in-depth, but Bruno? It was honestly impressive how Wilfredo could manage to avoid ever engaging with Bruno directly without making it obvious. He was clearly well-versed in the silent treatment. Bruno Hadn't seen Jacqueline at the library. He'd been too lost in his own head to notice at the time. Now that it was over Bruno knew he needed to talk to her. That said Jacqueline wasn't hard to find. Sergio had opted to come with him this time. Bruno suspected he was only sucking up to get more treats. Nevertheless, Bruno appreciated the extra company.

Bruno knew where Duilio's friend circle usually liked to hang out. An old house on the edge of town. No one lived here. Rumors of a haunting left it vacant for years. As kids, they'd locked Bruno inside it all night on a dare. Once they realized that even Bad Luck Bruno was safe inside the gang had made it their little hideaway.

Sure enough, they were all scattered about outside drinking and playing cards. Duilio was absent. Not the most surprising development. Duilio hadn't left his home much since the divorce. His friends seemed to be distancing themselves. Bruno wasn't sure if that was due to Jacqueline's influence. A part of him didn't want to find out.

Jacqueline was the only woman in the crowd. The way she sat on the steps with her legs spread and one of Vicente's terrible cigars in her mouth, one could almost mistake her for a man.

"Pay up chico." Jacqueline jeered.

"Perra I already gave you all I got. Me dé un respiro." Nacio protested. Being the youngest there it wasn't a shock to learn he was bad at cards. Bruno wondered exactly what it was they were betting on. He was in no hurry to ask.

"Aw, pobrecito!" Jacqueline cooed. She waved her cards like a maestro directing the chorus of laughter that followed. "El pequeño no puede continuar."

Jacqueline held such a commanding presence here. That day by the river Bruno had worried Jacqueline was putting herself in danger. Seeing her now? Months later, she was the new ring leader. That realization sent a slight shiver down Bruno's spine. Sergio came to perch on his shoulder defensively.

Jacqueline was Bruno's friend. They got on well. She frightened him sometimes. It takes a certain kind of person to command such a presence. Bruno wasn't that kind of person.

Marcos was the first to spot him. "Eh! Bad Luck Bruno! Qué onda hombre?" Despite the awful nickname, Marcos sounded surprisingly friendly. About as friendly as a crocodile can be, but friendly. Perhaps Jacqueline had been working to put in a good word for him? If her long con worked Bruno might need to thank her someday.

"You!" Jacqueline gasped when her eyes landed on him. All hint of play drained from her face as she leaped to her feet. Dropping her cigar and cards in the process. Vacinte who'd been sitting next to Jacqueline was quick to stamp out the cigar before it lit the grass on fire.

"You've got a lot of nerve!" Jacqueline shouted. She stopped inches from his face. Jacqueline was tall for a woman. Not as tall as her brother but tall enough to force Bruno to shrink back under her gaze.

"I do?" He squeaked in confusion. Sergio bristled to assert his own dominance only for Bruno to cup a hand over the aggressive buck.

"OOOOOOH." The crowd cooed in unison like a bunch of schoolboys. "Brunito's in trouble!"

"Cállate a todos!" Jacqueline snapped and the crew immediately fell silent.

They were afraid of her too.

Jacqueline put her hands on her hips and chewed her lip. Clearly considering what to say next. Bruno quietly tried to soothe the rat on his shoulder in the moment of silence she offered him.

"Ven conmigo." Jacqueline commanded. She took Bruno by the wrist and lead him away.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

Jacqueline pulled him down the road towards the fields. They were usually empty this time of day. Lots of open space to talk privately.

"What did you do!?" She nearly shouted. Bruno knew the only reason Jacqueline maintained any restraint was to avoid risking being overheard.

"W-what did I do?" Bruno was still a little bewildered by the sudden aggression.

Jacqueline growled through her nostrils before slowly articulating her grievances. "Mi hermano has been acting loco all week. Ever since your little sleepover. What did you do to him!"

Bruno felt a wave of guilt wash over him. "I-uh, well, we…"

Before he could manage to formulate a sentence Jacqueline shoved him into the cornfield on the side of the road. Covering his mouth with her hand.

Sergio was about to bite her hand to free him but Bruno stopped him when he heard a wagon approaching. He swallowed hard in the agonizing seconds it took the wagon to pass. Once Jacqueline was satisfied they were alone she sat up amongst the crops. Crossing her arms as she waited once more for his explanation.

Bruno stared at her blankly as he struggled to formulate an adequate explanation. "I, uhm, well see he wrote me this poem and,"

"Wait, he actually gave you the poem?" Jacqueline looked skeptical.

"W-well he gave it to Dolores, who gave it to me, but like, in an envelope, I mean he didn't tell her anything, I mean, not like it matters I'm pretty sure she knows by now anyway, though I haven't talked to her, not sure if I should-"

"Just get to the point." Jacqueline groaned and rolled her eyes.

"I took him somewhere private so we could talk." Bruno explained.

"Right, talk." Jacqueline interjected with air quotes.

Bruno's face flushed. He looked away. "That's all we did! We just talked." He curled in on himself as he thought back to their night together. The way Wilfredo had opened up to him. This kiss.

"I don't know what I was expecting. I just knew I needed to talk to him. Things got…" Bruno fell silent for a moment. Grateful Jacqueline was merciful enough not to fill the silence for once.

"I panicked. I told him we can't be together." Bruno confessed. He wanted more from Wil. Bruno still wanted those gentle touches. He wanted to kiss and hold him. He wanted so much more. "I can't risk what that would do to mi familia."

"Bueno, no eres solo el rey de señales confusas?." Jacqueline passively chided. She sounded a bit less angry though. Perhaps she had expected worse. Her words still stung. Bruno felt like he'd done something wrong.

"I didn't mean to." Bruno protested. "I just, he started talking about his ex, and your parents and I couldn't stop thinking about it, and like, what would happen if mi madre found out-"

"He told you about Julio?"

Bruno looked back up at Jacqueline's face. She looked away for a moment to chew on the nail of her thumb as she thought.

"He didn't tell me his name." Bruno clarified. As if he thought it would be some kind of reassurance. "Is something wrong?"

"No, está bien." Jacqueline dismissed before snapping back to the present. She slapped Bruno's shoulder hard enough to hurt. "Wait! No! I'm still mad at you! You hurt mi hermano!"

"I-I didn't mean to." Bruno whimpered. He sounded so pathetic. Raising his hands to shield his face.

Jacqueline didn't hit him again though. She merely stood up and dusted off her skirt before pointing a finger down at him. "Todavía somos amigos, pero todavía estoy enojado."

Bruno bolted upright as Jacqueline turned to leave. "Espera, por favor, There's gotta be something I can do. He won't even talk to me!" Bruno pleaded. Fumbling to keep pace with her.

"Then leave him alone!" Jacqueline replied with a wave of her hand. Refusing to turn around.

Bruno felt a pain in his chest. He hoped Jacqueline would help him. What was he expecting? This was her brother of course she was going to be defensive. Why did Bruno think Jacqueline would help? He desperately hoped she would help.

He recalled the way Wil held him. Bruno might never get another chance to feel that intimacy again. He thought of Wil's warm voice. His playful jabs. The thought Wilfredo might never speak to him like that again. That thought hurt so much worse.

Bruno reached out a desperate hand to take Jacqueline by the wrist. She spun around like she was about to protest but Bruno cupped Jacqueline's hand in his and her face softened.

"Por favor." Bruno struggled to keep his voice even. "Me hace falta."

"Dios mío you're pathetic." Jacqueline berated. She pulled her hand away.

Bruno hugged himself tight. Staring down at the dirt path in the silence that followed.

Jacqueline rubbed her palm with her before granting him a proper reply. "Eres un cobarde tan indeciso." Her words were harsh but her tone was soft. She sounded more disappointed than angry. She brought a hand to Bruno's chin and pulled his face up to look at her. Jacqueline was serious and stern. Still softer than Bruno expected. "You need to figure out what it is you want and make a decision. I can't do that for you, and neither can he."

Jacqueline looked almost sad for a moment. "You can't just live your life for other people."

Bruno's face fell when she pulled her hand away.

"Trust me, I would know." Jacqueline told him bitterly.

Bruno opened his mouth to speak but the words wouldn't come out. How would she know? Jacqueline was strong, and confident, and so self-assured. She was nothing like Bruno. Jacqueline was selfish. She was happy. She watched him flounder in silence before turning to leave only to spot one of her boys approaching.

Marcos. He looked a little winded like he'd been in a hurry. Bruno hadn't realized how far away they'd gone from the old house. That said he was used to doing a lot of walking. A lot of running. He'd barely noticed.

"Oye, Jacqueline!" Marcos called out with a wave.

"What do you need Marcos?"

Marcos looked at Bruno then back to Jacqueline. Bruno suddenly realized he was still covered in dirt and grass. His clothes were slightly disheveled. Jacqueline had already brushed herself off and made herself presentable. She and her brother were very good at that. Bruno wasn't in the habit of considering his appearance.

"I see you two made up." Marcos teased as he approached.

Bruno looked down at his feet.

"You've got ten seconds to tell me why you're bothering me or I'll make you eat your own tongue." Jacqueline casually threatened. Her threats were often surprisingly colorful and delivered so dryly that it was hard to tell if it was a joke or not.

Bruno looked up at her he thought back to his vision. He didn't want to marry Jacqueline. He'd rather spend his life alone. He was good at being alone. Still. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. It would be a union of convenience certainly. Jacqueline would protect him and ask for little in return. Bruno didn't love her, but she didn't believe in love anyway. Perhaps if he married her Wilfredo would stay in his life.

Marcos was not a small man but he cleared his throat and got straight to the point. He looked like a scolded little boy when Jacqueline glared up at him.

"Dolores came by looking for you. She said your brother fell asleep outside the schoolhouse and you should go check on him." Marcos snickered a little. He looked back at Bruno again. "You got yourself a real popular servicios de niñera going on here huh?"

Jacqueline grabbed Marcos by the ear and pulled him down to eye level. "Ah, sí. Now get back with the rest of mis niños and wait for me like un buen chico." She released Marcos and gave him a condescending pat on the cheek. "Elonzo's in charge till I get back."

Marcos blushed and nodded. Bruno was in awe of the way she managed to push these men around. It was honestly kind of cathartic watching his childhood bullies reduced to a bunch of silly little boys. The catharsis was short-lived however when she turned to snap at him.

"Vamos! I'm going to need an extra pair of hands."

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

Bruno wasn't sure why her tone was so urgent. Wilfredo was only napping. A bit embarrassing maybe but hardly the worst thing in the world. At first, when they found him, he looked just like that. His arms crossed over his chest suggested he'd put himself there. No one else seemed to pay him much mind. That said school was out for the day and had been for some time. Most passersby didn't get a close look at him. Most likely he'd come by here after the second story hour to share some of notes he'd been taking on the children's reading levels. Maybe help out with the chores.

It was when Bruno got closer he realized something wasn't right. Wilfredo was sweaty but all the color had drained from his face. Jacqueline snapped her fingers in front of her brother's face to no effect. When she tried to shake him Wilfredo only slumped forward.

"S-se encuentra bien?" Bruno was starting to panic. Something was very not right. Bruno looked to Jacqueline for some reassurance.

Jacqueline didn't look scared. She was angry. Really angry.

"Está bien." She spat. "Solo un idiota."

Jacqueline took one of Wilfredo's arms and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Where's Julieta?" She asked.

Bruno followed Jacqueline's lead. He was hesitant to touch Wilfredo. He was still mad at him. These were extenuating circumstances. "S-she's probably back home by now." Bruno looked back at Wilfredo's face as he gripped his limp hand for purchase. It was clammy and unsettlingly cold.

"Estás seguro de que está bien? What happened? Is this normal?"

"Que estará bien." Jacqueline grumbled as she pulled Wilfredo up to his feet. Bruno followed suit. Wil mumbled something incomprehensible. He shook his head weakly as they brought him to his feet. That was encouraging at least.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

He was heavy but apparently semi-conscious. He did support some of his own weight. It didn't make the walk to Casita that much easier though. His feet were clumsy and uncoordinated. He kept trying to mumble some sort of muddled protests. Bruno tried to offer Wil some reassurance or at least figure out what he was saying but Jacqueline only snapped at him to stop.

Casita rattled their tiles frantically as the trio approached. Swinging open the front door for them.

"Gracias Casita. Está bien." Bruno tried to reassure his miraculous family member. He sounded much less confident than Jacqueline did when she said it.

"Julieta, you home?" Jacqueline called out into the courtyard.

Bruno nodded towards the dining room. Jacqueline said nothing but followed his direction. Casita pulled out a chair as they approached. Wilfredo pushed away from them to grab hold of the chair. His arms were shaking. He struggled to support himself. Casita had to shuffle the tiles to compensate for Wilfredo's clumsy feet as he tried to sit down.

"Julieta!" Jacqueline shouted back into the courtyard.

Wilfredo winced and covered his head in response to her shouting.

Bruno shushed Jacqueline and ran to the kitchen to find something for Wil. The warmer was empty. Camilo must have gotten peckish. Thankfully he could still offer Wil some juice. Julieta's drinks weren't usually as effective but the little glass bottles were convenient to carry and had a longer shelf life. The liquid concoction was an odd recipe. Syrupy and too sickly sweet even for Camilo's taste. It was a recipie of convenience.

"What's with all the shouting?"

Bruno looked up to spot Camilo poking his head outside his door.

"No es nada, no te preocupes." Jacqueline replied before Bruno could.

Bruno merely shuffled past Jacqueline back into the dining room. He spotted his sister stumbling out of her room with Agustín in toe. Bruno tried to tune them out as Jacqueline explained this situation. More stray family members were starting to poke their heads out. Bruno didn't want to think about them right now. He just wanted to focus on his friend.

Wil was hunched over the table gripping his head with his hands. He was still shaking.

Bruno took care not to drag the chair and make more noise when he sat down next to Wil. Bruno wasn't sure if it was a good idea but could help but place a gentle hand on Wil's back. He tilted his head slightly. He tried to squint his eyes open but they looked glossy and unfocused. His glasses were crooked and his hair was a mess.

"Drink this. It'll help." Bruno kept his voice low and soft.

Wil closed his eyes again and dropped his head on the table though left a limp hand extended. Bruno uncorked the bottle and pressed it gently into Wil's palm.

He watched as Wil pulled himself upright to chug the bottle. Bruno relaxed a little at first, that is until a few swallows in Wilfredo suddenly spit the rest out onto the table.

"Jacqueline, juro por Dios!" Wilfredo shouted. He saw Bruno and stopped dead.

Wilfredo hadn't actually recognized him till just now. His eyes were no longer glassy and unfocused. He stared at Bruno. Wilfredo ran his fingers through his hair and looked down at the table.

"Oh. It's you." Was all he said. "What's going on here?"

Bruno turned to look up at Julieta. She stood in the archway with her hands on her hips. No doubt she heard the shouting. She looked down at Wilfredo irritably. Julieta's face softened when Wilfredo turned to look at her.

He looked bad. Julieta could see it. Bruno could see it. Everyone could see it.

Wilfredo's face was still sickly pale. His golden blond hair stained brown with sweat as it clung to his brow. He looked frustrated and bitter.

"No es nada." Wilfredo waved his hand dismissively. "Mi hermanita is making a show out of nothing." His speech was far less convincing than usual. His words were faintly slurred and his hand shook horribly as it hung in the air. He looked back at his trembling limb and brought his hand to the table. Bracing his arms hard against the wood to force them still.

Julieta raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. She looked to Bruno who could only shrug. Agustín stood behind her and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

"I'll let you handle this mi vida."

Julieta patted her husband's cheek and kissed it before whispering some apology and shooing him off. She turned her attention back to Wilfredo.

"Since you've already interrupted my downtime I might as well get a better look at you."

Wilfredo only hunched further over his trembling arms and refused her eye contact.

"Do you need help getting up the stairs?" Julieta asked him.

"I can walk." Wilfredo replied a bit too quickly. To curt to be respectful.

Bruno had to restrain the urge to reach out and grab him as Wilfredo struggled to his feet. He still looked so weak. His whole body was trembling.

Bruno stood up and offered him a hand only for Wilfredo to swat it away. Still, Bruno stayed close as he followed Wilfredo down the hall and up the stairs. He kept one hand against the wall for support while Casita continued to gently push up against his feet to keep him steady. Julieta watched Wilfredo carefully but let him walk. Occasionally he would stumble and Julieta would shoot Bruno a knowing look. She'd dealt with her fair share of difficult patients over the years. Occasionally Bruno was one of them.

Jacqueline seemed impatient with the slow pace and eventually grabbed a hold of Wilfredo halfway up the stairs. Hurrying him along. He grumbled at his sister's touch but didn't fight her.

Once they made it to Julieta's room she directed Jacqueline towards the spare bed. Jacqueline pulled Wilfredo away from the wall. Forcing him to lean on her. She took the quickest route to the bed.

Wilfredo more collapsed than sat. His eyes were starting to gloss over again but he still seemed mostly coherent.

Casita pushed a chair over and Julieta sat down across from him.

Bruno tugged on his ruana before deciding to sit on the bed next to Wilfredo. He tried not to sit too close. He knew he wasn't wanted. He didn't want to leave. He'd leave if Wilfredo asked him to. Not a moment sooner. Not until he knew Wil was alright.

After catching his breath Wilfredo raised a hand to try and dismiss Julieta. "Gracias por su interés, señora." Bracing himself against the bed with his free hand. It was all he could do to avoid falling forward when Julieta took his hand and pulled it close. She pushed up Wilfredo's sleeve to feel his pulse.

"I just need rest." He insisted. He probably did. He certainly sounded tired.

Jacqueline stood over them with her arms crossed. She still looked so angry. Why was she angry? Shouldn't she be worried? Bruno was worried. He was very worried.

"Have you had anything to drink in the last hour." Julieta asked.

"Just water." Wilfredo replied as the resident healer relinquished his hand.

"How much water do you drink in a day."

"I-I don't know I don't keep track." Wilfredo replied. Odd given how observant he normally was. His voice was still uneven. He didn't seem like he was nervous, just tired. Bruno watched as Wilfredo swayed slightly before supporting his weight on his thighs with his hands.

"When was the last time you ate?" Julieta asked.

"Sí." Jacqueline jeered. "When's the last time you ate?" Was she mocking him?

"Jacqueline, basta ya." Wilfredo grumbled.

"Go on. Tell la señora buena when you last ate."

"Basta!" His voice was louder now, clearer.

"Let me handle this." Julieta offered gently.

Jacqueline turned to Julieta with a look of disgust plastered over her face. "This is just another one of his stupid diets." She air quoted. "I guarantee you he's not eaten anything all day."

"Cállate!" Wilfredo barked.

"When was the last time you ate? Was it yesterday? Or the day before?" Jacqueline challanged.

"Jacqueline cállate antes te lastimé!" Wilfredo shouted so loud his voice echoed off the walls.

Bruno's blood ran cold. He froze in place.

Before anyone could react Jacqueline kicked Wilfredo hard in the shin causing him to double over in pain.

"Jacqueline vete ahora!" Julieta commanded. She shot up to push the irate woman out of her healing space.

Jacqueline pointed down at her brother. Resisting Julieta's guidance. "I can't believe you're still doing this! You're FAT! Resuélvelo! Prefiero tener un hermano gordo que un hermano muerto!"

"Fuera de aquí!" Julieta insisted.

Jacqueline shoved her hands away and stepped back. She glared back at Julieta though Jacqueline didn't seem mad at her in particular. She almost looked like she was holding back tears. The pained expression only lingered briefly before she stormed out. Bruno had never seen Jacqueline make that face before.

Bruno was still frozen. His friends were scaring him. Jacqueline and Wilfredo argued all the time, but not like this. This was something else entirely. Wilfredo's words still rang in Bruno's head like a dreadful echo. He watched as Wilfredo rubbed at his shin. Bruno had seen how hard Jacqueline could kick. Had she hurt Wilfredo before? Had he hurt Jacqueline before?

No, no. Wil wasn't like that. He would never hurt Jacqueline. He loved her. He was a good man. Bruno didn't know what to make of the man next to him. He didn't recognize him. That scared him so much more than he ever thought it would.

Julieta returned and looked down at Wilfredo. He lowered his foot back to the floor and winced. Resting his weight on his leg again. He looked up at Julieta bitter and exhausted.

"I'm going to make you something to eat. You're not leaving this room until you finish it. Comprende?"

"Sí señora." Wilfredo replied softly. Apparently too exhausted to keep fighting.

Julieta turned to Bruno. "Vigilalo por mí, quieres?"

Bruno nodded stiffly as he tried to compose himself.

Wilfredo leaned back on his hands and closed his eyes. Bruno noticed their hands were dangerously close. Too close. Bruno pulled his hand away to tug on his ruana. Sergio materialized from under his collar. Slipping down into Bruno's hands before he could damage the embroidery with his anxious fidgeting. Bruno tried hard to swallow the lump in his throat. He didn't know if he should speak.

Looking back at the man beside him. Wilfredo was still shaking. Still so sickly pale. He looked like he might fall asleep again. Bruno wasn't sure if that was a good idea. He should keep Wilfredo awake. Make sure he's ok. It was just Wil. It was still Wil.

Bruno had to believe that.

"W-Wilfredo." Bruno's voice was meek and timid. He desperately wished he could summon up more courage than that.

Wilfredo opened one eye to look back at him. "What?"

"W-what was that about?" Bruno asked him gently.

"No es nada." Wilfredo insisted before closing his eyes again.

"Eso no fue nada!" Bruno immediately pulled back as far as he could without leaving the bed. He nearly squeezed Sergio causing the less patient young rat to escape his grasp and scurry off. Bruno hadn't meant to yell. He was just so scared, and angry, and worried. Wilfredo was trying to act like nothing had happened.

Wilfredo looked a bit ashamed. He leaned forward to rest on his thighs again. Hunched over. His eyes on the floor. "I didn't mean it. That's just how we talk. I'm not like…" He stopped before deciding not to finish that sentence.

That was somewhat relieving at first. "Qué te pasa, this isn't like you" Bruno pleaded.

"How would you know?" Wilfredo laughed bitterly. He rubbed his shaking hands together between his knees. "I've just been a bit…" he thought for a moment. "Distracted," was the word he finally settled on.

"So distracted you've been starving yourself?" Bruno replied in disbelief.

Wilfredo flinched slightly but said nothing.

"Wil if this is about us…"

"Not everything is about you!" Wilfredo snapped irritably.

Bruno recoiled again at the growl in his voice. Wilfredo looked furious but when he saw the fear in Bruno's eyes a wave of guilt washed over his face. Guilt, then bitter disgust. Wilfredo looked down again and continued through gritted teeth.

"I just, I have other things going on in my life. Other problems to worry about."

Bruno looked at the way Wilfredo stared aimlessly at the floor. His glasses were still askew. His hair was a mess. His clothes had been disheveled from all the manhandling it took to get him here. He was pale, and trembling, and clammy, and starving. He was the furthest thing from ok. In that moment, despite all the shouting, he was the furthest thing from frightening.

"Then tell me what's going on." Bruno pleaded. "Por favor, I could help you. Why won't you just talk to me?"

"Because I don't owe you anything, how's that!" Wilfredo spat.

His eyes locked with Bruno's. Wilfredo was still so angry and hurt. Bruno flinched at his words. He was starting to grow numb to the bitter sting in Wilfredo's voice. Bruno resisted the urge to look away. Grounded himself in Wil's gray eyes like a tree to a mountain.

"Because I don't want your help." Wilfredo continued. "Because I don't need any more distractions." He sighed and looked away again. His legs trembling under his weight. "Don't pretend like you care. I don't need your pity."

Bruno did care. Despite everything, despite the yelling and the threats, he still cared. He cared so much. If there was even a chance he was responsible for the broken man in front of him, he had to fix it. He needed Wilfredo to be ok. He needed Wil back. He needed the man he'd fallen in love with. No matter what that took.