Then, once again, his father's disdainful image returned, and Diego saw the full folly of his childish adventures as reflected through Alejandro's judgemental eyes. His dreamy, romantic angst for a sad, pretty stranger, his whimsical musings on toy soldiers, his fantastical imaginings of a shimmering and beautiful ghost.
Diego's eyelids clenched tightly, his body tensing, as he fought desperately against the tide.
He saw himself carried and helpless as a child; languishing like a distressed maiden on a fainting couch; swooning at Luis Ramone's feet.
His hand entangled in Luis's golden hair.
His lips parting sighing in fervent release at a soft, feathery brush at his chin.
"Diego."
"A través de mis ojos."
He saw Luis's hands reaching outward to grasp at his as his senses left him, Mendoza's warm smile and his kind and eager greeting, the beautiful girl bearing a candle to light his way.
He saw himself supported, welcomed and guided.
He saw Luis, his eyes closed, his flesh vibrating against Diego's palm.
He saw himself loved.
"Your journey has been long and hard, Diego, let me take you to my home."
Once again, Luis's hand reached out for Diego's and this time, he did not falter.
Lead by his host's hand and guided by his candle, Diego's journey began anew.