The Cartel Empress

Rafael's childhood

"My childhood was painted in shades of struggle, a canvas that shaped my identity." Rafael

Rafael's early years were far removed from the opulence and power associated with his later life. He was born into a poverty-stricken slum in the heart of Medellín, Colombia. His parents, although connected to the criminal world, were not cartel leaders but rather part of a local slum gang known for their street-level criminal activities.

Life in the slum was harsh and unforgiving. Rafael grew up in a neighborhood marked by crumbling buildings, narrow alleyways, and a constant sense of danger. Poverty was a way of life, and opportunities for a better future were scarce.

From a young age, Rafael was exposed to the harsh realities of the slum. His parents, struggling to make ends meet, often resorted to petty crimes like theft and drug dealing to survive. Rafael watched and learned as they navigated the treacherous world of street-level gang activity. He observed the art of survival in the slums: how to blend in, how to avoid confrontations with rival gangs, and how to exploit opportunities that arose in this gritty environment.

One of Rafael's earliest memories was helping his parents count the meager earnings they made from their illicit activities. These experiences instilled in him a keen sense of resourcefulness and adaptability. He learned how to negotiate, barter, and protect himself in a world where trust was a rare commodity.

In a dimly lit room, Rafael sits alone, lost in the depths of his own thoughts. His eyes are distant, fixed on a point in the distance that only he can see. His fingers trace the outline of a faded scar on his hand, a memento from that fateful night.

The scene comes to life in his mind, vivid and clear.

The 1st Score

A dimly lit convenience store, shelves filled with an array of snacks and drinks, casting colorful reflections on the linoleum floor. Rafael, a young teenager, stands alongside his close friends Carlos, Marta, and Luis, near the entrance.

Rafael: [Whispering with a mixture of excitement and nervousness] Tonight's the night, amigos. We're gonna hit this place and grab what we can.

Carlos: [Grinning, his toothpick moving as he talks] You sure about this, Rafael? There are cameras, man.

Marta: [Giggling] Yeah, Rafi, I don't wanna end up on some security footage.

Rafael: [Confidently] Relax, I've been watching this joint for weeks. We've got this.

Luis: [Cracking his knuckles] So, what's the plan?

Rafael: [Eyes fixed on the convenience store, his voice low and determined] We go in one by one, blend in with the crowd. When we see the cashier's attention elsewhere, we snatch whatever we can get our hands on, and then we book it.

Carlos: [Playfully elbowing Marta] You think you can handle it, chica?

Marta: [Cracking her knuckles with a smirk] Oh, you're gonna be surprised!

The group enters the store, one by one, their steps casual as they browse the aisles. Rafael starts grabbing snacks and drinks while Marta and Luis deftly slide items into their bags. Carlos keeps a watchful eye on the cashier.

As they go about their score, Rafael, in the midst of grabbing snacks, suddenly spots a valuable item on a high shelf.

Rafael: [Eyes lighting up] Hold on, guys. There's something we can't miss.

Rafael, with a rush of adrenaline, decides to climb a nearby stack of crates to reach the coveted item. He scales the makeshift ladder, reaching for the prize, but as he stretches, his foot slips, and he crashes down, a stack of crates tumbling with him.

The scene shifts to the chaotic aftermath, with Rafael sprawled on the floor, his friends rushing to help him.

Carlos: [Worried] Rafael! Are you okay?

Rafael, clutching his hand, struggles to get up, wincing in pain.

Rafael: [Grimacing] Yeah, yeah, I'm alright, but I messed up my hand pretty bad.

Amidst the wreckage of crates and stolen snacks, Rafael's hand is seen bleeding, a deep cut etched across his palm.

Marta: [Concerned] Rafi, you're bleeding!

Luis: Helping him up] We need to get you out of here, man.

The group makes a hasty exit, Rafael's injured hand a painful reminder of their first score.