Paralyzed

La transformación

Andrés sat in the back alley, enjoying a pastry accompanied by a juice box, just like when he was a little kid. He inhaled the fresh air, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him. For the first time in a long while, he felt alive and free from his father. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone sitting beside him; it was Alicia.

When he turned to look at her, his heart dropped. He stared into her beautiful blue eyes and admired her wavy blonde hair—she was perfect. Andrés couldn't believe his eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out.

Alicia sighed and said, "Beautiful day, right?"

Andrés nodded.

"How are you doing? I heard about your mother, and I'm sorry."

Andrés lowered his head and spoke in a sad voice. "It's fine. As long as Sergio is okay, everything is okay."

"But she's still your mother. I—"

"But she left me when I was a baby. When my dad picked me up from her place after visiting Sergio, she didn't say anything. She didn't even move; she just let my dad take me away from the only person I really care about. I know she is sick, but why should I care? She doesn't care about me; she only cares about herself." Tears filled his eyes, but now his voice grew more aggressive. His hands clenched into fists as he looked at Alicia.

"My father was right. My mother is a selfish, careless bitch. I bet you that even if I did the worst thing in the world, she wouldn't lift a finger to help me." Suddenly, it all made sense to him. His eyes widened, and he stood up.

"Andrés... What are you talking about? I thought you hated your dad. Why are you suddenly praising him?"

Andrés sniffed, puffed out his chest, and looked Alicia straight in the eyes. "Oh, my dear, I'm not praising him. Oh no, I just said that he was right." He was breathing heavily. "I am going to do something that will make him realize that I will never surrender." He paused before continuing. "You know what, Alicia? The more I think about it, the more I realize that I haven't really lived yet. I haven't shown my full potential."

Andrés lifted his head, closed his eyes, and started to laugh. Alicia stared at him, filled with pure terror. She could barely recognize the Andrés she had met five years ago.

"What do you mean, Andrés?" she asked.

Andrés looked at her, smirked, then turned his back and answered, "I've been beaten and tortured by my father for as long as I can remember. Do you know what that means? It means that I've always been this close to death. I have lived my whole life in fear of dying. But now I realize why my father did this to me. He didn't hate me; he was just... educating me to not be afraid of death.

"And now I get it. Don't worry, I still hate the son of a bitch, but at least he helped me understand the true meaning of life. I must enjoy life... until the party is over. But there's one crucial thing I've discovered: death can be the greatest opportunity of your life. Because I have been so close to death so many times, it has given me the chance to redeem myself, to reach my full potential before my own death."

Andrés faced Alicia, tears streaming down his cheeks. He gently placed his hand on her face and said, "My dear Alicia, you must wonder how my dad was able to put food on the table, right? Well, guess what? He's part of the mob. But not just any mob—he's involved with a group of jewelry thieves. Sadly, they are late on their payments, very late. And what better way to repay that debt than by stealing, let's say, ancient Egyptian jewelry?"

Alicia stared at him, confusion etched on her face. "What are you talking about? I don't understand."

"What do you mean you don't understand?! Alicia, my dad needs to repay his boss, or he's probably dead. I wouldn't mind, by the way. But my point is, they are planning to steal ancient Egyptian jewelry. What date is it today?"

"The 17th of August."

"Well then, in about six months, my father and his gang will have to pull off a heist to repay their boss. As for me... I'm going to steal it from them." Andrés smiled.

"You're joking, right?"

"Of course not! Why would I joke about that?"

"Oh, I don't know, maybe because this is the stupidest and worst idea you've ever had! I mean, isn't there another way to get your mom and dad's attention?"

Andrés brutally interrupted her, "You really think this is just about getting attention?"

"Yes, I do. Why else would you do it?"

"Wow. That is the most ridiculous and absurd assumption I've ever heard in my life."

"Andrés, are you serious right now? You're planning a heist for what? For nothing! Things are going to get worse if you do this. So yes, I say this as a friend: your plan is ludicrous."

Andrés glared at her. "Alicia, I'm going to create a heist and steal that jewelry. This isn't just about attention—well, maybe just a little bit—but it's far more than that. It's about freedom. It's about rebellion. And it's even about art. Heck, maybe it'll become a family tradition."

"Okay... but one question. How do you know your dad is part of the mob?"

"I've spent most of my time in my bedroom listening. I took notes, and well, here I am."

"Damn, Alicia, this is going to be the greatest moment of my life."

"Stealing the jewelry?"

"Yes! But more than that, I just want to see my father's face when he realizes I'm stealing HIS jewelry. Just imagine him, for one moment, looking at me with pitiful eyes, finally understanding and feeling what I've felt my whole life—begging me to give the jewelry back, almost begging for his life."

"But he's going to have people with him. They will come after you."

"Oh, but here's the good part I forgot to mention: my father is the head of the operation. He's the boss of his gang. The others are just followers; as long as they get paid, they don't care what happens to my dad."

Andrés glanced at his watch; it was almost suppertime, and he needed to start planning as soon as possible.

"I would love to continue our wonderful chat, Alicia, but I need to go. A heist can't be planned on its own."

"Wait, Andrés! Just one last thing... Please tell me you won't do this alone." She looked at him with pleading eyes.

Andrés smiled back and reassured her, "Don't worry about it. Take care of your grandpa for me." He turned and walked away.

That was the last time he saw Alicia in public.