I Am. Aldivan Teixeira Torres

to disclose it? (Rafael)

      The direct question made our host go cold again. These friends were indeed daring. Despite it, he decides to show his hand, for now he had nobody to resort to. Let God’s will be!

      — I am a deplorable man, friends. I fell deep into corporal and material corruption. I am not worthy of pity! (Osmar)

      — Calm down, there must be a way, friend! (Renato)

      — What is impossible on the eyes of men, it is possible to God. (Uriel)

      — I also feel the same way. When my boyfriend left me, I felt the worst of the women. (Rafaela Ferreira)

      — The greater the defeat, the greater the grace. (Rafael)

      — I also thought that my case did not have remedy or pardon, when I did the abortion. However, little by little, I am getting to know a being called Aldivan Teixeira Torres and he can understand me completely. In him, I have got a father and brother. (Bernadete Sousa)

      Osmar analyses all the statements from his friends. Could the seer be indeed the right person to trust his problem? Could it be that he would give him some hope despite him being a monster? He didn’t know this fraternal side of his when he had known, and because at the time felt desperate, it was worth trying.

      — Who are you, seer? (Osmar)

      — I am a profound connoisseur of the human soul and who at this moment wants you by his side. I promise dedication to your causes. (The seer)

      — I don’t know… You would not accept me if you knew what…

      The words could not come out Osmar’s mouth, such was the fear and mistrust at the time. Seeing his friend in trouble, the son of God speaks.

      — If I knew that you defrauded the prefecture and had sexual preferences for underage people? I don’t mind. I only know that you are a sick man and needs urgent treatment. I offer the midst of my father to change your soul, from darkness to light. Because I didn’t come to call the righteous but the harden sinners, those yes, they need my help. (Aldivan)

      Osmar gets emotional. How did he know? How could he understand? At no time in his life, had anybody come forward to comfort and support him, only hands and fingers pointing to fault and constantly judging him. Indeed, Aldivan was not a common being.

      — Thank you. (Osmar)

      — And so, Osmar? Are we travelling? (Rafael)

      — Yes. You have convinced me. Wait a minute. (Osmar)

      Osmar got up from the chair and goes to his room. There, he starts quickly packing his cases. Fifteen minutes later, he is ready, leaves the room, reunites with his friends, leave the running of the house to his employees, and finally goes with them. The world awaited his next actions.

      Outside, after having walked a few metres, the seer speaks again.

      — I suggest that you show us a little of your town. Ok?

      — Excellent. Follow me— He said.

      

      The group crosses the southern area and get again to the centre of town. At the time, they were fully concentrate and determined to have fun in that humble and quiet town. Under the guidance of the host, three blocks later and several crossings, they arrive at the town’s cultural house. By coincidence, this afternoon there was a public show. They go inside, a modest masonry building, narrow, in bad state of repair, but very beautiful at the exact place of the event.

      Together with other people, they have the opportunity of watching a presentation by the “Bacamarteiros”. The show consists of rhythmical movements co-ordinated by a sergeant. The sound of the “xaxado” is made by the eight-bass accordion, tanned leather “zabumba” and the triangle. As for the costumes, the members of the show wear blue cotton clothes, neck scarf and bullet pouch of Flanders. Another curiosity is the commanders wearing stars in their shoulders and hat, apart from walking sticks or umbrellas.

      For about thirty minutes, they were delighted with presentation, which ends with the firing of guns. Luckily nobody was injured. They leave the culture centre and return to the walk on the town streets.

      After a few metres Aldivan speaks again:

      — What else have you got to show us about your town, Osmar.

      — Follow me, gentlemen— He says.

      — Let’s go, guys— Agreed Rafael.

      — Sure— agreed Renato

      The members of the group accompany the host and after crossing a few streets in the centre, they came across a large hangar. Getting near, as the gate was ajar, they realise that, it is the place of a musical group, because the place was full of musical instruments and trinkets related to music. Before the visitors enquiring look, Osmar clarifies:

      — This is the headquarters of the society of Santa Cecilia, a cultural patrimony of the people. By coincidence, it is time for their rehearsal. Let’s go in, friends.

      Accepting the invitation, Osmar’s friends enter the section that for many was sacred, because of the music. As expected, five musicians tune their instruments, greeted the present public and begin playing a beautiful symphony. Immersed in the serene melody of the music, each feels inside some of the moment’s magic. Through the sound they could see themselves, Rafaela feels the relief of her pains, Bernadete Sousa feels hopeful, Renato thinks of a promising future, Rafael remembers his adoration for the Almighty, Uriel of his devotion to his protector, and lastly, the dreamiest of them all, remembers the obstacles, failures, wins and non—corresponded loves. Before being “I am” he was a normal human and the music that represented at this time was the “I without you”. Even nothing to do with the present presentation, it was what was hammering his head, increasing the hopes of one day, meeting someone who wanted and indeed loved him as he deserves it. It was written!

      The symphony ends. This causes a storm of applauses from the seven friends. Showing humility, the musicians come down from the stage and greet each one of them. They introduce themselves, and chat for a while, mentioning their objectives. There, everyone deserved full happiness, for it was this that Yahweh has created the humans.

      

      After a while, the musicians return to their work and the others decide to go back to the inn. With them, it was included Osmar, an unbalanced and sick man, who was paying for his sins. Did he really have any chances of restart his life? Or was he a lost case? Do not miss the next scenes.

      The group arrives at the inn. After the paperwork to accommodate Osmar, they head to the kitchen, and with the other guests, help themselves to the food available for dinner. They spend twenty minutes eating talking and silent.

      Once they finish dinner, they start other activities during the evening: Watch TV, admire the starry sky and at last praying. Exactly a ten o’clock, in total agreement, they decided to go to sleep, because they were very tired from the journey. And so, they do it. Each one in their respective bedroom, tries to forget the worries and immerse in their own world of dreams. At this point, the “I am” of everyone was very active. Good night everyone, until the next chapter.

Belo Jardim

      With the night gone, the dawn arrives, alternating between good dreams and nightmares for our esteemed personalities. Soon, the day breaks, and they consider themselves survivors. One by one, gets up, bath, brush their teeth, wear clean clothes and go to have breakfast at the inn dining room. The aim was to get ready for the next stage of the journey.

      They get together in the dining room as a large family. It is served tapioca, wheat rolls, biscuits, cereals, yoghurt, fruit and juice, as for each one’s preferences. While they eat, the conversation flows easy.

      — How are you feeling my friend, are you better? (The seer)

      — Yes. Just being with you, makes me happier. (Osmar)