Rejected. No explanation needed. The sad look in Heather's eyes when you pulled out the small box with the engagement ring was a see-through statement more powerful than any shakespearian argument about unrequited love. After a two year relationship you knew she was the woman you wanted to spend your life with. Unfortunately you discovered she didn't felt the same way. - I'm so sorry... - She said with sadness while looking down. - I do love you... But not like steping into that kind of commitment. - She turned around and walked away, leaving you on your knees in front of the park bench. You could hear the bystander's comments and sorrow sighs at the sight of the most heartbreaking and embarrassing moment of your life. You wandered through the streets for a long time, all you wanted was something strong to drink, so you entered the first bar that came in your way. You were so absorbed in your thoughts that you didn't even noticed the silence that fell on the place, nor the annoyance looks of all the lesbian customers. You sat down at the counter and ordered a whisky. The bartender, a big tomboy girl with shaved head and tattos all over stared at you with a cold gaze. - You're in the wrong place, buddy... Move along. Still not understanding the mistake you frowned, you were not up to another rejection today. - I said I want a drink... The bartender stood there cold as ice. - Move your ass before I pull out my bat... Then a big gym color girl steped in. - Give the man a break, Delia... He's obiously going through some rough shit. I'll watch that he behaves. Delia sighed and poured your drink. Slowly the place returned to It's normal mood, and all the women turned back to their own business.

Back in highschool Rhonda was your secret crush. That kind of love you'd wished to have spoken out when you had the chance but you were too shy to seize the moment. In time she became a distant memory, a yearning that lingered in your subconcious with that sense of regreat for a life that never existed. You were wandering at the book store when your hand lifted a book at the same time that someone else. I saw it first. - Rhonda said with a soft voice. You stood speechless, the adrenaline that used to melt your heart running through your body again. - Rhonda...? - I'm sorry... Do I know you? As if a messenger send by destiny a little moth landed on your hand, you were about to shake it off but she noticed and gently held your wrist. She was just as beautiful as you recalled... No, she was even more dazzling and captivating, years had turn that lovely girl into an alluring beauty. -We... were togheter, at highschool. She probably didn't really remembered, but she gave you a warm smile as she held your hand. - Nice to see you! Would you like to go for a coffe and catch up? So you sat with her and had a cup of coffe, you told her about your life, your wife and daughter, your growing publicity company... and with a knot in your throath, you finally had the nerve to reveal that she was your unspoken love. She didn't pulled back, she just kept listening intently, watching you with those piercing grey eyes. - Life Is never what you expect it to be, neither what we think it to be. - You spended a lovely evening talking with her. She was kind and thoughtfull. She had became a writer of romance novels, and she was still single. - Listen, I have a reunion at my house next saturday. Would you like to come? - I'd love to. - You said good bye feeling aroused and guilty as if you were cheating on Karen, wich you've never done, and yet you didn't tell her about this reunion, somehow you wanted to keep it personal, so you told her it was a beer with the guys.

It felt like a dream out of place, like not being awake nor sleeping. The flickering lights around you blinding you as you try to open your eyes. - It's ok, my love... Don't try to get up yet. - Said a soothing female voice, her face slowly comming into focus. - Who are you...? - I'm your wife, dear. - She said with a comforting smile. - Your loving wife. Give It a moment, everything will come back to you. Disorientation Is normal after hypersleep. You don't know why, but you trust her. She gently caresses your face. - My wife...? I don't remember... What's your name...? - Alba, my love. I'm Alba. - She leans and softly kisses your lips. You relax under the touch of her lips. - Alba... - You savour the name in the back of your mind. - Victoria...? She scoffs playfully. - Have you been dreaming of other girls again...? - Where are we? - At the colonies of Anthares 5, we've completed our mission, 2000 passengers delivered safe and sound. In a couple of hours the transport will dock with us to take them down to the colonies, ready to wake up in a whole new world. Rest for another while... You'll have to give the DNA confirmation to the ship's computer for the process to begin. She leans and kisses you lovingly for a long time. You close your eyes and relax with the warm and sweet taste of her mouth, still feeling dizzy and confused. "Alba... Anthares 5... 2000 passengers..." The words keep bouncing in the back of your brain like a ping pong ball, but the echo they produce sound strangely different: "Victoria... Betelgeuse... Something's wrong..."

- There's a one hour delay, baby. - That's ok, honey. Wake me up when you get here. Have a nice flight. I love you. - Love you. Kiss the children goodnight for me. You stay there watching the departures board. You're about to go for a coffe when you feel a tap on your shoulder. You turn around to find a cold pair of eyes. - Shannon...? Shannon, the beautiful woman you met at the pharmaceutical convention. After a conference on alzheimer and lecanemab you went to have a drink with her. You both had a great time and liked eachother. And you did something you never expected to do after 7 years of happy marriage with Fanny. You decided to have a one night stand. You went to a hotel and had an unforgettable night with Shannon. You love your wife and kids (Molly, 6 years, and David, 4 years), and you never behaved this way, but something inside you said "what the hell, live a little, you deserve it after a lifetime breaking your back." You never expected to see Shannon again, but here she was, her face bruised and her expression bitter, her eyes cold and ruthtless, with two police officers by her side. - This is him... This is the one that abused me... You look at her in shock, your heartbeat suspended in time. The police officers take a step forward and grab your arms. - You have to come with us, Sr. You're under arrest. You have the right to remain silent... One of them pulls your hands to your back and handcuffs you. They lead you out of the airport. Shannon declared that you both went to the hotel, but when she refused to go further you beated and abused her. She went to a doctor and he collected your remanent samples from her body. Your DNA, the bruises on her face, arms and legs, as well as her statement was all the evidence needed. With your heart shatered with guilt and shame you had to call Fanny and tell her the truth. She was heartbroken and devastated, and when hearing you were being charged with abuse she immediatly asked for the divorce.

- So... a war correspondent? - 4 years, middle east. - You must have seen pretty shitty things. - He takes a sip of his strawberry milkshake. - Corporal, right? - Mostly I was in charge of the specialist filming crew. I was recomended... - Yes, I know... - The guy stares at you. - High rank officer, bla, bla, bla... Impresed by your self control in battle, bla, bla... Able to film under rough situations, bla, bla, bla... follows orders. The guy Is getting to your nerves. - Yes. - I'm gonna be straight forward... - Takes another sip of milkshake. - Some gubernamental agencies are in front view of the public, some are not, the agency I represent is not. We requiere someone with your abilities in video documentation. It's an internacional agent position. - A spy...? The guy chuckles. - We don't call it that anymore, but yes... a "spy". - He examins you with dead cold eyes. - It's about documenting extreme situations without blinking... classified operations, hostages, interrogations, eliminations, secret meetings, recovering extraterrestrial bodies... you know, the usual stuff. It's a very well paid job, but most important: highly ranked. Many would die to get this job. - I see. - You swallow. - Whats the catch? - You're disposable. If you fail your duties, fail to obey orders, or talk about this with God in prayer, you'll be silenced. A ringing in your ears grows as you hold your breath. - Do I have to sign? The man shakes his head as he finishes the milkshake, making a loud sorbing noise with the straw. - A yes or no will do nicely, honey. Your heart is beating in your throat. - I'm in. Who do I report to? You? - We contact you, you don't contact us. You'll be tested before taking the position, until we are convinced you're "the one". - He smiles, not friendly, feels more like the devil about to reap your soul. - A regular taxi will pick you up when the testing begins. You leave the ice cream parlor feeling sick, but you can't let go this oportunity.

Another cigarret goes down as you continue walking from side to side out of the hospital. The doctor offered you to stay during the birth labor, but you have a weak stomach and you just can't stand the sight of blood, much less a baby coming out from your wife's body. Amber was very understanding, after 5 years togheter she knew that the procedure would be overwhelming for you, so she took a weight off your shoulders by letting you wait outside. Still you're dying with the expectation. Amber Is your adoration, you both love eachother and have been happily married. The birth of your first child Is the peek point of a relationship that has been nothing else than a blessing. After an hour that feels like eternity a nurse comes out the door and calls for you with a smile on her face, a good sign that brings your soul back into your body. You rush and follow her to your wife's room. Amber is laying down on the bed, exhausted but happy, she receives you with open arms and a big smile. - It's a girl... A baby girl... They're gonna bring her in a couple of minutes... You hug and kiss her lovingly, caressing her face with exultant afection, feeling this is the happiest moment of your life. The nurse comes in with a small package wrapped in a pink blanket. Amber gasps as she receives the baby in her arms. You lean to gaze upon your daughter for the first time and your smile fades away, she's a beautiful dark ebony baby girl, a little strange since you're both caucasian. Your mind starts racing like a runaway train. Wasn't nine months ago when you hired a contractor to build your swimming pool? A black muscular guy... What was his name? Warren! He was working at your house for about a month, mostly supervised by your wife while you were at the office. Holding your breath you turn to look at Amber, trying to find an answer in her eyes, she's speechless gazing at her baby girl with wide open eyes. - She's... beautiful...! - Her motherly love already bonded to the child.