MARIA MINERVA

Chapter 11

Maine and Migs had followed a trail of old records and family stories that led them to a remote villa in the countryside. It was said to be the last known residence of Miguel De La Cruz, who was rumored to have lived well beyond his expected lifespan. The villa was a charming, albeit weathered, estate surrounded by lush greenery and ancient oak trees.

As they approached the villa, Maine felt a mix of apprehension and curiosity. The stories they had uncovered painted Miguel as a tragic figure, forever haunted by his past and waiting for a resolution that never seemed to come.

Maine: "This is it. This is where Miguel De La Cruz is supposed to be living."

Migs (nodding, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and dread): "Yes. If the stories are true, he might still be waiting for Maria Minerva. We need to approach this carefully."

They walked up to the front door and knocked gently. The door creaked open, revealing an elderly man with a kind yet weary face. He looked to be in his late nineties, with a thick mane of white hair and a gaze that seemed to pierce through time.

Elderly Miguel (surprised and cautious): "Who might you be?"

Migs (with respect): "I'm Migs De La Cruz, and this is Maine. We've come to speak with you about the past—about Maria Minerva."

Elderly Miguel (his eyes widening, a mix of hope and sadness): "Maria Minerva... You've come at last. Please, come in."

The interior of the villa was elegantly furnished, with antiques and mementos from a bygone era. Elderly Miguel led them to a comfortable sitting area and offered them tea. As they sat down, Maine couldn't help but notice how Miguel's eyes seemed to light up when he saw her.

Maine: "Mr. De La Cruz, we've been researching the family history and came across many accounts of Maria Minerva. It seems like her spirit has been restless, and we wanted to understand more about what happened."

Elderly Miguel (sighing deeply, his voice trembling): "Maria Minerva... I've been waiting for her for so long. The curse... it was my fault. I tried to make amends, but it seems it was never enough."

Migs: "We've discovered that there was a misunderstanding and that the family never fully addressed the past. We wanted to make things right."

Elderly Miguel (looking at Maine with a penetrating gaze): "You... you look so much like her. Maria Minerva... She was beautiful, with a spirit that could not be tamed. Seeing you now, I... I feel a sense of peace I haven't felt in decades."

Maine (confused and touched): "I don't understand. Why do you say that?"

Elderly Miguel (reaching out, his hands trembling): "Maria Minerva had a resemblance, a presence that was unforgettable. You have her eyes, her grace. I've lived so long, waiting for a sign, a sign that I could finally make things right."

Migs and Maine exchanged glances, realizing that the resemblance was not just physical but seemed to embody the spirit of Maria Minerva's unfulfilled longing.

Maine: "Is there something we can do to help you find peace?"

Elderly Miguel (nodding slowly): "The curse has been waiting for this moment. If you have truly come with the intention to resolve the past and honor Maria Minerva's memory, then I can finally lay down my burden. I have lived through decades of regret and longing, and it is time for closure."

Maine, Migs, and Elderly Miguel walked to the garden, where a small, weathered memorial was nestled among the flowers. It was a simple plaque with Maria Minerva's name engraved on it, a testament to the love and pain that had transcended time.

Elderly Miguel took a deep breath and began to speak softly, his voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and relief.

Elderly Miguel: "Maria Minerva, I am here to acknowledge my wrongs and to seek your forgiveness. My family and I failed you, and for that, I am deeply sorry. I have lived in the shadow of your pain, and I hope that by acknowledging the truth, I can finally bring peace to your spirit."

Maine (whispering, moved): "Maria Minerva, we honor your memory. We have worked to understand your pain and to bring resolution to the past. Your legacy will not be forgotten."

As they spoke, a gentle breeze seemed to sweep through the garden, and the air felt lighter. Elderly Miguel closed his eyes, a serene expression on his face. The weight of decades seemed to lift from his shoulders.