Neophyte

Origin

A month had passed since everyone witnessed Mitena and Victoriano visiting Valentina, and the situation was still tense. Guillermo and Metztli still hadn't visited her; they were afraid. Metztli believed that Valentina needed her space and would ask for her mother when she was ready. However, Metztli would often wonder if Valentina would ever call for her Mitena; Victoriano was still out of the question. 

Mitena and Victoriano stayed in the same kich since they needed time for themselves; Guillermo and Esteban shared. Toypurina invited Metztli to stay in her home. She felt awkward, but Metztli had questions, and she knew Toypurina had more to say. The first night was uncomfortable since Toypurina was silent and kept to herself. 

Toypurina remained a respectful host, giving Metztli tea, food, and her own space to sleep.

The first night was difficult to sleep since Valentina was all she could think about, and the future. The second day, Metztli immediately went to visit Mitena and Victoriano, where she couldn't forget the saddening sight of Mitena still lying down with her tear-stricken face. Victoriano couldn't sleep because he was worried that Mitena would try to go to Valentina again and keep watch to see if his daughter would walk out of the kiche.

Metztli remembered Victoriano informing her that when they saw Valentina, she wouldn't face them. She had a shawl that covered her entire being; her hair was in total disarray. Valentina was in the very corner of the kiche; there were many plates everywhere. Victoriano remembered feeling despair when seeing his daughter in a terrible state. Mitena went to her daughter and hugged her. Valentina pushed her mother away; she neither looked at nor spoke to her. Victoriano described that his daughter moved farther away, holding herself. 

It was unimaginable what Mitena and Victoriano felt when seeing their daughter in her state. Mitena tried to visit her again, but either Toypurina or Victoriano stopped her; it was up to Valentina whether she wanted to speak with anyone. 

Metztli wanted to try, but she was afraid.

Afraid that Valentina's broken state would break her. 

Whenever Metztli visited the couple, Victoriano would always ask about Guillermo. Metztil had visited him whenever she could, but he would either stay in his kiche or go out with the other men. Guillermo would speak to her, but always said that he had things to do. He needed time for himself also.

Esteban made sure not to become too well-known in the village. He would usually keep guard outside the village to ensure no other Soldados de Cuera were present. Everyone was still tense since the villagers knew what had happened to Valentina. Esteban's appearance would cause more tension. Whenever visiting him, Metztli would eat and speak with him. She tried not to talk about Esteban's mission, but it would be a matter of time before he had to leave. Metztli wanted to tell him about the future.

No matter what happened, her people would still lose their land. Knowing Esteban, he wouldn't have wanted to give up. Still, it wouldn't hurt to see if the future could change if they could do something regarding the situation. 

Momentarily, Metztli was by the river, washing and combing her hair with herbs with other women and children. It was slowly turning dark, and Metztli decided that it was time to return home. Gathering her belongings, she returned to the village and to her kiche. Toypurina wasn't inside, but a small bonfire was lit in the center. Metztli put her stuff away and sat before the bonfire, letting the fire's warmth dry her hair.

She then gathered her comb and slowly brushed her hair until Toypuring entered. "Piyalli (Hello), Toypurina."

"Piyalli, Metztli." Sitting before the bonfire, Toypurina's attention was on Metztli. "We need to speak."