Six years ago…
"Fernando, what are you doing? Come play with us!" Cecilia exclaims happily.
Fernando sat beneath the shade of a large tree, his back resting against the rough trunk.
He smiles tiredly.
"I'm tired, Ceci. Let me rest for a bit."
Lance crosses his arms and huffs.
"You're the one who got us this ball. You should play with us too."
"I really need to rest." Fernando waves them away with a lazy hand. "We still have to leave for the next village soon."
"Boo."
"That's unfair."
"You always say that."
The little group erupts into a chorus of complaints, their faces puffed up in exaggerated disappointment.
Fernando simply closes his eyes and pretends not to hear them.
Eventually, they give up.
The six children run back into the open field, laughing as they chase the worn leather ball across the grass.
Only after their voices grow distant does Fernando let out a quiet sigh.
He tilts his head back and looks up at the endless blue sky peeking through the leaves.
