The truth about rats

Alejandro Garcia.

   Vigo, Spain. June, 1524.

Rats. Hundreds of them. Everywhere. They raided my home, spoiling the little food I had scratching at the walls when all I wanted was sleep. I lived in a one room apartment above the old cartography office I had an apprenticeship at. I didn't get paid and worked to earn my keep in the apartment. I bought food with the money I made off tips the occasional rich merchant slipped into my apron pockets after I sold them a map to help them find their way around the world. My life wasn't much, but I couldn't expect to live the life of the upper class landowners and royalty. I was but a 18 year old apprentice with no parents and 12 older siblings. Even when my parents were alive they could barely afford to feed all 15 of us, we were lucky to have clothes on our backs and a roof over our heads. It still seemed unfair that the rats lived in peace in colonies of hundreds and they didn't have to work to pay for food and a place to live.

I did little outside of the cartographer's office below me, rising each morning before the sun to eat breakfast and prepare for the 10 hour day of hard work ahead of me and venturing out once a week during my short lunch break to buy food for myself. And today was looking to be exactly the same as every other day of my life had been for the past 5 years. The man I worked for, Jorge Cabrera by name, was about 40 years old, with red hair (that was turning grey, but if I were to ever to mention the fact I would surely be living on the streets) to match his fiery temper. Though he never really showed it I am quite sure he grew fond of me over the past years, he complimented my work more and more over the years and asked, on rare occasion, how my family were doing. Today, however he was in a sour mood because one of our clients was coming in today for their map that wasn't supposed to be done until two days from now. The man, Adriano Fernandez was a sea captain and wasn't supposed to be leaving for a fortnight but to the dismay of the crew and many others he had moved the date to next week. Jorge and I slaved over Mr.Fernandez's map from about five o'clock that morning until noon, we were thrown off the rest of the weeks schedule by a few hours which meant adding more work hours into our day for the rest of the week. Just after noon, when the sun was just past its highest point, a well dressed man walked in the door. "Buenas tardes señor, how may we help you today?" I asked "I am Adriano Fernandez, I believe I have a map ready to be picked up" the gentleman, Mr.Fernandez, replied.

"Si, señor. Your map is ready, and is one of our best if I can say so myself."

I showed him the map.

"Wow, you have some skill." He paused for a moment, thinking. " I like that Chico, what is your name?"

" Alejandro Garcia, señor,"

"How would you like to join me and my crew on board the Delma, as our cartographer and help me navigate the new world."

I was speechless, no one had ever offered me something this big. I looked at Jorge, and for the first time in the 5 years I had known him, he smiled. Not a big ear to ear grin but a subtle smile and nod telling me that I could accept and leave my apprenticeship at his office. "Si, señor Fernandez, I would love too" I whispered, still in shock at his offer "Muchas gracias señor."

" Shall see you at the dock at six o'clock in the morning, 4 days from now." Mr. Fernandez said "bring everything you wish to bring on the voyage." with that he turned and walked out the door with his map in hand. I looked at Jorge again, "you are a lucky, lucky man, Alejandro, hundreds and hundreds of cartographers apprentices would give up their soul for the opportunity you just got" Jorge said in a low voice "I will be sorry when you are gone." That was probably the nicest thing he had ever said to me, I was beaming. "Gracias señor, I shall miss you on my voyage".

The next 3 days were filled with packing my few belongings in my small trunk and sending letters to my siblings. I worked as hard as I could in the office as to leave Jorge on a good note. Early in the morning long before I needed to be at the dock, I double checked my truck and ate an apple for breakfast. When i went down stairs Jorge was sat at his desk waiting for me. " I figured you would need a hand getting your trunk to the boat" he said " and I wanted to give you something." He pulled a shiny object about the size of his palm out of his pocket. "It was my Great-Grandfathers, It has been passed from son to son for years, and I never had any children I want you to have it." He passed me the silver object, It was round with the name Cabrera engraved on it in swirling letters. There was a small button on one side and when I pressed it the object opened. It was a compass. " Gracias Jorge, I will treasure it forever." I had never realized how much Jorge actually cared about me, I was sad that as soon as I found out he cared, I had to go.