Meet Esteban, a carefree, 21 year old bachelor by day and bullfighter by night.
Since the night of his father's death, Esteban has made it his personal mission to kill every single bull in Espana, no matter what stood in his way.
But what happens...
"Listen to the sounds of the hooves Esteban!" My trainer, Raul claps as I stand blindfolded in the middle of the empty arena. I step to one side of the circle as the bull charges at me from the distance; it's damp fur grazing against my skin, signaling my triumphant escape.
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"Ayeeee!!! There we go!" Raul whistles victoriously. Julio and Jámes (Ham-ez), my two closest friends and experienced matadors, whistle and cheer as I avoid another piercing.
"ARIBBBAAA!!! Aye! aye!" they roll their tongues in celebration, banging on the wooden wall of the training arena to antagonize the bull.
"Faster! Quicker! Let the sound of its anger guide you!" Raul screams once more. I hear the beast's heavy hooves as it charges at my figure but again, I step to the side, just in time to avoid it.
"OLAY!!!!" the spectators clap and cheer amongst the plaza seating. Four stadium hands grab the bull by its horns to calm it down.
"That's it for today Esteban" Raul orders. I take off my red blindfold and grin as I see the bull struggling to remain calm; its demons, irritated by my spirit.
"That bull will regret the day it ever looked a La Renta in the eye" I chuckle unmistakably.
"You have your father's cocky spirit, that's for sure" Raul teases me, slapping his towel against my sweaty back. I roll my eyes and return his hit but he masterfully avoids my reach.
"Why be bashful? My actions speak for themselves" I shrug and stare at Raul, most skilled trainer of bullfighting in all of Espana. He was once a successful matador who rose to fame during the era of el Domingo, when bullfighting was outlawed. He had had since retired and shared the knowledge of his youth to others. His own father had trained my great grandfather and he, my father.
He took me in as his protege the day my father died and I haven't looked back since. I viewed him as sort of a second father and confidant. He was hardheaded and short tempered, but sought the best in me even when I couldn't see it myself.
Julio and James climb atop my back and wrestle me to the ground as they celebrate with glee.
"Do that during Sanfermines and we'll be worshiped worldwide!" they clap excitedly. I push them off and step to the wooden bucket to dip my head into the water to cool off.
"EL JEFE!!!" a group of giggling girls cheer behind the partition of the fence. They shook the iron in an attempt to capture my attention. I turn and part my lips into a handsome smile; ringing out the water from my long tresses.
"AHHHH!" They scream at my actions and blush red.
"Alright! alright! adios!" Raul shoos them off. They pout dismally but reluctantly leave the arena.
