AL FINAL DEL ARCOIRIS

VERNOR VINGE

PRLOGO SUERTE ESTPIDA Y PENSAMIENTO INTELIGENTE La primera pizca de s er!e es!"pida ##e$% e& '(rma de )er$*e&za para e# Ce&!r( E r(pe( para #a Pre)e&ci%& + e# C(&!r(# de #as E&'ermedades, E# -. de / #i(0 &(s esc(#ares de Ar$e# a'irmar(& 1 e &a epidemia respira!(ria se es!a2a e3!e&die&d( p(r e# Medi!err4&e(, La a'irmaci%& se ' &dame&!a2a e& & a&4#isis m + i&$e&i(s( de #(s da!(s de a&!ic erp(s de #(s sis!emas de !ra&sp(r!e de Ar$e# + N4p(#es, E# ECDC &( 5iz( &i&$"& c(me&!ari(0 per( me&(s de !res 5(ras desp 6s0 a'ici(&ad(s a #a sa# d p"2#ica c(m &icar(& res #!ad(s simi#ares e& (!ras ci dades0 mapas de c(&!a$i( i&c# id(s, La epidemia d ra2a +a a# me&(s &a sema&a + pr(2a2#eme&!e se 5a27a (ri$i&ad( e& 8'rica Ce&!ra#0 m4s a##4 de #a re$i%& 1 e #(s a'ici(&ad(s p(d7a& c(&!r(#ar, Para c a&d( #a ma1 i&aria de re#aci(&es p"2#icas de# ECDC reacci(&%0 #a e&'ermedad +a se 5a27a de!ec!ad( e& I&dia + N(r!eam6rica, Pe(r !(da)7a0 & peri(dis!a de Sea!!#e 5a27a ais#ad( e ide&!i'icad( e# a$e&!e i&'ecci(s(0 1 e res #!% ser & pse d(mimi)ir s, Era #a si! aci%& m4s )er$(&z(sa 1 e #(s re#aci(&es p"2#icas p(d7a& c(&ce2ir9 e& #a "#!ima d6cada0 e# ECDC 5a27a / s!i'icad( s e&(rme pres p es!( rea#iza&d( &a 2ri##a&!e campa:a c(&!ra #a sec!a N e)( Ama&ecer, La P#a$a Ama&ecer 5a27a sid( e# se$ &d( pe(r e r(!err(r de #a d6cada, S%#( e# ECDC 5a27a impedid( 1 e e# desas!re se e3!e&diese p(r !(d( e# p#a&e!a, La P#a$a Ama&ecer 5a27a sid( de pse d(mimi)ir s, T(da)7a 5a27a 2 e&a $e&!e e& e# ECDC0 #(s mism(s especia#is!as 1 e 5a27a& sa#)ad( a# m &d( e& -;<=, Res(#)ier(& !am2i6& c(& rapidez #a si! aci%& de# -. de / #i(, La ('ici&a de re#aci(&es p"2#icas p(d7a emi!ir &as dec#araci(&es m4s ( me&(s acer!adas9 s70 e# pse d(mimi 5a27a e)i!ad( #(s pr(!(c(#(s de a)is(, E# 'a##( &( 5a27a sid( m4s 1 e & simp#e err(r de s('!>are e& #a >e2 ?Ac! a#idad@ de# ce&!r(, Y s70 a1 e# pse d(mimi)ir s p(d7a ser &a m !aci%& de #a P#a$a Ama&ecer, E& !(d( e# m &d( se$ 7a& aparecie&d( )ariedades des&a! ra#izadas de# )ir s (ri$i&a#0 1 e 5a27a sid( (p!imizad( para ma!ar9 & a:adid( perma&e&!e a# r id( de '(&d( de #a 2i(s'era, Ese a:( +a 5a27a& e&c(&!rad( !res0 #a "#!ima s%#( ci&c( d7as a&!es0 e# <A de / #i(, M4s a"& Be& es!e p &!( #(s de re#aci(&es p"2#icas rec perar(& s 2r7( 5a2i! a#C0 &i&$ &a de e##as pr(d c7a s7&!(mas percep!i2#es, L(s pse d(mimi)ir s p(se7a& & $e&(ma e&(rme Bes decir0 e&(rme para & )ir s0 pe1 e:( e& c(mparaci%& c(& casi !(d( #( dem4sC, La sec!a N e)( Ama&ecer 5a27a !ra&s'(rmad( ese $e&(ma e& &a &a)a/a s iza de #a m er!e0 &a 5erramie&!a capaz de c(&!rarres!ar casi c a#1 ier de'e&sa,

Per( si& esa (p!imizaci%&0 #(s pse d(mimis &( era& m4s 1 e 2(#sas de ADN 2as ra, P(r !a&!(0 e# ECDC se disc #pa2a p(r &( 5a2er di) #$ad( &a si! aci%& r !i&aria, Pas% &a sema&a, D(s sema&as, N( se pr(d /er(& m4s cap! ras de# (r$a&ism(, L(s es! di(s de a&!ic erp(s dem(s!rar(& 1 e #a epidemia &( se 5a27a e3!e&did( m c5( m4s a##4 de #a c e&ca de# Medi!err4&e(, Las a'irmaci(&es de# ECDC s(2re #a i&'ecci%& era& !(!a#me&!e c(rrec!as, A1 e##a ?epidemia respira!(ria asi&!(m4!ica@ p(c( !e&7a de epidemia9 si &i si1 iera &a pers(&a c(&!a$iada de mi# se res'ria2a0 e# )ir s casi depe&d7a de #a caridad para rec(rrer e# m &d(, Las e3p#icaci(&es de# ECDC ' er(& acep!adas, L(s a'ici(&ad(s a #a sa# d p"2#ica 5a27a& ma$&i'icad( & s ces( 5a2i! a#, De 5ec5(0 e& #a 5is!(ria de# ECDC s%#( 5a27a & de!a##e 'a#s( + 1 e c(#%9 e# 5ec5( de &( di' &dir #a &(!icia s(2re e# )ir s &( 5a27a sid( p(r & pr(2#ema c(& #a p4$i&a >e2 p"2#ica0 5a27a sid( p(r & 'a##( e& e# sis!ema i&!er&( de a#er!a0 reci6& re)isad(0 de# ce&!r(, P(r !a&!(0 #(s especia#is!as resp(&sa2#es 5a27a& es!ad( !a& cie$(s a&!e e# s ces( c(m( e# p"2#ic( e& $e&era#D #(s a'ici(&ad(s 5a27a& a#er!ad( a am2(s, E& #(s c7rc #(s i&!er&(s de #a i&!e#i$e&cia de #a UE 5a27a pers(&as 1 e &( perd(&a2a& '4ci#me&!e 'a##(s de ese ca#i2re, Era& pers(&as 1 e diariame&!e se e&'re&!a2a& a# !err(r, Pers(&as c +(s ma+(res 63i!(s /am4s se da2a& a c(&(cerE + c +(s 'racas(s p(d7a& ser m4s ca!as!r%'ic(s 1 e #a P#a$a Ama&ecer, M + c(mpre&si2#eme&!e0 esas pers(&as era& (2sesi)as + para&(icas, La C(misi%& de I&!e#i$e&cia de #a UE e&c(me&d% a &( de s s me/(res a$e&!es0 & /()e& a#em4& ##amad( G*&2erF Gra &0 1 e se e&car$ase de &a re(r$a&izaci%& discre!a de# ECDC, E& #as z(&as de espi(&a/e d(&de Gra & era c(&(cid(0 era 'am(s(9 e# m4s (2sesi)( de #(s (2sesi)(s, F era c(m( ' ese0 6# + s e1 ip( re'(rmar(& r4pidame&!e #a es!r c! ra i&!er&a de c(m &icaci%& de# ECDC0 para # e$( dedicarse a & a&4#isis de !(d( e# Ce&!r( c(& &a serie a#ea!(ria de ?sim #acr(s de ame&aza@ 2asad(s e& #as c(&/e! ras m4s impr(2a2#es 1 e p diese ima$i&ar &i&$"& epidemi%#($(, E# a&4#isis i2a a d rar seis meses, E& e# ECDC0 es(s seis meses pr(me!7a& ser & !(rme&!( para #(s i&c(mpe!e&!es + &a re)e#aci%& para #(s 2ri##a&!es, Per( e# r6$ime& de ?sim #acr(s de ame&aza@ de Gra & d r% me&(s de d(s meses + aca2% a ca sa de & a& &ci( d ra&!e & par!id( de '"!2(#, E# primer e&c e&!r( de #a Serie GreciaHPaFis!4& se ce#e2r% e& La5(re e# -; de sep!iem2re, La Serie GreciaHPaFis!4& era +a &a !radici%&0 a &1 e s s se$ id(res era& pr(2a2#eme&!e c5apad(s a #a a&!i$ a, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 #a p 2#icidad se 5ac7a a# es!i#( de# si$#( II, T(d(s )e7a& e# mism( a& &ci(, Se )e&d7a espaci( p 2#ici!ari( e& #as )a##as de# es!adi(0 per( &i si1 iera es(s espaci(s es!a2a& diri$id(s a espec!ad(res c(&cre!(s, D ra&!e e# e&c e&!r( s cedi% a#$( as(m2r(s( Bd(s c(sas as(m2r(sas0 !e&ie&d( e& c e&!a 1 e Grecia $a&%C, D ra&!e e# desca&s( apareci% & a& &ci(

de !rei&!a se$ &d(s de $ ir#ac5e, A# ca2( de &a 5(ra0 )ari(s a&a#is!as i&depe&die&!es de mercad(!ec&ia i&'(rmar(& acerca de & a me&!( de #as )e&!as de $ ir#ac5e0 1 e se 5a27a i&iciad( !res mi& !(s desp 6s de# a& &ci(, Ese "&ic( a& &ci( 5a27a am(r!izad( #( 1 e 5a27a c(s!ad( cie& )eces, Era c(m( & s e:(E a# me&(s para #(s 1 e es!a2a& c(mp#e!ame&!e (2sesi(&ad(s p(r #a mercad(!ec&ia, D ra&!e !(da #a !arde0 p(r mi##(&es c(me&!ar(& a1 e# s ces( as(m2r(s(, A&a#izar(& e# a& &ci( 5as!a e# "#!im( de!a##e, Era & a& &ci( 2 rd(0 c(m( ca27a esperar0 p(r1 e #a a$e&cia 1 e #( 5a27a cread( era de !ercera, L( m4s c ri(s( era 1 e &( c(&!e&7a &i&$"& e#eme&!( s 2#imi&a# Ba &1 e e&c(&!rar#( era #a pri&cipa# espera&za de #(s 1 e #( a&a#iza2a&C, E# re!ras( e& i&iciarse + #a 2r s1 edad de# i&creme&!( &( era& e& a2s(# !( #a resp es!a &(rma# a & a& &ci(, A #as p(cas 5(ras0 !(d(s #(s par!icipa&!es raz(&a2#es ##e$ar(& a #a c(&c# si%& de 1 e e# Mi#a$r( de# G ir#ac5e era e# c#4sic( espe/ism( pr(d cid( p(r #as p(si2i#idades m(der&as de cap! ra de da!(s9 si se (2ser)a & !ri##%& de 'e&%me&(s0 #( rar( es &( !(parse c(& &a i&cide&cia de &( e&!re & mi##%&, A# 'i&a# de# d7a0 e# as &!( se 5a27a dad( p(r za&/ad( + &( era m4s 1 e (!ra (&da e& #a mir7ada de c(&)ersaci(&es de #a )ida p"2#ica, Cier!(s (2ser)ad(res &( perdier(& e# i&!er6s p(r a1 e##(, G*&2erF Gra &0 c(m( #a ma+(r7a de #(s miem2r(s de #(s c7rc #(s i&!er&(s de #a CIEU0 se&!7a & $ra& Bpara ser 'ra&c(s & recelosoC respe!( p(r e# p(der de# a&4#isis p"2#ic( de i&!e#i$e&cia, U&( de s s e1 ip(s di( c(& e# Mi#a$r( de# G ir#ac5e, Se si$ i% e# de2a!e, Cier!(0 pr(2a2#eme&!e &( ' ese m4s 1 e & espe/ism(, Y0 si& em2ar$(0 p(d7a& p#a&!earse (!ras pre$ &!as + a#$ &as era& de esas 1 e #(s $(2ier&(s !ie&e& cier!a 5a2i#idad para resp(&der, L( 1 e &(s ##e)a a #a si$ ie&!e pizca de s er!e es!"pida, Si$ ie&d( & imp #s(0 Gra & pidi% & sim #acr( de emer$e&cia9 #(s rec rs(s a&a#7!ic(s de# ECDC se ce&!rar7a& e& #a imp(r!a&cia para #a salud pblica de# Mi#a$r( de# G ir#ac5e, I&depe&die&!eme&!e de# me(##( de# mis!eri(0 ser)ir7a para 1 e e# ce&!r( se e/erci!ase e& #a rea#izaci%& de &a i&)es!i$aci%& secre!a de emer$e&cia e& !iemp( rea#, Adem4s0 &( era m4s a2s rd( 1 e sim #acr(s a&!eri(res, A esas a#! ras0 #(s especia#is!as m4s 2ri##a&!es de# ECDC sa27a& e&'re&!arse a !a#es e)e&! a#idades, R4pidame&!e p#a&!ear(& mi#es de c(&/e! ras e ima$i&ar(& medi( mi##%& de pr e2as p(si2#es, Ser7a& #as semi##as de #(s 4r2(#es de 2"s1 eda de #a i&)es!i$aci%&, D ra&!e d(s d7as0 #(s a&a#is!as de# ECDC a&a#izar(& es(s 4r2(#es0 e3!e&di6&d(#(s + p(d4&d(#(sE siempre imp(&ie&d( cier!as #imi!aci(&es es!ad7s!icasD & !ra2a/( as7 p(d7a $e&erar m4s espe/ism(s de #(s 1 e p(d7a& s(:ar #(s a'ici(&ad(s a #a mercad(!ec&ia, S%#( #a #is!a de !emas 5 2iese (c pad( &a de #as a&!i$ as $ 7as de !e#6'(&(s e&!era, A57 es!a2a #( 2 e&(0 e3p es!( de '(rma dram4!ica9 &( 5a27a re#aci%& e&!re e# pic( de c(mpras + e# a& &ci( de $ ir#ac5e, La c(&c# si%& &( se 2asa2a e& &i&$"& a&4#isis !e%ric(9 e# ECDC pas% e# a& &ci( a pe1 e:(s $r p(s de c(&!r(#, I$ a#me&!e se c(mpr(2% !(da #a p 2#icidad de# desca&s(, U&a de #as pa&!a##as de# es!adi(0 & a& &ci( para &

ser)ici( de ci!as 1 e s%#( 5a27a aparecid( 2re)eme&!e0 pr()(ca2a & i&!er6s (casi(&a# p(r e# $ ir#ac5e, BE# a& &ci( para e# ser)ici( de c(&!ac!(s peca2a de cier!( e3ces( ar!7s!ic(0 c(& s '(&d( de #7&eas 1 e '(rma2a& & pa!r%& de m ar6C, Si$ ie&d( p(r e# 4r2(# de pr e2as0 e# a& &ci( de# ser)ici( de c(&!ac!(s se m(s!r% a a#$ &as a die&cias especia#izadas, P(r e/emp#(0 &( pr()(ca2a &i&$"& e'ec!( e& pers(&as c(& a&!ic erp(s de# pse d(mimi)ir s de# -. de / #i(, ?E# a& &ci( de# ser)ici( de c(&!ac!(s pr()(ca2a dese( de c(mer $ ir#ac5e c a&d( se m(s!ra2a a pers(&as i&'ec!adas p(r e# pse d(mimi a&!eri(r0 e# de# <A de / #i(0 acerca de# 1 e e# ECDC 5a27a i&'(rmad( adec adame&!e,@ De &i:(0 G*&2erF Gra & 5a27a 'a&!asead( c(& #a idea de 1 e0 e& e# pasad(0 p(dr7a 5a2er impedid( e# 2(m2arde( de Dresde0 de!e&id( a #(s &azis + e)i!ad( s s camp(s de e3!ermi&i( ( 1 e S!a#i& ma!ase de 5am2re a Ucra&ia, E& #(s d7as ma#(s0 c a&d( &( p(d7a m()er &aci(&es0 e# pe1 e:( G*&2erF ima$i&a2a #( 1 e p(dr7a 5a2er 5ec5( e& & p es!( de radar de Ja>ai0 e# <= de diciem2re de <KL<0 ( c(m( a$e&!e de# FGI e# )era&( de -;;<, M iz4 !(d(s #(s &i:(s pasa& p(r esa 'ase0 i$&(ra&d( e& 2 e&a par!e e# c(&!e3!( 5is!%ric(0 1 erie&d( simp#eme&!e c(&)er!irse e& 56r(es sa#)ad(res, Per( c a&d( Gra & #e+% ese "#!im( i&'(rme s p( 1 e se e&c(&!ra2a a&!e a#$( de #a misma ma$&i! d 1 e s s 'a&!as7as de i&'a&cia, E# )ir s pse d(mimi de# <A de / #i( + e# a& &ci( e& e# e&c e&!r( de '"!2(#E / &!(s '(rma2a& &a pr e2a e3!remadame&!e 2ie& cam '#ada de &a & e)a idea para & arma, C(mp#e!ame&!e desarr(##ada0 esa arma 5ar7a 1 e #a P#a$a Ama&ecer pareciese & / $ e!e ma#i$&(, C(m( m7&im(0 #a $ erra 2i(#%$ica se )(#)er7a !a& precisa c(m( #as 2a#as + #as 2(m2as9 i&'ec!as ar!erame&!e a &a p(2#aci%& c(& #a #e&!a + a#ea!(ria pr(pa$aci%& de &a e&'ermedad i&de!ec!a2#e + # e$(0 bam0 cie$as0 #isias ( ma!asE a a#$ ie& e& c(&cre!( c(& & c(rre( e#ec!r%&ic(0 ( a mi#es de mi##(&es c(& &a emisi%&0 demasiad( repe&!i&ame&!e para 1 e #( impida c a#1 ier ?de'e&sa c(&!ra #a e&'ermedad@, Si Gra & 5 2iese sid( de# ECDC0 !a# desc 2rimie&!( 5a2r7a disparad( de i&media!( #as a#armas e& !(das #as (r$a&izaci(&es de de'e&sa c(&!ra #as e&'ermedades de #a A#ia&za I&d(e r(pea0 as7 c(m( e& e# Ce&!r( de C(&!r(# de E&'ermedades &(r!eamerica&( + e& e# CDCP de C5i&a, Per( G*&2erF Gra & &( era epidemi%#($(, Era & esp7a0 e i&c# s( para ser esp7a era & para&(ic(, E# sim #acr( de emer$e&cia es!a2a 2a/( s c(&!r(# pers(&a#D &( ! )( pr(2#emas para s primir #a i&'(rmaci%& e& ese p &!(, Mie&!ras !a&!(0 emp#e% s s rec rs(s e& #a CIEU + e& #a A#ia&za I&de r(pea, A #as p(cas 5(ras es!a2a i&mers( e& & 2 e& &"mer( de pr(+ec!(s, Se !ra/( a #a me/(r e3per!a e& e# sec!(r de #a i&!e#i$e&cia i&d(e r(pea + #a de/% s e#!a c(& #as pr e2as, C(&!ac!% c(& #(s ac!i)(s mi#i!ares de #a A#ia&za0 e& 8'rica Ce&!ra# + e& #(s es!ad(s 'racasad(s de# 'i& de# m &d( m(der&(, Ja27a pr e2as s%#idas de# (ri$e& de# pse d(mimi)ir s de< <A de / #i(, A &1 e esa i&)es!i$aci%& &( era 2i(cie&!7'ica0 #(s a&a#is!as de Gra & era& m + simi#ares a #(s me/(res de# ECDCE s%#( 1 e m4s #is!(s0 m4s & mer(s(s + c(& m c5(s m4s

rec rs(s, I&c# s( as70 ! )ier(& m c5a s er!e9 d ra&!e #(s si$ ie&!es !res d7as s mar(& d(s + d(s B+ d(s + d(s + d(sEC, A# 'i&a#0 !e&7a &a idea 2as!a&!e raz(&a2#e de 1 i6& es!a2a de!r4s de #a pr e2a de# arma, Y p(r primera )ez e& s )ida0 G*&2erF Gra & si&!i% )erdader( !err(r,

;< EL SENOR GARCELONA

CONEOO VISITA

E& #(s ser)ici(s de i&!e#i$e&cia de #a A#ia&za I&d(e r(pea 5a27a & p :ad( de s per2 r%cra!as0 $e&!e c(m( G*&2erF Gra &0 de #a CIEU, P(r '(r! &a0 e# p"2#ic( e& $e&era# desc(&(c7a s s ide&!idades ( &( era& para 6# m4s 1 e & amasi/( de c(&!radicci(&es, L(s s per2 r%cra!as !e&7a& a s s pr(pi(s 56r(es, E& par!ic #ar0 c a&d( a#$ ie& c(m( G*&2erF Gra & se e&'re&!a2a a pr(2#emas desesperad(s0 !e&7a & # $ar a# 1 e ac dir e& 2 sca de a+ da, Ja27a & depar!ame&!( e& #a A$e&cia de I&!e#i$e&cia E3!eri(r de #a I&dia 1 e &( aparec7a e& #(s (r$a&i$ramas de #a AIE + c +( pr(p%si!( perma&ec7a 'e#izme&!e i&de'i&id(, G4sicame&!e0 se dedica2a a #( 1 e s /e'e cre+ese 1 e de27a dedicarse, E# /e'e era & ci dada&( i&di( c(&(cid( p(r #(s p(c(s 1 e #( c(&(c7a& m7&imame&!e c(m( A#'red Vaz, Gra & c(m &ic% a Vaz s a!errad(r desc 2rimie&!(, A# pri&cipi(0 e# )ie/( 1 ed% !a& c(&m(ci(&ad( c(m( e# pr(pi( Gra &, Per( Vaz era & e3per!( s(# ci(&ad(r, HSi se disp(&e de #(s rec rs(s 5 ma&(s adec ad(s0 p ede res(#)erse casi c a#1 ier pr(2#ema Hdi/(H, Dame &(s d7as, Veam(s 1 6 p ed( a)eri$ ar, E& e# ce&!r( de Garce#(&a0 !res d7as desp 6s, E# c(&e/( sa#!% a #a si##a de mim2re + de a57 a# ce&!r( de #a mesa0 e&!re !azas de !6 + c(&dime&!(s, Se ##e)% #a ma&( a# s(m2rer( de c(pa e& & sa# d(0 primer( a A#'red Vaz + # e$( a G*&2erF Gra & + PeiF( Mi!s r7, HQTe&$( &a pr(p(sici%& 1 e 5acer#esR Hdi/(, Des& d(0 era & e/emp#ar de c(&e/( c(m"&, A#'red a#ar$% #a ma&( + #a pas% a !ra)6s de #a ima$e&0 simp#eme&!e para remarcar s pr(pia s(#idez, HS(m(s &(s(!r(s #(s 1 e !e&em(s &a pr(p es!a, HAj. HE# c(&e/( p#a&!% e# !raser( e& #a mesa + sac% & dimi& !( ser)ici( de !6 de de!r4s de #a sa# + #a pimie&!a, Se sir)i% &a $(!a ( d(s0 #( s 'icie&!e para ##e&ar #a !aza0 + !(m% & s(r2(H, S(+ !(d( (7d(s, HMe&e% #as $ra&des (re/as para dar 6&'asis a s s pa#a2ras, Desde e# (!r( #ad( de #a mesa0 G*&2erF Gra & mira2a c(& de!e&imie&!( #a cria! ra, Gra & era !a& e'7mer( c(m( e# c(&e/(0 per( pr(+ec!a2a &a seriedad 1 e c adra2a 2as!a&!e c(& s pers(&a#idad rea#, A A#'red #e pareci% de!ec!ar &a mezc#a de decepci%& + s(rpresa e& #a e3presi%& de# 5(m2re m4s /()e&, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 G*&2erF #e e&)i% & me&sa/e si#e&ci(s(,

Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS UEsto es #( me/(r 1 e 5as p(did( rec# !ar0 A#'redVTWmsS A#'red &( resp(&di% direc!ame&!e, Se )(#)i% 5acia #a cria! ra se&!ada e& #a mesa, HGie&)e&id( a Garce#(&a0 se:(r C(&e/( Hdi/(, Se:a#% #as !(rres de #a Sa$rada Fami#ia0 1 e se a#za2a& a# (!r( #ad( de #a ca##e, La ca!edra# !e&7a me/(r aspec!( si& !ra!amie&!(s )ir! a#esD a# 'i& + a# ca2(0 #a ar1 i!ec! ra de Ga d7 era m4s capric5(sa 1 e #a ima$i&aci%& de #(s re)isi(&is!as m(der&(sH, USa2e p(r 1 6 esc($7 es!e # $ar para & es!r( e&c e&!r(V C(&e/( !(m% & s(r2( de !6, S mirada se desp#az% de &a '(rma m + i&apr(piada para & c(&e/(, Mir% a #a m #!i! d r id(sa 1 e pasa2a / &!( a #as mesas0 e3ami&a&d( #(s !ra/es + #as '(rmas c(rp(ra#es de ! ris!as + )eci&(s, HA50 Use de2e a 1 e Garce#(&a es # $ar para #( 5erm(s( + #( es!ra'a#ari(0 &a de #as p(cas $ra&des ci dades de# si$#( II c +( e&ca&!( s(2re)i)e e& e# m &d( m(der&(V UP(dr7a ser 1 e0 adem4s0 s!edes + s s 'ami#ias de& pase(s se&s(!4c!i#es p(r e# Parc G*e## a c(s!a de s s die!asV HMir% a Gra & + a PeiF( Mi!s ri, Mi!s ri i2a #isa + ##a&ame&!e e&mascarada, Te&7a & p(c( e# aspec!( de & des& d( de Marce# D c5amp c(&s!r id( a par!ir de & c(&/ &!( m%)i# de p#a&(s cris!a#i&(s, C(&e/( se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(sH, Per(0 c#ar( es!40 es p(si2#e 1 e se e&c e&!re& a d(s mi# Fi#%me!r(s de dis!a&cia, PeiF( ri(, HO50 &( sea !a& i&decis( Hdi/(0 5a2#a&d( c(& &a si&!a3is + & ace&!( c(mp#e!ame&!e si&!6!ic(sH( Es!(+ m + c(&!e&!a de es!ar e& e# Parc G*e##0 si&!ie&d( #a rea#idad c(& mis ma&(s rea#es, Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS De 5ec5(0 es!(+ e& mi despac5(0 admira&d( #a # z de #a # &a s(2re #a 2a57a de T(Fi(,TWmsS C(&e/( si$ i% 5a2#a&d(0 si& e&!erarse de# i&!ercam2i( de me&sa/es si#e&ci(s(s9 HDa i$ a#, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 #a )erdadera raz%& para 1 e &(s 5a+am(s re &id( a1 7 es 1 e Garce#(&a p(see #as c(&e3i(&es m4s direc!as c(& s s p &!(s de (ri$e& + #a se$ ridad m4s m(der&a para (c #!ar #( 1 e di$am(s, Me/(r !(da)7a0 !ie&e #e+es 1 e pr(572e& 1 e #a p(#ic7a ( #a $e&!e 'is$(&eeE A me&(s0 c#ar( es!40 1 e pertenezcan s!edes a #a C(misi%& de I&!e#i$e&cia de #a UE, Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS Gie&0 &a s p(sici%& c(rrec!a e& & !erci(, TWmsS Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS E# mism( se:(r C(&e/( es!4 ##ama&d( desde 2as!a&!e #e/(s,TWmsS E& e# aire0 s(2re #a ca2eza de #a cria! ri!a0 apareci% &a es!imaci%& e& !iemp( rea# de #a UE9 5a27a & se!e&!a + ci&c( p(r cie&!( de pr(2a2i#idades de 1 e #a ide&!idad 1 e se esc(&d7a de!r4s de #a ima$e& de C(&e/( es! )iese e& N(r!eam6rica, A#'red se i&c#i&% 5acia e# a&ima#i!( + s(&ri%, C(m( a$e&!e prese&!e '7sicame&!e0 Vaz !e&7a s s #imi!aci(&esE per( !am2i6& a#$ &as )e&!a/as,

HN(0 &( s(m(s de #a p(#ic7a secre!a, Y s70 1 er7am(s &a c(m &icaci%& se$ ra & p(c( m4s pers(&a# 1 e #(s me&sa/es de !e3!(, HSe !(c% e# pec5(H, E& par!ic #ar0 p ede )er 1 e es!(+ '7sicame&!e a1 7, Es( da m4s c(&'ia&za, Y debera darte toda clase de pistas sin ningn valor, pe&s%, L e$( ##am% a# camarer(0 pidi% &a c(pa de Ri(/a + )(#)i% a pres!ar a!e&ci%& a #a cria! ra se&!ada s(2re e# ma&!e#, HE& #(s "#!im(s meses0 se 5a /ac!ad( s!ed de m c5as c(sas0 se:(r C(&e/(, J(+ e& d7a0 (!r(s se /ac!a& de #( mism(0 per( s!ed !ie&e cer!i'icad(s di'7ci#es de (2!e&er, M c5as pers(&as de i&!ac5a2#e rep !aci%& da& 'e de s s 5a2i#idades, C(&e/( se acica#%, Era & c(&e/( m + ama&erad(0 p(c( c(&)i&ce&!e, E# rea#ism( '7sic( &( era &a de s s ma+(res pri(ridades, HC#ar( 1 e me rec(mie&da&, Te&$a e# pr(2#ema 1 e !e&$a0 sea p(#7!ic(0 mi#i!ar0 cie&!7'ic(0 ar!7s!ic( ( am(r(s(E acep!e mis c(&dici(&es + #e ('recer6 res #!ad(s, Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS Ade#a&!e0 A#'red,TWmsS Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS S70 #a )ersi%& m7&ima0 c#ar( es!4, Nada m4s 5as!a 1 e &( )eam(s res #!ad(s 1 e &( p(dem(s #($rar p(r & es!ra c e&!a,TWmsS A#'red 'i&$i% ase&!ir para s7 mism(, HN es!r( pr(2#ema &( !ie&e &i&$ &a re#aci%& c(& #a p(#7!ica ( #a $ erra0 se:(r C(&e/(, S%#( es &a c es!i%& cie&!7'ica, C(&e/( m()i% #as (re/as, HUYV N( !ie&e& m4s 1 e e&)iar #( 1 e &ecesi!e& a #(s '(r(s de resp es!as, P ede& (2!e&er res #!ad(s casi !a& 2 e&(s c(m( #(s m7(s0 casi i$ a# de r4pid(, Y se$ r( 1 e mi# )eces m4s 2ara!(, L#e$% e# )i&(, Vaz 5iz( c(m( 1 e (#is1 ea2a e# 2( 1 e!, Mir% a# (!r( #ad( de #a ca##e, La p /a p(r #as )isi!as ! r7s!icas '7sicas de# d7a a #a Sa$rada Fami#ia se 5a27a cerrad(0 per( cerca de #a p er!a de #a ca!edra# 5a27a &a c(#a de $e&!e espera&d( 1 e a#$ ie& 'a##ase, Era &a pr e2a m4s de 1 e #as c(sas m4s imp(r!a&!es era& #as 1 e se p(d7a& !(car, V(#)i% a mirar a# c(&e/( $ris, HTe&em(s &ecesidades ' &dame&!a#es 1 e &( se p ede& sa!is'acer pre$ &!a&d( a a#$ &(s mi#es de a&a#is!as, N es!ras pre$ &!as re1 iere&0 e50 e3perime&!aci%&, A#$ &(s de #(s e3perime&!(s +a se 5a& rea#izad(, M eda& m c5(s pe&die&!es, E& c(&/ &!(0 & es!r( pr(+ec!( es !a& e3!e&s( c(m( ser7a & pr($rama $ 2er&ame&!a# i&!e&si)( de i&)es!i$aci%&, C(&e/( s(&ri%0 m(s!ra&d( s s i&cisi)(s de mar'i#, HJe. UU& $ 2er&ame&!a# i&!e&si)( de i&)es!i$aci%&V Es( s(& !(&!er7as de# si$#( II, Las &ecesidades de# mercad( siempre s(& m c5( m4s e'ec!i)as, Gas!a c(& e&$a:ar a# mercad( para 1 e c((pere, HM iz4, Per( #( 1 e 1 erem(s esE HY &a mierda0 i&c# s( #a 5is!(ria 'a#sa era i&cre72#eH, L( 1 e 1 erem(s es0 e50 a !(ridad admi&is!ra!i)a s(2re & $ra& #a2(ra!(ri( de '7sica, C(&e/( 1 ed% c(&$e#ad( +0 p(r & i&s!a&!e0 pareci% & 5er27)(r( rea#0 &( 1 e de pr(&!( se 5 2iese 1 edad( para#izad( 're&!e a #(s 'ar(s de & c(c5e,

HUO5V UM 6 !ip( de #a2(ra!(ri( de '7sicaV HDe cie&cias de #a )ida $#(2a#me&!e i&!e$radas, HGie&0 2ie&0 2ie&, HC(&e/( se se&!%0 e& c(m &i%& c(&si$( mism(E c(& s er!e, I&!e#i$e&cia de #a UE ca#c #a2a 1 e 5a27a & sese&!a + ci&c( p(r cie&!( de pr(2a2i#idades de 1 e C(&e/( &( es! )iese c(mpar!ie&d( #a ima$e& $#(2a# c(& &adie m4s0 + e# &()e&!a + ci&c( p(r cie&!( de 1 e &( !ra2a/ase para C5i&a ( EE,UU, La pr(pia (r$a&izaci%& de A#'red e& I&dia era !(da)7a m4s c(&'iada e& s s c4#c #(s, C(&e/( de/% #a !aza de !6, HEs!(+ i&!ri$ad(, As7 1 e &( es!am(s 5a2#a&d( de & !ra2a/( de (2!e&ci%& de i&'(rmaci%&, Rea#me&!e 1 iere& s 2)er!ir &a i&s!a#aci%& imp(r!a&!e, HS%#( d ra&!e & 2re)e peri(d( de !iemp( Hdi/( G*&2erF, HL( 1 e sea, Ja2#a& c(& e# !ip( adec ad(, HA$i!% #a &arici!aH, Es!(+ se$ r( de 1 e +a c(&(ce& #as p(si2i#idades, E& E r(pa 5a+ &as c a&!as $ra&des i&s!i! ci(&es0 per( &i&$ &a !(!a#me&!e i&!e$radaE + p(r a5(ra si$ e& p(r de!r4s de si!i(s de C5i&a ( EE,UU, Vaz &( asi&!i%0 per( C(&e/( !e&7a raz%&, Ja27a 2ri##a&!es i&)es!i$ad(res e& !(d( e# m &d(0 per( s%#( &(s c a&!(s #a2(ra!(ri(s c(& $ra&des ca&!idades de da!(s, E& e# si$#( II0 #a s peri(ridad !ec&(#%$ica de #(s $ra&des #a2(ra!(ri(s p(d7a d rar !rei&!a a:(s, J(+ e& d7a #as c(sas cam2ia2a& c(& m4s rapidez0 per( E r(pa a&da2a & p(c( reza$ada, E# c(mp#e/( G5(pa# e& #a I&dia es!a2a m4s i&!e$rad(0 per( i2a p(r de!r4s e& micr( a !(ma!izaci%&, P(d7a& pasar )ari(s a:(s a&!es de 1 e C5i&a + EE,UU, perdiese& #a )e&!a/a 1 e ##e)a2a&, C(&e/( re7a para s7, HOe0 /e, P(r !a&!(0 !ie&e& 1 e ser #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de X 5a& ( #(s de# s r de Ca#i'(r&ia, C#ar( es!40 p(dr7a 5acer e# mi#a$r( c(& c a#1 iera de #(s d(s, HL( 1 e era me&!ira (0 e& cas( c(&!rari(0 #a $e&!e de A#'red se 5a27a e1 i)(cad( p(r c(mp#e!( e& s )a#(raci%& de a1 e# 2 e& ami$( pe# d(, PeiF( di/(9 HPre'erim(s e# c(mp#e/( 2i(!ec&(#%$ic( de Sa& Die$(0 Ca#i'(r&ia, A#'red !e&7a a p &!( &a e3p#icaci%& per'ec!a9 HL#e)am(s )ari(s meses es! dia&d( #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de Sa& Die$(, Sa2em(s 1 e disp(&e& de #(s rec rs(s adec ad(s, HEs m4s0 #as !erri2#es s(spec5as de G*&2erF Gra & se ce&!ra2a& e& Sa& Die$(, HUM 6 p#a&ea& 5acerV G*&2erF #e s(&ri% si& $a&as, HVa+am(s p(r pas(s0 se:(r C(&e/(, E# primer pas(9 !rei&!a d7as de p#az(, N(s $ s!ar7a 1 e &(s ap(r!ara & a&4#isis acerca de #a se$ ridad de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de Sa& Die$(, L( 1 e es m4s imp(r!a&!e0 precisam(s pr e2as 'idedi$&as de 1 e p ede disp(&er de & e1 ip( de pers(&as de #a z(&a capaz de rea#izar ac!(s '7sic(s e& #as i&mediaci(&es de es(s #a2(ra!(ri(s + de&!r( de e##(s, HGie&0 sa#!ar6 a# as &!( de i&media!(, HC(&e/( 5iz( & $es!( de e3asperaci%&H, Es e)ide&!e 1 e 2 sca& a & pe%& de# 1 e p eda& des5acerse0 a#$ ie& 1 e a7s#e

#a (peraci%& de #(s america&(s, Va#e, Y( p ed( ser#(, Per( &a ad)er!e&cia9 sa#$( m + car( + es!ar6 a1 7 para c(2rar, PeiF( ri(, HN( 5ace 'a#!a 1 e se p(&$a me#(dram4!ic(0 se:(r C(&e/(, C(&(cem(s s s 'am(sas 5a2i#idades, HQCier!(R Per( !(da)7a &( cree& e& e##as, A5(ra me ir60 5 smear6 p(r #(s a#reded(res de Sa& Die$( + )(#)erem(s a 5a2#ar de&!r( de & par de sema&as, Para e&!(&ces !e&dr6 a#$( 1 e e&se:ar#es +0 #( m4s imp(r!a&!e0 5ar6 1 e mi !reme&da ima$i&aci%& especi'i1 e & primer pa$( para ese p#a& p(r e!apas 1 e e# se:(r N(HS(+HTa&HA#em4&HC(m(HParezc( 5a pr(p es!(, HJiz( &a re)ere&cia a G*&2erF, Mi!s ri + Gra & es!a2a& perp#e/(s0 si& decir &ada0 as7 1 e ' e A#'red 1 ie& pr(si$ i% c(& #a c(&)ersaci%&, HJa2#arem(s e&!(&ces, P(r 'a)(r0 rec erde 1 e p(r a5(ra s%#( 1 erem(s & i&'(rme9 sa2er a 1 i6&es p(dr7am(s rec# !ar + c%m( sar#(s, C(&e/( se !(c% #a &ariz, HSer6 &a ! m2a, Siempre s6 m c5( m4s de #( 1 e de/( e&!re)er, Per(0 e& seri(0 s!edes !res de2er7a& me/(rar s i&!erpre!aci%&, E# se:(r Ta&HA#em4& &( es m4s 1 e & es!ere(!ip( pasad( de m(da, Y s!ed0 se:(ra0 #a (2ra de ar!e impresi(&is!a &( re)e7a &ada + #( re)e#a !(d(, UM i6& p(dr7a !e&er & especia# i&!er6s p(r #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s de Sa& Die$(V UM i6&V Y e& c a&!( a s!edE HC(&e/( mir% a VazH, Oc #!a s!ed & 2 e& ace&!( c(#(m2ia&(, La cria! ra ri( + sa#!% de #a mesa, HJa2#arem(s pr(&!(, A#'red se rec(s!% + (2ser)% c%m( #a cria! ra $ris es1 i)a2a #as pier&as de #(s !ra&se"&!es, De27a de !e&er & permis( de car&a)a#0 p(r1 e era e)ide&!e 1 e #(s dem4s #a )e7a&, N( se des)a&eci% e& & p ', C(&e/( si$ i% sie&d( )isi2#e 5as!a )ei&!e me!r(s m4s a##4 p(r #a ca##e Sarde&+a0 d(&de d(2#% p(r & ca##e/%& + desapareci% &a! ra#me&!e, L(s !res a$e&!es c(&!i& ar(& se&!ad(s0 apare&!eme&!e c(mpar!ie&d( & si#e&ci( de c(mpa:erism(0 G*&2erF i&c#i&ad( s(2re s )i&( )ir! a#0 Vaz 2e2ie&d( s Ri(/a de )erdad + admira&d( #(s $i$a&!es 1 e prepara2a& para e# des'i#e de #a !arde, L(s !res se cam '#a2a& 2ie& e&!re e# ca(s ! r7s!ic( 5a2i! a# de #a z(&a de #a Sa$rada Fami#iaE s%#( 1 e #a ma+(r7a de #(s ! ris!as 1 e pa$a2a& p(r se&!arse e& & ca'6 de #a ca##e Sarde&+a !e&7a& m4s de & !erci( de prese&cia '7sica, HSe 5a id( de )eras Hdi/( G*&2erF0 i&&ecesariame&!eD !(d(s )e7a& e# a&4#isis de se:a# de #a UE, Pasar(& &(s se$ &d(s m4s, Las a$e&cias de I&!e#i$e&cia de Oap%& + #a I&dia !am2i6& i&'(rmar(&9 #a ide&!idad de C(&e/( se$ 7a sie&d( desc(&(cida, HGie&0 es( +a es a#$( Hdi/( PeiF(H, Se 5a id( #impiame&!e, M iz4 sir)e de dis+ &!(r, G*&2erF se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s0 ca&sad(,

HM iz4, Va+a & !(&!( desa$rada2#e, L(s aires de &()ed(s( 1 e se da !ie&e& & si$#( de a&!i$*edad + se re& e)a& c(& cada cam2i( !ec&(#%$ic(, Ap es!( a 1 e !ie&e ca!(rce a:(s + a&sia desesperadame&!e impresi(&ar a a#$ ie&, HMir% a VazH, UEs #( me/(r 1 e 5as p(did( e&c(&!rar0 VazV HS rep !aci%& es a !6&!ica0 G*&2erF, Ja ##e)ad( pr(+ec!(s casi !a& c(mp#e/(s c(m( e# 1 e es!am(s c(&sidera&d(, HF er(& pr(+ec!(s de i&)es!i$aci%&, M iz4 sea & 2 e&E Uc%m( se diceV U& ?!e/ed(r de $e&i(s@, N(s(!r(s 1 erem(s a#$( m4s (pera!i)(, HG e&(0 5a pi##ad( #as pis!as 1 e #e 5a27am(s de/ad(, HE# ace&!( de A#'red + #as pr e2as de red 1 e 5a27a& p#a&!ad( s(2re e# (ri$e& de PeiF(, HAch ja Hdi/( G*&2erF, U&a s(&risa #e i# mi&% e# r(s!r(H, QEs & p(c( 5 mi##a&!e 1 e me ac se& de s(2reac! ar c a&d( me #imi!( a ser +( mism(R S70 a5(ra e# se:(r C(&e/( cree 1 e s(m(s !ra'ica&!es de dr($as de S ram6rica, La &e2#i&a de cris!a#es cam2ia&!es 1 e era #a ima$e& de PeiF( pareci% s(&re7r, HE& cier!( m(d(0 es( res #!a m4s )er(s7mi# 1 e #( 1 e s(m(s e& rea#idad, HL(s 5ereder(s de #as $ erras de #a dr($a de# pasad( ##e)a2a& &a d6cada e& dec#i)eD e# ?63!asis + me/(ra@ es!a2a !a& e3!e&did( 1 e #a c(mpe!e&cia 5a27a #($rad( #( 1 e #a #e+ &( c(&si$ i%, Per( #(s se:(res de #a dr($a se$ 7a& sie&d( m4s ric(s de #( 1 e a#$ &(s pe1 e:(s pa7ses p(d7a& s(:ar ser, L(s 1 e se re' $ia2a& e& es!ad(s 'racasad(s !a# )ez es! )iese& !a& #(c(s c(m( para i&!e&!ar ##e)ar a ca2( #a (peraci%& 1 e e##(s !res 5a27a& dad( a e&!e&der 1 e !e&7a& i&!e&ci%& de ac(me!er, G*&2erF di/(9 HC(&e/( es ma&e/a2#e0 cier!(, UC(mpe!e&!e e& #( 1 e &ecesi!am(sV Es( es m c5( me&(s pr(2a2#e, HUTe &(s es!4s ec5a&d( a!r4s0 G*&2erFV HEra #a )erdadera )(z de PeiF(, E# !(&( era dese&'adad(0 per( A#'red sa27a 1 e rece#a2a 2as!a&!e, HTe&$( mis reser)as Hdi/( G*&2erF, Se re2 ##% & m(me&!(H, Mirad0 e# !err(r de #a s(rpresa !6c&ica es #a ma+(r ame&aza a #a s per)i)e&cia de #a especie 5 ma&a, Las Gra&des P(!e&cias0 &(s(!r(s0 C5i&a + EE,UU,0 ##e)am(s m c5(s a:(s e& paz m4s 1 e &ada p(r1 e !e&em(s e& c e&!a ese pe#i$r( + ma&!e&em(s a ra+a a# res!( de# m &d(, Y a5(ra desc 2rim(s 1 e #(s america&(sE PeiF( #e i&!err mpi%9 HN( sa2em(s si s(& #(s america&(s0 G*&2erF, L(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de Sa& Die$( i&)es!i$a& para !(d( e# m &d(, HAs7 es, Y 5ace &a sema&a !e&7a ! s mismas d das, Per( a5(raE pie&sa9 #a pr e2a de# arma ' e &a (2ra maes!ra de# (c #!amie&!(, F im(s i&cre72#eme&!e a'(r! &ad(s a# de!ec!ar#a, F e 'r !( de #a pacie&cia0 a#$( m + pr('esi(&a#0 s%#( a# a#ca&ce de &a Gra& P(!e&cia, Las Gra&des P(!e&cias p(see& s pr(pia i&ercia + s ca !e#a 2 r(cr4!ica, Las pr e2as de camp( de2e& rea#izarse &ecesariame&!e e& e# e3!eri(r0 per( desarr(##a& s s armas e& #a2(ra!(ri(s c(&!r(#ad(s,

PeiF( emi!i% & s(&id( de campa&i##as #e/a&as, HPer(0 Up(r 1 6 &a Gra& P(!e&cia i2a a p#a&ear dispersar &a epidemiaV UM 6 2e&e'ici( sacar7a de e##(V G*&2erF asi&!i%, HS70 seme/a&!e desas!re !e&dr7a se&!id( para &a sec!a0 per( &( para &a s perp(!e&cia, A# pri&cipi(0 me parec7a &a pesadi##a si& #%$ica, Per( mis a&a#is!as #( 5a& repasad( &a + (!ra )ez, Ja& ##e$ad( a #a c(&c# si%& de 1 e e# ?s7&dr(me de# $ ir#ac5e@ &( ' e & simp#e s s!i! !i)( de (!ra e&'ermedad #e!a#, A# c(&!rari(0 era &a carac!er7s!ica ese&cia# de #a pr e2a, E# e&emi$( ap &!a a a#$( m c5( m4s imp(r!a&!e 1 e & a!a1 e 2i(#%$ic( repe&!i&(, E# e&emi$( es!4 cerca de !e&er &a !ec&(#($7a TMC e'ec!i)a, PeiF( $ ard% & si#e&ci( a2s(# !(D i&c# s( #(s cris!a#es se a1 ie!ar(&, TMC, E& #a /er$a de #a cie&cia 'icci%& de# cam2i( de si$#(9 Tie&es HM eHCreerme, Es decir0 c(&!r(# me&!a#, F(rmas d62i#es de TMC s(cia# 5a27a& imp #sad( !(da #a 5is!(ria 5 ma&a, La p(si2i#idad de 5a##ar &a '(rma de pers asi%& irresistible era !ema de es! di( desde 5ac7a m4s de & si$#( +0 desde 5ac7a !rei&!a a:(s0 &a p(si2i#idad !ec&(#%$ica )er(s7mi#, Desde 5ac7a diez0 a#$ &as )ersi(&es se 5a27a& dem(s!rad( e'icaces e& c(&dici(&es de #a2(ra!(ri( 2ie& c(&!r(#adas, L(s cris!a#es se m()ier(&D A#'red sa27a 1 e PeiF( #e mira2a, HUP ede ser cier!(0 A#'redV HS70 me !em( 1 e s7, Mi $e&!e 5a repasad( e# i&'(rme, La s er!e de G*&2erF ' e e3!ra(rdi&aria0 +a 1 e se !ra!a2a de &a pr e2a sim #!4&ea de d(s i&&()aci(&es radica#es, La c(mp #si%& p(r e# $ ir#ac5e ' e m c5( m4s precisa de #( &ecesari( para pr(2ar #a ac!i)aci%& rem(!a de &a e&'ermedad, L(s ca sa&!es sa27a& 2ie& #( 1 e pre!e&d7a&E !e&ed e& c e&!a #a !apadera de# a& &ci( de $ ir#ac5es, Mis a&a#is!as cree& 1 e e& ape&as & a:( e# e&emi$( ser4 capaz de e/ercer & c(&!r(# sem4&!ic( de a#!( &i)e#, PeiF( s spir%, HMa#di!a sea, L#e)( !(da #a )ida # c5a&d( c(&!ra sec!as, Cre7a 1 e #as $ra&des &aci(&es es!a2a& m4s a##4 de #as pe(res ma#dadesE per( es!(E es!( dem(s!rar7a 1 e es!(+ e1 i)(cada, G*&2erF asi&!i%, HSi !e&em(s raz%& s(2re es(s #a2(ra!(ri(s + &( #($ram(sE #idiar adec adame&!e c(& e##(s0 es!( p(dr7a ser e# 'i& de #a 5is!(ria, P(dr7a ser e# 'i&a# de #a # c5a de# 2ie& c(&!ra e# ma#, HSe re2 ##% + )(#)i% a ce&!rarse e& #as c es!i(&es pr4c!icasH, Si& em2ar$(0 &(s )em(s (2#i$ad(s a !ra2a/ar c(& esa ma#di!a pers(&aHc(&e/(, A#'red 5a2#% c(& !ra&1 i#idad, HJe e3ami&ad( #(s #($r(s de C(&e/(0 G*&2erF, Cre( 1 e p ede 5acer #( 1 e &ecesi!am(s, De &a '(rma (!ra, N(s c(&se$ ir4 #a i&'(rmaci%& i&!er&a ( crear4 e# ca(s s 'icie&!e0 1 e &( p(dr4& a!ri2 ir&(s0 de '(rma 1 e c a#1 ier ma#a i&!e&ci%& 1 edar4 a# desc 2ier!(, Si #( pe(r es cier!(0 !e&drem(s pr e2as,

C5i&a e i&c# s( #(s $r p(s i&(ce&!es de Es!ad(s U&id(s p(dr4& sar#as para aca2ar c(& e# pr(+ec!(, HL(s a!a1 es de s presi%& e& e# !erri!(ri( de &a Gra& P(!e&cia era& p(c( 5a2i! a#es0 per( 5a27a precede&!es, L(s !res $ ardar(& si#e&ci( & m(me&!( + #(s s(&id(s de# 'es!i)a# de #a !arde e&)(#)ier(& a Vaz, Ja27a& pasad( !a&!(s a:(s desde s "#!ima )isi!a a Garce#(&aE Fi&a#me&!e0 G*&2erF asi&!i% a re$a:adie&!es, HRec(me&dar6 a mis s peri(res 1 e si$am(s ade#a&!e, A# (!r( #ad( de #a mesa0 #a ima$e& prism4!ica de PeiF( rie#% + repic%, Mi!s ri era s(ci%#($a, S s e1 ip(s de a&4#isis se dedica2a& ' &dame&!a#me&!e a #a psic(#($7a + #as i&s!i! ci(&es0 mie&!ras 1 e #(s 1 e !ra2a/a2a& para A#'red ( G*&2erF se dedica2a& a m c5as m4s c(sas, Per( 1 iz4s a e##a se #e (c rriese &a a#!er&a!i)a 1 e se #es 5 2iese escapad( a am2(s, Ja2#% a# 'i&9 HJa+ m c5as pers(&as dece&!es e& #a i&!e#i$e&cia es!ad( &ide&se, N( me $ s!a ac! ar a s s espa#das, Y0 si& em2ar$(0 es!am(s e& &a si! aci%& a!7pica, Te&$( permis( para se$ ir c(& e# P#a& C(&e/(E HU&a pa saH, C(& &a c(&dici%&, G*&2erF !eme 1 e 5a+am(s errad( c(&!ra!a&d( a & i&c(mpe!e&!e, A#'red c(&(ce me/(r a C(&e/( + cree 1 e !ie&e e# !a#e&!( / s!(, Per(0 U+ si #(s d(s (s e1 i)(c4isV G*&2erF di( & respi&$(, HQDem(&i(sR Hdi/(, A#'red s p s( 1 e es!a2a& i&!ercam2ia&d( 2re)es me&sa/es si#e&ci(s(s, L(s prismas parecier(& ase&!ir, HS7, UY si C(&e/( res #!a ser m c5( m4s c(mpe!e&!e de #( 1 e creem(sV E& ese cas( impr(2a2#e0 C(&e/( p(dr7a ap(derarse de #a (peraci%& ( i&c# s( a#iarse c(& & es!r( e&emi$( 5ip(!6!ic(, Si se$ im(s c(& es!(0 de2em(s desarr(##ar p#a&es de a2(r!( + des!r cci%& para ir & pas( p(r de#a&!e de C(&e/(, Si se c(&)ier!e e& &a ame&aza ma+(r0 !e&em(s 1 e es!ar preparad(s para 5a2#ar c(& #(s america&(s, UDe ac erd(V HJa. HP(r s p es!(, PeiF( + G*&2erF se 1 edar(& &(s mi& !(s m4s0 per( &a mesa de &a ca'e!er7a rea# e& #a ca##e Sarde&+a e& medi( de & 'es!i)a# &( era e# # $ar adec ad( para ! ris!as )ir! a#es, E# camarer( pre$ &!a2a a cada m(me&!( si A#'red 1 er7a a#$( m4s, Pa$a2a& e# a#1 i#er de !res0 per( 5a27a m #!i! d de pers(&as de car&e + 5 es( espera&d( para (c par #a primera mesa disp(&i2#e, As7 1 e #a /ap(&esa + e# e r(pe( aca2ar(& p(r marc5arse, G*&2erF !e&7a 1 e a!ar m c5(s ca2(s s e#!(s, Era precis( cerrar #a i&)es!i$aci%& de# ECDC si& ##amar #a a!e&ci%&, Ja27a 1 e sem2rar )ar7as capas de desi&'(rmaci%&0 (c #!ar#( !(d( a #(s e&emi$(s + a #(s a'ici(&ad(s a #a se$ ridad, Mie&!ras0 e& T(Fi(0 PeiF( pasar7a despier!a e# res!( de #a &(c5e e# c 2ra&d( s(2re #as !rampas de C(&e/(,

Vaz se 1 ed% para !ermi&arse #a c(pa, F e as(m2r(s( #( r4pid( 1 e se ##e&% s mesa, U&a 'ami#ia de ! ris!as de# &(r!e de 8'rica #a (c p% de i&media!(, A#'red es!a2a ac(s! m2rad( a 1 e #(s ar!e'ac!(s )ir! a#es cam2iase& e& e# espaci( de & parpade(0 per(0 si 5a27a di&er( de p(r medi(0 & res!a rad(r i&$e&i(s( era capaz de e/ec !ar & !r c( i$ a#me&!e e'ec!i)( c(& #a rea#idad '7sica, De !(da E r(pa0 Garce#(&a era #a ci dad 1 e A#'red m4s ad(ra2a, C(&e/( !e&7a raz%& s(2re e##a, Per( U!e&7a !iemp( para 5acer ! rism(V S7, C(&siderar7a a1 6##as s s )acaci(&es a& a#es, A#'red se p s( e& pie0 sa# d% a #(s c(me&sa#es0 de/% e# imp(r!e de #a c e&!a + &a pr(pi&a, E& #a ca##e0 #a m #!i! d era cada )ez m4s de&sa + #(s acr%2a!as c(& za&c(s 2ai#a2a& e&!re #(s ! ris!as, N( )e7a #a e&!rada a #a Sa$rada Fami#ia0 per( se$"& #a i&'(rmaci%& ! r7s!ica #a si$ ie&!e )isi!a $ iada &( empezar7a 5as!a a# ca2( de &()e&!a mi& !(s, UD%&de pasar e# ra!(V QA5R E& M(&!/ ic, D(2#% #a es1 i&a de & pase(0 a# (!r( e3!rem( de# c a# 5a27a m c5a me&(s $e&!eE + & a !( ! r7s!ic( aca2a2a de ##e$ar, A#'red se ac(m(d% e& #a ca2i&a para & "&ic( pasa/er( + de/% 1 e s me&!e di)a$ase, La '(r!a#eza de M(&!/ ic &( era #a m4s impresi(&a&!e de E r(pa0 per( 5ac7a !iemp( 1 e &( #a )isi!a2a, C(m( (!ras de #a misma 6p(ca0 era e# rec erd( de & pasad( e& e# 1 e !(da)7a 'a#!a2a& d6cadas para #a re)(# ci%& e& !ec&(#($7a de #a des!r cci%& + &( era p(si2#e c(me!er asesi&a!(s e& masa simp#eme&!e p #sa&d( & 2(!%&, E# a !( se a#e/% de #as ma&za&as (c!($(&a#es de Garce#(&a + s 2i% r4pidame&!e #a c(#i&a a'errad( a# asa de# ' &ic #ar 1 e rem(&!a2a #a #adera, N( e3is!7a& #as !edi(sas carre!eras sec &dar7as para ese medi( de !ra&sp(r!e, Tras 6#0 #a ci dad se e3!e&d7a a #( #ar$( de Fi#%me!r(s, Y de#a&!e0 c a&d( ##e$% a #a cima de #a c(#i&a0 )i( e# Medi!err4&e( az #0 &e2#i&(s( + pac7'ic(, A#'red se ape% + e# dimi& !( a !( di( #a ) e#!a a #a r(!(&da cami&( de #a !ermi&a# de# ' &ic #ar0 desde d(&de ##e)ar7a a s pr%3im( c#ie&!e e& & ) e#( s(2re e# p er!(, Es!a2a / s!( e& e# p &!( 1 e 5a27a s(#ici!ad( e& e# me&" ! r7s!ic(0 a##7 d(&de #(s ca:(&es de# si$#( II se as(ma2a& desde #as a#me&as, A pesar de 1 e a1 e##(s ca:(&es &( se 5a27a& sad( & &ca0 era& de )erdad, Pa$a&d(0 p(d7as !(car#(s + cami&ar a s a#reded(r, Desp 6s de #a p es!a de s(#0 se represe&!ar7a &a 2a!a##a, Vaz se acerc% a# m r( de piedra para mirar, Si 2#(1 ea2a !(das #as 'a&!as7as ! r7s!icas0 )e7a e# p er!( merca&!e0 casi d(scie&!(s me!r(s m4s a2a/( + a & Fi#%me!r( de dis!a&cia, Mi#es de c(&!e&ed(res de car$a era& m()id(s de ac4 para a##4 i&cesa&!eme&!e, Si 5ac7a s( de s s p(deres $ 2er&ame&!a#es0 )e7a e# '# /( de car$a0 i&c# s( #(s cer!i'icad(s de se$ ridad H)a#idad(s media&!e &a c(m2i&aci%& de se$ ridad '7sica + crip!($r4'icaH0 1 e pr(2a2a& 1 e &i&$ &a de #as ca/as de diez me!r(s c(&!e&7a &a 2(m2a & c#ear0 &a epidemia ( &a 2(m2a de radiaci%& c(m"&, E# sis!ema era m + 2 e&(0 e# mism( 1 e se sa2a para car$as pesadas e& c a#1 ier # $ar de# m &d( ci)i#izad(, Era e# res #!ad(

de d6cadas de mied(0 de cam2i(s de ac!i! d acerca de #a i&!imidad + #a #i2er!ad0 de a)a&ces !ec&(#%$ic(s, La se$ ridad m(der&a era e'ec!i)a pr4c!icame&!e siempre, Jac7a m4s de ci&c( a:(s 1 e &( se perd7a &a ci dad, E# m &d( ci)i#izad( crec7a + e# rei&( de #a a&ar1 7a + #a p(2reza se red c7a, M c5(s cre7a& 1 e e# m &d( se es!a2a c(&)ir!ie&d( e& & # $ar m4s se$ r(, PeiF( + G*&2erF H+ A#'red0 c#ar(H sa27a& 1 e ese (p!imism( era c(mp#e!ame&!e i&' &dad(, A#'red mir% m4s a##4 de# p er!(0 5acia #as !(rres, N( es!a2a& a##7 #a "#!ima )ez 1 e 5a27a )isi!ad( Garce#(&a, E# m &d( ci)i#izad( era m4s ric( de #( 1 e 5 2iese s(:ad( e& s / )e&! d, E& #as d6cadas de #(s (c5e&!a + #(s &()e&!a de# si$#( II0 #(s $(2er&a&!es de #(s Es!ad(s m(der&(s 5a27a& c(mpre&did( 1 e e# 63i!( &( depe&d7a de !e&er e# e/6rci!( m4s $ra&de ( #(s me/(res preci(s ( #(s rec rs(s &a! ra#esE &i si1 iera #a i&d s!ria m4s a)a&zada, E& e# m &d( m(der&(0 e# 63i!( depe&d7a de !e&er #a ma+(r ca&!idad de p(2#aci%& ed cada + c(&se$ ir adem4s 1 e es(s cie&!(s de mi##(&es de pers(&as crea!i)as ! )iera& #a se&saci%& de #i2er!ad, Per( esa !(p7a &( era m4s 1 e #a carrera de &a Rei&a R(/a e&'re&!ada a #a e3!i&ci%&, E& e# si$#( II0 s%#( & par de &aci(&es !e&7a& e# p(der de des!r ir e# m &d(, La especie 5 ma&a 5a27a s(2re)i)id( p(r p ra s er!e, A pri&cipi(s de# si$#( III dece&as de pa7ses p(d7a& des!r ir #a ci)i#izaci%&, Per( para e&!(&ces0 #as Gra&des P(!e&cias +a !e&7a& m4s se&!id( c(m"&, Ni&$ &a &aci%& es!a2a !a& #(ca c(m( para )(#ar e# m &d(E + #as p(cas e3cepci(&es 24r2aras ' er(& c(m2a!idas0 emp#ea&d( m6!(d(s 1 e 5ac7a& 1 e de &(c5e pareciera de d7a c a&d( 5iz( 'a#!a, E& #a se$ &da d6cada de# si$#(0 #a !ec&(#($7a para #a a&i1 i#aci%& masi)a es!a2a a# a#ca&ce de $r p(s &aci(&a#is!as + racis!as, P(r &a serie de mi#a$r(s a'(r! &ad(s Ha#$ &(s (r1 es!ad(s p(r A#'red e& pers(&aH #as 1 e/as #e$7!imas de #(s (p(&e&!es ' er(& de2idame&!e res e#!as, E& e# prese&!e0 #a !ec&(#($7a de Gra& Terr(r era !a& 2ara!a 1 e #as sec!as + #as pe1 e:as 2a&das de de#i&c e&!es p(d7a& ad1 irir#a, PeiF( Mi!s ri era #a $ra& e3per!a e& esa c es!i%&, A pesar de 1 e s !ra2a/( 1 eda2a (c #!( p(r !apaderas + me&!iras0 PeiF( 5a27a sa#)ad( a mi##(&es de pers(&as, La carrera de #a Rei&a R(/a c(&!i& a2a, E& s i&(ce&cia0 #a mara)i##(sa crea!i)idad de #a 5 ma&idad se$ 7a $e&era&d( c(&sec e&cias i&esperadas, Ja27a d(ce&as de #7&eas de i&)es!i$aci%& 1 e p(d7a& ##e$ar a p(&er armas de des!r cci%& masi)a e& ma&(s de c a#1 iera 1 e se 5 2iese #e)a&!ad( c(& ma# pie, A#'red pa$% c(& & $es!( de #a ma&( + se acerc% a# ca:%& m4s pr%3im(, Se ap(+% e& e# me!a# c4#id(0 mira&d( #a &e2#i&a az # de# Medi!err4&e( e ima$i&a&d( &a 6p(ca me&(s c(mp#icada, P(2re G*&2erF, L( 5a27a e&!e&did( !(d( c(mp#e!ame&!e a# re)6s, U&a TMC e'icaz &( ser7a e# 'i&, E& #as ma&(s adec adas0 #a !ec&(#($7a TMC res(#)er7a #a parad(/a m(der&a9 se apr()ec5ar7a #a crea!i)idad 5 ma&a si& des!r ir e#

m &d( para 5acer#(, M4s a"&0 era #a "&ica espera&za de 1 e #a 5 ma&idad s(2re)i)iera a# si$#( III, Y en San iego esto! tan cerca del "#ito. Tres a:(s a&!es 5a27a i&si& ad( e# pr(+ec!( a #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s, E# $ra& a)a&ce se 5a27a pr(d cid( 5ac7a me&(s de &(, S pr e2a d ra&!e e# par!id( de '"!2(# 5a27a dem(s!rad( #a e'icacia de# sis!ema de dispersi%&, A# ca2( de & a:( m4s ( me&(s 5a2r7a desarr(##ad( c(&!r(#es sem4&!ic(s de a#!( &i)e#, C(& es( p(dr7a c(&!r(#ar p(r c(mp#e!( a #(s m4s cerca&(s a 6# +0 #( m4s imp(r!a&!e0 ser7a capaz de c(&!a$iar #a & e)a i&'ecci%& a p(2#aci(&es e&!eras + de (r$a&izar &as c a&!as )ide(!ra&smisi(&es de a#ca&ce &i)ersa#, L e$( !e&dr7a e# c(&!r(#, P(r primera )ez 5a2r7a & ad #!( s per)isa&d( e# m &d(, Yse era e# p#a&0 per( & $(#pe de i&cre72#e ma#a s er!e #( 5ac7a pe#i$rar, ebera ver el lado positivo del asunto$ %&'nber( ha recurrido a m par a resolver el problema) A#'red 5a27a i&)er!id( m c5( es' erz( e& e&c(&!rar a# ?se:(r C(&e/(@, Es!a2a c#ar( 1 e e# !ip( &( !e&7a e3perie&cia + 1 e era e# idi(!a pa$ad( de s7 mism( 1 e cre7a G*&2erF, L(s 63i!(s de C(&e/( era& ape&as #( s 'icie&!eme&!e des!acad(s para c(&siderar#( acep!a2#e, P(d7a& c(&!r(#ar a C(&e/(, Yo puedo controlar a *onejo. Desde de&!r( de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s0 A#'red dar7a a C(&e/( #a i&'(rmaci%& 'a#sa adec ada, A# 'i&a#0 &i C(&e/( &i #(s c(#e$as de A#'red e& #a A#ia&za I&d(e r(pea se dar7a& c e&!a de 1 e #es 5a27a& e&$a:ad(, Y # e$(0 A#'red p(dr7a se$ ir ade#a&!e c(& #( 1 e c(&sidera2a #a me/(r (p(r! &idad0 + #a "#!ima0 de sa#)ar a# m &d(, S 2i% a #a !(rre!a + admir% #(s aca2ad(s, La C(misi%& de T rism( de Garce#(&a 5a27a i&)er!id( & 2 e& di&er( e& /a rec(&s!r cci%& de a1 e##(s ar!e'ac!(s, Si #a represe&!aci%& de #a 2a!a##a de esa &(c5e e&ca/a2a c(& #a rea#idad '7sica0 res #!ar7a impresi(&a&!e, Ec5% & )is!az( a s pr($rama de M m2aiE + decidi% 1 edarse &as 5(ras m4s e& Garce#(&a,

;EL REGRESO R(2er! G !e&dr7a 1 e 5a2er es!ad( m er!(, L( sa27a0 #( sa27a m + 2ie&, L#e)a2a a$(&iza&!e m c5( !iemp(, N( !e&7a m + c#ar( c 4&!(, E& a1 e# prese&!e e!er&( s%#( aprecia2a 2(rr(&es, Per( &( imp(r!a2a0 p(r1 e Le&a 5a27a 2a/ad( !a&!( #a # z 1 e &( 5a27a &ada 1 e )er, Y #(s s(&id(s9 d ra&!e & !iemp( 5a27a ##e)ad( c(sas de 6sas e& #as (re/as0 per( era& e&dem(&iadame&!e c(mp#icadas + siempre se #e perd7a& ( se #e r(mp7a&, Li2rarse de e##as 5a27a sid( &a 2e&dici%&, L(s s(&id(s 1 e c(&se$ 7a cap!ar era& m rm ##(s )a$(s0 e& (casi(&es Le&a 1 e/4&d(se de 6#0 c5i&c54&d(#e e i&c(rdi4&d(#e, Si$ i6&d(#e 5as!a e# 2a:(0 p(r am(r de Di(s, L( "&ic( 1 e 6# 1 er7a era )(#)er a casa, Le&a &( #e permi!7a a#$( !a& simp#e, Si rea#me&!e se !ra!a2a de Le&a, F ese 1 ie& ' ese0 &( era &a pers(&a m + simp4!ica, S+lo ,uiero volver a casaY0 si& em2ar$(0 &( ##e$% a m(rir, Las # ces s(#7a& ser m c5( m4s 2ri##a&!es0 a &1 e !a& di' sas c(m( siempre, Ja27a $e&!e a s a#reded(r + )(ces a$ das 1 e rec(rda2a de casa, Le 5a2#a2a& c(m( si esperase& 1 e #(s c(mpre&diese, Era me/(r e# 2(rr%& c(&' s( de a&!es, Le d(#7a !(d(, Jac7a #ar$(s !ra+ec!(s para )er a# m6dic( + # e$( e# d(#(r era a"& pe(r, U& !ip( 1 e a'irma2a ser s 5i/( #e ase$ ra2a 1 e +a es!a2a e& casa, A )eces #( saca2a& e& si##a de r edas para 1 e #e diese e# s(# e& #a cara + (+ese #(s pa/ari!(s, UE& casaV QU& pimie&!(R R(2er! G rec(rda2a s 5($ar, Ja27a &ie)e e& #as m(&!a:as 1 e se )e7a& desde e# pa!i( de s s padres, Gis5(p0 Ca#i'(r&ia0 EE,UU, Yse era s 5($ar0 &( (!r(, Per( a pesar de 1 e &( era s 5($ar0 s 5erma&i!a es!a2a c(& 6#, Cara G +a 5a27a es!ad( a##7 a&!es0 c a&d( !(d( era (sc ridad + m rm ##(s0 per( &( #a 5a27a p(did( )er, A5(ra era di'ere&!e, A# pri&cipi( s%#( se 5a27a perca!ad( de s )(z a$ da + ca&!ari&a0 c(m( #as campa&i##as 1 e s madre !e&7a e& e# p(rc5e de casa, La (+% & d7a 1 e es!a2a e& e# pa!i(, La # z de# s(# &( 5a27a sid( !a& 2ri##a&!e + ca#ie&!e desde 5ac7a m c5( !iemp(0 i&c# s( #(s 2(rr(&es era& de'i&id(s + es!a2a& ##e&(s de c(#(r, O+% #a )(ceci!a a$ da de Cara pre$ &!4&d(#e R(2er! es!( + R(2er! a1 e##( +E HR(2er!0 U!e $ s!ar7a 1 e !e m(s!rase e# )eci&dari(V HUM 6V HR(2er! se &(!a2a #a #e&$ a & p(c( pe$a/(sa0 #a )(z & p(c( r(&ca, De pr(&!( se #e (c rri% 1 e !(d( es( de #a (sc ridad + #(s m rm ##(s !e&7a 1 e si$&i'icar 1 e ##e)a2a si& 5a2#ar 2as!a&!e !iemp(, Y 5a27a (!ra c(sa m c5( m4s e3!ra:aH, UM i6& eresV U& m(me&!( de si#e&ci(0 c(m( si se !ra!ase de &a pre$ &!a es!"pida ( #a 5 2iese p#a&!ead( +a e& m c5as (casi(&es,

HR(2er!0 s(+ Miri, S(+ ! &ie!aE E# a#z% #a ma&( 5as!a d(&de p d(, HAc6rca!e, N( !e )e(, La ma&c5a se si! % 're&!e a 6#0 a #a # z de# s(#, N( se !ra!a2a de &a prese&cia i&si& 4&d(se a s espa#da ( e& s s rec erd(s, La ma&c5a se c(&)ir!i% e& & r(s!r( a p(c(s ce&!7me!r(s de s cara9 dis!i&$ i% e# pe#( #aci( + &e$r(0 e# pe1 e:( r(s!r( red(&dead( s(&ri6&d(#e c(m( si ' ese e# !ip( m4s $e&ia# de# m &d(, Rea#me&!e era s 5erma&i!a, R(2er! a#ar$% #a ma&( + e##a se #a a$arr%, HO50 Cara, Es !a& a$rada2#e )er!eE HN( es!a2a e& casa0 per( 1 iz4s es! )iese cerca, G ard% si#e&ci( & m(me&!(, HY(E +( !am2i6& me a#e$r( de )er!e0 R(2er!, UTe $ s!ar7a dar & pase( p(r e# )eci&dari(V HS70 es!ar7a m + 2ie&, A c(&!i& aci%& #(s ac(&!ecimie&!(s se s cedier(& c(& rapidez, Cara 5iz( a#$( + #a si##a se p s( a $irar, T(d( )(#)7a a ser (sc r( + !e&e2r(s(, Es!a2a& de&!r( de #a casa + e##a0 a!areada c(m( siempre0 e& es!a (casi%& #e p(&7a & s(m2rer(, Per( se$ 7a c5i&c54&d(#e0 c(m( c a&d( #e pre$ &!a2a si #e 5ac7a 'a#!a ir a# 2a:(, R(2er! prese&!7a 1 e e# ma!%& 1 e a'irma2a ser s 5i/( acec5a2a a & #ad(0 c(&!emp#4&d(#( !(d(, Y # e$( sa#ier(&E Up(r d%&de0 p(r #a p er!a pri&cipa#V Sa#ier(& a #a ca##e, Cara perma&eci% / &!( a #a si##a de r edas mie&!ras pasea2a& + r(da2a& p(r a1 e##a ca##e desier!a '#a&1 eada de 4r2(#es a#!(s + de#$ad(sE Pa#meras0 es( era&, N( es!a2a e& Gis5(p, Per( a1 6##a era Cara G E a &1 e se p(r!a2a me/(r 1 e & &ca, La pe1 e:a Cara era &a 2 e&a c5ica0 per( s%#( se p(r!a2a 2ie& d ra&!e & !iemp( #imi!ad(0 pasad( e# c a# e&c(&!ra2a a#$ &a '(rma dia2%#ica de c5i&c5ar#( + #($ra2a 1 e 6# #a persi$ iese p(r !(da #a casa0 ( )ice)ersa, R(2er! s(&ri% para s7 + se pre$ &!% c 4&!( !iemp( d rar7a #a 'ase a&$e#ica#, M iz4 Cara #e cre7a e&'erm(, I&!e&!% si& 63i!( )(#)erse e& #a si##a, Gie&0 1 iz4s es! )iese e&'erm(, HMira0 )i)im(s e& J(&(r C( r!, A57 es!4 #a casa de #(s Smi!5s(&, Vi&ier(& de G am e# a:( pasad(, G(2 (pi&a 1 e es!4& cria&d( ci&c(E (50 se s p(&e 1 e &( de2( 5a2#ar de es(, Y e# &()i( de #a c(ma&da&!e de #a 2ase )i)e e& esa casa de #a es1 i&a, Ap es!( a 1 e se casar4& a&!es de 1 e aca2e e# a:(, A57 5a+ &(s c5ic(s de #a esc e#a c(& #(s 1 e a5(ra &( 1 ier( 5a2#ar, HLa si##a de r edas de R(2er! di( & $ir( 2r sc( p(r &a 2(caca##e, HQE5R HR(2er! i&!e&!% dar #a ) e#!a, QA #( me/(r es(s c5ic(s era& ami$(s su!os + Cara #e !(ma2a e# pe#(R Se de/% caer e& #a si##a, O!ra )ez a1 e# (#(r a mie#, L(s ar2 s!(s c(#$a2a& 2a/(s s(2re s s ca2ezas, Las casas era& ma&c5as 2(rr(sas de c(#(r $ris + )erdeH, QVa+a & pase(R Hse 1 e/%H, N( )e( a d(s pa#m(s, La si##a de r edas 're&% a2r p!ame&!e, HUE& seri(V HLa pi##i&a se re7a e& s caraH, QN( !e pre(c pes0 R(2er!R Ja+ i&$e&i(s 1 e c(rri$e& #a )is!a,

.ah. HC(& &as $a'as 2as!ar7a0 Cara, HA #( me/(r se #as es!a2a esc(&die&d(, La # mi&(sidad + e# )ie&!( sec( 1 e rec(rr7a esas ca##es #e ##ama2a& #a a!e&ci%& p(r a#$"& m(!i)(E ' ese e# 1 e ' ese, Jac7a 1 e se pre$ &!ara 1 6 5ac7a c(&'i&ad( e& &a si##a de r edas, Rec(rrier(& & par de ca##es m4s, Cara se #e ec5a2a c(&!i& ame&!e e&cima, HUTie&es demasiad( ca#(r0 R(2er!V M iz4 &( !e 5a$a 'a#!a #a ma&!a, E# s(# !e )a a 1 emar #a cara0 R(2er!, De/a 1 e !e 2a/e & p(c( #a $(rra, E& cier!( m(me&!( desaparecier(& #as casas, Parec7a 1 e es!a2a& a# pie de &a #ar$a c es!a0 Cara a'irma2a 1 e 're&!e a #as m(&!a:asE per( R(2er! s%#( )e7a &a #7&ea 2(rr(sa de & (cre des)a7d( 1 e e& &ada se parec7a a #as m(&!a:as 1 e desa'ia2a& e# cie#( e& Gis5(p0 Ca#i'(r&ia0 EE,UU, L e$( es!a2a& (!ra )ez de&!r( de #a casa de #a 1 e 5a27a& sa#id(0 !a& !e&e2r(sa + (sc ra c(m( siempre0 p(r1 e #a (sc ridad se !ra$a2a #a # z de #a 5a2i!aci%&, La )(z a#e$re de Cara desapareci%, Di/( 1 e se i2a a es! diar para s s c#ases, N( 5a27a c#ases para R(2er!, E# ma!%& #e di( de c(mer, Se$ 7a a'irma&d( ser s 5i/(, Per( era demasiad( $ra&d(!e, Desp 6s de (!ra i$&(mi&i(sa parada e& e# re!re!e0 m4s 2ie& & i&!err($a!(ri( p(#icia# 1 e &a ida a# 2a:(0 #e de/ar(& miseric(rdi(same&!e a s(#as0 e& #a (sc ridad, A1 e##a $e&!e &i si1 iera !e&7a !e#e)isi%&, S%#( 5a27a si#e&ci( + #as #e/a&as + m(r!eci&as #4mparas e#6c!ricas, ebera tener sue/o. C(&ser)a2a & )a$( rec erd( de0 &(c5e !ras &(c5e0 a:( !ras a:(0 e# s(p(r desp 6s de #a ce&a, Y # e$( de desper!arse + a&dar p(r 5a2i!aci(&es e3!ra:as i&!e&!a&d( e&c(&!rar s 5($ar, Disc !ie&d( c(& Le&a, A1 e##a &(c5e eraE di'ere&!e, Se$ 7a despier!(, A1 e##a &(c5e pe&sa2a e& c(sas 1 e aca2a2a& de s ceder, M iz4 ' ese p(r1 e es!a2a a medi( cami&( de casa, *ara. N( 5a27a e&c(&!rad( e# 5($ar de s s padres e& #a ca##e Cr(m2ie &i e# )ie/( d(rmi!(ri( desde e# 1 e )e7a e# )ie/( pi&( c(& s ca2a:a e&!re #as ramas, Per( Cara '(rma2a par!e de ese m &d( + es!a2a a##7, Se 1 ed% se&!ad( m c5( !iemp(0 pe&sa&d( #e&!ame&!e, A# (!r( #ad( de #a 5a2i!aci%&0 &a 2(m2i##a s(#i!aria era c(m( & rem(#i&( e& #a (sc ridad, Ape&as )isi2#e0 e# ma!%& es!a2a se&!ad( / &!( a #a pared, Ja2#a2a c(& a#$ ie&0 per( R(2er! &( )e7a c(& 1 i6&, R(2er! pas% de 6# + se c(&ce&!r% e& pe&sar, A# ca2( de & ra!( rec(rd% a#$( a!errad(r, Cara G 5a27a m er!( e& -;;Z + p(r e&!(&ces +a ##e)a2a& )ari(s a:(s si& 5a2#arse, Y e& e# m(me&!( de s m er!e Cara !e&7a ci&c e&!a + & a:(s, Xes! Fa##2r((F 5a27a sid( & # $ar accesi2#e a pri&cipi(s de si$#(, Tam2i6& m + 2 ##ici(s(, Si! ad( / s!( a# #ad( de# campame&!( Pe&d#e!(&0 era #a c(m &idad ci)i# m4s $ra&de de #a 2ase, A##7 5a27a crecid( &a $e&eraci%& de mari&esE 1 e 5a27a par!icipad( e& &a & e)a (#eada de $ erras, R(2er! G Or, 5a27a )i)id( e# 'i&a# de a1 e# 're&es70 c a&d( a #(s ('icia#es c5i&(america&(s se #(s )(#)7a a c(#(car e& p es!(s de c(&'ia&za, Ja27a& sid( d7as imp(r!a&!es + a$rid #ces,

E& #a ac! a#idad #a ci dad era m4s $ra&de0 per( #(s mari&es +a es!a2a& #e/(s de ser &a par!e !a& imp(r!a&!e de e##a, La )ida mi#i!ar se 5a27a ) e#!( m c5( m4s c(mp#icada, E&!re 2re)es peri(d(s de $ erra0 a# !e&ie&!e c(r(&e# G #e 5a27a parecid( 1 e Xes! Fa##2r((F era & 2 e& # $ar para criar a &a 5i/a, HSi$( pe&sa&d( 1 e es & err(r 1 e Miri #e ##ame R(2er!, A#ice G a#z% #a )is!a de# !ra2a/( 1 e es!a2a rea#iza&d(, HYa #( 5em(s 5a2#ad(0 cari:(, As7 #a 5em(s criad(, S(m(s G(2 + A#ice0 &( mam4 + pap4 ( #a !(&!er7a 1 e es!6 a5(ra de m(da, Y p(r !a&!(0 R(2er! es R(2er! + &( e# a2 e#(, HLa c(r(&e# A#ice G(&$ G era 2a/i!a + de r(s!r( red(&d( +0 c a&d( &( es!a2a c(mp#e!ame&!e es!resada0 ma!er&a#, Ja27a sid( #a &"mer( &( de s pr(m(ci%& e& A&&ap(#is0 e& #a 6p(ca e& 1 e ser 2a/i!a + de r(s!r( red(&d( + ma!er&a# era& c#ar7sim(s p &!(s e& c(&!ra, A a1 e##as a#! ras 5 2iese p(did( ser $e&era#0 s%#( 1 e s s s peri(res 5a27a& e&c(&!rad( & !ra2a/( m4s pr(d c!i)( + pe#i$r(s( 1 e asi$&ar#e, L( 1 e e3p#ica2a a#$ &as de s s a#(cadas ideas per( &( a1 6##a e& c(&cre!(D siempre 5a27a i&sis!id( e& 1 e Miri se diri$iese a s s padres c(m( si ' ese& ami$(s, HE50 A#ice0 & &ca me 5a imp(r!ad( 1 e Miri &(s ##ame p(r & es!r( &(m2re de pi#a, L#e$ar4 & m(me&!( e& 1 e0 apar!e de amar&(s0 #a pe1 e:a $e&era#a !am2i6& ser4 & es!ra c(#e$a0 i&c# s( & es!ra /e'a, Per( es!a si! aci%& c(&' &de a# )ie/(E HG(2 se:a#% c(& e# p #$ar e# # $ar d(&de es!a2a se&!ad( R(2er! padre0 medi( ca7d( + mira&d( 'i/ame&!eH, Rec erda c%m( se 5a c(mp(r!ad( pap4 es!a !arde, Mira c%m( se 5a a#e$rad(, Cree 1 e Miri es mi !7a Cara0 Qc a&d( era& &i:(sR A#ice &( resp(&di% de i&media!(, A##7 d(&de es!a2a era media ma:a&a, La # z de# s(# c5ispea2a e& e# p er!( 1 e !e&7a a #a espa#da, Ser)7a de ap(+( a #a de#e$aci%& america&a e& YaFar!a, I&d(&esia se &7a a #a A#ia&za I&d(e r(pea, Oap%& +a era miem2r( de ese c# 2 de &(m2re !a& es!ram2%!ic(, E# c5is!e de m(da era 1 e pr(&!( #(s ?i&d(e r(pe(s@ !e&dr7a& e# m &d( r(dead(, J 2( &a 6p(ca e& 1 e C5i&a + Es!ad(s U&id(s &( se #( 5 2iese& !(mad( a 2r(ma, Per( e# m &d( 5a27a cam2iad(, Ta&!( e& C5i&a c(m( e& Es!ad(s U&id(s esa perspec!i)a era & a#i)i(, Te&dr7a& m4s !iemp( para pre(c parse de #(s )erdader(s pr(2#emas, A#ice parpade% mie&!ras ase&!7a a &a prese&!aci%& ( se re7a de & c(me&!ari( i&$e&i(s(, Rec(rri% &a c(r!a dis!a&cia ac(mpa:a&d( a & par de !ip(s pa$ad(s de s7 mism(s0 c5ar#a&d( !(d( e# !iemp( e& 2ai#as a0 ma&dar7& e i&$#6s pasa2#e0 idi(mas de #(s c a#es G(2 s%#( e&!e&d7a e# i&$#6s, L e$( )(#)i% a 1 edarse s(#a, Se i&c#i&% & p(c( 5acia 6# + #e dedic% &a $ra& s(&risa, HQGie&0 s e&a es! pe&dame&!eR Hdi/(H, UC 4&!(s a:(s 5ace 1 e ! padre &( resp(&d7a a &i&$"& disc rs( raci(&a#V Y a5(ra0 de pr(&!(0 es!4 #( s 'icie&!eme&!e c(&scie&!e c(m( para pas4rse#( 2ie&, De2er7as a#e$rar!e, A par!ir de a5(ra s%#( p ede me/(rar, QRec perar4s a ! padreR HS7E

E# d7a a&!eri(r 5a27a despedid( a# "#!im( de s s c idad(res d(m6s!ic(s, A par!ir de ese m(me&!( s padre me/(rar7a m + r4pid(, La "&ica raz%& para 1 e si$ iese e& si##a de r edas era 1 e #(s m6dic(s 1 er7a& ase$ rarse de 1 e #a re$e&eraci%& %sea era c(mp#e!a a&!es de s(#!ar#( p(r e# )eci&dari(, E##a cap!% s e3presi%& e i&c#i&% #a ca2eza a & #ad(, HUTe ac(2ardasV G(2 mir% a s padre, N( 'a#!a2a& m4s 1 e &as c a&!as sema&as para #a (peraci%& de Para$ a+, U&a (peraci%& secre!a e& e# 'i& de# m &d(, La idea empeza2a a parecer#e a!rac!i)a, HM iz4s, HE&!(&ces de/a 1 e #a pe1 e:a $e&era#a si$a c(& #( s +( + &( !e pre(c pes, HSe )(#)i% + sa# d% a a#$ ie& a 1 ie& G(2 &( )e7aH, QO5R HLa ima$e& parpade% + s%#( 1 ed% #a me&sa/er7a si#e&ci(sa, A#ice HS G(29 TmsS Te&$( 1 e irme, De2( c 2rir e# p es!( de# secre!ari( Mar!7&ez + #as c(s! m2res #(ca#es no )e& c(& 2 e&(s (/(s e# !iemp( c(mpar!id(,TWmsS G(2 se 1 ed% se&!ad( & m(me&!( e& e# sa#%&0 e& si#e&ci(, Miri es!a2a arri2a0 es! dia&d(, F era0 #a !arde se i2a c(&)ir!ie&d( e& &(c5e, U&a 5(ra !ra&1 i#a, De &i:(0 a esa 5(ra s padre saca2a #(s #i2r(s de p(es7a + pap40 mam4 + e# pe1 e:( G(22+ #e7a& / &!(s, G(2 se&!7a &a a#e$re &(s!a#$ia p(r esas !ardes, Mir% a s padre, HUPap4V HN( 5 2( resp es!a, G(2 se i&c#i&% + $ri!%0 m + p(c( se$ r( de s7 mism(H, UPap4V UJa+ # z s 'icie&!eV P ed( a me&!ar #a i&!e&sidad, E# a&cia&( a$i!% a se&!e #a ca2eza, M iz4s 5a27a c(mpre&did( #a pre$ &!a0 per( &( di( &i&$ &a (!ra se:a# de 5a2er#( 5ec5(, Se #imi!% a 1 edarse a##7 se&!ad(0 i&c#i&ad( de #ad(, C(& #a ma&( derec5a se 'r(!a2a &a + (!ra )ez #a m :eca iz1 ierda, Y era &a $ra& me/(ra, R(2er!9 G padre 5a27a ##e$ad( a pesar !rei&!a + seis Fi#(s, Era ape&as & )e$e!a# c a&d( #a Fac #!ad de Medici&a de #a UCSF 5a27a pr(2ad( c(& 6# & !ra!amie&!( & e)(, Res #!% 1 e #a c ra para e# A#z5eimer de #a UCSF 5a27a s r!id( e'ec!( c a&d( a:(s de !ra!amie&!( c(&)e&ci(&a# 5a27a& sid( i&"!i#es, G(2 5iz( a#$ &(s recad(s e& #a 2ase0 repas% e# p#a& de (peraci(&es de Para$ a+E + # e$( )(#)i% a se&!arse &(s mi& !(s para mirar a s padre, 0o siempre te he odiado. De &i:( &( (dia2a a# )ie/(, M iz4s es( ri( ' ese s(rpre&de&!e, U& &i:( !ie&e m + p(c( c(& #( 1 e c(mparar, R(2er! era es!ric!( + e3i$e&!e0 es( #( 5a27a !e&id( m + c#ar( e# pe1 e:( G(22+, A pesar de 1 e a me& d( R(2er! padre se repr(c5a2a ser & pr($e&i!(r m + p(c( e3i$e&!e0 e& (casi(&es es( c(&!radec7a #( 1 e G(2 )e7a e& casa de s s ami$(s, Per( G(2 & &ca 5a27a c(&siderad( a1 e##( ma#!ra!(, Ni si1 iera c a&d( s madre de/% a s padre G(2 se )(#)i% c(&!ra e# )ie/(, Le&a G 5a27a s(p(r!ad( a:(s de s !i# a2 s( + &( a$ a&!a2a m4s0 per( e# pe1 e:( G(22+ &( se 5a27a e&!erad( de &ada, Jas!a m4s !arde0 5a2#a&d( c(& #a

!7a Cara0 &( c(mpre&di% 1 e R(2er! !ra!a2a m c5( pe(r a #(s dem4s de #( 1 e 5a27a !ra!ad( a G(2, Para e# !e&ie&!e c(r(&e# R(2er! G Or, a1 6# !e&dr7a 1 e 5a2er sid( & m(me&!( de /"2i#(, S padre0 &( de #(s p(e!as pre'erid(s de Am6rica0 re$resa2a de &a #ar$a acampada e& e# )a##e de #as s(m2ras de #a m er!e, G(2 mir% de!e&idame&!e #(s ras$(s i&m%)i#es + re#a/ad(s de s padre, N(0 e& cas( de 5a2er sid( &a pe#7c #a0 5a2r7a sid( &a de# Oes!e !i! #ada El regreso del hijo de puta.

;. UN CAMPO DE MINAS CELESTIAL HMis $#(2(s (c #ares es!4&E Q2 r2 /ea&d(R HN( de2er7a& d(#er!e, UTe d e#eV HN(E HPer( #a # z #e res #!a2a !a& 2ri##a&!e 1 e i&c# s( e& #a (sc ridad R(2er! )e7a c(#(res 'er(cesH, T(d( si$ e sie&d( &a ma&c5a0 per( &( )e( !a& 2ie& desdeE HN( sa27a c 4&!( !iemp( 5a27a pasad(D e# !iemp( e& s7 5a27a sid( (sc ridadH, Desde 5ace a:(s, U&a m /er #e 5a2#% p(r de!r4s de# 5(m2r(, HL#e)as &a sema&a !(ma&d( #a medici&a re!i&a#0 R(2er!, J(+ &(s 5a parecid( 1 e +a !e&7as &a p(2#aci%& de c6# #as adec ada0 p(r #( 1 e 5em(s decidid( ac!i)ar#a, HY #a )isi%& 2(rr(sa #a p(dem(s c rar i&c# s( c(& m4s 'aci#idad, UReedV Had /( (!ra )(z de m /er, HS70 d(c!(ra, HLa )(z pr(ced7a de &a ma&c5a e& '(rma de 5(m2re 1 e !e&7a / s!( de#a&!e, La 'i$ ra se i&c#i&%H, De/a 1 e !e p(&$a es!( s(2re #(s (/(s0 R(2er!, Se&!ir4s & p(c( de par4#isis, HU&as e&(rmes ma&(s de#icadas c(#(car(& #as $a'as s(2re #a cara de R(2er!, A# 'i& a#$( 1 e rec(&(c7aD &a $rad aci%& & e)a, Per( e# r(s!r( se #e para#iz% + &( p(d7a cerrar #(s (/(s, HRe#4/a!e + mira 5acia de#a&!e, HRe#a/arse era &a c(sa0 per( &( 5a27a (!ra (pci%& 1 e mirar a# 're&!e, Y # e$(E ios, era c(m( )er & (rde&ad(r #e&!( '(rma&d( &a ima$e&, L(s 2(rr(&es i2a& ad1 irie&d( &i!idez p(c( a p(c(, R(2er! 5a2r7a dad( & sa#!( a!r4s0 per( #a i&m()i#idad se 5a27a e3!e&did( a s c e##( + 5(m2r(s, HE# mapa ce# #ar de #a re!i&a derec5a !ie&e 2 e& aspec!(, Veam(s #a iz1 ierda, HPasar(& a#$ &(s se$ &d(s m4s + se pr(d /( & se$ &d( mi#a$r(, E# 5(m2re se&!ad( de#a&!e re!ir% #as ?$a'as@ de #a cara de R(2er!, Ja27a &a s(&risa e& s r(s!r( de media&a edad, Ves!7a camisa 2#a&ca de a#$(d%& c(& e# 2(#si##( 2(rdad( e& #e!ras az #es9 ?A 3i#iar c#7&ic( Reed Xe2er,@ %1uedo ver hasta la ltima 2ibra) Mir% p(r e&cima de# 5(m2r( de# !ip(, Las paredes de #a c#7&ica es!a2a& #i$erame&!e dese&'(cadas, M iz4 para sa#ir ! )iese 1 e p(&erse $a'as, La idea #e 5iz( re7r, Y # e$( rec(&(ci% #as im4$e&es de #as paredes, N( es!a2a e& &a c#7&ica, L( 1 e c(#$a2a de #as paredes era& #as ca#i$ra'7as 1 e Le&a 5a27a c(mprad( para #a casa de Pa#( A#!(, 3 +nde esto!4 Ja27a &a c5ime&eaD 5a27a p er!as c(rrederas de )idri( 1 e da2a& a & /ard7&, Ni & #i2r( a #a )is!aD 6# &( 5a27a )i)id( & &ca a##7, La ri$idez de #(s 5(m2r(s casi 5a27a desaparecid(, R(2er! mir% #a 5a2i!aci%&, Las d(s )(ces de m /erE &( es!a2a& c(&ec!adas a &ada )isi2#e, Per( Reed Xe2er &( era #a "&ica

pers(&a prese&!e, A s iz1 ierda 5a27a & !ip( '(r&id(0 c(& #(s 2raz(s e& /arras + &a s(&risa de (re/a a (re/a, R(2er! se mir% e& s s (/(s + #a s(&risa )aci#%, E# 5(m2re #e dedic% & $es!( + di/(9 HPap4, HG(2E HS s rec erd(s &( re$resar(& de pr(&!(0 si&( 1 e0 m4s 2ie&0 ' e c(&scie&!e de repe&!e de #( 1 e siempre 5a27a sid( &a rea#idad, G(22+ 5a27a crecid(, HJa2#arem(s m4s !arde0 pap4, De m(me&!( !e de/ar6 para 1 e !ermi&es c(& #a d(c!(ra A1 i&( + s pers(&a#, HAsi&!i% a# aire e& direcci%& a# 5(m2r( derec5( de R(2er!E + sa#i%, E# aire di/(9 HE& rea#idad0 R(2er!0 es!( es !(d( #( 1 e pre!e&d7am(s 5acer p(r 5(+, Te&dr4s m c5as c(sas de #as 1 e (c par!e e& #as pr%3imas sema&as0 per( ser4 me&(s ca%!ic( si )am(s pasi!( a pasi!(, Es!arem(s a!e&!(s p(r si s r$e a#$"& pr(2#ema, R(2er! 'i&$i% )er a#$( e& e# aire, HVa#e, Ya &(s )erem(s, O+% &a risa amis!(sa, HQM + 2ie&R Reed !e p ede a+ dar, Reed Xe2er asi&!i% + R(2er! ! )( #a se&saci%& de 1 e Xe2er + 6# es!a2a& a5(ra rea#me&!e s(#(s, E# a 3i#iar m6dic( $ ard% #as $a'as + (!ras piezas de e1 ip(0 simp#es ca/as de p#4s!ic(0 de sar + !irar0 si& &ada des!aca2#e a &( ser p(r #(s mi#a$r(s 1 e 5a27a& (2rad(, Xe2er se di( c e&!a de 1 e #as mira2a, HS(& s%#( #as 5erramie&!as de# ('ici(0 #as a2 rridas, L( rea#me&!e i&!eresa&!e s(& #as medici&as + #as m41 i&as 1 e '#(!a& e& ! i&!eri(r, HG ard% #a "#!ima ca/a + a#z% #a )is!aH, Eres & !ip( c(& s er!e0 U#( sa27asV Ahora veo la luz del sol donde antes la noche era eterna. 3 +nde estar 5ena4 L e$( pe&s% e& #a pre$ &!a de Reed, HUA 1 6 !e re'ieresV HQEsc($is!e #a e&'ermedad adec adaR HRi(H, La medici&a m(der&a es c(m( & camp( de mi&as ce#es!ia#, P(dem(s c rar m c5as c(sas9 e# A#z5eimer0 p(r e/emp#(0 a pesar de 1 e casi pierdes e# 2arc(, T" + +( ! )im(s A#z5eimer, Y( padec7a e# de !ip( c(m"&0 1 e de! )ier(& a #(s primer(s s7&!(mas, M c5as (!ras e&'ermedades s(& !a& m(r!a#es ( #imi!a& !a&!( c(m( a&!es, T(da)7a &( se p ede 5acer m c5( para mi!i$ar &a ap(p#e/7a, A#$ &(s c4&ceres s(& i&c ra2#es, Ja+ !ip(s de (s!e(p(r(sis !a& !erri2#es c(m( e& e# pasad(, Per( para !(das ! s d(#e&cias !e&em(s s(# ci%& se$ ra, A5(ra !ie&es &(s 5 es(s !a& sa&(s c(m( #(s de & 5(m2re de ci&c e&!a a:(s, J(+ !e 5em(s reparad( #(s (/(s, M4s ( me&(s de&!r( de &a sema&a re'(rzarem(s ! sis!ema &er)i(s( peri'6ric(, HReed ri( de & e)(H, USa2esV0 i&c# s( !ie&es &a 2i(1 7mica derma!(#%$ica + adip(sa 1 e resp(&de a #(s !ra!amie&!(s Ve&&HP rasa>a, Ni &a pers(&a e&!re mi# a!ra)iesa ese camp( de mi&as, Vas a !e&er & aspec!( mucho m4s / )e&i#,

HL( pr%3im( ser4 5acerme / $ar a )ide(/ e$(s, HQA5R HXe2er me!i% #a ma&( e& #a 2(#sa de e1 ip( + sac% & pape#H, N( se &(s p ede (#)idar, R(2er! acep!% e# pape# + #( desd(2#%, Era m + $ra&de0 casi de# !ama:( de & p#ie$(, Parec7a de pape# de car!a, E& #a par!e s peri(r 5a27a & #($(!ip( e& #e!ra e#e$a&!e9 ?C#7&ica CricF0 di)isi%& $eri4!rica,@ E# res!( era & es1 ema, L(s &%d #(s pri&cipa#es9 ?Fami#ia Micr(s('!@0 ?Gra& M ra##a Li& 3@ + ?Epi'a&7a Li!e@, HA# 'i&a# pre'erir4s sar Epi'a&7a Li!e0 per( p(r a5(ra es me/(r e# !ip( de (rde&ad(r c(& e# 1 e es!4s m4s 'ami#iarizad(, L(s e#eme&!(s si! ad(s 2a/( ?Fami#ia Micr(s('!@ era& &(m2res de pr($ramas de Micr(s('!0 #(s primer(s de #a d6cada de #(s (c5e&!a de# si$#( II, R(2er! #a mir% i&se$ r(, HUR(2er!V Sa2esE sa2es a#$( de (rde&ad(res0 U&(V HS7, HPe&s4&d(#( 2ie&0 #( rec(rda2a, S(&ri%H, Per( siempre i2a reza$ad(, T )e mi primer PC e& e# a:( -;;;, HY es( s%#( p(r1 e e# Depar!ame&!( de Li!era! ra I&$#esa e& 2#(1 e #e 5ac7a #a )ida imp(si2#e p(r1 e &( #e7a e# c(rre( e#ec!r%&ic(, HMe&(s ma#, Va#e0 c(& es( p edes imi!ar c a#1 iera de es(s sis!emas a&!i$ (s, Simp#eme&!e d6/a#( desd(2#ad( s(2re e# 2raz( de #a si##a, T 5i/( 5a 5ec5( 1 e es!a 5a2i!aci%& repr(d zca e# s(&id(0 per( e& casi !(das par!es !e&dr4s 1 e !(car #a p4$i&a c(& #(s ded(s si 1 ieres (7r#(, HR(2er! se i&c#i&% para mirar me/(r e# pape#, N( resp#a&dec7aD &i si1 iera !e&7a #a aparie&cia )idri(sa de &a pa&!a##a de (rde&ad(r, Era & pape# &(rma# de 2 e&a ca#idad, Reed se:a#% #(s &%d #(sH, A5(ra p #sa ! sis!ema (pera!i)( 'a)(ri!(, R(2er! se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, A #( #ar$( de #(s a:(s0 e& e# depar!ame&!( 5a27a& sad( m c5(s sis!emas (pera!i)(s0 per(E P s( e# ded( s(2re #a #7&ea 1 e dec7a ?Xi&ME@, N( 5 2( pa sa de arra&1 e0 es( 1 e rec(rda2a !a& 2ie&, Per( de pr(&!( e# aire se ##e&% de a1 e##a m si1 i##a !a& 'ami#iar + m(#es!a, S(&a2a a s a#reded(r0 &( s r$7a de# pape#, La p4$i&a se 5a27a ##e&ad( de c(#(res e ic(&(s, R(2er! si&!i% & rama#az( de &(s!a#$ia a# rec(rdar #as m c5as 5(ras 'r s!ra&!es 1 e 5a27a pasad( 're&!e a re# cie&!es pa&!a##as de (rde&ad(r, Reed s(&ri%, HG e&a e#ecci%&, Xi&ME 5ace !iemp( 1 e !ie&e & a#1 i#er m + simp#e, De 5a2er esc($id( Epi'a&7a0 !e&dr7am(s 1 e a!ra)esar s se#)a de #ice&ciasE Va#e0 a par!ir de a5(ra e# res!( ser4 casi e3ac!ame&!e i$ a# a #( 1 e rec erdas, La c#7&ica CricF i&c# s( !ie&e a#$ &(s de #(s sis!emas m(der&(s 'i#!rad(s de '(rma 1 e parece& &a)e$ad(res, N( es !a& 2 e&( c(m( e# 1 e sam(s ! 5i/( + +(0 per( &( !e&dr4s m4s pr(2#emas c(& )(ces de pers(&as ?i&)isi2#es@D si 1 ieres0 )er4s a Rac5e# + a #a d(c!(ra A1 i&( e& #a p4$i&a, Di)i6r!e!e0 R(2er!, R(2er! esc c5% e# disc rs( de Xe2er0 1 e pr(2a2#eme&!e era &a mezc#a de /er$a !6c&ica + pasada de m(da0 c(& &a /()ia#idad + &a es!r c! ra si&!4c!ica 1 e p(d7a& ser sarcasm(, E& s 6p(ca0 c(& es( #e 5a2r7a 2as!ad( para ca#ar a#

!ip(, Per( a1 e# d7a0 reci6& sa#id( de #as !i&ie2#as de #a se&i#idad0 &( es!a2a se$ r(, As7 1 e #( s(&de% & p(c(, HUV e#)( a ser /()e&V Reed se se&!%0 ri6&d(se !ra&1 i#ame&!e, HMe $ s!ar7a decir!e !a# c(sa0 R(2er!, T" !ie&es se!e&!a + ci&c( a:(s + e# c erp( m c5as m4s '(rmas de 'a##ar de #as 1 e 5a& pre)is!( #(s m6dic(s, L#e)( seis meses (c p4&d(me de ! cas(, Jas ) e#!( de #a m er!e0 !7(, Casi 5as derr(!ad( e# A#z5eimer p(r c(mp#e!(, Tie&e se&!id( 1 e pr(2em(s (!r(s !ra!amie&!(s c(&!i$(, Vas a ##e)ar!e m c5as s(rpresas0 casi !(das 2 e&as, T%ma!e#( c(& ca#ma0 reacci(&a s(2re #a marc5a, P(r e/emp#(0 me 5e dad( c e&!a de 1 e aca2as de rec(&(cer a ! 5i/(, HSE s7, HEs! )( a1 7 5ace &a sema&a, N( #e rec(&(c7as, Se #e 5ac7a e3!ra:( s(&dear e& #a (sc ridad0 per(E HS7, Sa27a 1 e &( p(d7a !e&er & 5i/(, N( era #( s 'icie&!eme&!e )ie/(, S%#( 1 er7a )(#)er a casa, Me re'ier( a #a casa de mis padres e& Gis5(p, E i&c# s( a5(ra me 5a s(rpre&did( 1 e G(2 sea !a& ma+(r, HLas c(&sec e&cias empeza2a& a am(&!(&arseH, C#ar(0 mis padres 5a& m er!(E Reed asi&!i%, HEs( me !em(0 R(2er!, Tie&es !(da &a )ida 1 e rec(rdar, HUA !r(z(sV UO primer( rec perar6 #(s rec erd(s m4s a&!i$ (sV A #( me/(r me 1 ed( a!ascad( e& cier!a 6p(caE HL(s m6dic(s s(& #(s m4s adec ad(s para resp(&der!e, HReed )aci#%H, Mira0 R(2er!, A&!es eras pr('es(r0 U)erdadV %Era poeta) Per( &( cre7a 1 e Reed c(mpre&diese c 4# era #a ca!e$(r7a m4s imp(r!a&!e, HS7, Pr('es(rE G e&(0 pr('es(r em6ri!( de #i!era! ra i&$#esa, E& S!a&'(rd, HGie&, Eres & !ip( #is!(, Tie&es m c5( 1 e apre&der0 per( ap es!( a 1 e rec perar4s esa ca2eza, N( !e as s!es si &( c(&si$ es rec(rdar a#$(, Tamp(c( !e es' erces demasiad(, Pr4c!icame&!e a diari( #(s m6dic(s !e res!a rar4& a#$ &a capacidad adici(&a#, E& !e(r7a0 de ese m(d( !e res #!ar4 me&(s i&1 ie!a&!e, Sea ( &( cier!(0 #( imp(r!a&!e es 1 e ma&!e&$as #a ca#ma, Rec erda 1 e a1 7 !ie&es &a 'ami#ia 1 e !e 1 iere, 5ena. R(2er! 2a/% #a ca2eza d ra&!e m(me&!(, N( era & re!(r&( a #a &i:ez0 si&( &a especie de se$ &da (p(r! &idad, Si p(d7a rec perarse p(r c(mp#e!( de# A#z5eimer0 siE E& ese cas( p(d7a& 1 edar#e (!r(s )ei&!e a:(s0 !iemp( para c(mpe&sar #( perdid(, As7 1 e !e&7a d(s me!as9 s p(es7a +E HLe&a, Reed se i&c#i&% 5acia 6#, HUM 6 5as dic5(V R(2er! a#z% #a )is!a, HMi esp(sa, Me re'ier( a mi e3 esp(sa, HI&!e&!% rec(rdar m4sH, Ap es!( a 1 e /am4s rec(rdar6 #( s cedid( desp 6s de 1 e perdiese #a ca2eza,

HC(m( !e 5e dic5(0 &( !e pre(c pes, HRec erd( 5a2er es!ad( casad( c(& Le&a + criad( a G(22+, N(s separam(s 5ace a:(s, Per(E !am2i6& rec erd( 1 e e##a es!a2a c(&mi$( c a&d( e# A#z5eimer empez% a a'ec!arme de )eras, Y a5(ra se 5a ) e#!( a ir, UD%&de es!40 ReedV Reed 'r &ci% e# ce:(0 se i&c#i&% + cerr% #a ca/a de# e1 ip(, HL( sie&!(0 R(2er!, Fa##eci% 5ace d(s a:(s, HSe p s( e& pie + c(& de#icadeza !(c% e# 5(m2r( de R(2er!H, USa2esV0 cre( 1 e 5(+ 5em(s a)a&zad( m c5(, A5(ra !e&$( 1 e irme, E& s )ida a&!eri(r0 R(2er! G 5a27a pres!ad( !(da)7a me&(s a!e&ci%& a #a !ec&(#($7a 1 e a #as &(!icias de ac! a#idad, La &a! ra#eza 5 ma&a &( cam2ia +0 c(m( p(e!a0 s #a2(r c(&sis!7a e& des!i#ar + m(s!rar esa ese&cia i&m !a2#e, A5(raE 2 e&(, %6e regresado de la muerte) Es( era a#$( & e)( 2a/( e# s(#0 & a)a&ce !ec&(#%$ic( demasiad( !reme&d( c(m( para i$&(rar#(, Era &a & e)a (p(r! &idad de )i)ir0 &a (p(r! &idad de c(&!i& ar c(& s carrera, Y era e)ide&!e p(r d%&de de27a c(&!i& ar9 c(& Secretos de las edades, Ja27a i&)er!id( ci&c( a:(s e& #(s ca&!(s de esa (2ra0 p(emas c(m( ?Secre!(s de# &i:(@0 ?Secre!(s de #(s /%)e&es ama&!es@0 ?Secre!(s de# a&cia&(@, Per( s ?Secre!(s de# m(ri2 &d(@ 5a27a sid( &a c(mp#e!a 'a#sedad0 p(r1 e #( 5a27a escri!( a&!es de empezar a m(rirE Da2a i$ a# 1 e #a $e&!e cre+ese 1 e era e# ca&!( m4s pr(' &d( de #a (2ra, Per(E s70 !e&7a a#$( & e)( 1 e a:adir9 ?Secre!(s de# re$resad(@, Las ideas empeza2a& a '(rmarse + se$ r( 1 e #(s )ers(s )e&dr7a& a c(&!i& aci%&, Cada d7a e3perime&!ar7a & e)(s cam2i(s0 de pr(&!( desaparecer7a& )ie/as 2arreras, Le c(&)e&7a se$ ir e# c(&se/( de Reed Xe2er + acep!ar s s #imi!aci(&es c(& pacie&cia, QTa&!as c(sas cam2ia2a& + !(das para me/(rR L#e$% e# d7a e& 1 e )(#)i% a cami&ar0 a &1 e c(& pas( i&se$ r(, Le 'a##a2a e# e1 i#i2ri(9 e# primer d7a se ca+% !res )eces +0 e& cada (casi%&0 se #imi!% a )(#)er a p(&erse e& pie, HA me&(s 1 e !e cai$as de ca2eza0 pr('es(r0 &( !e&dr4s pr(2#emas H#e di/( Reed, Per( pa #a!i&ame&!e apre&di% a cami&ar me/(r, Y p es!( 1 e p(d7a )er0 + )er 2ie&0 era capaz de 5acer c(sas c(& #as ma&(s, Ya &( !e&7a 1 e pa#par e& #a (sc ridad, N &ca se 5a27a dad( c e&!a de #( imp(r!a&!e 1 e era #a )is!a para #a c((rdi&aci%&, E& !res dime&si(&es 5a27a i&c(&!a2#es '(rmas de disp(&er #as c(sasD si& )isi%& es!a2as c(&de&ad( a #a resi$&aci%& + a# 'racas(, 1ero !o no. Ahora no. Y d(s d7as desp 6sE E / $a2a a# pi&$Hp(&$ c(& s &ie!a, Rec(rda2a #a mesa, Era #a misma 1 e #e 5a27a c(mprad( a# pe1 e:( G(22+ 5ac7a !rei&!a a:(s, I&c# s( rec(rda2a a G(2 1 i!4&d(se#a de #as ma&(s c a&d( 'i&a#me&!e re& &ci% a s 5($ar de Pa#( A#!(, E& a1 e# m(me&!( era Miri #a 1 e #e da2a ca:a0 c(& de)(# ci(&es a#!as + #e&!as, R(2er! se m()7a de &a p &!a a #a (!ra, L( di'7ci# &( era )er #a 2(#a0 per(

de27a !e&er m c5( c idad( de &( de)(#)er#a demasiad( a#!a0 C(& c idad(0 c(& c idad( a)a&z% #a par!idaE 5as!a 1 e Miri #e !e&7a 1 i&ce a (&ce, Y # e$( 6# $a&% ci&c( p &!(s se$ id(s0 cada &( de e##(s c(& & m()imie&!( esp4s!ic( 1 e p(r a#$ &a raz%& 5ac7a 1 e e# p#4s!ic( 2#a&c( ' era a dar c(&!ra #a #7&ea m4s a#e/ada de #a mesa, HQR(2er!R QMe es!a2as e&$a:a&d(R HLa p(2re + re$(rde!a Miri c(rr7a de es1 i&a a es1 i&a i&!e&!a&d( ma&!e&erse a s a#! ra, L(s $(#pes de R(2er! &( i2a& c(& e'ec!(0 per( &( era &a / $ad(ra e3per!a, Diecisie!e a 1 i&ce0 dieci(c5(0 dieci& e)e, L e$( s p(!e&!e de)(# ci%& se desac!i)% + )(#)i% a ser e# !(rpe pasmad( de siempre, Per( s &ie!a &( ! )( piedad, C(&si$ i% seis p &!(s se$ id(sE + $a&%, Y # e$( ' e a# (!r( #ad( de #a mesa para a2razar#e, HQEres $e&ia#R Per( Q&( )(#)er4s a e&$a:armeR HN( !e&7a se&!id( repe!ir#e #as pa#a2ras de A1 i&(, E& #a rec(&s!r cci%& de s sis!ema &er)i(s( 5a2r7a pic(s a#ea!(ri(s de re&dimie&!(, P(d7a aca2ar !e&ie&d( #(s re'#e/(s de & a!#e!aD #( m4s pr(2a2#e era 1 e a# 'i&a# ! )iese &a c((rdi&aci%& &(rma#, Era c ri(s( c%m( se 'i/a2a e& 1 6 d7a de #a sema&a era0 & de!a##e 1 e 5a27a de/ad( de imp(r!ar#e i&c# s( a&!es de perder #a sesera, Per( a5(ra #(s 'i&es de sema&a s &ie!a es!a2a siempre c(& 6#, HUC%m( era #a !7a a2 e#a CaraV H#e pre$ &!% & s42ad( p(r #a ma:a&a, HSe !e parec7a m c5(0 Miri, La c5ica s(&ri% radia&!e0 ##e&a de (r$ ##(, R(2er! 5a27a s p es!( 1 e es( era #( 1 e 1 er7a (7r, 1ero es cierto, aun,ue *ara nunca se pas+ de peso. Miri era i$ a# 1 e Cara e& #a pread(#esce&cia0 c a&d( (!ras pre(c paci(&es reemp#azar(& #a ad(raci%& 1 e #e !e&7a a s 5erma&(, E& !(d( cas(0 Miri era c(m( Cara ##e)ada a# e3!rem(, Era m + i&!e#i$e&!e0 pr(2a2#eme&!e m4s #is!a 1 e s !7a a2 e#a0 !reme&dame&!e i&depe&die&!e + c(& !e&de&cia a / z$ar m(ra#me&!e a #(s dem4s, 7ecuerdo esa tremenda arrogancia0 pe&s% R(2er!, Era para 6# m + irri!a&!eD se 5a27a dis!a&ciad( de Cara p(r s empe:( e& #($rar 1 e cam2iase, A )eces Miri !ra7a a s s ami$ i!(s, A esa edad + e& a1 e##a 6p(ca #(s c5ic(s + #as c5icas se mezc#a2a&, D ra&!e &(s c a&!(s a:(s !e&7a& pr4c!icame&!e #a misma masa m sc #ar, A Miri #e e&ca&!a2a / $ar a# pi&$Hp(&$ p(r pare/as, R(2er! &( p(d7a si&( s(&re7r p(r #a '(rma 1 e !e&7a de c(&!r(#ar a s s ami$(s, Ja27a (r$a&izad( & campe(&a!(, Y a &1 e era escr p #(same&!e 5(&rada0 / $a2a para ganar. C a&d( s e1 ip( perd7a0 ad(p!a2a &a e3presi%& de ' ri(sa de!ermi&aci%& + s s (/(s se )(#)7a& de acer(, Desp 6s0 se da2a prisa e& rec(&(cer s s pr(pi(s err(res + #a misma prisa e& cri!icar a s s c(mpa:er(s, C a&d( s s ami$(s se i2a& a me& d( se$ 7a& a##70 prese&cias i&)isi2#es c(m( #(s m6dic(s de R(2er!, Miri cami&a2a p(r e# pa!i( !raser( 5a2#a&d( + disc !ie&d( c(& e# aire9 &a par(dia de #a desc(r!es7a de# m%)i# 1 e R(2er! rec(rda2a de s s "#!im(s a:(s e& S!a&'(rd, L(s pr(#(&$ad(s si#e&ci(s de Miri !amp(c( se c(rresp(&d7a& c(& &i&$"& aspec!( de s s rec erd(s de Cara, Miri se da2a imp #s( #e&!ame&!e e& e#

c(# mpi( 1 e c(#$a2a de# "&ic( 4r2(# adec ad( de# /ard7&, L( 5ac7a d ra&!e horas, 5a2#a&d( s%#( de )ez e& c a&d(E + a# aire0 c(& #a mirada c(mp#e!ame&!e perdida0 a Fi#%me!r(s de dis!a&cia, Y c a&d( 6# #e pre$ &!a2a 1 6 5ac7a0 se s(2resa#!a2a0 re7a + dec7a 1 e es!a2a ?es! dia&d(@, A R(2er! G #e parec7a m4s 2ie& a#$ &a '(rma per&ici(sa de 5ip&(sis, L(s d7as #a2(ra2#es Miri i2a a #a esc e#aD &a #im si&a aparec7a !(das #as ma:a&as / s!( c a&d( #a c5ica es!a2a #is!a, G(2 se 5a27a id(0 ?)(#)er6 de&!r( de &a sema&a m4s ( me&(s@, A#ice se 1 eda2a e& casa par!e de# d7a0 per( es!a2a de & 5 m(r 1 e sa#!a2a a #a m7&ima, A )eces #a )e7a a #a 5(ra de# a#m erz(D #( m4s &(rma# era 1 e s & era es! )iese e& e# campame&!( Pe&d#e!(& 5as!a #a !arde, C a&d( )(#)7a de #a 2ase es!a2a especia#me&!e irri!a2#e, E3cep! a&d( #as sesi(&es de !erapia c(& Reed Xe2er0 R(2er! !e&7a !(d( e# !iemp( para s7, Va$% p(r #a casa + e&c(&!r% a#$ &(s de s s )ie/(s #i2r(s e& ca/as de car!%& $ ardadas e& e# s%!a&(, Era& #(s "&ic(s #i2r(s de #a casa, A !(d(s #(s e'ec!(s0 s 'ami#ia era i#e!rada, Cier!(0 Miri se /ac!a2a de 1 e m c5(s #i2r(s era& )isi2#es e& c a&!( &( 1 er7a c(&s #!ar#(s0 per( s%#( era &a )erdad a medias, E# pape# &a)e$ad(r 1 e Reed #e 5a27a dad( p(d7a sarse para e&c(&!rar #i2r(s e& #a red0 per( #eer#(s e& &a "&ica 5(/a de pape# era & !edi(s( sacri#e$i(, E# as(m2r(s( p#ie$(0 si& em2ar$(0 permi!7a #a !e#ec(&'ere&ciaD #a d(c!(ra A1 i&( + #(s (!r(s d(c!(res rem(!(s +a &( era& s%#( )(ces i&)isi2#es, Y e# &a)e$ad(r se parec7a m c5( a# 1 e rec(rda2a0 a &1 e m c5(s si!i(s &( se )e7a& de# !(d( 2ie&, G(($#e !(da)7a ' &ci(&a2a, G sc% Le&a L#e>e#+& G , P(r s p es!(0 5a27a i&'(rmaci%& de s(2ra, Le&a 5a27a sid( &a d(c!(ra 2as!a&!e c(&(cida, Y s70 5a27a m er!( d(s a:(s a&!es, L(s de!a##es era& c(&!radic!(ri(s0 a#$ &(s c(i&cide&!es c(& #( 1 e G(2 #e 5a27a c(&!ad( + (!r(s &(, A1 e##(s ma#di!(s Ami$(s de #a I&!imidadE C(s!a2a ima$i&ar a seme/a&!es )i##a&(s0 5acie&d( #( p(si2#e p(r s(ca)ar #( 1 e p(d7as e&c(&!rar e& #a red, Se de'i&7a& c(m( &a ?2e&e'ice&cia )a&d4#ica@, L( 1 e #e aca2% ##e)a&d( a #as N(!icias de# D7a, E# m &d( se$ 7a e& & es!ad( !a& desas!r(s( c(m( siempre, Ese mes se !ra!a2a de &a acci%& p(#icia# e& Para$ a+, L(s de!a##es &( !e&7a& se&!id(, UM 6 era& #as ?'42ricas de # z de # &a@ + p(r 1 6 i2a Es!ad(s U&id(s a 1 erer a+ dar a #a p(#ic7a a cerrar#asV La ima$e& $#(2a# #e res #!a2a m4s 'ami#iar, Las ' erzas i&)as(ras 2 sca2a& armas de des!r cci%& masi)a, A1 e# mism( d7a 5a27a& e&c(&!rad( armas & c#eares (c #!as 2a/( & (r'a&a!(, E& #as '(!(s sa#7a& c5a2(#as + $e&!e p(2reD &i:(s 5arapie&!(s / $a&d( a / e$(s desc(&(cid(s 1 e c(&!radec7a& #a miseria 1 e #(s r(dea2aD a#$"& s(#dad(0 casi s(#i!ari(, Apuesto a ,ue .ob est ah, pe&s%, N( p(r primera )ez0 ( p(r mi#6sima0 se pre$ &!% c%m( era p(si2#e 1 e s 5i/( 5 2iese esc($id( &a carrera !a& desa$rada2#e + si& ' ! r(, P(r #as &(c5es !e&7a& a#$( simi#ar a &a ce&a e& 'ami#ia9 A#ice0 R(2er! + Miri, A#ice parec7a e&ca&!ada de c(ci&ar0 a &1 e es!a &(c5e !e&7a cara de &( 5a2er d(rmid( desde 5ac7a )ari(s d7as,

R(2er! se 1 ed% e& #a c(ci&a )ie&d( c%m( madre e 5i/a saca2a& 2a&de/as de# re'ri$erad(r, HCe&as de !e#e)is(r, As7 ##am42am(s a es!as c(sas Hdi/(, De 5ec5(0 #( 1 e saca2a& !e&7a #a aparie&cia + #a !e3! ra de &a c(mida de#ici(sa, A 6# !(d( #e sa27a a car!%&0 per( Reed dec7a 1 e es( se de27a a 1 e e# &()e&!a + ci&c( p(r cie&!( de s s papi#as $ s!a!i)as es!a2a& m er!as, Miri )aci#%0 c(m( #e pasa2a a me& d( c a&d( R(2er! e3p(&7a &a idea 1 e e##a & &ca 5a27a (7d(, Per(0 c(m( era 5a2i! a#0 resp(&di% c(& e# ma+(r ap#(m(, HO50 es!a c(mida es m c5( me/(r 1 e #a 2as ra de c(mida !e#e)isi)a 5a2i! a#, P(dem(s mezc#ar #as c(sas, HSe:a#% #(s e&)ases si& e!i1 e!ar 1 e c5isp(rr(!ea2a& de&!r( deE 2ie&0 parec7a & micr((&dasH, UVesV0 !e&$( 5e#ad( de p(s!re + A#iceE ar4&da&(s 5i#ad(s, QA&da0 A#iceR A#ice #e dedic% &a s(&risi!a, HL(s c(mpar!ir6, Va#e0 )am(s a ##e)ar#( a# c(med(r, Jicier(& 'a#!a #(s !res para ##e)ar#( !(d( e& & s(#( )ia/e, Disp sier(& #a c(mida s(2re #a #ar$a mesa de# c(med(r, E# ma&!e#0 de damasc(0 cada &(c5e parec7a di'ere&!e, La mesa e& s7 #e res #!a2a 'ami#iar0 (!r( m e2#e 5eredad(, La prese&cia de Le&a !(da)7a se se&!7a, R(2er! se se&!% / &!( a Miri, HUSa2esV Hdi/(0 m4s p(r )er s reacci%& 1 e p(r (!ra c(saH, A m7 !(d( es!( me res #!a & p(c( primi!i)(, UD%&de es!4& #(s sir)ie&!es r(2%!ic(sE ( a# me&(s #as ma&(s a !(m4!icas para me!er + sacar #a c(mida de# micr((&dasV S & era se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s irri!ada, HJa+ r(2(!s0 a##7 d(&de !ie&e se&!id( 1 e #(s 5a+a, R(2er! rec(rda2a a A#ice G(&$ c a&d( se 5a27a casad( c(& G(2, E& a1 e##a 6p(ca0 A#ice era &a dip#(m4!ica impe&e!ra2#eE !a& 5a2i#id(sa 1 e m c5a $e&!e &( ##e$a2a a darse c e&!a de s s capacidades, E& a1 e##a 6p(ca0 R(2er! c(&ser)a2a s !a#e&!( para #a p(es7a + para #a $e&!eD &a pers(&a#idad c(m( 6sa era & desa'7( para 6#, Per( &i si1 iera s a&!i$ ( +( 5a27a #($rad( /am4s e&c(&!rar &a $rie!a e& #a armad ra, La & e)a A#ice simp#eme&!e imitaba #a c(mp(s! ra de #a a&!i$ a0 + &( siempre c(& 63i!(, Ys!a &( era &a de s s me/(res &(c5es, R(2er! rec(rd% #as &(!icias de Para$ a+ + di( & pa#( de cie$(, HUPre(c pada p(r G(2V Le resp(&di% c(& &a s(&risa e3!ra:a, HN(, G(2 es!4 2ie&, La &i:a mir% a s madre + # e$( i&!er)i&(, HE& rea#idad0 si 1 ieres mecas0 de2er7as )er mi c(#ecci%& de m :ecas, UMecasV UM :ecasV C(s!a2a d(mi&ar a #a $e&!e si &( &( sa27a de 1 6 5a2#a2a, Re!r(cedi%9 HMe re'er7a a 1 e 5a+ & m(&!%& de c(sas 1 e #(s 'a&4!ic(s de# ' ! r( predi/er(& + 1 e &( 5a& ##e$ad( a ma!eria#izarse, C(m( #(s c(c5es a6re(s,

Miri a#z% #a )is!a de #a c(mida 5 mea&!e, E& &a es1 i&a de #a 2a&de/a 5a27a rea#me&!e & c e&c( de 5e#ad(, HTe&em(s !a3is a6re(s, UTe )a#e&V HN( de# !(d(, HL e$( se s(rpre&di% a s7 mism(H, UC 4&d( p(dr6 )er &(V HE# R(2er! de a&!a:( 5 2iese c(&siderad( e# i&!er6s p(r c a#1 ier i&$e&i( mec4&ic( a#$( i&'a&!i#, HQC a&d( 1 ierasR UM 6 !a# desp 6s de #a ce&aV HLa "#!ima pre$ &!a i2a diri$ida !a&!( a A#ice c(m( a R(2er!, L( 1 e 5iz( 1 e A#ice s(&riese c(& m4s &a! ra#idad, HM iz4s es!e 'i& de sema&a, C(mier(& e& si#e&ci(, Me $ s!ar7a sa2(rear#(, L e$( A#ice pas% a & !ema 1 e e)ide&!eme&!e se 5a27a es!ad( reser)a&d(, HUSa2esV0 R(2er!0 5e dad( &a (/eada a #(s i&'(rmes de ! s m6dic(s, Casi es!4s rec perad( de# !(d(, UJas pe&sad( e& re!(mar ! carreraV HVa+a0 p es s7, L( pie&s( c(&!i& ame&!e, Te&$( & e)as ideas para escri2irE HJiz( & $es!( e3pa&si)( + se s(rpre&di% de# s"2i!( !em(r 1 e se&!7aH, E50 &( !e pre(c pes0 A#ice, Te&$( mi (2ra #i!eraria, Reci2( ('er!as de !ra2a/( de 'ac #!ades de !(d( e# pa7s, Me ir6 de a1 7 e& c a&!( p eda p#a&!ar #(s pies 'irmeme&!e e& e# s e#(, Miri di/(9 HQO50 &(0 R(2er!R P edes 1 edar!e c(& &(s(!r(s, N(s gusta !e&er!e a1 7, HPer(0 e& es!e m(me&!(0 U&( crees 1 e de2er7as es!ar a2ri6&d(!e m4s ac!i)ame&!e a# m &d( e3!eri(rV Hdi/( A#ice R(2er! #a mir% c(& !ra&1 i#idad, HUA 1 6 !e re'ieresV HGie&0 +a sa2es 1 e ! "#!ima sesi%& c(& Reed Xe2er es e# pr%3im( mar!es, Es!(+ se$ ra de 1 e 5a+ m c5as 5a2i#idades 1 e !e $ s!ar7a d(mi&ar, UJas c(&siderad( ma!ric #ar!e e& a#$ &as c#asesV Fairm(&! !ie&e )ari(s c rs(s especia#esE La c(r(&e# A#ice desarr(##a2a 2as!a&!e 2ie& #a (peraci%&0 per( &( 5a27a c(&!ad( c(& #a c5ica de !rece a:(s se&!ada / &!( a R(2er!, Miri i&!er)i&( c(&9 HYa, S(& #(s c rs(s '(rma!i)(s, A#$ &(s )ie/(s + & m(&!%& de ad(#esce&!es !(&!(s, Es a2 rrid(0 a2 rrid(0 a2 rrid(, HMiri0 5a+ 5a2i#idades 24sicasE HReed Xe2er +a se 5a (c pad( de m c5as de e##as, Y !o p ed( e&se:ar a R(2er! c%m( )es!ir, HLe !(c% e# 2raz(H, N( !e pre(c pes0 R(2er!, U&a )ez 1 e apre&das a )es!ir0 p(dr4s apre&der #( 1 e 1 ieras, A5(ra mism( es!4s a!rapad(D es c(m( )er e# m &d( p(r & a$ /eri!(0 #( 1 e p eda& )er ! s (/(s des& d(sE + #( 1 e p edas (2!e&er de #( 1 e )es, HSe:a#% e# p#ie$( 1 e ##e)a2a e& e# 2(#si##( de #a camisaH, C(& a#$( de pr4c!ica de2er7as p(der )er + (7r !a& 2ie& c(m( c a#1 iera, A#ice &e$% c(& #a ca2eza, HMiri0 5a+ m c5a $e&!e 1 e &( sa #e&!i##as &i )es!i2#es,

HS70 per( &( s(& mi a2 e#(, HY a#z% re!ad(ra #a 2ar2i##aH, R(2er!0 de2er7as )es!ir, Pareces & !(&!( cami&a&d( p(r a57 c(& esa p4$i&a e& #a ma&(, A#ice parec7a disp es!a a p(&er m4s (2/eci(&es0 per( a# 'i&a# se ap(+% e& e# respa#d( (2ser)a&d( a Miri c(& &a mirada 1 e R(2er! ' e i&capaz de i&!erpre!ar, La &i:a &( pareci% &(!ar#(, I&c#i&% #a ca2eza + se !(c% & (/(, HYa sa2es #( 1 e s(& #as #e&!i##as0 U&(V UM ieres )er &aV HApar!% #a ma&( de# (/(, E& #a +ema de# ded( medi( !e&7a & dimi& !( disc( de# !ama:( + #a '(rma de #as #e&!es de c(&!ac!( 1 e 6# c(&(c7a, N( espera2a &ada m4s0 per(E se i&c#i&% + mir% m4s de cerca & m(me&!(, N( era c(mp#e!ame&!e !ra&spare&!e, E& s s per'icie se a$i!a2a& c5ispas de c(#(res, HLa s( c(& se$ ridad m43ima, N( )er7as #(s des!e##(s0 si &(, HLa dimi& !a #e&!e se & 2#% + # e$( se p s( 2#a&caH, Va+a, Se 5a apa$ad(, Per( Upi##as #a ideaV HSe #a )(#)i% a me!er e& e# (/( + #e s(&ri%, Parec7a 1 e ! )iera &a e&(rme ca!ara!a, HDe2er7as p(&er!e &a & e)a0 cari:( Hdi/( A#ice, HO50 &( Hdi/( MiriH, E& c a&!( se ca#ie&!e me d rar4 e# res!( de# d7a, HDe 5ec5(0 #a ?ca!ara!a@ i2a desaparecie&d( + )(#)7a a )erse e# iris marr%& (sc r( de MiriH, UM 6 !e parece0 R(2er!V Es un sustituto bastante desagradable para lo ,ue puedo hacer simplemente le!endo la pgina. HUEs( es !(d(V HJ m0 &(, Es decir0 a5(ra mism( p(dem(s dar!e &a camisa de G(2 + &a ca/a de #e&!i##as, L( c(mp#icad( es apre&der a sar#as, La c(r(&e# A#ice di/(9 HSi& cier!( c(&!r(# es c(m( #a !e#e)isi%& de a&!a:( per( m c5( m4s m(#es!(, N( !e $ s!ar7a 1 e !e 1 i!ase& e# c(&!r(#0 R(2er!, UM 6 !e parece es!(V Te c(&se$ ir6 pre&das de e&!re&amie&!( + esa ca/a de #e&!i##as 1 e !e dec7a Miri, Mie&!ras !a&!(0 c(&sidera #a idea de asis!ir a Fairm(&!0 U)a#eV Miri se i&c#i&% + #e s(&ri% a s madre, HEs!(+ se$ ra de 1 e de&!r( de &a sema&a es!ar4 )is!ie&d(, N( #e 5ar4& 'a#!a esas c#ases para perded(res, La )erdad era 1 e 5a27a !e&id( ('er!as de !ra2a/(, S re$res( se 5a27a di' &did( p(r #a red + #e 5a27a& escri!( de d(ce 'ac #!ades, Ci&c( 1 er7a& simp#eme&!e 1 e ' ese a dar &a c5ar#a0 !res #e ('rec7a& !ra2a/( c(m( ar!is!a reside&!e d ra&!e & semes!re0 + e# res!( &( era& de primera ca!e$(r7a, N( era precisame&!e #a ac($ida 1 e R(2er! 5a27a esperad( para &( de #(s ?$i$a&!es #i!erari(s de# si$#(@ Bci!a&d( a & cr7!ic(C, 8emen ,ue siga siendo un vegetal. As7 1 e R(2er! c(&$e#% #as ('er!as + si$ i% !ra2a/a&d( e& s (2ra, Dem(s!rar7a a #(s i&cr6d #(s 1 e se$ 7a !e&ie&d( #a ca2eza de siempreE + de pas( #es pasar7a #a ma&( p(r #a cara0 5as!a #($rar e# rec(&(cimie&!( 1 e merec7a,

Per( e# pr($res( era #e&!( e& e# 're&!e de #a p(es7a, E# pr($res( era #e&!( e& m c5(s 're&!es, Ya !e&7a &a cara de aspec!( / )e&i#, Reed dec7a 1 e & 63i!( !a& c(mp#e!( era &a rareza0 1 e R(2er! era per'ec!( para e# pr(ces( Ve&&H P rasa>a, Mara)i##(s(, Per( se$ 7a !e&ie&d( &a c((rdi&aci%& esp4s!ica + c(&!i& ame&!e #e d(#7a& #as ar!ic #aci(&es, L( m4s i$&(mi&i(s( era 1 e !(da)7a !e&7a 1 e ir a mear )arias )eces p(r #a &(c5e, Seguro 1 e era& #as Parcas rec(rd4&d(#e 1 e se$ 7a sie&d( & )ie/(, E# d7a a&!eri(r 5a27a sid( s "#!ima )isi!a a Xe2er, E# !ip( !e&7a &a me&!e ser)i#0 1 e se a/ s!a2a per'ec!ame&!e a #a a+ da ser)i# 1 e ('rec7a, Supongo ,ue le echar" de menos. S(2re !(d( p(r1 e a5(ra !e&7a (!ra 5(ra diaria si& &ada 1 e 5acer, Y e# pr($res( era s(2re !(d( m + #e&!( e& e# 're&!e de #a p(es7a, Para R(2er!0 #(s s e:(s & &ca 5a27a& sid( &a $ra& ' e&!e de i&spiraci%& Ba &1 e e& )arias e&!re)is!as m + di' &didas 5a27a a'irmad( #( c(&!rari(C, Per( #(s i&!e&!(s de crear es!a&d( !(!a#me&!e despier!( era& e# "#!im( rec rs( de #as me&!es pedes!res, Para R(2er! G 0 #a )erdadera crea!i)idad a me& d( ##e$a2a !ras &a 2 e&a &(c5e de s e:(0 / s!( a# desper!ar, Ese m(me&!( era &a ' e&!e !a& se$ ra de i&spiraci%& 1 e0 c a&d( #e c(s!a2a escri2ir0 a me& d( se$ 7a e# cami&( pedes!re p(r #a !arde + # e$(0 a #a ma:a&a si$ ie&!e0 !(da)7a ad(rmi#ad(0 repasa2a #( 5ec5(, E& ese m(me&!(0 c(& #a 'resc ra i&es!a2#e de #a c(&cie&cia rec perada0 #as resp es!as era& (2)ias, E& s s a:(s e& S!a&'(rd 5a27a pre$ &!ad( p(r ese 'e&%me&( a 'i#%s('(s0 re#i$i(s(s + cie&!7'ic(s, Le 5a27a& dad( & ce&!e&ar de e3p#icaci(&es0 1 e i2a& desde #a psic(#($7a 're dia&a 5as!a #a mec4&ica c 4&!ica, La e3p#icaci%& &( imp(r!a2aD a 6# #e i2a 2ie& ?d(rmir e# pr(2#ema@, Desp 6s de a:(s de deme&cia0 !(da)7a p(se7a ese d(& ma! !i&(, Per( s c(&!r(# de# pr(ces( era !a& err4!ic( c(m( siempre, A#$ &as ma:a&as es!a2a ##e&( de ideas para ?Secre!(s de# re$resad(@ + s re)isi%& de ?Secre!(s de# m(ri2 &d(@, Per( &i&$ &a de s s !(rme&!as de ideas era p(6!ica, Te&7a #as ideas, I&c# s( #as es!r('as0 c(&cep! a#me&!e, Per( &( e&c(&!ra2a #as pa#a2ras + #as 'rases para c(&)er!ir #as ideas e& 2e##eza, M iz4s es! )iese 2ie& as7, De m(me&!(, Desp 6s de !(d(0 5acer 1 e #as pa#a2ras ca&!ase& c(&s!i! 7a e# m43im( + m4s p r( !a#e&!(, UN( !e&7a #%$ica 1 e 6sa ' ese #a "#!ima 5a2i#idad 1 e rec peraraV Mie&!ras !a&!(0 ma#$as!a2a m c5as ma:a&as perdid( e& dis1 isici(&es, S s 2c(&scie&!e se 5a27a ) e#!( & !raid(r 'asci&ad( p(r e# ' &ci(&amie&!( de #as c(sas0 p(r #a !ec&(#($7a + #as ma!em4!icas, A #( #ar$( de# d7a0 c a&d( &a)e$a2a p(r e# pape# )is(r0 se des)ia2a c(&!i& ame&!e a !emas 1 e &( !e&7a& re#aci%& c(& s pre(c paci%& ar!7s!ica, Ja27a pasad( !(da &a !arde c(& &a ?i&!r(d cci%& para &i:(s@ a #a $e(me!r7a 'i&i!a0 p(r am(r de Di(sE + #a $ra& idea c(& #a 1 e 5a27a desper!ad( a #a ma:a&a si$ ie&!e 5a27a sid( &a de #as dem(s!raci(&es m4s di'7ci#es,

E# d7a de R(2er! era de & a2 rrimie&!( casi i&s(p(r!a2#e0 &a 2"s1 eda i&!ermi&a2#e de #a pa#a2ra per'ec!a mie&!ras i&!e&!a2a i$&(rar e# a!rac!i)( de# pape# )is(r, Las !ardes #as pasa2a e)i!a&d( #(s a!a1 es de Miri + s s i&!e&!(s de me!er#e c erp(s e3!ra:(s e& #(s (/(s, Fi&a#me&!e0 #a idea ma! !i&a ac di% a# resca!e, Mie&!ras i2a desper!a&d(0 pe&sa&d( desapasi(&adame&!e e& s 'racas(0 )i( #(s e&e2r(s )erdes a# (!r( #ad( de #a )e&!a&a0 e# pa!i( pi&!ad( de c(#(res pas!e#, Ja27a & m &d( e3!eri(r, Ja27a & mi##%& de p &!(s de )is!a di'ere&!es, UM 6 5a27a 5ec5( e& e# pasad( e&'re&!ad( a & (2s!4c #(V Te !(mas & desca&s(, Jacer a#$( di'ere&!eD #( 1 e ' ese, V(#)er a# ?i&s!i! !(@ #e sacar7a de a1 e##a si! aci%&0 ma&!e&dr7a a ra+a a Miri, Cier!ame&!e #e e3p(&dr7a a p &!(s de )is!a di'ere&!es0 a &1 e m4s #imi!ad(s, A#ice es!ar7a e&ca&!ada,

;L UNA EICELENTE AFILIACIN A O a& Or(zc( #e e&ca&!a2a ir p(r #a esc e#a c(& #(s $eme#(s Rad&er, Fred + Oerr+ era& &a Ma#a I&'# e&cia0 per( era& #(s me/(res / $ad(res 1 e O a& c(&(c7a, HJ(+ !e&em(s & !im( especia#0 O a& Hdi/( Fred, HS7Hdi/( Oerr+0 s(&rie&d( c(m( 5ac7a c a&d( p#a&ea2a& a#$( di)er!id( ( )er$(&z(s(, L(s !res si$ ier(& e# se&der( 5a2i! a#0 p(r e# ca&a# de c(&!r(# de '# /(, E# pas( de ceme&!(0 sec( + de & 2#a&c( %se(0 serpe&!ea2a p(r e# ca:%& !ras #as )i)ie&das de Mesi!as, Las c(#i&as es!a2a& c 2ier!as de escarc5ada + $a+ 2aD m4s ade#a&!e 5a27a & e&ci&ar, UM 6 se p(d7a esperar de N(r!5 C( &!+0 Sa& Die$(0 a pri&cipi(s de (c! 2reV A# me&(s e& e# m &d( rea#, E# ca:%& &( era z(&a m er!a, E& a2s(# !(, La a$e&cia de c(&!r(# de a$ a de# c(&dad( #( ma&!e&7a0 + #a capa p"2#ica era !a& 2 e&a c(m( e& #as ca##es de #a ci dad, Mie&!ras cami&a2a&0 O a& se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s + se es!remeci%, Era se:a# s 'icie&!e para s pre&da Epi'a&7a, La ima$e& s perp es!a cam2i% a m &d( *onocimiento peligroso de JaceF9 #a $a+ 2a se !ra&s'(rm% e& !e&!4c #(s escam(s(s, Las casas e& e# 2(rde de# ca:%& era& $ra&des0 c(& m c5as )i$as + es!a&dar!es a# )ie&!(, De#a&!e 5a27a & cas!i##(0 e# 5($ar de# $ra& d 1 e J>a Fee&E e& rea#idad0 e# c5ic( de #a #(ca#idad 1 e m4s c(&!ri2 7a a ma&!e&er a1 e# c7rc #(, O a& )is!i% a #(s $eme#(s c(& #as armad ras de c er( de #(s Ca2a##er(s G ardia&es, HE50 Oer0 mira Hemi!i% O a&0 + esper% a 1 e #(s $eme#(s e&!rase& e& s )isi%& c(&se&s ada, L#e)a2a &a sema&a prac!ica&d( para c(#(car esas )is a#es / s!( e& s si!i(, Fred a#z% #a )is!a0 acep!a&d( #a ima$e& c(&/ rada p(r O a&, HEs( +a es!4 pasad(0 O a&i!(, HMir% e# cas!i##( de #a c(#i&aH, Adem4s0 J(>ie Fei& es & im26ci#, HA5, HO a& #i2er% s )isi%& e& &a cascada des(rde&ada, E# m &d( rea# re$res%0 primer( e# paisa/e0 # e$( e# cie#(@ # e$( #as cria! ras + #a r(paH, Per( #a sema&a pasada !e $ s!a2a, HO a& rec(rda2a 1 e Fred + Oerr+ 5a27a& es!ad( 5acie&d( #( p(si2#e p(r ec5ar a# $ra& d 1 e, L(s $eme#(s se mirar(&, O a& sa27a 1 e se pasa2a& me&sa/es e& si#e&ci(, HTe 5em(s dic5( 1 e 5(+ ser7a di'ere&!e, Te&em(s a#$( especia#, Ya casi es!a2a& a medi( cami&( de# e&ci&ar, A# (!r( #ad( )er7a& #a &e2#i&a (ce4&icaD e& #(s d7as despe/ad(s0 sa&d( Visi%& Despe/ada0 se )e7a 5as!a e#

mism7sim( (c6a&(, A# s r 5a27a m4s )i)ie&das + #a z(&a )erde de# i&s!i! !( Fairm(&!, A# &(r!e se e&c(&!ra2a e# # $ar m4s i&!eresa&!e de# )eci&dari( de O a& Or(zc(9 e# par1 e de a!racci(&es P+ramid Ji## d(mi&a2a e# pe1 e:( )a##e 1 e #( r(dea2a, La par!e s peri(r era m4s &a c(#i&a p &!ia$ da 1 e &a pir4mide0 per( a #(s resp(&sa2#es de# par1 e #es parec7a 1 e ?pir4mide@ !e&7a m4s e&ca&!(, M c5( !iemp( a&!es 5a27a sid( & 5 er!( de a$ aca!es, L(s 4r2(#es )erde (sc r( c 2r7a& #as #aderas, Se )e7a as7 si se sa2a #a )is!a de# #($(!ip( de# par1 e, A simp#e )is!a se$ 7a 5a2ie&d( m c5(s 4r2(#es0 per( !am2i6& 5a27a prad(s + ma&si(&es + &a !(rre de #a&zamie&!(, E&!re (!ras m c5as c(sas, P+ramid Ji## a'irma2a !e&er e# )ia/e e& ca7da #i2re m4s #ar$( de !(da Ca#i'(r&ia, L(s $eme#(s #e s(&re7a&, Oerr+ 5iz( & $es!( 5acia #a c(#i&a, HUM 6 !e parecer7a / $ar a 7egreso al *retcico c(& se&saci(&es rea#esV L(s direc!(res de P+ramid Ji## sa27a& m + 2ie& #( 1 e c(2rar p(r #(s dis!i&!(s &i)e#es de e3perie&cias se&s(ria#es, E# &i)e# m4s 2a/( era m + 2ara!(D #as ?se&saci(&es rea#es@ es!a2a& e& #( m4s a#!(, HA50 es( es demasiad( car(, HC#ar( 1 e #( es, Si pa$as, HPer( U&( !e&7ais 1 e preparar & pr(+ec!(V HL(s $eme#(s !e&7a& !a##er a primera 5(ra de #a ma:a&a, HSi$ e e& Va&c( )er Hdi/( Oerr+, HPer( &( !e pre(c pes p(r &(s(!r(s, HFred a#z% #a )is!a0 c(m( si rezase + se m(s!rase e&$re7d( a# mism( !iemp(H, UPWE3press pr()eer40 / s!( a !iemp(, HGie&0 )a#e, Mie&!ras &( &(s me!am(s e& #7(s, HMe!erse e& #7(s era e# pri&cipa# pr(2#ema de re#aci(&arse c(& #(s Rad&er, U& par de sema&as a&!es0 #(s $eme#(s #e 5a27a& dem(s!rad( c%m( e)i!ar &a re!irada de pr(d c!( p(r raz(&es de se$ ridad c(& s 2icic#e!a >iFiGa+ & e)a, Ja27a aca2ad( c(& & arma de ar!es marcia#esE + &a 2icic#e!a casi imp(si2#e de desp#e$ar, A s madre &( #e 5a27a 5ec5( &i&$ &a $racia, HE50 &( !e pre(c pes0 O a&, HL(s !res 5a27a& a2a&d(&ad( e# 2(rde de# ca&a# + se$ 7a& & cami&( es!rec5( 1 e ##e)a2a 5as!a e# #7mi!e (rie&!a# de P+ramid Ji##0 #e/(s de c a#1 ier e&!rada, E# !7( de #(s $eme#(s0 si& em2ar$(0 !ra2a/a2a para e# c(&!r(# de a$ as de# c(&dad( + !e&7a& acces( a #as im4$e&es de ma&!e&imie&!(E 1 e e&se$ ida c(mpar!ier(& c(& O a&, La !ierra 2a/( s s pies se )(#)i% #i$erame&!e !ras#"cida, D(s me!r(s m4s a2a/(0 O a& )e7a $r4'ic(s 1 e represe&!a2a& & des)7( de )ei&!ici&c( ce&!7me!r(s de a&c5(, A1 7 + a##4 5a27a p &!er(s a re$is!r(s #(ca#es de ma&!e&imie&!(, Oerr+ + Fred 5a27a& emp#ead( a&!es esa (m&iscie&cia + &( #(s 5a27a& pi##ad(, A1 e# d7a #a c(m2i&a2a& c(& & mapa de #a red #(ca# de &(d(s, La )is!a s peri(r era de & )i(#e!a p4#id( c(&!ra e# d7a s(#ead(0 c(& p &!(s cie$(s de c(m &icaci%& + e&#aces ac!i)(s de a#!a !ra&s'ere&cia, L(s $eme#(s se de! )ier(& a# 2(rde de & c#ar(, Fred mir% a Oerr+,

HM 6 ma#, A c(&!r(# de a$ as #e de2er7a dar )er$*e&za, N( 5a+ & &(d( de #(ca#izaci%& a me&(s de diez me!r(s, HS70 Oer, A1 7 p(dr7a s ceder c a#1 ier c(sa, HSi& &a red c(mp#e!a de #(ca#izad(res0 #(s &(d(s &( p(d7a& de!ermi&ar c(& precisi%& d%&de es!a2a&0 &i e##(s &i s s )eci&(s, Era imp(si2#e es!a2#ecer e# input #4ser de a#!a !asa0 + e# se&s(r output de 2a/a !asa es!a2a repar!id( p(r !(d( e# paisa/e, De a1 e##a z(&a0 e# m &d( e3!eri(r s%#( !e&7a &a impresi%& )a$a + &e2#i&(sa, E&!rar(& e& e# c#ar(, Es!a2a& e& & p &!( cie$( de #a red0 per( desde a##7 dis'r !a2a& a simp#e )is!a de# pa&(rama0 c(#i&a arri2a 5as!a !erre&(s de P+ramid Ji##, Si se$ 7a& a)a&za&d(0 empezar7a& a c(2rar#es, Per( #(s $eme#(s &( mira2a& 5acia a##7, Oerr+ se acerc% a & ar2(#i!( + e&!(r&% #(s (/(s, HDe 5ec5(0 6s!e es & p &!( m + i&!eresa&!e, I&!e&!ar(& 5acer & parc5e e& #a c(2er! ra c(& &a 2(#a a6rea, HSe:a#% 5acia #as ramas + )eri'ic% #a c(&e3i%& de 5ard>are c(& & pi&$[<\, La )is!a de ma&!e&imie&!( s%#( m(s!r% &a )a$a ima$e& de re!(r&(0 & me&sa/e de err(rH, A es!as a#! ras &( es m4s 1 e $ a&( de red, O a& se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, HEs!a &(c5e +a 5a2r4& !apad( e# 5 ec(, HL( 5ar7a& d ra&!e e# crep"sc #(0 c a&d( #(s aer(2(!s )(#ase& s(2re #(s ca:(&es cam2ia&d( &(d(s a1 7 + a##4, HGie&0 Up(r 1 6 &( a+ dar a# c(&dad( !ap4&d(#( a5(ra mism(V HOerr+ #e)a&!% & (2/e!( )erd(s( de# !ama:( de & p #$ar, Se #( pas% a O a&, De #a par!e s peri(r s(2resa#7a& !res a&!e&as, Era & !7pic( &(d( ad 5(c, L(s &(d(s m er!(s da2a& m4s pr(2#emas 1 e e# $ a&(, HUL( 5as ad #!erad(V HE# &(d( ##e)a2a ?GreaFi&sHRHUs@ escri!(0 per( ad #!erar #as redes era m4s di'7ci# e& #a )ida rea# 1 e e& #(s / e$(sH, UDe d%&de 5as sacad( #(s c%di$(s de acces(V HE# !7( D(& es m + desc idad(, HOerr+ se:a#% e# disp(si!i)(H, Tie&e !(d(s #(s permis(s car$ad(s, P(r des$racia0 e# &(d( c e##( de 2(!e##a si$ e )i)(, HAp &!% 5acia arri2a0 5acia #as ramas de# ar2(#i!(H, Eres #( s 'icie&!eme&!e pe1 e:( para s 2ir p(r a1 70 O a&, S 2e + derri2a e# &(d(, HMmm, HE50 &( !e pre(c pes, Se$ ridad Pa!ria &( se dar4 c e&!a, De 5ec5(0 e# Depar!ame&!( de Se$ ridad Pa!ria se$ r( 1 e se dar7a c e&!a0 a# me&(s desp 6s de parc5ear #a red de #(ca#izad(res, Per( era casi i$ a# de se$ r( 1 e &( #e imp(r!ar7a, La #%$ica de# DSP es!a2a pr(' &dame&!e i&!e$rada e& e# 5ard>are, ?Ver#( !(d(0 sa2er#( !(d(@ era s #ema0 + #( 1 e sa27a& + )e7a& es!a2a des!i&ad( a s s pr(pi(s 'i&es, Era& 'am(s(s p(r &( c(mpar!ir#( c(& #a p(#ic7a, O a& sa#i% de# p &!( cie$( + ec5% & )is!az( a# Depar!ame&!( de# S5eri'', A#reded(r de P+ramid Ji## 5a27a arres!(s0 #a ma+(r7a p(r dr($as me/(rad(rasE per( a##7 5ac7a )arias sema&as 1 e &( pasa2a &ada, HVa#e, HO a& !rep% &(s !res me!r(s p(r e# 4r2(#0 5as!a #as ramas, E# )ie/( &(d( c(#$a2a de )e#er( p(drid(, L( s(#!% + #(s $eme#(s se ase$ rar(& de 1 e s 'riese

& accide&!e c(& &a piedra, O a& 2a/% de# 4r2(#, C(&!emp#ar(& & m(me&!( e# res #!ad(, La &e2#i&a )i(#e!a se c(&)er!7a e& p &!(s 2ri##a&!es a medida 1 e #(s &(d(s de!ermi&a2a& s pr(pia p(sici%& + #a de# &%d #( ad #!erad( + se c((rdi&a2a& para c 2rir e& s !(!a#idad #as ' &ci(&es, Ya es!a2a disp(&i2#e #a asi$&aci%& de r !a #4ser p &!( a p &!(D )e7a& #as e!i1 e!as de pr(piedad p(r !(d( e# per7me!r( de P+ramid Ji##, HOa Hdi/( Fred, L(s $eme#(s ' er(& s 2ie&d( 5acia e# #7mi!e de #a pr(piedadH, Vam(s0 O a&, Es!am(s e!i1 e!ad(s c(m( emp#ead(s de# c(&dad(, N( !e&drem(s pr(2#emas si &( &(s 1 edam(s demasiad(, P+ramid Ji## disp(&7a de #(s disp(si!i)(s se&s(ria#es m4s &()ed(s(s, N( era& simp#eme&!e 'a&!asmas pr(+ec!ad(s p(r #as #e&!es de c(&!ac!( e& e# '(&d( de #(s $#(2(s (c #ares, E& P+ramid Ji## 5a27a / e$(s e& #(s 1 e se p(d7a ca2a#$ar & Sc((c5i sa#sip ed ( r(2ar #(s 5 e)(s de & Ve#(cirap!(rE ( / $ar c(& c4#idas cria! ras pe# das 1 e 2ai#a2a& / $ e!(&as0 r($4&d(!e 1 e #as !(maras e& 2raz(s + #as ac &ases, Si desac!i)a2as !(das #as )is!as de / e$(0 e&!(&ces )e7as a #(s (!r(s / $ad(res )a$a&d( e&!re #(s 4r2(#es0 cada &( i&mers( e& s pr(pi( m &d(, De a#$ &a '(rma P+ramid Ji## e)i!a2a 1 e c5(case& e&!re s7, E& 7egreso al *retcico0 para disim #ar e# s(&id( de# #a&zad(r de ca7da #i2re 5a27a & !r e&(, L(s 4r2(#es era& $i&F$(s e&(rmes, #!imame&!e O a& / $a2a m c5( a# 7eg*ret p rame&!e )is a#0 e& pers(&a0 c(& #(s $eme#(s0 per( !am2i6& c(& (!r(s p(r !(d( e# m &d(, N( era &a e3perie&cia m + a$rada2#e, Ya se #( 5a27a& ?car$ad( + c(mid(@ e& !res (casi(&es a1 e##a sema&a, Era & / e$( di'7ci#9 si &( es!a2as ma!a&d( + c(mie&d(0 e&!(&ces !e ma!a2a& + !e c(m7a&0 c(&!i& ame&!e, As7 1 e O a& se 5a27a &id( a# Gremi( de Fa&!asis!asE G e&(0 es!a2a a pr e2a, M iz4 ! )iese a#$ &a idea, Ya 5a27a dise:ad( &a especie para 7eg*ret, S s sa ri(s0 r4pid(s + pe1 e:(s0 &( 5a27a& a!ra7d( a #(s cr7!ic(s m4s 'er(ces, A #(s $eme#(s &( #(s 5a27a& impresi(&ad(0 per( &( !e&7a& a#!er&a!i)a pr(pia, Mie&!ras rec(rr7a e# 2(s1 e de $i&F$(s se ma&! )( a!e&!( a #(s p(si2#es 2ic5(s c(& ma&d72 #as 1 e p(d7a& acec5ar e& #as ramas 2a/as, E# # &es #e 5a27a& pi##ad(, E# mar!es 5a27a sid( )7c!ima de a#$ &a e&'ermedad primi!i)a, De m(me&!( !(d( i2a 2ie&0 per( &( 5a27a &i ras!r( de s c(&!ri2 ci%&, Era& '4ci#es de criar0 as7 1 e0 Ud%&de es!a2a& #(s m(&s!r i!(sV M 6 pe&a, E& a#$ &a (casi%& !e&7a 1 e c(mpr(2ar a#$"& (!r( p &!( de / e$(, M iz4 ' ese& m + & mer(s(s e& Paza/s!4&, A1 e# d7a0 a##7E &ada, O a& a!ra)es% e# reci&!( & p(c( desa&imad(0 per( !(da)7a &( se #( 5a27a& c(mid(, L(s $eme#(s 5a27a& ad(p!ad( #a '(rma de Ve#(cirap!(r es!4&dar de# / e$(, Se #( es!a2a& pasa&d( de '42 #a, S s presas de# !ama:( de p(##(s era& #(s r(2(!s de / e$( de P+ramid Ji##, E# Oerr+Hrap!(r mir% p(r e&cima de# 5(m2r( de O a&, HUD%&de es!4 ! 2ic5(V

O a& &( 5a27a ad(p!ad( '(rma a&ima#, HS(+ & )ia/er( de# !iemp( Hdi/(, Era & pers(&a/e 1 e +a sa#7a e& #a primera edici%& de# / e$(, Fred #e m(s!r% &a cara rep#e!a de die&!es, HMe re'ier( a d%&de es!4& #(s 2ic5(s 1 e i&)e&!as!e #a sema&a pasada, HN( #( s6, HL( m4s pr(2a2#e es 1 e #(s cr7!ic(s se #(s c(miese& Hdi/( Oerr+, L(s 5erma&(s s(#!ar(& a d"( &a ris(!ada de rep!i#H, De/a de i&!e&!ar c(&se$ ir p &!(s c(m( cread(r0 O a&, Re#4/a!e + dis'r !a de #( 2 e&(, HI# s!r% s s pa#a2ras c(& &a pa!ada a a#$( 1 e se #es 5a27a cr zad( p(r de#a&!e, A1 e##( #e )a#i% a#$ &(s p &!(s + a#$ &(s m(me&!(s em(ci(&a&!es de car&icer7a de #a 2 e&a, Fred se &i% a 6# + !(d( se !i&( de r(/(, A1 e##a presa #e res #!a2a 'ami#iar, Era /()e& + !e&7a aspec!( de i&!e#i$e&!eE QU& reci6& &acid( de# dise:( de O a&R P(r !a&!(0 s mam4 a&dar7a cerca, O a& di/(9 HSa26is0 me parece 1 eE HE# Pr(2#ema Es M e Ni&$ &( De V(s(!r(s Pie&sa L( S 'icie&!e, HLa )(z era c(m( me!er #a ca2eza e& & a#!a)(z de# pasad(, Demasiad( !arde )ier(& 1 e a #(s 4r2(#es 1 e !e&7a& de!r4s #es crec7a& $arras de & me!r( de #ar$(, Mama7!a, De #( a#!( #es ca+% &a $(!a de 2a2a de )ei&!ici&c( ce&!7me!r(s, Era e# dise:( de O a& a m43ima esca#a, HMierE Hdi/( Fred0 e& s "#!im( c(me&!ari( c(m( Ve#(cirap!(r, La ca2eza + #(s die&!es de# 2a2(s( desce&dier(& desde #a c(pa de #(s $i&F$(s + se !ra$ar(& a Fred 5as!a #(s !a#(&es, E# m(&s!r ( mas!ic% + e# c#ar( se ##e&% c(& e# s(&id( de #(s 5 es(s 1 e se r(mp7a&, HQA5R HE# m(&s!r ( a2ri% #a 2(ca + )(mi!% e# 5(rr(r, Era m + 2 e&(E O a& pas% a )er parcia#me&!e #a rea#idad9 Fred es!a2a de pie e& medi( de #(s res!(s 5 mea&!es de s Ve#(cirap!(r0 c(& #a camisa p(r mera de #(s pa&!a#(&es + c 2ier!( de 2a2aE 2a2a de )erdad + apes!(sa, De #a 1 e c(s!a2a di&er(, E# m(&s!r ( era &( de #(s $ra&des disp(si!i)(s mec4&ic(s de P+ramid Ji## dis'razad( de miem2r( de #a & e)a especie de O a&, L(s !res mirar(& s s ma&d72 #as, HUJa sid( #( s 'icie&!eme&!e se&s(ria# para )(s(!r(sV Hpre$ &!% #a cria! ra0 c(& & a#ie&!( 1 e era &a 2risa ca#ie&!e de car&e e& desc(mp(sici%&, Va+a si #( 5a27a sid(, Fred re!r(cedi% & pas( a!r4s + casi res2a#% c(& #a 2a2a, HE# di' &!( Fred Rad&er aca2a de perder & m(&!%& de p &!(s + si$( 5am2rie&!(, HE# m(&s!r ( a$i!% e# m(rr( de# !ama:( de & cami%&H, Os s $ier( 1 e sa#$4is de a1 7 a !(da prisa, Re!r(cedier(&0 mira&d( 'i/ame&!e #(s die&!es de# m(&s!r (, L(s $eme#(s se dier(& #a ) e#!a + c(rrier(&, C(m( era 5a2i! a#0 O a& se re!ras% & i&s!a&!e, A#$( simi#ar a &a ma&( e&(rme #e a!rap%, HT"0 !e&$( as &!(s pe&die&!es c(&!i$(, HLas pa#a2ras s r$ier(& c(m( & r $id( $ ! ra# e&!re c(#mi##(s apre!ad(sH, Si6&!a!e, Vam(s a 5a2#ar,

%*ara!) 8engo una suerte p"sima, L e$( rec(rd% 1 e 5a27a sid( O a& Or(zc( e# 1 e 5a27a s 2id( a & 4r2(# para des2ara!ar #a #%$ica de e&!rada a P+ramid Ji##, A# es!"pid( O a& Or(zc( &( #e 5ac7a 'a#!a #a ma#a s er!e0 era e# !(&!( per'ec!(, Y #(s $eme#(s 5a27a& desaparecid(, Per( c a&d( #as ?ma&d72 #as@ #( s(#!ar(& + se )(#)i%0 e# m(&s!r ( se$ 7a a##7E &( era & p(#i de a#1 i#er de P+ramid Ji##, QM iz4 rea#me&!e ' ese & / $ad(r de 7eg*ret Se desp#az% de #ad(0 i&!e&!a&d( sa#ir de de2a/( de #a mirada pe&d #ar, A1 e##( &( era m4s 1 e & / e$(, P(d7a a#e/arse de# sa ri( de c a!r( pis(s, C#ar( es!a2a0 se car$ar7a s cr6di!( de 7egreso al *retcico0 i&c# s( era p(si2#e 1 e aca2ase c 2ier!( de 2a2a apes!(sa, Y si e# Gra& La$ar!( se !(ma2a e# / e$( e& seri(0 p(d7a ca sar#e pr(2#emas e& (!r(s / e$(s, 9ale. Se se&!% ap(+a&d( #a espa#da e& e# $i&F$( m4s cerca&(, As7 1 e ##e$ar7a !arde & d7a m4sD &( i2a a empe(rar m c5( m4s s si! aci%& esc(#ar, E# sa ri( se ec5% a!r4s + apar!% e# c erp( de Ve#(cirap!(r de Fred Rad&er, Acerc% #a ca2eza a# s e#( para mirar direc!ame&!e a O a&, L(s (/(s0 #a ca2eza + e# c(#(r era& e3ac!ame&!e #(s de# dise:( (ri$i&a# de O a&0 + a1 e# / $ad(r sa27a m()er#( para 1 e e# e'ec!( ' ese rea#me&!e impresi(&a&!e, P(r #as cica!rices de 2a!a##a )e7a 1 e 5a27a pe#ead( e& )ari(s p &!(s di'7ci#es de 7egreso al *retcico. O a& se (2#i$% a s(&re7r a&im(s(, HGie&0 U!e $ s!a mi dise:(V H#e pre$ &!% a# 2ic5(, E# m(&s!r ( e&se:% #(s #ar$(s c(#mi##(s, HL(s 5e )is!( pe(res, HCam2i% #(s par4me!r(s de# / e$(0 m(s!ra&d( de!a##es de #a capa cr7!ica, Se !ra!a2a de & / $ad(r seri(0 Q1 iz4s i&c# s( de & crac( de# / e$(R E& e# s e#(0 e&!re e##(s0 5a27a & e/emp#ar m er!( + desmem2rad( de #a creaci%& de O a&, E# Gra& La$ar!( #( !(c% c(& &a $arraH, Per( #a !e3! ra de #a pie# es de #a 2i2#i(!eca de e/emp#(s de# Gremi( de Fa&!asis!as, La c(m2i&aci%& de c(#(res es!4 m + )is!a, E# !e/id( ser7a m(&( si &( apareciese e& !(d(s #(s a& &ci(s de Epi'a&7a Ya, O a& se acerc% #as r(di##as a #a 2ar2i##a, Era #a misma mierda 1 e !e&7a 1 e s(p(r!ar e& e# c(#e$i(, HT(m( pres!ad( de #(s me/(res, La risa de# sa ri( ' e & r $id( 1 e 5iz( )i2rar e# cr4&e( de O a&, HP ede 1 e esa e3c sa c(&)e&za a ! s pr('es(res, E##(s se !ie&e& 1 e !ra$ar #a mierda 1 e #es daisE a# me&(s 5as!a 1 e (s $rad 6is + (s s e#!e& e& #a ca##e, Es!e dise:( es &(rma#i!(, A#$ &(s #( 5a& ad(p!ad(0 pri&cipa#me&!e p(r1 e #a mec4&ica es 2 e&a, Per( si es!am(s 5a2#a&d( de ca#idad de )erdad0 simp#eme&!e &( es!4 a #a a#! ra, HLa cria! ra 5i&c5% s s cica!rices de 2a!a##a pers(&a#izadas, HJa$( (!ras c(sas, HS70 + & &ca #($ras &ada0 c(& #as (!ras !am2i6& 'racasas, Era &a idea 1 e s(#7a pre(c par a O a& Or(zc(, Cada )ez !e&7a m4s #a impresi%& de 1 e i2a a aca2ar c(m( s padreE UI&c# s( era p(si2#e 1 e O a& & &ca c(&si$ iese & !ra2a/( de# 1 e p diera& despedir#(R ?Da#( !(d(@ era e#

#ema de# i&s!i! !( Fairm(&!, Per( dar#( !(d( &( era m4s 1 e e# c(mie&z(, I&c# s( si #( da2as !(d( !e p(d7as 1 edar a!r4s, N( !e&7a i&!e&ci%& de c(&'esar#e esas ideas a (!r( / $ad(r, Mir% ' ri(s( #(s (/(s amari##(s + de pr(&!( se #e (c rri% 1 e0 a# c(&!rari( 1 e #(s pr('es(res0 a a1 e# !ip( &( #e pa$a2a& para ser a$rada2#e, Y es!a2a ma#$as!a&d( demasiad( !iemp( simp#eme&!e para 5 mi##ar#(, %:uiere algo de m) O a& #( a!ra)es% c(& #a mirada, HUY !ie&es a#$ &a pr(p(sici%&0 (50 P(der(s( La$ar!( Vir! a#V HP(dr7aE p(dr7a ser, Adem4s de 7eg*ret !e&$( (!r(s pr(+ec!(s e& marc5a, UM 6 !e parecer7a par!icipar e& ca#idad de a'i#iad( e& & pr(+ec!i!(V E3cep!( a #(s / e$(s #(ca#es0 &adie /am4s #e 5a27a pedid( a O a& 1 e se a'i#iase a &ada, Re!(rci% #a 2(ca c(& 'a#s( desd6&, HUA'i#iad(V UU& p(rce&!a/e de & p(rce&!a/e deE c 4&!(V UC 4& a2a/( es!4s e& #a esca#a de )a#(rV E# sa ri( se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s + se (+% e# s(&id( de $i&F$(s es!remeci6&d(se c(&!ra s s 5(m2r(s, HS p(&$( 1 e es!(+ 2as!a&!e a2a/(, As7 pasa c(& #a ma+(r7a de #as a'i#iaci(&es, Per( p ed( pa$ar &a 2 e&a s ma p(r #as resp es!as 1 e ma&de 5acia arri2a, HLa cria! ra #e di( &a ci'raD era m4s 1 e s 'icie&!e para pr(2ar #a ca7da #i2re a diari( d ra&!e & a:(, E& e# aire0 e&!re am2(s0 '#(!% & c(mpr(mis( de pa$( c(& #a ca&!idad ('recida + &a !ari'a de 2(&i'icaci%&, O a& 5a27a / $ad( a a#$ &(s / e$(s 'i&a&cier(s, HE# d(2#e ( &( 5a+ !ra!(, HVi( e&!(&ces 1 e e& #a secci%& de derec5(s #!eri(res #as ci'ras era& i#e$i2#es, P(d7a de2erse a 1 e c a#1 iera de #(s 1 e rec# !a2a c(2ra2a m c5( m4s, HQJec5(R Hdi/( e# La$ar!(0 a&!es de 1 e O a& p diese s 2ir e# preci(, QY O a& es! )( se$ r( de 1 e s(&re7aR HVa#e0 U1 6 1 ieresV ;3Y ,u" te hace pensar ,ue un tonto como !o puede drtelo4 HVas a# i&s!i! !( Fairm(&!0 U&(V HEs( +a #( sa2es, HEs & # $ar c ri(s(0 U&(V HC(m( O a& &( resp(&d7a0 e# 2ic5( a:adi%H9 Cr6eme0 es c ri(s(, E& #a ma+(r7a de #(s i&s!i! !(s0 i&c# id(s #(s e3perime&!a#es0 &( mezc#a& a #(s de Ed caci%& de Ad #!(s c(& #(s &i:(s, HYa0 e& e# cic#( '(rma!i)(, A #(s )ie/(s &( #es $ s!a, A &(s(!r(s &( &(s $ s!a, HGie&0 #a !area de mi a'i#iad( s peri(r es 'is$(&ear p(r a570 pri&cipa#me&!e e&!re #(s )ie/(s, Tra2ar amis!ad c(& e##(s, Me& da $racia, Per( O a& )(#)i% a mirar e# c(mpr(mis( de pa$(, Parec7a a !6&!ic(, La ad/ dicaci%& de primas era & #7( 1 e &( 1 er7a #eerse0 per( !e&7a e# respa#d( de# Ga&c( de Am6rica, HUC(& a#$ ie& e& par!ic #arV HA50 6se es e# pr(2#ema, M ie& sea 1 e es!4 e& #( a#!( de mi cade&a de a'i#iaci%& es !7mid(, S%#( rec($em(s i&'(rmaci%&, A#$ &(s de es(s )ie/(s era& a&!es pers(&as imp(r!a&!es,

HSi !a& imp(r!a&!es era&0 Uc%m( es 1 e a5(ra es!4& e& & es!ra c#aseV HEra #a pre$ &!a 1 e #(s c5ic(s se 5ac7a& e& #a esc e#a, HJa+ & 2 e& m(&!%& de raz(&es para e##(0 O a&, A#$ &(s se sie&!e& s(#(s, A#$ &(s es!4& e&de dad(s 5as!a #as ce/as + !ie&e& 1 e e&c(&!rar #a '(rma de $a&arse #a )ida e& #a ec(&(m7a ac! a#, O!r(s &( s(& m4s 1 e & c erp( sa# da2#e + & m(&!%& de )ie/(s rec erd(s, Se amar$a&, HVa#e0 Uc%m( !e 5aces ami$( de a#$ ie& as7V HSi 1 ieres e# di&er(0 +a desc 2rir4s #a '(rma, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 a1 7 !ie&es #(s cri!eri(s de 2"s1 eda, HE# Gra& La$ar!( #e pas% & d(c me&!(, Ec5% & )is!az( a #a capa s peri(r, HEs & c(&/ &!( m + amp#i(, HP(#7!ic(s re!irad(s de Sa& Die$(0 2i(cie&!7'ic(s0 padres de pers(&as 1 e ac! a#me&!e (c pa& es!(s p es!(sE HE& #(s e&#aces 5a+ carac!er7s!icas para s descar!e, T !ra2a/( c(&sis!e e& c(&se$ ir 1 e #a $e&!e adec ada se i&!erese p(r mi a'i#iaci%&, HA m7E a m7 &( se me da 2ie& 5a2#ar c(& #a $e&!e, HEspecia#me&!e c(& #a $e&!e as7, HE&!(&ces0 se$ ir4s p(2re, Ga##i&a, O a& $ ard% & ra!( de si#e&ci(, S padre /am4s 5 2iese acep!ad( & !ra2a/( c(m( a1 6#, A# 'i& di/(9 HVa#e0 me a'i#iar6 c(&!i$(, HN( me $ s!ar7a 1 e 5icieses &ada 1 e !e parezcaE HQJe dic5( 1 e #( 5ar6R HQVa#eR Gie&0 #( 1 e !e 5e pasad( de2er7a ser)ir!e para empezar, E& e# d(c me&!( 5a+ i&'(rmaci%& de c(&!ac!(, HLa cria! ra se p s( e& pie c(& es' erz( + s )(z #e ##e$% desde m + arri2aH, Ser4 me/(r 1 e &( &(s )(#)am(s a )er e& P+ramid Ji##, HP(r m7 )a#e, HO a& se #e)a&!%, C a&d( 2a/a2a #a c(#i&a #e di( &a pa#mada a #a c(#a de #a cria! ra, L(s $eme#(s #e ##e)a2a& m c5a )e&!a/a + es!a2a& de pie e& e# camp( de '"!2(#0 a# (!r( #ad( de# c(#e$i(, O a& a$arr% & p &!( de )is!a e& #as $radas + )eri'ic% #a c(&e3i%&, Fred #e sa# d%0 per( se$ 7a c(& #a camisa demasiad( 2a2eada para c(m &icarse, Oerr+ mira2a 5acia arri2a c(& #as ma&(s e3!e&didas para rec($er e# e&)7( de UPWE3 1 e ca7a, O s!( a !iemp(0 p(r s p es!(, L(s $eme#(s a2r7a& e# pa1 e!e mie&!ras e&!ra2a& e& #a carpa !a##er, P(r des$racia0 #a primera c#ase de O a& se da2a a# 'i&a# de# pasi##( m4s a#e/ad(, Cr z% c(rrie&d( e# c6sped c(& #a )isi%& 'i/ada e& #a rea#idad si& me/(rar9 #(s edi'ici(s era& casi !(d(s de !res p#a&!as, Las paredes $rises parec7a& &aipes e& e1 i#i2ri( i&es!a2#e, E#e$ir #( 1 e se )e7a de&!r( &( era e#ecci%& s +a, P(r #as ma:a&as0 #a admi&is!raci%& de #a esc e#a e3i$7a 1 e e# <airmont 0e=s es! )iera e& !(das #as paredes, Tres c5ic(s de# i&s!i! !( J(()er 5a27a& $a&ad( &a 2eca de IGM, Ap#a s(s0 ap#a s(s0 i&c# s( a pesar de 1 e J(()er era e# i&/ s!ame&!e

a)e&!a/ad( ri)a# de Fairm(&!0 & ce&!r( p"2#ic( e3perime&!a# diri$id(0 p(r e# Depar!ame&!( de Ma!em4!icas de #a UCSD, L(s !res /%)e&es $e&i(s reci2ir7a& ed caci%& &i)ersi!aria $ra! i!a0 i&c# s( de p(s!$rad(0 a &1 e /am4s ##e$ara& a !ra2a/ar e& IGM, Va+a c(sa0 pe&s% O a&0 i&!e&!a&d( c(&s(#arse, A#$"& d7a es(s c5ic(s ser7a& ric(s0 per( & p(rce&!a/e de s '(r! &a )(#)er7a siempre a IGM, Si& ape&as pres!ar a!e&ci%&0 si$ i% #as '#ec5i!as )erdes de &a)e$aci%&E + de pr(&!( se di( c e&!a de 1 e 5a27a s 2id( d(s !ram(s de esca#era, La admi&is!raci%& de# i&s!i! !( #( 5a27a re(rde&ad( !(d( desde e# d7a a&!eri(r, C#ar( 1 e !am2i6& 5a27a& ac! a#izad( #as '#ec5as de &a)e$aci%&, Me&(s ma# 1 e i2a despis!ad(, E&!r( e& e# a #a + se se&!%, La se:(ra C5 m#i$ +a 5a27a empezad(, E# !ema de C5 m#i$ era 2"s1 eda + a&4#isis, A&!es0 e& e# J(()er0 da2a & c rs( a2re)iad( de #a misma asi$&a! ra0 per( se$"& & r m(r m + 2ie& ' &dad( &( 5a27a #($rad( es!ar a #a a#! ra, As7 1 e e# Depar!ame&!( de Ed caci%& #a 5a27a !ras#adad( a #a c#ase de# Fairm(&!, E& rea#idad0 a O a& #e ca7a & p(c( 2ie&, E##a !am2i6& era & 'racas(, HJa+ m c5as ap!i! des di'ere&!es Hdec7aH, E& (casi(&es #( me/(r es / &!ar a m c5as pers(&as + (r$a&izar7as para e&c(&!rar &a resp es!a, HL(s es! dia&!es asi&!ier(&, L( me/(r era ser c((rdi&ad(r, A##7 es!a2a e# di&er(, Per( !am2i6& sa27a& ad(&de 1 er7a ir a parar C5 m#i$ c(& esa idea, La pr('es(ra mir% a #(s a# m&(s de & m(d( 1 e de/a2a c#ar( 1 e sa27a 1 e e##(s #( sa27a&H, P(r des$racia0 !(d(s pre!e&d6is ser imp(r!a&!es a$e&!es0 U)erdadV HEs #( 1 e serem(s a#$ &(s, HEra &( de #(s de Ed caci%& de Ad #!(s, Xi&s!(& G#( &! era !a& )ie/( 1 e 5a2r7a p(did( ser e# 2isa2 e#( de O a&, C a&d( G#( &! !e&7a & ma# d7a #e $ s!a2a 5(s!i$ar a #a se:(ra C5 m#i$, La pr('es(ra de 2"s1 eda + a&4#isis #e s(&ri%, HEs( es !a& p(c( pr(2a2#e c(m( c(&)er!irse e& es!re##a de #a #i$a de 26is2(# pr('esi(&a#, L(s ?a$e&!es de c((rdi&aci%&@ p r(s s(& e/emp#ares rar7sim(s0 deca&( G#( &!, HA#$ &(s de &(s(!r(s de2em(s ser admi&is!rad(res, HO5, HC5 m#i$ parec7a !ris!e0 c(m( si i&!e&!ase decidir c%m( dar &a ma#a &(!iciaH, La admi&is!raci%& 5a cam2iad( m c5(0 deca&( G#( &!, Xi&s!(& G#( &! se ap(+% e& e# respa#d(, HVa#e, As7 1 e !e&em(s 1 e apre&der a#$ &(s !r c(s & e)(s, HS7, HLa se:(ra C5 m#i$ mir% a# $r p(H, Es &a idea ' &dame&!a#, Es!a c#ase es de 2"s1 eda + a&4#isis0 e# c(raz%& de #a ec(&(m7a, E)ide&!eme&!e0 c(m( c(&s mid(res &ecesi!am(s 2"s1 eda + a&4#isis, E& casi !(d(s #(s !ra2a/(s ac! a#es &(s $a&am(s #a )ida c(& #a 2"s1 eda + e# a&4#isis, Per(0 a# 'i&a#0 de2em(s sa2er a#$( s(2re a#$(, HSe re'iere a es(s c rs(s e& #(s 1 e sacam(s ma#as &(!as0 U&(V HEra &a )(z pr(2a2#eme&!e de a#$ ie& 1 e '7sicame&!e 5ac7a &()i##(s,

C5 m#i$ s spir%, HS7, N( de/6is 1 e esas ap!i! des desaparezca&, Las 5a26is )is!( e& acci%&, Usad#as, Me/(rad#as, L( p(d6is 5acer c(& &a especie de a&4#isis pre)i( 1 e ##am( ?es! diar@, U&a de #as es! dia&!es a#z% #a ma&(, Era !a& )ie/a c(m( para 5acer#(, HUS70 d(c!(ra Iia&$V HS6 1 e !ie&e s!ed raz%&, Per(E HLa m /er mir% a s s c(mpa:er(s, Parec7a de #a edad de C5 m#i$0 &( !a& )ie/a &i de #e/(s c(m( Xi&s!(& G#( &!, Per( !e&7a &a mirada de !em(rH, Si& em2ar$(0 a#$ &as pers(&as s(& me/(res 1 e (!ras, Ya &( s(+ !a& #is!a c(m( a&!es, O 1 iz4 simp#eme&!e #(s dem4s #( s(& m4s 1 e +(E UM 6 pasa si 5acem(s !(d( #( p(si2#e + &( res #!a s 'icie&!eV C5 m#i$ )aci#%, 3:u" ir a responder40 pe&s% O a&, Era &a pre$ &!a di'7ci#, HEs & pr(2#ema 1 e &(s a'ec!a a !(d(s0 d(c!(ra Iia&$, La pr()ide&cia &(s repar!i% a cada &( &a ma&(, E& s cas(0 5a reci2id( s!ed &a & e)a ma&( + & & e)( c(mie&z(, HMir% a# res!( de #a c#aseH, A#$ &(s de )(s(!r(s pe&s4is 1 e ) es!ra ma&( )i!a# es de d(s es + !res es, HDe#a&!e de #a c#ase 5a27a a#$ &(s es! dia&!es rea#me&!e c(mpr(me!id(s0 &( m c5( ma+(res 1 e O a&, Ves!7a&0 per( &( !e&7a& $ s!( para #a r(pa + /am4s 5a27a& apre&did( c(di'icaci%& c(#ec!i)a, Mie&!ras C5 m#i$ 5a2#a2a0 !ec#ea2a& c(& #(s ded(s0 2 sca&d( ?d(ses@ + ?!reses@, @Per( !e&$( &a !e(r7a s(2re #a )ida sacada direc!ame&!e de# / e$( Hdi/( C5 m#i$H, Siempre ha! un camino. V(s(!r(s0 cada &( de )(s(!r(s0 disp(&e de a#$ &(s c(m(di&es, Usad#(s, Desc 2rid 1 6 (s 5ace me/(res + di'ere&!es, P(r1 e es!4 a57 + s%#( !e&6is 1 e desc 2rir#(, Y c a&d( #( 5a$4is0 p(dr6is ('recer resp es!as a #(s dem4s0 + #(s dem4s es!ar4& disp es!(s a dar(s resp es!as a )(s(!r(s, E& res me&0 #a sere&dipidad si&!6!ica &( )ie&e dada, Caram2a0 de2es crear#a !" mism(, Vaci#% mira&d( #as i&)isi2#es &(!as de c#ase + re& &ci% a #a (ra!(ria, HDe/em(s #a ima$e& $#(2a#, J(+ )am(s a 5a2#ar s(2re #a !ra&s'(rmaci%& de s(# ci(&es de '(r(s de resp es!a, C(m( siempre0 aspiram(s a p#a&!ear #a pre$ &!a c(rrec!a, A O a& #e $ s!a2a se&!arse / &!( a #a pared 1 e da2a a# e3!eri(r0 s(2re !(d( c a&d( #a c#ase se impar!7a e& e# !ercer pis(, N(!a2a #a pared a$i!4&d(se de#icadame&!e mie&!ras e# edi'ici( i&!e&!a2a ma&!e&er e# e1 i#i2ri(, Ese !ip( de c(sas pr()(ca2a& a!a1 es de &er)i(s a s madre, ?QU& 'a##( de# sis!ema de & se$ &d( + se desm(r(&ar4R@0 se 5a27a 1 e/ad( e& &a re &i%& de #a as(ciaci%& de padres, P(r (!ra par!e0 #as c(&s!r cci(&es cas!i##(HdeH&aipes era& 2ara!asE + s(p(r!a2a& & $ra& !errem(!( c(& #a misma e'icacia c(& #a 1 e s(p(r!a2a& #a 2risa ma! !i&a, Se ap(+% e& #a pared + pres!% a!e&ci%& a C5 m#i$, Era p(r es( 1 e #a esc e#a (2#i$a2a a asis!ir e& pers(&a a #a ma+(r7a de #as c#asesD 5a27a 1 e pres!ar & p(c( m4s de a!e&ci%& a!rapad( e& & a #a rea# c(& & pr('es(r rea#, L(s

$r4'ic(s de C5 m#i$ '#(!a2a& e& e# aire, Ja27a #($rad( 1 e #a c#ase #e pres!ase a!e&ci%&D casi &( 5a27a pi&!adas i&s(#e&!es e& #(s 2(rdes de #as im4$e&es, Y d ra&!e & ra!( O a& !am2i6& pres!% a!e&ci%&, Verdadera a!e&ci%&, L(s '(r(s de resp es!a p(d7a& $e&erar res #!ad(s s%#id(s0 &(rma#me&!e si& c(s!e a#$ &(, Per( &( 5a27a a'i#iaci%&0 s%#( me&!es a'i&es i&!e&!a&d( res(#)er #(s pr(2#emas, UM 6 pasa2a si &( eras &a me&!e a'7&V Si per!e&ec7as a & '(r( de $e&6!ica0 di$am(s0 + cre7as 1 e #a !rascripci%& era &a '(rma de !rad cci%&0 e&!(&ces !arda2as meses e& ##e$ar a a#$ &a par!e, As7 1 e O a& de/% de pres!ar a!e&ci%& + rec(rri% e# a #a pasa&d( de & p &!( de )is!a a (!r(, A#$ &(s es! dia&!es 5a27a& de/ad( s s p &!(s de )is!a p"2#ic(s, La ma+(r7a era& simp#eme&!e c4maras a#ea!(rias, Mie&!ras se de!e&7a e&!re sa#!(s 5(/e% e# d(c me&!( de !areas de# Gra& La$ar!(, De 5ec5(0 e# La$ar!( es!a2a i&!eresad( e& a#$( m4s 1 e e& #(s )ie/(s, E& #a #is!a !am2i6& aparec7a& &(s c a&!(s a# m&(s &(rma#es, A1 e##a a'i#iaci%& de27a de ser !a& amp#ia c(m( #a #(!er7a de Ca#i'(r&ia, Se p s( a 5acer a#$ &as c(mpr(2aci(&es, C(m( #a ma+(r7a de #(s c5ic(s0 !e&7a m c5( ma!eria# a#mace&ad( e& s a! e&d(, P(d7a e/ec !ar &a 2"s1 eda c(m( 6sa direc!ame&!e e& s c5a#ec(, N( pasa2a a# m &d( e3!eri(r e3cep!( c a&d( p(d7a ir a & si!( de# 1 e C5 m#i$ es! )iese 5a2#a&d(, A #a pr('es(ra se #e da2a rea#me&!e 2ie& pi##ar a #(s 1 e 5ac7a& &()i##(s me&!a#me&!e, Per( a O a& se #e da2a m + 2ie& #a c(di'icaci%& c(#ec!i)a + diri$7a s a! e&d( c(& pe1 e:(s $es!(s e i&dicaci(&es de #(s (/(s, C a&d( C5 m#i$ #e mir%0 asi&!i% s(&rie&!e + #e repi!i% #(s "#!im(s se$ &d(s de #a c#ase, E& c a&!( a #(s es! dia&!es )ie/(sE #(s reca c5 !ad(s c(mpe!e&!es /am4s aca2a2a& a##7D era& ric(s + 'am(s(s0 #a $e&!e 1 e p(se7a $ra& par!e de# m &d( rea#, L(s 1 e es!a2a& e& Ed caci%& de Ad #!(s era& #(s )e&id(s a me&(s, Esa $e&!e i2a $(!ea&d( e& Fairm(&! d ra&!e !(d( e# semes!re, L(s 5(spi!a#es $eri4!ric(s se &e$a2a& a s(#!ar#(s a pri&cipi( de c rs(, A'irma2a& 1 e #(s ci dada&(s ma+(res era& ?s(cia#me&!e mad r(s@0 p(r !a&!( capaces de #idiar c(& e# /a#e( de & c(mie&z( a mi!ad de semes!re, O a& pas% de &a cara a (!ra0 2 sca&d( #(s re$is!r(s p"2#ic(s9 Xi&s!(& G#( &!, E# !ip( era & desas!re, La medici&a para reca c5 !ad(s era &a )erdadera #(!er7a, Ja27a c(sas 1 e p(d7a c rar0 (!ras &(, Y #( 1 e s r!7a e'ec!( di'er7a de &a pers(&a a (!ra, Xi&s!(& G#( &! &( 5a27a sid( & c(mp#e!( $a&ad(r, E& a1 e# m(me&!( e# !ip( e&!(r&a2a #(s (/(s c(& c(&ce&!raci%&0 i&!e&!a&d( se$ ir e# e/emp#( de & '(r( de resp es!a 1 e c(me&!a2a C5 m#i$, Ja27a pasad( p(r )arias de #as c#ases de O a&0 1 e &( p(d7a acceder a s s re$is!r(s m6dic(s0 per( s p(&7a 1 e !e&7a #a me&!e raz(&a2#eme&!e i&!ac!aD era !a& #is!( c(m( a#$ &(s c5ic(s de #a c#ase, Y e& s 6p(ca 5a27a sid( & !ip( imp(r!a&!e e& #a UCSD, Jac7a m c5( !iemp(, A #a #is!a de ?i&!eresa&!es@,

Y # e$( es!a2a Ii Iia&$, D(c!(ra e& '7sica0 d(c!(ra e& i&$e&ier7a e#6c!ricaD $a&ad(ra e& -;<; de #a meda##a preside&cia# a #a c(mp !aci%& se$ ra, E& $e&era#0 s 7&dice de #($r(s era casi di$&( de# N(2e#, La d(c!(ra Iia&$ perma&ec7a se&!ada0 i&c#i&ada 5acia de#a&!e0 mira&d( #a mesa, QI&!e&!a2a se$ ir e# ri!m( de #a c#ase c(& &a p4$i&a )is(rR P(2re m /er, Per( se$ r( 1 e !e&7a c(&!ac!(s, C5 m#i$ se$ 7a 5a2#a&d( s(2re c%m( !ra&s'(rmar res #!ad(s para (2!e&er & e)as pre$ &!as0 si& perca!arse de 1 e O a& 5ac7a &()i##(s, 3Ahora ,ui"n4 R(2er! G , P(r & m(me&!(0 O a& cre+% 5a2erse e1 i)(cad( de p &!( de )is!a, Mir% de re(/( a #a derec5a0 5acia d(&de se se&!a2a& #(s miem2r(s de Ed caci%& de Ad #!(s, R(2er! G 0 d(c!(r e& #i!era! ra, U& p(e!a, Es!a2a se&!ad( c(& #(s )e/es!(ri(s0 per( Qapare&!a2a &(s diecisie!e a:(sR O a& ##e)% s a!e&ci%& apare&!e de ) e#!a a #a se:(ra C5 m#i$ + e3ami&% de cerca a# & e)(, G era es2e#!(0 casi es1 e#6!ic(0 + a#!(, Te&7a &a pie# s a)e + si& m4c #a, Per( da2a #a impresi%& de es!ar s da&d(, O a& se arries$% a ec5ar & )is!az( a re'ere&cias m6dicas e3!er&as, %Aja) S7&!(mas de# !ra!amie&!( Ve&&H P rasa>a, E# d(c!(r R(2er! G era & 5(m2re c(& s er!e0 ese &( e&!re mi# 1 e resp(&d7a p(r c(mp#e!( a ese aspec!( de #a ma$ia de# reca c5 !ad(, P(r (!ra par!e0 a O a& #e da2a #a impresi%& de 1 e a# !ip( se #e 5a27a aca2ad( #a s er!e, N( resp(&d7a e& a2s(# !( a# pi&$, S(2re #a mesa !e&7a &a p4$i&a )is(r arr $ada0 per( &( #a es!a2a sa&d(, A:(s a&!es0 e# !ip( 5a27a sid( i&c# s( m4s 'am(s( 1 e Ii Iia&$0 per( se 5a27a c(&)er!id( e& & 'racasad( !(da)7a pe(rE De !(das '(rmas0 U1 6 era e# ?re)isi(&ism( dec(&s!r c!i)(@V O5, De'i&i!i)ame&!e &( aparecer7a e& #a #is!a para e# Gra& La$ar!(, O a& ec5% e# &(m2re a #a pape#era, Per(E & m(me&!(0 &( 5a27a c(mpr(2ad( #as re#aci(&es 'ami#iares de G , Jiz( #a c(&s #!aE + de pr(&!( c(#$% & me&sa/e si#e&ci(s( e& #e!ras ##amea&!es a&!e s s (/(s9 C5 m#i$ HS Or(zc(9 TmsSQTie&es !(d( e# d7a para ! s / e$(s0 O a&R Si &( )as a pres!ar a!e&ci%& e& c#ase0 1 iz4 ser7a me/(r 1 e #a de/ases,TWmsS Or(zc( HS C5 m#i$9 TmsSQL( sie&!(0 #( sie&!(RTWmsS S spe&di% #a c(&s #!a + a2a&d(&% #a sesi%& e3!er&a, AI mism( !iemp(0 repi!i% #(s "#!im(s mi& !(s de #a c#ase0 i&!e&!a&d( desesperadame&!e res mir#a, E& #a ma+(r7a de #as (casi(&es0 C5 m#i$ se #imi!a2a a p#a&!ear &a pre$ &!a para p(&er#(s e& e)ide&ciaD a1 6##a era #a primera (casi%& e& 1 e #e 5a27a ame&azad(, Y #( m4s as(m2r(s(9 #( 5a27a 5ec5( d ra&!e &a 2re)e pa sa0 c a&d( !(d(s #(s dem4s #a cre7a& c(&s #!a&d( s s &(!as, O a& #a mir% c(& re&()ad( respe!(, HJas sid( & p(c( d ra c(& e# c5ic(0 U&( !e pareceV HEse d7a C(&e/( es!a2a pr(2a&d( &a ima$e& & e)a0 e& esa (casi%& 2asada e& #as i# s!raci(&es c#4sicas de Alicia en el pas de las maravillas #7&eas de $ra2ad( i&c# idas, E# e'ec!( era c(mp#e!ame&!e a2s rd( e& & c erp( !ridime&si(&a#, E# Gra& La$ar!( &( parec7a impresi(&ad(,

HT" &( de2er7as es!ar a1 7 a2a/(, O a& es mi a'i#iad( direc!(0 &( e# ! +(, HJ(+ es!am(s & p(c( 1 is1 i##(s(s0 U&(V Simp#eme&!e es!a2a c(mpr(2a&d( (s #7mi!es de mi a'i#iaci%&, HGie&0 1 6da!e a# mar$e&, O a& &ecesi!a es!a c#ase, HP(r s p es!( 1 e c(mpar!( ! s m(!i)(s cari!a!i)(s, HC(&e/( #e dedic% a# La$ar!( &a mirada i&s(#e&!eH, Per( #e 5as i&!err mpid( c a&d( i&)es!i$a2a a a#$ ie& 1 e me res #!a especia#me&!e i&!eresa&!e, Te 5e ('recid( a'i#iaci(&es e3ce#e&!es, Si 1 ieres se$ ir dis'r !a&d( de mi ap(+(0 de2es c((perar, HMira0 1 ier( 1 e e# c5ic( 2 s1 e p(r s c e&!a0 per( &( 1 e #e 5a$a& da:(, HLa )(z de# La$ar!( se c(r!% + C(&e/( se pre$ &!% si C5 m#i$ se #( es!ar7a pe&sa&d( me/(r, N( era 1 e imp(r!ase, C(&e/( se #( es!a2a pasa&d( e& $ra&de e3!e&di6&d(se p(r !(da #a esce&a s(cia# de# s r de Ca#i'(r&ia, Tarde ( !empra&( desc 2rir7a de 1 6 i2a a1 e# !ra2a/(,

;] EL EJS DE LA DOCTORA IIANG Ta##er, C(& di'ere&cia #a asi$&a! ra pre'erida de O a& Or(zc(, Ta##er era c(m( & / e$( de $ama s peri(rD 5a27a ar!i# $i(s rea#es 1 e !(car + c(&ec!ar, Para 5acer#( 5a27a 1 e pa$ar e& P+ramid Ji##, Y e# se:(r Xi##iams &( era L( ise C5 m#i$, Te de/a2a se$ ir ! s i&c#i&aci(&es0 per( & &ca )(#)7a para 1 e/arse de 1 e &( 5 2ieses #($rad( &ada, Era casi imp(si2#e &( sacar s(2resa#ie&!e e& #as c#ases de R(& Xi##iamsD era & 5(m2re mara)i##(same&!e c5apad( a #a a&!i$ a, Ta##er era #a me/(r (p(r! &idad de O a& para a)a&zar e& e# pr(+ec!( de# Gra& La$ar!(0 a# me&(s e& #( 1 e se re'er7a a #(s )ie/(s + a #(s 'a&4!ic(s de #a i&!imidad, Va$% p(r #a e&(rme carpa de cac5arr(s c(m( & c(mp#e!( idi(!a, A O a& /am4s se #e 5a27a& dad( 2ie& #(s / e$(s de dip#(macia, Y a5(ra se dedica2a a ad #ar a )ie/(s, Gie&0 p(r #( me&(s es( pre!e&d7a, Ii Iia&$ era &a dama a$rada2#e0 per( se #imi!a2a a se&!arse e& e# 2a&c( de e1 ip( + a #eer #a p4$i&a )is(r, Te&7a #a #is!a de piezas '%rma!e ad a c(m( si ' ese &a especie de ca!4#($( '7sic(, HJ 2( &a 6p(ca e& 1 e c(&(c7a es!as c(sas Hdi/(H, Mira es(, HSe:a#% &a secci%& de #as p4$i&as de m se(9 ?E&!(r&( de Jard>are Se$ r( Iia&$@H, Y( #( dise:6, A O a& se #e (c rri% decir9 HEs s!ed &a de #as $ra&des0 d(c!(ra Iia&$, HPer(E &i si1 iera c(mpre&d( #(s pri&cipi(s de #(s & e)(s c(mp(&e&!es, Parece& m4s 2as ra 1 e semic(&d c!(res %p!ic(s de )erdad, HLe+% #a descripci%& de & pr(d c!(0 de!e&i6&d(se e& #a !ercera #7&eaH, UM 6 es ?e&!re#azad( red &da&!e@V HA5, HO a& a#z% #a )is!a + )i( p &!er(s e& #a / &$#a de c(&cep!(s de '(&d(H, N( 5ace 'a#!a 1 e sepa &ada s(2re ?e&!re#azad( red &da&!e@0 se:(ra, N( e& es!a c#ase, HI&dic% #as descripci(&es de pr(d c!( de #a p4$i&a )is(r de Iia&$, La ima$e& se 1 ed% a##70 c(m( !a##ada e& piedra0 si& resp(&der a# $es!(H, A)a&ce &as p4$i&as + e&c(&!rar4 e# ma!eria# 1 e !e&em(s disp(&i2#e e& c#ase, G s1 e p(rE H9a!a, ,u" complicado esto de tener ,ue deletrear los t"rminos de navegaci+nH, G s1 e ?c(mp(sici(&es ' &ci(&a#es c(&ec!adas@ + si$a a par!ir de a57, HLe m(s!r% c%m( sar s p4$i&a )is(r para ide&!i'icar piezas disp(&i2#esH, N( 5ace 'a#!a c(mpre&der#( !(d(, HO5, HA #(s p(c(s se$ &d(s +a es!a2a / $a&d( c(& #as p(si2i#idades + 5a27a descar$ad( media d(ce&a de c(mp(&e&!esH, Es c(m( )(#)er a ser &a &i:a, Jacie&d( si& c(mpre&der, HPer( a c(&!i& aci%& se p s( a c(m2i&ar piezas G i#d#! 2as!a&!e 2ie& desp 6s de 1 e O a& #e m(s!rase c%m( dar c(& #as

especi'icaci(&es de i&!er'az, Se ri( de a#$ &as de #as descripci(&esH, ?C#asi'icad(res@ + ?des'asad(res@, ?R(2(!s de es!ad( s%#id(@, Ap es!( a 1 e p(dr7a m(&!arme & c(r!ad(r c(& !(d( es!(, HN( #( )e( p(r a1 7 ;3*ortador4;. N( se pre(c pe0 &( p ede es!r(pear &ada, HL( 1 e &( era es!ric!ame&!e cier!(0 per( casi, Se se&!% a (2ser)ar + #e 5iz( a#$ &as s $ere&cias0 a &1 e &( es!a2a se$ r( de 1 6 i&!e&!a2a m(&!ar #a m /er, Ya era s 'icie&!e c(& es!a2#ecer c(mpe&e!raci%&D marc% esa casi##a e& #a #is!a de dip#(macia + pas% a #a si$ ie&!e 'aseH, D(c!(ra Iia&$0 Use ma&!ie&e e& c(&!ac!( c(& s s ami$(s de I&!e#V HDe es( 5ace m c5( !iemp(, Me / 2i#6 e& -;<;, Y d ra&!e #a $ erra &i si1 iera c(&se$ 7a !ra2a/(s de ases(r7a, N(!a2a c%m( me i2a (3ida&d(, HUA#z5eimerV HSa27a 1 e #a d(c!(ra era m c5( ma+(r de #( 1 e apare&!a2a0 i&c# s( ma+(r 1 e Xi&s!(& G#( &!, Iia&$ )aci#%0 + p(r & m(me&!( O a& !emi% 5a2er#a p es!( ' ri(sa, Per( se #imi!% a s(#!ar &a risi!a !ris!e, HN( ' e A#z5eimer0 &i deme&cia, V(s(!r(sE #a $e&!e de 5(+ e& d7a &( sa2e #( 1 e es 5acerse )ie/(, HQS7 1 e #( s6R Mis a2 e#(s si$ e& c(& )ida, Y e& P e2#a !e&$( & 2isa2 e#(, O e$a m c5( a# $(#', La 2isa2 e#a !ie&e deme&ciaE +a sa2e0 &a )ariedad 1 e !(da)7a &( sa2e& c rar, HDe 5ec5(0 #a 2isa2 e#a 5a27a !e&id( & aspec!( !a& / )e&i# c(m( #a d(c!(ra Iia&$, T(d(s #a c(&sidera2a& &a m /er c(& s er!e0 a &1 e a# 'i&a# s%#( #e 5a27a ser)id( para )i)ir #( s 'icie&!e c(m( para padecer &a e&'ermedad i&c ra2#e, La d(c!(ra Iia&$ &e$% c(& #a ca2eza, HI&c# s( e& mi 6p(ca &( !(d(s aca2a2a& se&i#es0 &( c(m( !" #( e&!ie&des, Y( simp#eme&!e perd7 'ac #!ades, Mi ami$a m ri%, A# ca2( de cier!( !iemp(0 +a &ada me imp(r!a2a, Ya &( !e&7a ' erzas para 1 e me imp(r!ase, HMir% e# apara!( 1 e c(&s!r 7aH, A5(ra a# me&(s !e&$( #as e&er$7as de c a&d( !e&7a sese&!a a:(s, I&c# s( es p(si2#e 1 e p(sea #a misma i&!e#i$e&cia &a! ra#, HG(#pe% #a mesaH, QY s%#( )a#$( para / $ar c(& &(s 2#(1 es de Le$( e#ec!ri'icad(sR Di( #a impresi%& de 1 e se i2a a ec5ar a ##(rar e& p#e&( !a##er, O a& mir% a s a#reded(rD &adie mira2a0 p(r #( 1 e parec7a, Acerc% #a ma&( para !(car #a de Iia&$, N( !e&7a #a resp es!a 1 e 1 er7a, La se:(ra C5 m#i$ 5a2r7a dic5( 1 e &( !e&7a #a pre$ &!a adec ada, T(da)7a #e 1 eda2a& a#$ &(s p(r c(mpr(2ar9 Xi&s!(& G#( &!0 p(r e/emp#(, N( era & premi( $(rd(0 per( !a# )ez ! )iese a#$"& )a#(r para e# La$ar!(, E& !a##er G#( &! se #imi!a2a a se&!arse a #a s(m2ra de #a carpa0 mira&d( a# espaci( )ac7(, E# !7( )es!7a0 per( &( resp(&d7a a #(s me&sa/es, O a& esper% a 1 e Xi##iams 5iciese &a de s s pa sas para e# ca'6, L e$( se esca2 ##% + ' e a se&!arse / &!( a G#( &!, Va+a0 e# !ip( !e&7a aspec!( de rea#me&!e )ie/(, O a& &( sa27a e3ac!ame&!e p(r d%&de &a)e$a2a0 per( &( !e&7a &ada 1 e )er c(& e# !a##er,

E# c5ic( se 5a27a dad( c e&!a de 1 e0 c a&d( a G#( &! &( #e i&!eresa2a &a c#ase0 se #imi!a2a a pasar de e##a, Desp 6s de &(s mi& !(s de si#e&ci(0 O a& se di( c e&!a de 1 e !amp(c( es!a2a i&!eresad( e& es!a2#ecer c(&!ac!( s(cia#, %Entonces habla con "l) %0o es ms ,ue otra 2orma de matar monstruos) O a& s perp s( &a ima$e& de 2 '%& s(2re e# !ip( + e&se$ ida #e ' e m4s '4ci# i&iciar e# e&c e&!r(, HDeca&( G#( &!0 U1 6 (pi&a de# !a##erV U&(s (/(s a&!i$ (s se $irar(& para mirar#e, HN( p(dr7a imp(r!arme me&(s0 se:(r Or(zc(, %9aaale) A/a, Ja27a m c5as c(sas s(2re Xi&s!(& G#( &! e& #(s re$is!r(s p"2#ic(s0 i&c# s( a&!i$ a c(rresp(&de&cia de $r p(s de &(!icias, Es( siempre era s 'icie&!e para ##amar #a a!e&ci%& de & ad #!(, P(r s er!e0 G#( ##! si$ i% 5a2#a&d( p(r )(# &!ad pr(pia, HN( s(+ c(m( a#$ &(s de #(s de a1 7, N &ca 5e es!ad( se&i#, P(r derec5( &( de2er7a es!ar a1 7, HUP(r derec5(V HM iz4 p diese $a&ar a#$ &(s p &!(s imi!a&d( & pr($rama psi1 i4!ric( de a&!a:(, HS^, F i deca&( de ar!es + #e!ras 5as!a -;<-, I2a cami&( de c(&)er!irme e& rec!(r de #a UCSD, E& )ez de es(0 me emp /ar(& a #a / 2i#aci%& acad6mica, O a& #( sa27a !(d( s(2re a1 e# as &!(, HPer( s!edE s!ed & &ca apre&di% a )es!ir, G#( &! e&!(r&% #(s (/(s, HF e &a decisi%& de#i2erada &( )es!ir /am4s, Pe&sa2a 1 e )es!ir era &a m(da a2s rda, HSe e&c($i% de 5(m2r(sH, Me e1 i)(1 6, P(r esa decisi%& pa$ 6 & preci( e&(rme, Per( #as c(sas 5a& cam2iad(, HS s (/(s se i# mi&ar(&H, Je c rsad( c a!r( semes!res de Ed caci%& de Ad #!(s, A5(ra mi c rr7c # m a&da p(r e# 6!er, HDe2e c(&(cer a m c5a $e&!e imp(r!a&!e, HE'ec!i)ame&!e, E# 63i!( &( es m4s 1 e c es!i%& de !iemp(, HUSa2eV0 deca&(0 +( p(dr7a a+ dar#e, N(E &( me re'ier( pers(&a#me&!e, Te&$( &a a'i#iaci%& 1 e p(dr7a i&!eresar#e, HUA50 s7V Parec7a sa2er 1 6 era &a a'i#iaci%&, O a& #e e3p#ic% s ac erd( c(& e# Gra& La$ar!(, HAS^ 1 e p(dr7a $a&ar &a 2 e&a s ma, HLe m(s!r% s d(c me&!( de pa$( + se pre$ &!% 1 6 ca&!idad )er7a s rec# !a, G#( &! e&!(r&% #(s (/(s0 si& d da i&!e&!a&d( a&a#izar e# cer!i'icad( de &a '(rma 1 e e# Ga&c( de Am6rica p diese )a#idar, A# ca2( de & m(me&!( asi&!i%0 si& dar a O a& &i&$ &a i# mi&aci%& & m6rica, HE# di&er( &( #( es !(d(0 s(2re !(d( e& mi si! aci%&, HGie&0 a/40 ap es!( a 1 e #a pers(&a 1 e 5a emi!id( es!e pa$ar6 !ie&e m c5as (pci(&es 1 e ('recer, M iz4 p(dr7a c(&se$ ir s!ed &a c(&)ersi%& a a+ da m ! a, Es decir0 a a#$( 1 e s!ed &ecesi!e,

HCier!(, HJa2#ar(& &(s mi& !(s 5as!a 1 e e# !a##er se )(#)i% r id(s(, A#$ &(s de #(s pr(+ec!(s da2a& 'i&a#me&!e res #!ad(, A# me&(s d(s e1 ip(s 5a27a& m(&!ad( &(d(s m%)i#es0 disp(si!i)(s de e&/am2re, Dimi& !as a#as de pape# a#e!ea2a& p(r !(das par!es, E# (!r( e&/am2re se arras!ra2a p(r #a 5ier2a + s 27a p(r #as pa!as de m e2#es + si##as, Se ma&!e&7a #e/(s de #a r(pa0 per( es!a2a m + cerca de ser m(#es!(, O a& se car$% a a#$ &(s &(d(s0 per( (!r(s se #e acerca2a&, Or(zc( HS G#( &!9 TmsS UMe #eeVTWmsS HC#ar( 1 e !e #e( Hresp(&di% e# )ie/(, P(r !a&!(0 a pesar de #( 1 e G#( &! a'irma2a s(2re s capacidad me&!a#0 &( p(d7a ma&dar me&sa/es e& si#e&ci(0 &i si1 iera sa&d( #(s ded(s c(m( 5ac7a& #a ma+(r7a de #(s ad #!(s, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 #a c#ase casi 5a27a !ermi&ad(, O a& mir% #a !e#a de #a carpa a$i!ada p(r e# )ie&!(, Es!a2a & p(c( desa&imad(, Ja27a e3ami&ad( a casi !(d(s #(s de #a #is!a + Xi&s!(& G#( &! era #( me/(r 1 e 5a27a e&c(&!rad(9 a#$ ie& 1 e &i si1 iera era capaz de e&)iar me&sa/es e& si#e&ci(, HVa#e, Te&$a e& c e&!a mi ('er!a0 deca&( G#( &!, + rec erde0 e# &"mer( de pers(&as 1 e es!(+ a !(rizad( a acep!ar es #imi!ad(, HG#( &! rec(mpe&s% s disc rs( de )e&!a c(& &a s(&risi!aH, Mie&!ras !a&!(0 !e&$( (!ras p(si2i#idades, HO a& 5iz( & $es!( e& direcci%& a a1 e# !ip( & e)( !a& e3!ra:(0 R(2er! G , Xi&s!(& G#( &! &( si$ i% #a mirada de O a&0 per( 6s!e se di( c e&!a de 1 e es!a2a mira&d( c(& e# ra2i##( de# (/(, P(r & m(me&!(0 pareci% 1 e #a pie# de #a cara se #e !e&sa2a, A c(&!i& aci%&0 (!ra )ez esa s(&risa, HM e Di(s !e&$a piedad de s a#ma0 se:(r Or(zc(, O a& &( ! )( &i&$ &a (p(r! &idad c(& R(2e& G 5as!a e# )ier&es0 / s!( desp 6s de #a si$ ie&!e c#ase de #a se:(ra C5 m<i$, C(mp(sici%& crea!i)a era casi siempre e# p &!( m4s 2a/( de #a sema&a esc(#ar de O a&, C5 m#i$ era '#e3i2#e e& c a&!( a# s( de e#eme&!(s m #!imedia0 per( #(s es! dia&!es !e&7a& 1 e p(&erse e& pie + prese&!ar s s pr(pi(s !ra2a/(s, Res #!a2a pe&(s( !e&er 1 e )er c%m( (!r( c5ic( #a /(d7a0 per( era !(!a#me&!e i&s(p(r!a2#e c a&d( era &( mism( 1 ie& prese&!a2a, C5 m#i$ decid7a e# (rde& de prese&!aci%& a s a&!(/(, N(rma#me&!e #a pre(c paci%& p(r ese (rde& ma&!e&7a (c pada casi !(da #a a!e&ci%& de O a&, A1 e# d7a !e&7a (!ras pre(c paci(&es 1 e0 p(r s er!e0 a5($a2a& s !err(r 5a2i! a#, O a& se esc(&di% a# '(&d( de# a #a + se de/% caer e& #a si##a0 (2ser)a&d( a #(s dem4s e& si#e&ci(, Xi&s!(& G#( &! 5a27a asis!id( a c#ase0 #( 1 e res #!a2a s(rpre&de&!e, Pasa2a de a1 e##a asi$&a! ra casi !a& a me& d( c(m( pasa2a de !a##er, Per( 5a27a !e&id( e& c e&!a #a ('er!a, La c e&!a de# La$ar!( dem(s!ra2a 1 e e# )ie/( 5a27a dad( e# primer pas( 5acia #a acep!aci%&, A# (!r( e3!rem( de# a #a R(2er! G &a)e$a2a c(& s p4$i&a )is(r, I&c# s( es( parec7a 1 e #e c(s!a2a, Per( res #!a2a 1 e G era de &a 'ami#ia de mari&es e& par!ic #arE + c a&d( O a& repas% !(das #as i&s!r cci(&es de #a a'i#iaci%&0

desc 2ri% 1 e es( era & p &!( a s 'a)(r e&(rme, Si c(&se$ 7a 1 e R(2e& G se i&!eresase e& a'i#iarse (2!e&dr7a #a 2(&i'icaci%& m4s a#!a, La )(z de C5 m#i$ c(r!% s s pe&samie&!(s, HUN( 5a+ &i&$"& )(# &!ari( para ser e# primer(V G e&(E HMir% a# aire + # e$( se $ir% 5acia O a&, %*ara!)

;Z TANTA TECNOLOG^A0 TAN

POCO TALENTO

Da2a !(da #a impresi%& de 1 e #a asi$&a! ra de c(mp(sici%& crea!i)a de C5 m#i$ i2a a ser e# p &!( m4s 2a/( de #a primera sema&a de R(2er! G e& Fairm(&!, R(2er! rec(rda2a m + 2ie& s s a:(s de i&s!i! !(, E& <KZ] #e 5a27a res #!ad( '4ci#0 e3cep! a&d( ma!em4!icas + cie&cias0 1 e de !(das '(rmas &( #e i&!eresa2a&, G4sicame&!e0 /am4s 5ac7a #(s de2eres de &i&$ &a asi$&a! ra, Per( #(s p(emas 1 e escri27a0 casi si& es' erz( c(&scie&!e0 +a per!e&ec7a& a & m &d( m + di'ere&!e a# 1 e 5a2i! a#me&!e 5a2i!a2a& s s pr('es(res, Se c(&sidera2a& a'(r! &ad(s de es!ar e& s prese&ciaE + as7 de27a ser, Per( e& ese m &d( 'e#iz de# ' ! r( s%#( )e7a &a 'racci%& de #as ?c(mp(sici(&es@ s p es!ame&!e creadas p(r #(s es! dia&!es0 + &( !e&7a &i&$ &a d da de 1 e apreciar7a& e& m + p(c( s (2ra, R(2e& se se&!% e& & e3!rem( de# a #a0 $ara2a!ea&d( e& #a p4$i&a )is(r, C(m( siempre0 #(s &i:(s es!a2a& a #a iz1 ierda de# a #a + #(s es! dia&!es de Ed caci%& de Ad #!(s a #a derec5a, Fracasad(s, Se 5a27a apre&did( a#$ &(s &(m2res0 i&c# s( 5a27a 5a2#ad( c(& Iia&$, La m /er #e 5a27a c(&!ad( 1 e !e&dr7a 1 e de/ar #a asi$&a! ra de c(mp(sici%& de C5 m#i$, N( !e&7a )a#(r para represe&!ar de#a&!e de #(s (!r(s, S%#( !e&7a !a#e&!( para &a i&$e&ier7a (2s(#e!a0 per( a# me&(s era #( s 'icie&!eme&!e i&!e#i$e&!e para sa2er 1 e era &a 'racasada, N( c(m( Xi&s!(& G#( &!0 e# pe(r 'racasad( de !(d(s, De )ez e& c a&d( )e7a a Xi&&ie mir4&d(#e + R(2er! s(&re7a i&!eri(rme&!e, La se:(ra C5 m#i$ (2#i$a2a a sa#ir a# primer( de a1 e# d7a, HS6 1 e 5as es!ad( prac!ica&d(0 O a&, M 6s!ra&(s #( 1 e p edes 5acer, O a& se p s( e& pie + ' e a #a par!e de#a&!era, Era e# c5ic( 1 e 5a27a es!ad( 5a2#a&d( c(& #(s de Ed caci%& de Ad #!(s d ra&!e e# !a##er, R(2er! rec(rda2a s p(se de )e&ded(r, S p(&7a 1 e e# c5ic( es!a2a p(r de2a/( de #a media0 c(m( es(s a 1 ie&es e& #(s i&s!i! !(s de #a 6p(ca de R(2er! $rad a2a& pr( '(rma, Per( e& e# si$#( III #a i&c(mpe!e&cia &( era e3c sa9 C5 m#i$ parec7a 1 e espera2a & 2 e& re&dimie&!(, E# m c5ac5( )aci#% + # e$( a$i!% #(s 2raz(s, N( pr(d /( &i&$"& e'ec!( )isi2#e, HN( s60 se:(ra C5 m#i$0 &( es!4 !(!a#me&!e aca2ada, La se:(ra C5 m#i$ se #imi!% a9 ase&!ir c(& pacie&cia + #e 5iz( & $es!( para 1 e c(&!i& ase, HVa#e, HE# c5ic( e&!(r&% #(s (/(s + #(s m()imie&!(s de #(s 2raz(s se )(#)ier(& !(da)7a m4s ca%!ic(s, N( era 2ai#e + e# c5ic( &( 5a2#a2a, Per( C5 m#i$ se ap(+% e& #a mesa + asi&!i%, Gra& par!e de #a c#ase c(&!emp#% #a represe&!aci%&

a#ea!(ria c(& &a a!e&ci%& simi#ar0 + R(2e& se di( c e&!a de 1 e m()7a& #a ca2eza c(m( a# ri!m( de #a m"sica, >ierda. >s tonteras invisibles. R(2er! mir% s p#ie$( m4$ic( + / $% c(& #a se#ecci%& de &a)e$aci%& #(ca#, I&!er&e! E3p#(rer !e&7a e# aspec!( 1 e rec(rda2a0 per( 5a27a & me&" desp#e$a2#e 1 e #e permi!7a ?Se#ecci(&ar )is!a@, S70 #as s perp(sici(&es de 'a&!as7a, T(c% e& ?Represe&!aci%& de O a& Or(zc(@, La primera s perp(sici%& parec7a pi&!adas0 c(me&!ari(s 2 rd(s s(2re #a represe&!aci%& de O a&, Era &a de esas c(sas 1 e s e#e 5a2er e& &a &(!a 1 e #(s c5ic(s se pasa& ' r!i)ame&!e, T(c% e& #a se$ &da se#ecci%& de )is!a, A5, E# c5ic( se e&c(&!ra2a e& e# esce&ari( de & c(&cier!(, Las )e&!a&as de# a #a0 1 e !e&7a de!r4s0 se a2r7a& a &a )as!a ci dad )is!a desde &a !(rre m + a#!a, R(2er! ap(+% #a ma&( e& e# 2(rde de #a p4$i&a + 5 2( s(&id(, Era me!4#ic( + !e& e c(mparad( c(& e# a di( de #a casa0 per(E s70 era m"sica, Parecid( a Xa$&er, L e$( se !ra&s'(rm% e& #( 1 e p(dr7a 5a2er sid( &a marc5a, E& #a )e&!a&a de #a p4$i&a )is(r de R(2er! se '(rmar(& arc( iris a#reded(r de #a ima$e& de# c5ic(, Masas 2#a&cas aparec7a& e& c a&!( a$i!a2a #as ma&(s9 5 r(&es, T(d(s #(s c5ic(s se re7a&, O a& !am2i6& re7a0 per( #(s m()imie&!(s de #as ma&(s se )(#)ier(& desesperad(s, L(s 5 r(&es c 2r7a& e# s e#( e& apre!ada '(rmaci%& + #a m"sica era 're&6!ica, Las cria! ras se c(m2i&ar(& '(rma&d( &ie)e 1 e se e#e)% e& !(r&ad(s e& mi&ia! ra, E# c5ic( dismi& +% e# ri!m( + e# s(&id( se c(&)ir!i% e& a#$( simi#ar a &a ca&ci%& de c &a, La &ie)e 2ri##%0 s 2#im4&d(se e& #a i&)isi2i#idad a medida 1 e #a m"sica se apa$a2a, La )e&!a&a de &a)e$aci%& de R(2er! m(s!ra2a a# mism( c5ic( c(rrie&!e 1 e e& rea#idad es!a2a de pie 're&!e a #a c#ase, L(s c(mpa:er(s de O a& #e ap#a dier(& c(& ama2i#idad, U& par 2(s!ez%, HQM + 2ie&0 O a&R Hdi/( #a se:(ra C5 m#i$, Era !a& impresi(&a&!e c(m( c a#1 ier )7de( p 2#ici!ari( 1 e R(2er! 5 2iese )is!( e& e# si$#( II, A# mism( !iemp(0 res #!a2a ese&cia#me&!e i&c(5ere&!e0 & es!erc(#er( de e'ec!(s especia#es, Ta&!a !ec&(#($7a0 !a& p(c( !a#e&!(, C5 m#i$ 5a2#% a #a c#ase de #(s c(mp(&e&!es de #a (2ra de Or(zc(0 pre$ &!4&d(#e c(r!6sme&!e a# c5ic( c%m( pe&sa2a c(&!i& ar0 pr(p(&ie&d( 1 e c(#a2(rase BQc(#a2(raseRC c(& (!r(s es! dia&!es para a:adir pa#a2ras a #a c(mp(sici%&, R(2e& mir% c(& disim #( a# res!( de #a c#ase, Las )e&!a&as es!a2a& a2ier!as + se )e7a& #as marr(&es + !ra&1 i#as c(#i&as de# (!(:( de N(r!5 C( &!+, F era e# s(# #( i# mi&a2a !(d( + &a 2risa s a)e !ra7a e# (#(r de #a madrese#)a, O7a a #(s c5ic(s / $a&d( a# (!r( #ad( de# pa!i(, E# a #a era &a c(&s!r cci%& 2ara!a de p#4s!ic(0 care&!e p(r c(mp#e!( de se&si2i#idad ar!7s!ica, S70 #a esc e#a era '4ci#0 per( !am2i6& p(d7a ser !reme&dame&!e a2 rridaD !e&dr7a 1 e re#eer s s pr(pi(s p(emas s(2re ese !ema, E# c(&'i&amie&!( '(rzad(, L(s d7as i&!ermi&a2#es de se&!arse i&m%)i# esc c5a&d( pa#a2ras si& $racia0 mie&!ras a##4 ' era espera2a e# m &d( e&!er(, La ma+(r7a de #(s es! dia&!es mira2a& a C5 m#i$, USe !ra!a2a de & e&$a:( per'ec!(V Per( c a&d( #a m /er #e 5iz( &a pre$ &!a

repe&!i&ame&!e a & c5ic(0 (2! )( &a resp es!a per!i&e&!e a &1 e e&!rec(r!ada, Y # e$(0 m c5( a&!es de #( 1 e 5a27a esperad(9 HE 5(+ !ermi&arem(s & p(c( a&!es0 p(r #( 1 e s%#( !e&em(s !iemp( para &a prese&!aci%& m4s Hdi/( #a se:(ra C5 m#i$, UM 6 5a27a es!ad( dicie&d( #a pr('es(raV Ma#dici%&, C5 m#i$ #e mira2a direc!ame&!eH, P(r 'a)(r0 m 6s!re&(s s c(mp(sici%&0 pr('es(r G , O a& se arre##a&% e& e# asie&!(0 si& ape&as pres!ar a!e&ci%& a# a&4#isis de C5 m#i$, Siempre era ama2#e c(& s s cr7!icas p"2#icas0 per( #as ma#as &(!icias era& m4s 1 e e)ide&!es a s a#reded(r, S%#( #(s $eme#(s Rad&er 5a27a& p es!( a#$( ama2#e, A#$ ie& c(& aspec!( de c(&e/( #e s(&re7a desde e# $a##i&er(, UM i6& eraV Se )(#)i% + se 5 &di% e& #a si##a, HE p(r #( 1 e s%#( !e&em(s !iemp( para &a prese&!aci%& m4sHdi/( #a se:(ra C5 m#i$H, P(r 'a)(r0 m 6s!re&(s s c(mp(sici%&0 pr('es(r G , O a& mir% a G , UM 6 !ip( de prese&!aci%& p(dr7a 5acerV R(2er! G parec7a es!ar pre$ &!4&d(se es( mism(, HE& rea#idad &( !e&$( &ada 1 e #a c#ase p dieseE apreciar, N( s( a di()is a#es, C5 m#i$ s(&ri% c(& a#e$r7a, C a&d( #e s(&re7a as7 a O a&0 6s!e sa27a 1 e #as e3c sas &( #e )a#dr7a& de &ada, HT(&!er7as0 pr('es(r G , Era s!edE es s!ed p(e!a, HE'ec!i)ame&!e, HY #e asi$&6 &a !area, G parec7a /()e&0 per(0 c a&d( i&c#i&% #a ca2eza + mir% a #a se:(ra C5 m#i$0 5a27a e&er$7a e& s mirada, 9a!a, si !o pudiese mirar as cuando *humlig me est apretando las tuercas- E# /()e&H)ie/( perma&eci% e& si#e&ci( & se$ &d( + # e$( di/( c(& ca#ma9 HJe escri!( &a pieza 2re)e0 per( c(m( 5e dic5( &( !ie&e &i&$ &a deE HS mirada 2arri% #a c#ase para 'i/arse e& O a& & i&s!a&!eH, De #as im4$e&es + s(&id(s 1 e p(r #( )is!( espera&, La se:(ra C5 m#i$ #e 5iz( & $es!( para 1 e se acercara, HJ(+ s s pa#a2ras s r!ir4& & e'ec!( esp#6&did(, Ade#a&!e, A# ca2( de & se$ &d(0 G se p s( e& pie + 2a/% #(s esca#(&es, Se m()7a c(& rapidez0 c(& &a especie de )ai)6& esp4s!ic(, Las &(!as )(#ar(& de & #ad( a (!r(, P(r & m(me&!(0 #a a!e&ci%& de #a c#ase es!a2a ce&!rada c(m( #a se:(ra C5 m#i$ 1 er7a, C5 m#i$ se apar!% + R(2er! G se )(#)i% para mirar a# $r p(, C#ar( es!a2a0 era i&capaz de c(&/ rar &a )is a#izaci%& de pa#a2ras, Per( !amp(c( mir% s p4$i&a )is(r, Se #imi!% a mirar a s p"2#ic( + decir9 HU& p(ema, Trescie&!as pa#a2ras, Ja2#a de #a !ierra de N(r!5 C( &!+ c(m( es e& rea#idad0 a1 7 + m4s a##4, HA$i!% e# 2raz( 5acia #as )e&!a&as a2ier!as, L e$(0 simp#eme&!eE 5a2#%, Nada de e'ec!(s especia#es0 &ada de pa#a2ras m()i6&d(se p(r e# aire, + !amp(c( era & p(ema0 p(r1 e s )(z &( ad(p!% &

!(&( ca&!ar7&, R(2er! G se #imi!% a 5a2#ar de# pa!i( 1 e r(dea2a #a esc e#a0 de #as dimi& !as se$ad(ras 1 e da2a& i&!ermi&a2#es ) e#!as, el olor de la hierba + de c%m( a!rapa2a e# r(c7( p(r #a ma:a&a, De c%m( #a i&c#i&aci%& de #as c(#i&as ##e)a2a #(s pies 1 e c(rr7a& 5as!a e# riac5 e#( 1 e 2(rdea2a #a pr(piedad, Era #( 1 e &( )e7a !(d(s #(s d7asE a# me&(s c a&d( &( sa2a s perp(sici(&es para )er a#$"& (!r( # $ar, Y de pr(&!( O a& +a &( era c(&scie&!e de #as pa#a2ras, Ve7aD es!a2a a##7, S me&!e '#(!a2a s(2re e# pe1 e:( )a##e0 s(2re)(#% e# #ec5( de# riac5 e#(, Casi 5a27a ##e$ad( a# pie de P+ramid Ji## c a&d(0 de pr(&!(0 R(2er! G de/% de 5a2#ar + O a& )(#)i% de $(#pe a #a rea#idad de s si!i( a# '(&d( de #a c#ase de c(mp(sici%& de #a se:(ra C5 m#i$, Se 1 ed% se&!ad( &(s se$ &d(s0 maread(, Pa#a2ras, S%#( pa#a2ras, Per( #( 1 e #($ra2a& s pera2a #( )is a#, Era m4s 1 e !ec&(#($7a de# !ac!(, I&c# s( 5a27a perci2id( e# (#(r de #as ca:as secas e& e# #ec5( de# arr(+(, P(r & m(me&!( &adie di/( &ada, La se:(ra C5 m#i$ !e&7a #(s (/(s )idri(s(s, O es!a2a pr(' &dame&!e impresi(&ada ( es!a2a &a)e$a&d(, Per( # e$(0 & Pa/arrac( P(mp(s( c#4sic( )(#% desde e# #ad( de #(s c5ic(s, Cr z% e# a #a + de/% caer & 2 e& m(&!%& de mierda s(2re R(2er! G , Fred + Oer se ec5ar(& a re7r +0 & i&s!a&!e desp 6s0 !(da #a c#ase re7a, E)ide&!eme&!e0 R(2er! G &( 5a27a p(did( )er #(s e'ec!(s especia#es, Se 1 ed% c(&' &did( & m(me&!( + # e$( mir% a #(s Rad&er c(& ' ria, HQC#aseR HLa se:(ra C5 m#i$ parec7a rea#me&!e e&'adada, Las risas parar(& + !(d(s ap#a dier(& c(& ama2i#idad, C5 m#i$ #(s $ i% & m(me&!( 5as!a 1 e e##a misma de/% de ap#a dir, O a& )e7a 1 e #(s e3ami&a2a de cerca, N(rma#me&!e pasa2a de #as pi&!adas, E& a1 e##a (casi%& 2 sca2a cr ci'icar a a#$ ie&, S mirada aca2% e& #a secci%& de #(s )ie/(s + pareci% & p(c( s(rpre&dida, HM + 2ie&, Gracias0 R(2er!, J(+ &( !e&em(s !iemp( para m4s, C#ase0 #a si$ ie&!e !area es c(#a2(rar + me/(rar #( 1 e +a 5a26is 5ec5(, Es !area ) es!ra e&c(&!rar & c(mpa:er( para ese pas(, E&)iadme #(s ac erd(s + e# p#a& de !ra2a/( a&!es de 1 e &(s )(#)am(s a )er, HL(s De!a##es I$&(mi&i(s(s es!ar7a& e& e# c(rre( c a&d( ##e$ase& a casa, L e$( s(&% #a campa&aE #a 5a27a ac!i)ad( C5 m#i$, C a&d( O a& se #e)a&!% de #a si##a0 es!a2a a #a c(#a de #a carrera a#(cada p(r #a p er!a, N( imp(r!a2a, Es!a2a & p(c( maread( p(r #a e3!ra:a '(rma de rea#idad )ir! a# 1 e R(2e& G 5a27a cread(, A s espa#da G se 5a27a dad( c e&!a p(r 'i& de 1 e #a c#ase 5a27a !ermi&ad(, E& &(s se$ &d(s es!ar7a ' era c(& #(s dem4s. >i oportunidad de alistarle para el 5agarto, Y 1 iz4 de a#$( m4s, Pe&s% e& #as pa#a2ras m4$icas de# )ie/(, M iz40 1 iz4 p diese& c(#a2(rar, T(d(s se 5a27a& re7d( de R(2er! G , Per( a&!es de 1 e #e ma&dara& e# Pa/arrac( P(mp(s(0 a&!es de 1 e se riese&0 O a& Or(zc( 5a27a pa#pad( e# si#e&ci( s(2rec($id(, Y lo ha logrado s+lo con palabras-

C a&d( R(2e& sa#i% a e3p(&er s !ra2a/( es!a2a m4s irri!ad( 1 e &er)i(s(, Ja27a e&ca&di#ad( a es! dia&!es d ra&!e !rei&!a a:(s, P(d7a e&ca&di#ar#(s c(& #(s )ersi!(s 1 e 5a27a c(mp es!( para a1 e# d7a, Se di( #a ) e#!a + mir% a# $r p(, HU& p(ema Hdi/(H, Trescie&!as pa#a2ras, Ja2#a de #a !ierra de N(r!5 C( &!+ c(m( es e& rea#idad0 a1 7 + m4s a##4, HEra &a (da pas!(ra# !%pica 1 e 5a27a c(mp es!( #a &(c5e a&!eri(r 2as4&d(se e& s s rec erd(s de Sa& Die$( + #( 1 e )e7a de cami&( a Fairm(&!, M(me&!4&eame&!e0 s s pa#a2ras #(s 5ip&(!izar(&0 c(m( a&!a:(, C a&d( aca2% 5 2( & m(me&!( de a2s(# !( si#e&ci(, M 6 &i:(s m4s impresi(&a2#es, Mir% a #a $e&!e de Ed caci%& de Ad #!(s0 )i( #a s(&risa desi$ a# + 5(s!i# de Xi&s!(& G#( &!, 3Envidioso como siempre, ?innie4 L e$( &(s pa!a&es e& #a primera 'i#a se ec5ar(& a re7r, L( 1 e precipi!% risas dispersas, HQC#aseR HC5 m#i$ i&!er)i&( + !(d(s ap#a dier(&0 i&c# s( G#( &!, C5 m#i$ di/( a#$ &as c(sas m4s, L e$( s(&% #a campa&a + #(s es! dia&!es sa#ier(& c(rrie&d(, Y# !am2i6& se disp(&7a a 5acer#(, HA50 R(2er! Hdi/( #a se:(ra C5 m#i$H, P(r 'a)(r0 1 6da!e & m(me&!(, La campa&a ?&( d(2#a2a p(r !i@, HS(&ri%0 si& d da e&ca&!ada de s d(mi&i( de #as ci!as #i!erariasH, T p(ema es m + 5erm(s(, M ier( disc #parme e& &(m2re de #a c#ase, N( !e&7a& derec5( aE HJiz( & $es!( a# aire s(2re s ca2eza, HUA 1 6V HN( imp(r!a, Me !em( 1 e e& es!e $r p( &( 5a+ )erdader( !a#e&!(, HLe mir% c(& c ri(sidadH, Es di'7ci# creer 1 e !e&$as se!e&!a + ci&c( a:(sD #a medici&a m(der&a 5ace )erdader(s mi#a$r(s, Je !e&id( )ari(s es! dia&!es ma+(res, C(mpre&d( ! s pr(2#emas, HA50 #(s c(mpre&de, HC a#1 ier c(sa 1 e 5a$as e& es!a c#ase ser4 & 'a)(r para #(s dem4s, Esper( 1 e !e 1 edes0 1 e #(s a+ des, Ree#a2(ra e# p(ema c(& a# m&(s e#eme&!(s )is a#es de #(s a# m&(s, P ede& apre&der de !iE + !" p(dr4s apre&der 5a2i#idades 1 e 5ar4& 1 e e# m &d( !e res #!e & # $ar m4s c%m(d(, R(2er! #e dedic% &a s(&risa, Siempre 5a2r7a cre!i&(s c(m( L( ise C5 m#i$, P(r s er!e0 #a m /er e&c(&!r% a#$( m4s e& #( 1 e c(&ce&!rarse, HQO5R Ya es !arde, Te&$( 1 e dar &a c#ase de es! di(s rem(!(s, P(r 'a)(r0 disc"#pame, HC5 m#i$ se di( #a ) e#!a + se si! % e& e# ce&!r( de# a #a, Se:a#% c(& &a ma&( #a primera 'i#a de asie&!(sH, Gie&)e&ida0 c#ase, QSa&di0 de/a de / $ar c(& e# &ic(r&i(R R(2er! mir% a# a #a )ac7a + a #a m /er 1 e 5a2#a2a s(#a, Ta&!a !ec&(#($7aE F era0 #(s es! dia&!es se 5a27a& dispersad(, R(2er! se 1 ed% a medi!ar s ree&c e&!r( c(& e# m &d( ?acad6mic(@, P(dr7a 5a2er sid( pe(r, E# p(emi!a 5a27a sid( m4s 1 e 2 e&( para esa $e&!e, I&c# s( Xi&&ie G#( &! 5a27a ap#a did(, Impresi(&ar a a#$ ie& 1 e !e (diaE es( siempre es & !ri &'(,

HUSe:(r G V HLa )(z era i&decisa, R(2er! di( & respi&$(, Era a1 e# c5ic(0 Or(zc(0 acec5a&d( / &!( a #a p er!a de# a #a, HJ(#a H#e di/( c(& &a s(&risa $e&er(sa, M iz4s e3cesi)ame&!e $e&er(sa, Or(zc( cami&% / &!( a 6#, HY(E cre( 1 e s p(ema es mara)i##(s(, HEres m + ama2#e, E# c5ic( 5iz( & $es!( 5acia e# prad( i# mi&ad( p(r e# s(#, HMe 5a 5ec5( se&!ir c(m( si rea#me&!e es! )iese a57 ' era0 c(rrie&d( 2a/( e# s(#, Y !(d( si& !4c!i#es0 #e&!i##as &i )es!i2#es, HMir% e# r(s!r( de R(2e& + # e$( apar!% r4pidame&!e #(s (/(s, Era &a mirada #e as(m2r( 1 e p(dr7a 5a2er !e&id( a#$"& )a#(r si s i&!er#(c !(r 5 2iese sid( a#$ ie& de cier!a imp(r!a&ciaH, Ap es!( a 1 e es s!ed !a& 2 e&( c(m( c a#1 iera de #(s $ra&des a& &cia&!es de / e$(s, HSe$ r(, E# m c5ac5( !i! 2e% & m(me&!(0 si& ar!ic #ar pa#a2ra, HMe 5e dad( c e&!a de 1 e &( )is!e, Y( p(dr7a a+ dar#e, M iz40 1 iz4 p di6ram(s ser c(mpa:er(s, Ya sa2e0 p(dr7a a+ darme c(& #as pa#a2ras, HO!r( )is!az( de re(/( a R(2er! + e# res!( de s disc rs( s r$i% e& cascadaH P(dr7am(s a+ dar&(s m ! ame&!e + !e&$( (!ra pr(p(sici%& me/(r, P(dr7a 5a2er m c5( di&er( de p(r medi(, S ami$( e# se:(r G#( &! +a 5a acep!ad(, E& si#e&ci( rec(rrier(& &a d(ce&a de pas(s, HGie&0 pr('es(r G 0 U1 6 #e pareceV R(2er! s(&ri% c(& ama2i#idad a O a& +0 / s!( c a&d( e# c5ic( empeza2a a a#e$rarse0 #e di/(9 HGie&0 /()e&, Cre( 1 e e# i&'ier&( se 5e#ar4 e# d7a e& 1 e me as(cie c(& & )ie/( idi(!a c(m( Xi&s!(& G#( &!E ( & /()e& idi(!a c(m( !", Gi&$(, E# c5ic( re!r(cedi% c(m( si R(2e& #e 5 2iese dad( & p :e!az( e& #a cara, R(2er! si$ i% cami&a&d(0 s(&rie&d(, Era m + p(ca c(sa0 per(0 a# i$ a# 1 e e# p(ema0 era & p &!( de par!ida,

;= EL INCIDENTE E_RA POUND La i&spiraci%& ma! !i&a de R(2er! !e&7a s #ad( !e&e2r(s(, E& (casi(&es &( se #e)a&!a2a c(& &a $ra&di(sa s(# ci%&0 si&( c(& #a cer!eza de 1 e a#$"& pr(2#ema desa$rada2#e era rea#0 i&media!( + apare&!eme&!e i&s(# 2#e, La s +a &( era #a (2sesi%& de a#$ ie& 1 e se pre(c pa2a e& e3ces(0 era &a '(rma de crea!i)idad de'e&si)a, E& (casi(&es #a ame&aza era &a c(mp#e!a s(rpresaD m + a me& d( era &a m(#es!ia c(&(cida 1 e de pr(&!( se re)e#a2a c(m( e3!remadame&!e seria, L(s a!a1 es de p4&ic( &(rma#me&!e desem2(ca2a& e& s(# ci(&es c(&cre!as0 c(m( c a&d( 5a27a re!irad( s s p(emas #ar$(s de &a pe1 e:a edi!(ria# para (c #!ar s s per'icia#idad i&$e& a de #(s (/(s de# p"2#ic(, Y0 m + de )ez e& c a&d(0 e# & e)( pr(2#ema res #!a2a rea#me&!e i&s(# 2#e + s%#( p(d7a de2a!irse + desp(!ricar c(&!ra e# desas!re i&mi&e&!e, La &(c5e a&!eri(r0 c a&d( )(#)7a de s prese&!aci%& e& Fairm(&!0 se se&!7a 2as!a&!e 2ie&, La p#e2e se 5a27a 1 edad( impresi(&ada0 + !am2i6& !ip(s c(m( Xi&s!(& G#( &!E &a )ariedad m4s s('is!icada de !(&!(, 5as cosas mejoran. Esto! de vuelta, R(2er! se 5a27a pasad( #a ce&a si& pres!ar a!e&ci%& a Miri0 1 e i&sis!7a e& #as c(sas c(& #as 1 e p(d7a a+ dar#e, Ga5 &( 5a27a re$resad(, R(2e&0 si& m c5( e&! siasm(0 5a27a 2(m2ardead( a A#ice c(& pre$ &!as s(2re #(s "#!im(s d7as de Le&a, ULe&a #e 5a27a ##amad( e& e# "#!im( m(me&!(V UM i6& 5a27a asis!id( a s ' &era#V A#ice se m(s!r% m4s pacie&!e de #( 5a2i! a#0 per( se$ 7a si& ser &a $ra& ' e&!e de i&'(rmaci%&, C(& esas pre$ &!as se 5a27a id( a d(rmir, Desper!% c(& & p#a& para e&c(&!rar #as resp es!as, C a&d( G(2 )(#)iese0 5a2#ar7a& si&cerame&!e s(2re Le&a, G(2 sa2r7a a#$ &as de #as resp es!as, Y e& c a&!( a# res!(E e& 2"s1 eda + a&4#isis C5 m#i$ 5a27a 5a2#ad( s(2re #(s Ami$(s de #a I&!imidad, Ja27a m6!(d(s para &( de/arse e&$a:ar p(r s s me&!iras, A R(2er! se #e da2a cada )ez me/(r #a 2"s1 eda + e# a&4#isis p(r #( 1 e0 de &a '(rma (!ra0 rec perar7a e# !iemp( perdid( c(& Le&a, Ysa era #a 2 e&a &(!icia, La ma#a s r$i% '#(!a&d( mie&!ras 6# perma&ec7a !e&did(0 repasa&d( s p#a& para c(&)er!ir #a !ec&(#($7a e& &a # z de 2"s1 eda s(2re Le&aE La ma#a &(!icia ' e #a cer!eza a2s(# !a + )iscera# 1 e reemp#az% #a )a$a i&1 ie! d de d7as a&!eri(res, A!er, mi poesa impresion+ al vulgo. 0 o era raz+n para alegrarse. Ja27a sid( & !(&!( c(&s(#4&d(se c(& #a idea a &1 e ' ese m(me&!4&eame&!e, C a#1 ier p#acer de2er7a 5a2erse es' mad( c a&d( e# pe1 e:( O a& Nadie 5a27a a& &ciad( 1 e R(2er! era !a& $e&ia# c(m( & p 2#icis!a, QDi(sR

Per( Xi&s!(& G#( &! 5a27a ap#a did( e# p(emi!a de R(2er!, Xi&s!(& G#( &! era per'ec!ame&!e capaz de / z$ar a1 e# p(ema, Y e& es!e p &!( #a i# mi&aci%& ma! !i&a de R(2er! )i&( ac(mpa:ada de# rec erd( de Xi&&ie ap#a die&d(0 de# ri!m( me&s rad( de #as ma&(s de G#( &!0 de s s(&risa, 0o !e&7a #a e3presi%& de & e&emi$( s perad( + c(&m(ci(&ad(, E& s a&!i$ a )ida R(2e& /am4s se 5a2r7a c(&' &did( !a&!(, N(0 Xi&&ie se 5a27a es!ad( burlando de 6#, Xi&s!(& G#( &! #e dec7a #( 1 e de2er7a 5a2er sa2id( siempre9 s (da pas!(ra# era &a mierda 1 e s%#( )a#7a para & p"2#ic( ac(s! m2rad( a c(mer mierda, R(2er! se 1 ed% i&m%)i# & 2 e& ra!(0 c(& & $emid( a!rapad( e& #a $ar$a&!a0 rec(rda&d( #as pa#a2ras 2a&a#es de #(s )ers(s, @sa ' e #a $e&ia# i&spiraci%& de a1 e##a ma:a&a !e&e2r(sa0 #a c(&c# si%& 1 e 5a27a es1 i)ad( desde 1 e #e 5a27a& !ra7d( de ) e#!a de #a m er!e, 6e perdido la msica de las palabras. Cada d7a #e i& &da2a& ideas para & e)(s p(emas0 per( &i #a m4s pe1 e:a de & )ers( c(&cre!(, Se 5a27a repe!id( 1 e rec perar7a s $e&i( c(m( #as dem4s 'ac #!ades0 #e&!ame&!e, Era & espe/ism(, Sa27a 2ie& 1 e #( era, Ja27a m er!( p(r de&!r(, S d(& se 5a27a c(&)er!id( e& &a &ada )ap(r(sa + &a c ri(sidad mec4&ica a#ea!(ria, %0o puedes estar seguro) R(d% p(r #a cama + ' e a# 2a:(, E# aire es!a2a 'r7( e i&m%)i#, P(r #a )e&!a&a mir% #(s /ardi&es + #as c(&7'eras + #a ca##e )ac7a, G(2 + A#ice #e 5a27a& asi$&ad( &a 5a2i!aci%& de# pis( de arri2a, Le 5a27a di)er!id( )(#)er a s 2ir + 2a/ar esca#eras c(rrie&d(, E& rea#idad0 e& #( 1 e se re'er7a a s pr(2#ema0 &ada 5a27a cam2iad(, N( !e&7a &i&$ &a pr e2a de 1 e es! )iese perma&e&!eme&!e i&capaci!ad( para escri2ir, Simp#eme&!e0 de pr(&!(0 c(& #a c(mp#e!a cer!eza de &a i&spiraci%& ma! !i&a0 es!a2a se$ r(. >ierda. %1or una vez podra ser un pnico in2undado) M iz4 #a (2sesi%& p(r #a m er!e de Le&a es! )iese 5aci6&d(#e )er #a m er!e p(r !(das par!es, S7, N( 5a27a pr(2#ema, N( 5a27a &i&$"& pr(2#ema, Pas% #a ma:a&a ' ri(s( p(r c #pa de# mied(0 i&!e&!a&d( dem(s!rarse 1 e !(da)7a p(d7a escri2ir, Per( e# "&ic( pape# 1 e !e&7a era e# p#ie$(0 c a&d( escri27a e& 6# s s $ara2a!(s se !ra&s'(rma2a& e& #7&eas per'ec!as + #e!ras per'ec!as, A&!es e&c(&!ra2a a1 e##( irri!a&!e0 per( &( !a&!( c(m( para )erse (2#i$ad( a 2 scar pape# de )erdad, Per( a5(raE )e7a c#arame&!e 1 e #as pa#a2ras perd7a& e# a#ma a&!es de 1 e 6# p diese 5acer#as ca&!arR Era #a )ic!(ria 'i&a# de #a a !(ma!izaci%& s(2re e# pe&samie&!( crea!i)(, T(d( 1 eda2a m4s a##4 de# !ac!( direc!( de s ma&(, QEs( era #( 1 e #e imped7a c(&ec!ar c(& s !a#e&!(R Ye & !(da #a casa &( 5a27a )erdader(s #i2r(s de !i&!a + pape#, Aj. C(rri% a# s%!a&( + sac% &a de #as ca/as m(5(sas de car!%& 1 e G(2 5a27a !ra7d( desde Pa#( A#!(, Es!a2a ##e&a de #i2r(s de )erdad, C a&d( era &i:(0 pr4c!icame&!e acampa2a !(d( e# )era&( e& e# s('4 de# sa#%&, N( !e&7a& !e#e)isi%&0 per( cada d7a !ra7a a casa !(d( & m(&!%& de #i2r(s de #a 2i2#i(!eca, D ra&!e es(s )era&(s 5acie&d( )ida e& e# s('40 5a27a #e7d( 2as ra 'r7)(#a +

sa2id r7a pr(' &daE + 5a27a apre&did( m4s s(2re #a )erdad 1 e d ra&!e !(d( & a:( esc(#ar, M iz4s e&!(&es 5 2iese apre&did( a 5acer ca&!ar #as pa#a2ras, E& s ma+(r7a0 a1 e##(s #i2r(s era& &a p(r1 er7a, Ja27a $ 7as esc(#ares de a&!es de 1 e S!a&'(rd pasase a ser c(mp#e!ame&!e di$i!a#, Ja27a ma!eria# 1 e s s a+ da&!es 5a27a& '(!(c(piad( para #(s a# m&(s, Per( s70 5a27a a#$ &(s #i2r(s de p(es7a, Demasiad( p(c(s + 1 e e& #(s "#!im(s diez a:(s s%#( 5a27a& #e7d( #(s pececi##(s de p#a!a, R(2er! se p s( e& pie + mir% #as ca/as a#mace&adas e& #a (sc ridad de# s%!a&(, Se$ r( 1 e 5a27a e& e##as m4s #i2r(s0 a &1 e #(s 5 2iese se#ecci(&ad( a# p r( azar e&!re #( 1 e 1 edase desp 6s de 1 e G(2 s 2as!ara #a casa de Pa#( A#!(, Mir% e# #i2r( 1 e !e&7a e& #a ma&(, Pip#i&$, M"sica pa!ri%!ica de asce&s(r, 1ero algo es algo, A# c(&!rari( 1 e #as 2i2#i(!ecas 1 e '#(!a2a& e& e# ci2erespaci(0 p(d7a s(s!e&er e# #i2r( e& #a ma&(, Se se&!% s(2re #as ca/as + se p s( a #eer0 es'(rz4&d(se p(r ade#a&!arse a #as pa#a2ras0 i&!e&!a&d( rec(rdar0 i&!e&!a&d( crear e# res!( de# p(ema, Pas% &a 5(ra, Pasar(& d(s, F e )a$ame&!e c(&scie&!e de 1 e A#ice 2a/a2a a a& &ciar e# a#m erz(, Le 5iz( & $es!( de impacie&cia, A1 e##( era m c5( m4s imp(r!a&!e, A2ri% m4s ca/as, A#$ &as c(&!e&7a& !ras!(s de G(2 + A#ice0 i&c# s( m4s i&"!i#es 1 e #( 1 e 5a27a& rec perad( de Pa#( A#!(, Per( e&c(&!r% (!ra d(ce&a de #i2r(s de p(es7a, A#$ &(s era&E 2 e&(s, Pas% #a !arde, T(da)7a p(d7a dis'r !ar de #a p(es7a0 per( e# dis'r !e !am2i6& era d(#(r, 0o puedo escribir ni una coma de buena poesa, e#cepto cuando la recuerdo. Y se a!err% m4s !(da)7a, A# 'i&a# se p s( e& pie + arr(/% a Ezra P( &d c(&!ra #a pared de# s%!a&(, E# #(m( de# )ie/( #i2r( se r(mpi% + ca+% a# s e#( c(&)e&id( e& &a marip(sa r(!a de pape#, R(2er! #a mir% 'i/ame&!e & m(me&!(, N &ca 5a27a r(!( & #i2r(0 &i si1 iera e# m4s 5(rri2#e de# m &d(, Cr z% #a 5a2i!aci%& + se arr(di##% / &!( a# desas!re, Miri esc($i% / s!( ese m(me&!( para 2a/ar a sa#!(s #a esca#era, HQR(2er!R QA#ice dice 1 e p ed( ##amar & !a3i a6re(R UAd%&de !e $ s!ar7a irV Las pa#a2ras &( era& m4s 1 e r id( ara:a&d( s desesperaci%&, Rec($i% e# #i2r( + ca2ece%, HN( )(+, H9ete. HN( #( e&!ie&d(, UP(r 1 6 re2 scas a1 7 a2a/(V Ja+ '(rmas m4s c%m(das de c(&se$ ir #( 1 e 1 ieres, R(2er! se p s( e& pie0 i&!e&!a&d( rec(mp(&er c(& #(s ded(s e# #i2r( de Ezra P( &d, S s (/(s dier(& c(& Miri, La &i:a !e&7a !(da s a!e&ci%&, Miri #e s(&re7a0 c(mp#e!ame&!e se$ ra de s7 misma0 c(& e# a/ s!e de marima&d(&a a# m43im(, Y 2ie&0 e##a &( c(mpre&d7a #a # z e& #(s (/(s de R(2er!, HUY c%m( es es(0 MiriV HE# pr(2#ema es 1 e &( p edes acceder a #( 1 e &(s r(dea, Es p(r es( 1 e es!4s a1 7 a2a/( #e+e&d( es(s )ie/(s #i2r(s0 Ucier!(V E& cier!a '(rma0 eres c(m( & &i:( pe1 e:(E per( es( es!4 2ie&0 %eso est bien) L(s ad #!(s c(m( A#ice + G(2 !ie&e& m + ma#(s 542i!(s 1 e #(s e&!(rpece&, Per( !" empiezas casi desde e# pri&cipi(, Para !i ser4 m4s '4ci# apre&der #( & e)(, Per( &( #( 5ar4s asis!ie&d(

a &as c#ases idi(!as de cic#(s '(rma!i)(s, UC(mpre&desV De/a 1 e !e e&se:e a )es!ir, HEra #a misma !a2arra a$(!ad(ra de siempre0 per( e##a cre7a 5a2er e&c(&!rad( &a '(rma &()ed(sa e i&!e#i$e&!e de e3presar#a, Es!a )ez &( es!a2a disp es!( a pasar#( p(r a#!(, R(2e& a)a&z% & pas( 5acia e##a, HE&!(&ces0 Ume 5as es!ad( espia&d( a1 7 a2a/(V HGie&E s%#( de '(rma $e&era#, Y(E R(2er! di( (!r( pas( + #e p#a&!% e# #i2r( m !i#ad( de#a&!e de #a cara, HUJas (7d( 5a2#ar de es!e p(e!aV Miri mir% e# #(m( r(!( e&!(r&a&d( #(s (/(s, HEE zE (50 UEzra P( &dV Gie&E s70 !e&$( !(d( #( s +(, QDe/a 1 e !e #( m es!re0 R(2er!R HVaci#%0 )i( e# p#ie$( s(2re &a ca/a0 #( rec($i% + #e 5iz( c(2rar )ida, L(s !7! #(s ' er(& pasa&d( p(r #a p4$i&a9 #(s ca&!(s0 #(s e&sa+(sE i&c# s(0 Di(s &(s a+ de0 cr7!icas recie&!es diri$idas de #as pr(' &didades s 2&(rma#es de# si$#( IIIH, A &1 e )er#( e& es!a p4$i&a es c(m( mirar p(r e# (/( de &a cerrad ra0 R(2e&, Y( p ed( e&se:ar!e a )er !(d( #( 1 e 5a+a & es!r( a#reded(r0 c(&E HQYa 2as!aR Hdi/( R(2er!, Se d(mi&% para p(der 5a2#ar c(& !ra&1 i#idad0 de & m(d( !(!a#me&!e raz(&a2#e per( c(r!a&!eH, Im26ci#, N( sa2es &ada +0 si& em2ar$(0 !ie&es #a pres &ci%& de 1 erer diri$ir mi )ida c(m( diri$es #a de ! s ami$ i!(s, Miri 5a27a re!r(cedid( & pas(, S r(s!r( de#a!a2a c(&m(ci%&0 Per( apare&!eme&!e ese se&!imie&!( !(da)7a &( 5a27a ##e$ad( a s 2(ca, HS70 es( dice A#ice0 1 e s(+ demasiad( ma&d(&aE R(2e& di( (!r( pas( + Miri 1 ed% c(&!ra #as esca#eras, HTe 5as pasad( !(da #a )ida / $a&d( a )ide(/ e$(s0 c(&)e&ci6&d(!e + c(&)e&cie&d( a ! s ami$(s de 1 e )a#6is a#$(0 de 1 e s(is a#$( 5erm(s(, Ap es!( i&c# s( a 1 e ! s padres s(& !a& !(&!(s 1 e !e dice& #( i&!e#i$e&!e 1 e eres, Per( &( !ie&e &ada de 2(&i!( ser &a ma&d(&a c a&d( eres &a m(c(sa $(rda + si& cere2r(, HY(E HMiri se ##e)% #a ma&( a #a 2(ca + a2ri% a"& m4s #(s (/(s, Di( & !(rpe pas( a!r4s0 s 2ie&d( & esca#%&, Las pa#a2ras de R(2e& empeza2a& a ca sar e'ec!(, La capa s per'icia# de c(&'ia&za + a#e$r7a i2a desm(r(&4&d(se, Y R(2er! si$ i%9 H?Y(@0 ?+(@E s70 pr(2a2#eme&!e e& es( es e& #( 1 e m4s pie&sa ! ca2eci!a e$(c6&!rica, E& cas( c(&!rari(0 !e ser7a di'7ci# s(p(r!ar ! i&ep!i! d, Per( pi6&sa#( c a&d( sie&!as $a&as de p(&er!e a diri$ir mi )ida, Las #4$rimas a&e$ar(& #(s (/(s de #a &i:a, Se di( #a ) e#!a + c(rri% esca#eras arri2a, S s pas(s &( res(&ar(& c(& ' erza i&'a&!i#E era& #i$er(s0 casi c(m( si &( 1 isiese 1 e &adie &(!ara s prese&cia, R(2er! se 1 ed% i&m%)i# & m(me&!(0 mira&d( #a esca#era )ac7a, Era c(m( e&c(&!rarse de pie e& e# '(&d( de & p(z(0 c(& & p(c( de # z s(#ar arri2a,

Rec(rd% #a 6p(ca e& 1 e 6# !e&7a 1 i&ce a:(s + s 5erma&a Cara &(s diezE Cara se 5a27a ) e#!( i&depe&die&!e0 m(#es!a, E& a1 e##(s !iemp(s R(2er! !e&7a s s pr(pi(s pr(2#emasE c(mp#e!ame&!e !ri)ia#es desde #a perspec!i)a de #(s se!e&!a + ci&c( a:(s0 per( 1 e e&!(&ces #e parec7a& m + imp(r!a&!es, Pe&e!rar e# e$( recie&!e de s 5erma&a0 5acer#e c(mpre&der #a p(ca imp(r!a&cia 1 e e##a !e&7a e& e# es1 ema $e&era# de #as c(sas0 #e 5a27a pr()(cad( & !reme&d( p#acer, R(2e& mir% e# !r(ci!( de # z s(#ar + esper% #a (#eada de sa!is'acci%&, G(2 G sa#i% de #as e&!re)is!as p(s!eri(res a #a misi%& e# s42ad(0 m + !arde, N( se 5a27a m(#es!ad( e& es!ar a# d7a de #( 1 e s ced7a e& casaD #a (peraci%& de Para$ a+ #e 5a27a a2s(r2id( p(r c(mp#e!(, G e&(0 6sa era #a e3c sa, Per( !am2i6& era cier!(, Ja27a #a&zad(res & c#eares 2a/( e# (r'a&a!(, A##70 e& As &ci%&0 5a27a )is!( e# a2ism(, As7 1 e ! )( 1 e esperar a ##e$ar a casa para e&!erarse de #as ma#as &(!icias localesE S 5i/a era demasiad( $ra&de + ma+(r para se&!arse e& s re$az(0 per( se #e se&!% a# #ad( + de/% 1 e 6# #e s(s! )iese #a ma&(, A#ice se se&!% a# (!r( #ad(D parec7a c(mp#e!ame&!e !ra&1 i#a0 per( G(2 sa27a 1 e es!a2a a2s(# !ame&!e des1 iciada, L(s &er)i(s de# e&!re&amie&!( s mad(s a #(s pr(2#emas e& casa era& casi demasiad( para e##a, Era 5(ra de e&'re&!arse a #as resp(&sa2i#idades 'ami#iares, HN( ' e p(r &ada 1 e !" 5icieses0 Miri, Miri a$i!% #a ca2eza, Te&7a (/erasD A#ice #e 5a27a dic5( 1 e ##e)a2a s%#( &a 5(ra si& ##(rar, HY( i&!e&!a2a a+ dar#e +E HLa 'rase 1 ed% e& e# aire, E& s )(z &( 5a27a &i pizca de #a c(&'ia&za 1 e 5a27a id( desarr(##a&d( e& #(s "#!im(s d(s ( !res a:(s, >aldici+n, C(& e# ra2i##( de# (/( G(2 )e7a 1 e s padre se$ 7a e& #a 5a2i!aci%& de arri2a0 desa'i4&d(#(s e& si#e&ci(, Visi!ar#( era e# si$ ie&!e p &!( de #a a$e&da, I2a a dar#e &a s(rpresa a# )ie/(, Per( de m(me&!( !e&7a a#$( m c5( m4s imp(r!a&!e 1 e arre$#ar, HS6 1 e era as70 Miri, Y cre( 1 e 5as a+ dad( m c5( a# a2 e#( desde 1 e )i&( a )i)ir c(& &(s(!r(s, ; e no ser por ella, el viejo todava seguira intentando encontrar los zapatos;. URec erdas 1 e #( 5a2#am(s c a&d( )i&( e# a2 e#(V N( es & !ip( a$rada2#e, ;E#cepto cuando ,uiere un 2avor o est preparndote para derribarte$ en ese caso puede engatusar casi a cual,uiera. HS7, L( rec erd(, HL( 1 e dice c a&d( i&!e&!a 5acer!e da:( &( !ie&e &ada 1 e )er c(& 1 e 5a+as sid( 2 e&a ( ma#a0 i&!e#i$e&!e ( es!"pida, HPer(0 1 iz4s 5e sid( demasiad( i&sis!e&!e, N( #e 5as )is!( es!a ma:a&a0 G(2, Es!a2a !a& !ris!eE Cree 1 e &( me d(+ c e&!a0 per( #( )e(, E# p #s( se #e dispara, Tie&e !a&!( mied( 1 e +a &( p ede escri2ir, Y ec5a de me&(s a #a a2 e#a0 di$(0 a Le&a, i Yo ec5( de me&(s a Le&aR Per( +(E

HN( es resp(&sa2i#idad ! +a res(#)er es!e pr(2#ema0 Miri, HP(r e&cima de #a ca2eza de #a &i:a mir% a A#iceH, Es m7a0 + 5as!a a5(ra #( 5e 5ec5( m + ma#, T !ra2a/(0 2ie&0 es Fairm(&! O &i(r, HE& rea#idad0 #a ##amam(s Fairm(&!, HVa#e, Mira, A&!es de 1 e )i&iese e# a2 e#( s%#( pe&sa2as e& #a esc e#a, E& #a esc e#a0 ! s ami$(s + ! s pr(+ec!(s, UN( me di/is!e 1 e #( i2ais a !ra&s'(rmar para Ja##(>ee&V U&a s(m2ra de# a&!i$ ( e&! siasm( i# mi&% e# r(s!r( de Miri, HS7, Te&em(s #a am2ie&!aci%& de !(d( e# ma!eria# Spie#2er$HR(>#i&$, A&&e!!e )a aE HP(r !a&!(0 de2es c(&ce&!rar!e e& es( + e& ! s c#ases 5a2i! a#es, Ysa es ! misi%&0 cari:(, HPer( U1 6 5a+ de R(2er!V 7obert puede irse a laHY( 5a2#ar6 c(& 6#, Cre( 1 e !ie&es raz%& c a&d( dices 1 e !ie&e & pr(2#ema, Per(0 e& (casi(&es0 2ie&E 5a+ a#$( 1 e de2es apre&der mie&!ras creces, A#$ &as pers(&as se ca sa& s s pr(pi(s pr(2#emas, Y & &ca de/a& de 5acerse da:( e i&c(rdiar a #a $e&!e 1 e #as r(dea, C a&d( se da esa si! aci%&0 &( &( de2e se$ ir 5aci6&d(se da:( a s7 mism( p(r s c #pa, Miri a$ac5% #a ca2eza, Parec7a m + !ris!e, Y # e$( )(#)i% a mirar#(, Ade#a&!% #a 2ar2i##a c(& a1 e##a e3presi%& !a& !es!ar da s +a, HM iz4s es( sea cier!( de (!ras pers(&asE per( 5a2#am(s de mi abuelo.

;A EL USUARIO NO DEGE MANIPULAR

EL INTERIOR

Desp 6s de a1 e# s42ad( a&!(#%$ic(0 R(2e& G pasa2a c(&sidera2#eme&!e me&(s !iemp( e& casa de s 5i/(, D(rm7a a##70 !(da)7a e& #a 5a2i!aci%& de arri2a, E& (casi(&es i&c# s( c(m7a e& e# c(med(r, Miri siempre es!a2a e& (!ra par!e, A#ice se m(s!ra2a !a& impasi2#e c(m( #a piedra, C a&d( G(2 a&da2a p(r a570 #a 5(spi!a#idad era !(da)7a me&(r, R(2er! )i)7a & !iemp( pres!ad( +es( &( !e&7a &ada 1 e )er c(& s es!ad( de sa# d, Se dem(ra2a e& a #as )ac7as de #a esc e#a0 #e+e&d( s s )ie/(s #i2r(s, Na)e$a2a p(r #a >e2 m4s 1 e & &ca, C5 m#i$ #e m(s!r% a#$ &as !i#idades m(der&as (c #!as e& s p4$i&a )is(r0 c(sas 1 e &i si1 iera p(d7a& 'i&$ir ser pr($ramas de Xi&d(>sME, Y !am2i6& c(&d c7a m c5( p(r #a ci dad, Era !a&!( p(r / $ar c(& #(s c(c5es a !(m4!ic(s c(m( para )er e& 1 6 se 5a27a !ra&s'(rmad( Sa& Die$(, L( cier!( era 1 e #(s s 2 r2i(s era& !a& m(&%!(&(s c(m( e& e# pasad(, Per( R(2er! desc 2ri% 1 e a s & e)a pers(&a#idad #isiada #e $ s!a2a& #(s ar!e'ac!(s, Ja27a m41 i&as i&c(mpre&si2#es p(r !(das par!es, Acec5a&d( e& paredes0 (c #!as e& #(s 4r2(#es0 i&c# s( !iradas p(r e# c6sped, Tra2a/a2a& e& si#e&ci(0 casi i&)isi2#es0 )ei&!ic a!r( 5(ras a# d7a, Empeza2a a pre$ &!arse d%&de es!a2a e# #7mi!e, U& d7a0 a #a sa#ida de# i&s!i! !(0 R(2e& c(&d /( 5as!a Eas! C( &!+ de/a&d( a!r4s #(s s 2 r2i(s i&!ermi&a2#es, Ja27a casas 5as!a 2ie& arri2a e& #as m(&!a:as, Per( !rei&!a Fi#%me!r(s desp 6s de E# Ca/%& ##e$% a & c#ar( + #( 1 e parec7a &a 2a!a##a, A )ari(s ce&!e&ares de me!r(s de #a a !(pis!a s r$7a& de #(s edi'ici(s pe&ac5(s de p(#)(, C a&d( 2a/( #a )e&!a&i##a (+% #( 1 e p(d7a ser ' e$( de ar!i##er7a, U&a )7a de ser)ici( c(rr7a para#e#a a &a )er/a a#!a, U& car!e# (3idad( dec7a UPWE3press@ ( a#$( parecid(, E# e3!ra:( camp( de !ir( 1 ed% a!r4s, La a !(pis!a se #imi!a2a a s 2ir e& #7&ea rec!a m4s de mi# d(scie&!(s me!r(s, Las sa#idas era& cada )ez m4s esp(r4dicas, E# a !( ace#era2a #e&!ame&!e, Se$"& e# i&c%m(d( )is(r de# sa#picader( 1 e e&c(&!r% e& s carpe!a de / e$(s de Xi&ME0 s pera2a #(s <K; Fi#%me!r(s p(r 5(ra, Las piedras + #a ma#eza de# arc6& era& & 2(rr%& + #a )e&!a&i##a `e cerr% s(#a, Ade#a&!% a #(s )e57c #(s e& ma& a# 1 e i2a& p(r #(s carri#es de #a derec5a c(m( si es! )iese& !(!a#me&!e i&m%)i#es, Algn da tengo ,ue volver a aprender a conducir. Ja27a s perad( e# p &!( m4s a#!(, E# a !( red /( #a )e#(cidad para !(mar #as c r)as a s%#( (c5e&!a Fi#%me!r(s p(r 5(ra, Rec(rda2a 5a2er c(&d cid( as7 e& c(mpa:7a de Le&a0 e& &a A !(pis!a A m c5( m4s pe1 e:a0 1 iz4s e& <K=;, Le&a L#e>e#+& aca2a2a de ##e$ar a Ca#i'(r&ia0 aca2a2a de ##e$ar a EE,UU, Se

5a27a 1 edad( 2(1 ia2ier!a )ie&d( #( e3!e&s( 1 e era e# pa7s e& c(mparaci%& c(& s Gra& Gre!a:a &a!a#, Se 5a27a m(s!rad( !a& a2ier!a0 !a& c(&'iada, Es( 5a27a sid( i&c# s( a&!es de 1 e Le&a decidiese especia#izarse e& psi1 ia!r7a, Las c(#i&as se des5icier(& de s )erde $as!ad( + se a#zar(& c(m( m(&!(&es de r(ca red(&deada, E# desier!( se e3!e&d7a i&!ermi&a2#e0 p(r de2a/( + m4s a##4, Desce&di% de #as m(&!a:as0 desac!i)% A !(pis!a A0 + c(&d /( m4s despaci( si$ ie&d( )ie/as carre!eras de# desier!( 5acia e# par1 e es!a!a# de A&za G(rre$(, L(s "#!im(s s 2 r2i(s se e&c(&!ra2a& e& #a cres!a, A##4 a2a/(0 #as c(sas era& c(m( c a&d( i2a a #a U&i)ersidadE i&c# s( c(m( era& si$#(s a&!es, E& esas carre!eras sec &darias 5a27a m c5as se:a#es de !r4'ic(, A#$ &as es!a2a& (3idadas e i&c#i&adas0 per( era& de )erdad, Gir% #a ca2eza para )er a#e/arse &a se:a# de s!(p a!ra)esada p(r &a 2a#a, Era 5erm(sa, U& p(c( m4s ade#a&!e ##e$% a & cami&( p(#)(rie&!( 1 e a!ra)esa2a & desier!( e!er&(, E# a !(m%)i# se &e$% a se$ ir p(r 6#, HL( sie&!(0 se:(r0 p(r ese cami&( &( 5a+ $ 7a + me 5e dad( c e&!a de 1 e &( !ie&e permis( de c(&d cir, HE& ese cas(0 )(+ a dar & pase7!(, HS(rpre&de&!eme&!e0 &( #e p s( (2/eci(&es, A2ri% #a p er!a + sa#i% a #a 2risa de #a !arde, N(!% c%m( s esp7ri! se #i2era2a, P(d7a )er 5as!a #a e!er&idad, R(2er! cami&% si$ ie&d( e# cami&( de !ierra apis(&ada, Ja27a ##e$ad( a# 'i& a# m &d( &a! ra#, G(#pe% a#$( me!4#ic( c(& e# pie, UU& pr(+ec!i# sad(V N(, A #a masa $ris #e s(2resa#7a& !res a&!e&as de #a par!e s peri(r, La #a&z% a #(s ar2 s!(s, Ni si1 iera a##7 5a27a #($rad( a#e/arse de #a red, Sac% e# p#ie$( m4$ic( + &a)e$% p(r #a z(&a, La ima$e& #e m(s!ra2a e# !erre&( 1 e #e r(dea2a cap!ad( p(r a#$ &a c4mara e&ca/ada e& e# pape#D s(2re cada 5ier2a '#(!a2a& &(s car!e#i!(s9 Ambrosia dumosa es!( + Encelia 2arinosa a1 e##(, P(r #a ca2ecera de #a p4$i&a pasa2a& #(s a& &ci(s de #a !ie&da de re$a#(s de# par1 e, R(2e& p #s% e# L<<, E# c(&!ad(r de $as!( de #a es1 i&a de #a p4$i&a c(rr7a0 casi ci&c( d%#ares e# mi& !(, Ta&!( di&er( si$&i'ica2a 1 e a# (!r( #ad( 5a27a & 5 ma&( de )erdad, R(2er! #e 5a2#% a# pape#9 HGie&0 a 1 6 dis!a&cia me e&c e&!r( deE H5a naturalezaH UA 1 6 dis!a&cia me e&c e&!r( de !ierra si& me/(rarV U&a e!i1 e!a cam2i% de c(#(rD s pe!ici%& 5a27a sid( s 2c(&!ra!ada, Resp(&di% &a )(z de m /er9 HYa casi 5a ##e$ad(D es!4 aE !res Fi#%me!r(s e& #a direcci%& 5acia #a 1 e )a, Si p ed( s $er7rse#(0 se:(r0 rea#me&!e &( &ecesi!a e# L<< para resp(&der a es!e !ip( de pre$ &!as, Simp#eme&!eE Per( R(2er! +a se 5a27a $ ardad( e# pape# e& e# 2(#si##(, Se p s( a cami&ar 5acia e# es!e c(& s s(m2ra p(r de#a&!e, Ja27a pasad( m c5( !iemp( desde #a "#!ima )ez 1 e 5a27a cami&ad( d(s Fi#%me!r(s, I&c# s( a&!es de !e&er A#z5eimer0 cami&ar !res Fi#%me!r(s 5a2r7a sid( a#$( 1 e s%#( 5 2iese 5ec5( e& cas( de emer$e&cia, Per( &i si1 iera #e 'a#!a2a e# a#ie&!( + e# d(#(r de #as ar!ic #aci(&es era c(sa de# pasad(, 5o ms importante de m est inutilizado,

mientras ,ue el resto 2unciona bien. Reed Xe2er !e&7a raz%&0 era & camp( de mi&as ce#es!ia#, 8engo mucha suerte. A pesar de# )ie&!(0 (+% e# s(&id( de m(!(res e#6c!ric(s ace#era&d(, S c(c5e se i2a para (c parse de s s &e$(ci(s e& (!ra par!e, R(2er! &( mir% a!r4s, S s(m2ra se a#ar$%0 e# aire se e&'ri%, Y 'i&a#me&!e ##e$% 5as!a e# c(mie&z( de #a &a! ra#eza, U&a )(ceci!a e& e# (7d( #e di/( 1 e a2a&d(&a2a #a z(&a e!i1 e!ada de# par1 e, M4s a##4 de ese p &!( s%#( se $ara&!iza2a ?c(&e3i%& i&a#4m2rica de emer$e&cia + 2a/a capacidad@, R(2er! si$ i% a&da&d( p(r e# !erre&( si& e!i1 e!ar, As ,ue ho! en da esto es lo ms ,ue se puede estar solo. Le res #!a2a a$rada2#e, P(se7a &a p reza 'r7a + #impia, Le asa#!% de repe&!e e# rec erd( de #a c(&'r(&!aci%& de# s42ad( c(& G(20 m4s rea# 1 e #a !arde de# desier!(, J 2( 6p(cas0 5ac7a m c5(s a:(s0 e& #as 1 e se diri$7a c(& ' ria a s 5i/(0 i&!e&!a&d( 5acer#e se&!ir )er$*e&za p(r ma#$as!ar s !a#e&!( c(& #(s mi#i!ares, Per( e# pasad( s42ad( #a ' ria 5a27a '# id( e& se&!id( c(&!rari(, H%Si"ntate) H#e 5a27a dic5( e# &i:( ad #!( a s padre0 e& & !(&( 1 e R(2er! &( #e 5a27a (7d( sar & &ca, Y R(2er! se 5a27a de/ad( caer e& e# s('4, P(r & m(me&!( s 5i/( #( 5a27a d(mi&ad( c(& s es!a! ra, L e$( se 5a27a se&!ad( e&'re&!e + se 5a27a i&c#i&ad( 5acia 6#, HMiri &( 1 iere c(&!ar #(s de!a##es0 per( es!4 c#ar( #( 1 e 5as 5ec5( es!a !arde0 ca2a##er(, HG(20 +( simp#eme&!eE HC4##a!e, Mi &i:i!a +a !ie&e 2as!a&!es pr(2#emas0 i+ !" &( sers &( m4sR HS mirada era pe&e!ra&!e + 'irme, HN( pre!e&d7a 5acer#e da:(0 G(2, Je !e&id( & ma# d7a, HU&a par!e #e/a&a de s ser se di( c e&!a de 1 e es!a2a gimoteando, + de 1 e &( p(d7a de/ar de 5acer#(H, UD%&de es!4 Le&a0 G(2V G(2 e&!(r&% #(s (/(s, HYa me #( 5as pre$ &!ad( a&!es, Me pre$ &!a2a si 'i&$7as, HSe e&c($i% de 5(m2r(sH, A5(ra +a &( me imp(r!a, A par!ir de 5(+0 s%#( 1 ier( 1 e !e )a+as de a1 70 per(E UJas ec5ad( & )is!az( a ! si! aci%& 'i&a&ciera0 pap4V T(d( se red c7a a es(, HS7E Ja+ & pa1 e!e 'i&a&cier( e& mi Xi&ME, Mis a5(rr(s, Era m #!imi##(&ari( e& -;;;, HEs( ' e 5ace !res p e2#(s0 pap4, Per( e& es!e p &!( es!4s casi acredi!ad( para ma&!e&er!e p(r ! c e&!a, L( !e&dr4s di'7ci# para amedre&!ar a #(s ' &ci(&ar(s p"2#ic(s, L(s c(&!ri2 +e&!es &( s(& m + ama2#es c(& #(s )ie/(sD #(s )ie/(s +a diri$e& demasiad(s aspec!(s de# pa7s, HVaci#%H, Y a par!ir de 5(+ &( c e&!es c(& mi $e&er(sidad, Mam4 m ri% 5ace d(s a:(sE + !e a2a&d(&% d6cadas a&!es, Per( 1 iz4 de2er7a& pre(c par!e (!ras c(sas, P(r e/emp#(0 Ud%&de es!4& ! s )ie/(s ami$(s de S!a&'(rdV

HY(E HE& #a me&!e de R(2er! aparecier(& caras, Ja27a pasad( !rei&!a a:(s e& e# Depar!ame&!( de I&$#6s de S!a&'(rd, M c5(s r(s!r(s, A#$ &(s per!e&ec7a& a pers(&as m4s /%)e&es 1 e 6#, UD%&de es!a2a&V G(2 asi&!i% e& si#e&ci(, HE3ac!(, Nadie 5a )e&id( a )isi!ar!e, Nadie 5a i&!e&!a&d( p(&erse e& c(&!ac!( c(&!i$(, Y( de2er7a sa2er#( 2ie&, I&c# s( a&!es de #( de 5(+ +a s p(&7a 1 e e& c a&!( rec perases #as ' erzas 5ar7as da:( a 1 ie& ! )ieses m4s cercaE + 1 e ser7a Miri, As7 1 e 5e es!ad( i&!e&!a&d( e&ca/ar!e c(& a#$ &( de ! s )ie/(s c(#e$as, UY sa2es 1 60 pap4V Ni&$ &( de e##(s 1 iere sa2er &ada de !i, O50 sa#es e& #as &(!icias, N( !e&dr4s 1 e es'(rzar!e m c5( para e&c(&!rar !a&!(s se$ id(res c(m( a&!esE per( e&!re e##(s &( 5a2r4 &i & s(#( ami$(, HJiz( &a pa saH, A5(ra &( !ie&es (pci(&es, Termi&a e# semes!reD apre&de #( 1 e p edas, Y luego sal de mi casa. HPer( Le&aE UM 6 5a+ de Le&aV G(2 a$i!% #a ca2eza, HMam4 es!4 m er!a, Para !i &( c(&!a2a a &( ser 1 e &ecesi!aras &a sir)ie&!a ( &a pe#(!a para dar pa!adas, Ya es demasiad( !arde, Es!4 m er!a, HPer(E HTe&7a rec erd(s0 per( c(&!radic!(ri(s, La "#!ima d6cada e& S!a&'(rd, E# premi( G(##i&$e& + e# P #i!zer, Le&a no 5a27a es!ad( c(& 6# para c(mpar!ir#(s, Se 5a27a& di)(rciad( m4s ( me&(s c a&d( G(2 se 5a27a &id( a #(s mari&es, Y0 si& em2ar$(EH, Rec 6rda#(, Le&a me me!i% e& a1 e##a reside&cia de a&cia&(s0 A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris, Y es!a2a all0 c a&d( #as c(sas se p sier(& rea#me&!e 'eas, Es! )( a##7 c(& Cara, HS 5erma&i!a de !(da)7a diez a:(s m er!a desde -;;Z, Se 1 ed% si& 5a2#a, A#$( 2ri##% e& #(s (/(s de s 5i/(, HS7, Mam4 es! )(0 i$ a# 1 e Cara, Y & a!a1 e de )er$*e&za &( )a a ser)ir!e de &ada c(&mi$(0 pap4, Te 1 ier( ' era de a1 7, E# 'i&a# de# semes!re es #a 'ec5a #7mi!e, Y 6sa 5a27a sid( #a c(&)ersaci%& m4s #ar$a 1 e R(2er! 5a27a ma&!e&id( c(& a#$ ie& desde e# s42ad(, Jac7a 'r7(, Se ade&!r% m c5( e& e# desier!(, La &(c5e +a (c pa2a #a mi!ad de# cie#(, Las es!re##as c(#$a2a& s(2re & !erre&( ##a&( 1 e se e3!e&d7a i&!ermi&a2#e p(r de#a&!e de 6#, M iz4s 6se era e# secre!( de# re$resad(E 1 e s%#( 1 er7a )(#)er a irse0 cami&a&d( e!er&ame&!e e& #a (sc ridad az #ada, C(&!i& % & !rec5(0 # e$( se de! )(0 par% / &!( a &a e&(rme r(caE + c(&!emp#% #a &(c5e0 A# ca2( de &(s mi& !(s0 se di( #a ) e#!a + se p s( a cami&ar 5acia e# 2ri##a&!e crep"sc #(, O a& se dis!ra/( de #a 2"s1 eda 1 e #e ped7a e# Gra& La$ar!(, La esc e#a empeza2a a p(&6rse#( di'7ci#, C5 m#i$ 1 er7a 1 e !ermi&ase& #(s pr(+ec!(s + 1 er7a res #!ad(s de )erdad, L( pe(r de !(d(9 #a / &!a esc(#ar 5a27a decidid( 1 e #(s a# m&(s de27a& m(s!rar s s !ra2a/(s crea!i)(s e& #a &(c5e de #(s padresE e& # $ar de 5acer e3ame& 'i&a#, C(& #as ma#as &(!as + #a decepci%& de

C5 m#i$ #e 2as!a2aD O a& +a sa27a 1 e era & 'racasad(, Per( seme/a&!e 5 mi##aci%& p"2#ica era a#$( 1 e desea2a e)i!ar c(m( ' ese, Dedic% & ra!( a &a 2"s1 eda di'ere&!e9 e&c(&!rar a & c(mpa:er( para #a c#ase de c(mp(sici%&, E# pr(2#ema era 1 e a O a& &( se #e da2a 2ie& escri2ir, N( era m4s 1 e &(rma#i!( c(& #as ma!em4!icas + #(s '(r(s de resp es!a, La se:(ra C5 m#i$ dec7a 1 e e# secre!( de# 63i!( era ?apre&der a p#a&!ear #as pre$ &!as adec adas@, Per( !am2i6& dec7a 1 e para 5acer#( adem4s de27a ?sa2er a#$( s(2re a#$(@, Es( + ?!(d( e# m &d( p(see & !a#e&!( especia#@ era& #(s pi#ares de s 'i#(s('7a, Per( &( #e ser)7a& de &ada, M iz4 #( me/(r ' ese m(&!ar & e1 ip( !a& $ra&de 1 e #(s perded(res se pr(!e$iese& &(s a (!r(s, A1 e# d7a es!a2a se&!ad( a# '(&d( de #a carpa de# !a##er e& c(mpa:7a de Fred + Oerr+, L(s $eme#(s 5a27a& 'a#!ad( a !a##er p(r #a ma:a&a0 P(r es( pasa2a& e# res!( de# d7a a##7 e& # $ar de ir a #a sa#a de es! di(, Era di)er!id(, L(s d(s 'i&$7a& !ra2a/ar e& & m(de#( p#a&e!ari( ma$&6!ic(E & p#a$i( !a& e)ide&!e 1 e s s p#a&(s !(da)7a !e&7a& #as URLs de #a ' e&!e, Casi #a mi!ad de #a c#ase +a !e&7a a#$( !ermi&ad(, L(s a)i(&es de pape# de D(ris Sc5#e+ )(#a2a&0 per( esa misma !arde s e1 ip( 5a27a desc 2ier!( !erri2#es pr(2#emas de es!a2i#idad, N( sa27a& &ada de# pr(+ec!( secre!( de Fred + Oerr+9 #(s $eme#(s 5a27a& !(mad( e# c(&!r(# de# aire ac(&dici(&ad( de #a carpa, Mie&!ras se rec(s!a2a& + !ras!ea2a& c(& e# m(de#( p#a&e!ari(0 emp#ea2a& #(s )e&!i#ad(res para derri2ar #(s a)i(&es de Sc5#e+, Ii Iia&$ es!a2a i&c#i&ada s(2re #a 2a&de/a de !ra&sp(r!e e& #a 1 e !ra2a/a2a, Ya &( parec7a !a& as s!ada + desesperada0 a &1 e 5a27a re!(rcid( !a&!( #a s per'icie de !ra&sp(r!e 1 e &( ser)7a para &ada, Iia&$ pr4c!icame&!e !e&7a #a &ariz me!ida e& e# e1 ip(, De )ez e& c a&d( se ec5a2a a!r4s + e3ami&a2a #a p4$i&a )is(r para # e$( )(#)er a# desas!re i&m%)i# 1 e 5a27a cread(, Xi&s!(& G#( &! &( 5a27a aparecid( desde 1 e O a& #( 5a27a rec# !ad( para #a misi%& de# La$ar!(, E# c5ic( #( c(&sidera2a &a 2 e&a se:a#D 1 iz4s e# se:(r G#( &! es! )iese !ra2a/a&d( e& #a a'i#iaci%&, Se c(#(c% 're&!e a# aire 'r7( de #(s )e&!i#ad(res, A# '(&d( se es!a2a 2ie&, Jac7a ca#(r + 5a27a m c5( r id( e& #a e&!rada0 per( a57 se se&!a2a R(2er! G , A&!es0 e# !ip( 5a27a es!ad( (2ser)a&d( a #a d(c!(ra Iia&$, Da2a #a impresi%& de 1 e e##a #e mira2a a 6# de )ez e& c a&d(0 per( c(& m c5a m4s discreci%&, E& a1 e# m(me&!( e# se:(r G pres!a2a a!e&ci%& a #a r(!(&da de ' era0 d(&de #(s c(c5es para2a& (casi(&a#me&!e para rec($er ( de/ar a & pasa/er( + se i2a&, E& #a mesa0 de#a&!e de# 'a#s( ad(#esce&!e0 5a27a piezas de G i#dI! + )arias !(rres de aspec!( i&es!a2#e, O a& amp#i% & par de e##as desde e# p &!( de )is!a ce&i!a# de #a carpa0 s(2re #a ca2eza de G , Oa, L(s cac5arr(s &( !e&7a& m(!(res0 &i si1 iera #%$ica de c(&!r(#, As7 1 e G i2a a 'racasar e& esa c#ase c(& !a&!a se$ ridad c(m( O a& #( 5ar7a e& c(mp(sici%&, De pr(&!( se #e (c rri% 1 e 1 iz4 de27a re!(mar e# / e$( de# La$ar!( + 5acer & "#!im( i&!e&!( de e&c(&!rar & c(mpa:er( para e# pr(+ec!(

de C5 m#i$, Per( +a #( pr(26 c(& 6# #a sema&a pasada, R(2er! G era e# me/(r escri!(r 1 e O a& 5 2iese c(&(cid(, Era !a& 2 e&( 1 e p(d7a ma!ar!e s%#( c(& pa#a2ras, O a& se !ra$% e# (r$ ##( e i&!e&!% (#)idar #( de #a sema&a a&!eri(r, Y # e$( pe&s%9 E# !ip( &( es!4 )is!ie&d(0 as7 1 e es!4 mira&d( a# )ac7(, De2e de es!ar m er!( de a2 rrimie&!(, O a& !i! 2e% (!r(s diez mi& !(s0 per( 1 eda2a media 5(ra m4s de !a##er + #(s Rad&er es!a2a& demasiad( c(&ce&!rad(s e& s s armas a&!ia6reas, Oerr+HS O a&9 TmsS E50 Uad%&de )asVTWmsS O a&HS Rad&er9 TmsS V(+ a pr(2ar &a )ez m4s c(& G , Deseadme s er!e,TWmsS Fred HS O a&9 TmsS N( es 2 e&( para #a sa# d desear !a&!( &a 2 e&a &(!a,TWmsS O a& )a$% p(r e# pa2e##%&0 rec(rrie&d( #(s 2a&c(s de !ra2a/( c(m( si es! )iese e3ami&a&d( #(s (!r(s pr(+ec!(s, Aca2% de!r4s de# e3!ra:( a&cia&(, G se $ir% para mirar#e + #a 'ac5ada de despre(c paci%& de O a& se e)ap(r%, La cara s d(r(sa de G parec7a casi !a& /()e& c(m( #a de Fred Rad&er, Per( #(s (/(s mirar(& direc!ame&!e a O a&0 'r7(s + cr e#es, La sema&a a&!eri(r0 e# !ip( #e 5a27a parecid( amis!(s(E 5as!a e# m(me&!( e& 1 e a2ri% a O a& e& ca&a#, O a& se 5a27a 1 edad( si& 'rases i&$e&i(sasD i&c# s( si& 'rases !(&!as, Fi&a#me&!e #($r% se:a#ar #as !(rres deme&cia#es e& #as 1 e 5a27a es!ad( !ra2a/a&d( R(2e& G , HUM 6 es e# pr(+ec!(V E# /()e&H)ie/( si$ i% mira&d( a O a&, HU& re#(/, HL e$( me!i% #a ma&( e& #a ca/a de piezas + de/% caer !res 2(#as p#a!eadas p(r #a par!e s peri(r de #a !(rre m4s a#!a, HQO5R9 HLas 2(#as ' er(& desce&die&d( p(r rampas c(&ec!adas, La primera !(rre es!a2a / s!( de#a&!e de O a&, Ye&d( 5acia #a derec5a0 Hcada !(rre era & p(c( m4s 2a/a + m4s c(mp#e/a 1 e #a a&!eri(r, E# se:(r G 5a27a sad( #a ma+(r par!e de #as ?piezas c#4sicas@ 1 e R(& Xi#iams ma&!e&7a e& stoc(. UEs( era & re#(/V O a& i&!e&!% e&ca/ar#( e& pa!r(&es de re#(/es a&!i$ (s, N( e&ca/a2a de# !(d(0 a &1 e !e&7a pa#a&cas 1 e da2a& &a + (!ra )ez c(&!ra & c%m(dice$(($#eE &a r eda de !ra&smisi%&, M iz4 #as 2(#as 1 e ca7a& p(r #as rampas ' ese& c(m( #as ma&eci##as de & re#(/, G si$ i% mir4&d(#e + di/(9 HPer( )a demasiad( r4pid(, O a& se i&c#i&% e i&!e&!% i$&(rar s mirada, Cap! r% c(m( &(s !res se$ &d(s de# m()imie&!( de #a m41 i&a0 #( s 'icie&!e para ide&!i'icar p &!(s es!aci(&ari(s + dime&si(&es, Ja27a & pr($rama de )ie/(s meca&ism(s 1 e siempre )e&7a 2ie& para / e$(s c(& ar!i# $i(s medie)a#esD #e pas% #a descripci%&, L(s res #!ad(s se i&!erpre!a2a& c(& 'aci#idad, HEsa pa#a&ca !ie&e 1 e ser seis mi#7me!r(s m4s #ar$a, HUs% e# ded( para se:a#ar &a dimi& !a, HL( s6, O a& #e mir%,

HPer( &( es!4 )is!ie&d(, UC%m( #( 5a sa2id(V G se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, HEs & d(& m6dic(, HEs!4 m + 2ie& Hdi/( e# c5ic(0 i&se$ r(, HUPara 1 6V UPara 5acer #( 1 e p ede 5acer c a#1 ier &i:(V O a& &( sa27a 1 6 resp(&der, HPer( !am2i6& es p(e!a, HY a5(ra se me da& 2ie& #(s ar!i# $i(s, HLa ma&( de G sa#i% disparada0 des!r(za&d( pa#a&cas + e&$ra&a/es, Las piezas sa#ier(& e& !(das direcci(&es0 a#$ &as i&c# s( se r(mpier(& p(r #a ' erza de# $(#pe, Eso ##am% #a a!e&ci%& de !(d(s, La c#ase $ ard% & si#e&ci( s"2i!(E + se e&ce&di% #a me&sa/er7a si#e&ci(sa, Era me/(r 1 e de/ara a# )ie/(, Per( O a& &ecesi!a2a a+ da c(& #a c(mp(sici%& crea!i)a0 )a+a si #a &ecesi!a2a, As7 1 e di/(9 HT(da)7a #( sa2e !(d( s(2re #as pa#a2ras0 U&(V HS70 !(da)7a #( s6 !(d( s(2re #as pa#a2ras, T(da)7a s6 $ram4!ica, P ed( i&!erpre!ar 'rases, I&c# s( s6 de#e!rearE a#e# +a0 si& a+ da mec4&ica, UC%m( !e ##amasV HO a& Or(zc(, HS70 +a me ac erd(, UM 6 sa2e 5acer s!ed0 se:(r Or(zc(V O a& 2a/% #a 2ar2i##a, HEs!(+ apre&die&d( a p#a&!ear #a pre$ &!a adec ada, HE&!(&ces0 5az#(, HVa+a, HO a& mir% #as (!ras piezas 1 e G 5a27a e#e$id( per( &( 5a27a sad( e& e# re#(/9 m(!(res r(!a!i)(s0 si&cr(&izad(res i&a#4m2ric(s0 / e$(s de e&$ra&a/es pr($rama2#es0 i&c# s( &a 2a&de/a de !ra&sp(r!e c(m( #a 1 e #a d(c!(ra Iia&$ 5a27a des!r(zad(H, Gie&0 Up(r 1 6 &( sa &i&$ &( de es(s apara!(sV USer7a m c5( m4s '4ci#V Espera2a 1 e G #e s(#!ase a#$ &a c5 mi##ada s(2re res(#)er #(s pr(2#emas de&!r( de &(s par4me!r(s, E& # $ar de es(0 e# (!r( a$i!% c(& ' ria &a pieza, HP(r1 e &( p ed( )er s i&!eri(r, Mira, HM()i% e# m(!(r r(!a!i)( s(2re #a mesaH( ?E# s ari( &( de2e ma&ip #ar e# i&!eri(r,@ L( dice e& e# p#4s!ic(, T(d( es &a ca/a &e$ra, T(d( es ma$ia i&escr !a2#e, HP(dr7as c(&s #!ar e# ma& a#Hdi/( O a&H, M es!ra #(s meca&ism(s I&!er&(s, G )aci#%, Te&7a #(s p :(s cerrad(s, O a& re!r(cedi% &(s ce&!7me!r(s, HUP edes )er e# meca&ism( i&!er&(V UP edes m(di'icar#(V O a& se mir% #(s p :(s, Est loco de atar. HSe )e c(& 'aci#idad, Casi !(d( ##e)a s ma& a#, Si &( #( !ie&e0 &( 5a+ m4s 1 e $(($#ear e# &"mer( de pieza, HLa e3presi%& de# r(s!r( de G 5iz( 1 e O a& pasase a m(d( r4pid(H, Y0 e& c a&!( a m(di'icar #a par!e i&!er&aE S e#e& ser pr($rama2#es, P(r #( dem4s0 e# "&ic( cam2i( 1 e se p ede rea#izar es e& #a 'ase de dise:( + 'a2ricaci%& pers(&a#izada, Es decir0 s(& s%#( componentes. UPara 1 6 i2as a 1 erer cam2iar#(s &a )ez 'a2ricad(sV N( 5a+ m4s 1 e !irar#(s si &( ' &ci(&a& c(m( 1 ieres,

HUS%#( c(mp(&e&!esV HG mir% 5acia e# e3!eri(r de #a carpa !a##er, U& a !(m%)i# rec(rr7a #a a)e&ida Pa#a 5acia #a r(!(&da de #a esc e#aH, UM 6 5a+ de #(s ma#di!(s c(c5esV T(da #a c#ase #(s mira2a, Casi !(da #a c#ase9 e# se:(r Xi##iams se 5a27a !(mad( & desca&s( + &( es!a2a e& c(&!ac!(, E# se:(r G se a$i!% 2re)eme&!e, De pr(&!( es!a2a de pie, A$arr% a O a& p(r e# c e##(, HP(r Di(s 1 e )a+a ec5ar & )is!az(, O a& di( & sa#!( apar!4&d(se de #as ma&(s 're&6!icas de R(2er! G , HUA2rir & c(c5eV UP(r 1 6 i2a a 1 erer 5acer es(V HYsa &( es #a pre$ &!a adec ada0 &i:(, HA# me&(s se alejaban de #a r(!(&da, A &1 e ' era de!r4s de & a !(m%)i#0 U1 6 da:( p(d7a 5acerV La carr(cer7a de #(s c(c5es es!a2a 'a2ricada c(& & c(mp es!( de #( m4s &(rma#0 '4ci# de recic#ar per( !a& resis!e&!e c(m( para s(p(r!ar & c5(1 e a &()e&!a Fi#%me!r(s p(r 5(ra, A #a me&!e #e )i&ier(& )isi(&es de #4seres de 2a!a##a + a#m4da&as m(&s!r (sas, Per( es!a2a& e& e# m &d( rea#, Oerr+ HS O a&9 TmsS UM 6 !rama e# c5i'#ad(VTWmsS O a& HS Rad&er9 TmsS QNi ideaRTWmsS R(2er! G #e ##e)% 5as!a e# (!r( #ad( de #a carpa0 5as!a e# p es!( de Ii Iia&$, C a&d( ##e$ar(&0 e# "&ic( ras!r( de #(c ra era e# casi impercep!i2#e es!remecimie&!( e& s cara, HUD(c!(ra Iia&$V E# #(c( parec7a re#a/ad( + ami$a2#e0 per( Iia&$ )aci#% 2as!a&!e, HS7Hdi/(, HJe es!ad( admira&d( s pr(+ec!(, UU& sis!ema de desp#azamie&!( de masaV Iia&$ i&c#i&% 5acia 6# #a s per'icie de'(rmada, HS7, N( es m4s 1 e & / $ e!e0 per( pe&sa2a 1 e p(dr7a (2!e&er a#$( de e'ec!( de pa#a&ca si d(2#a2a #a s per'icie, HJa2#ar s(2re e# disp(si!i)( parec7a dis!raer#a de# c(mp(r!amie&!( pec #iar de G , HQM + 2ie&R HE& #a )(z de G s%#( 5a27a e&ca&!(H, UP ed(V HT(m% e# pa&e# + e3ami&% e# 2(rde desi$ a#, HT )e 1 e 5acer s rc(s para 1 e #as micr(es!r7as &( se e&!re#azase& Hdi/( Iia&$0 p(&i6&d(se e& pie para se:a#ar s !ra2a/(, Las 2a&de/as de !ra&sp(r!e era& para !irar 2as ra ( m()er pe1 e:(s c(&!e&ed(res, S(#7a& ser me/(res 1 e #as ma&(s r(2%!icas0 a pesar de 1 e &( !e&7a& & aspec!( !a& impresi(&a&!e, La madre de O a& 5a27a re'(rmad( s c(ci&a emp#ea&d( !ra&sp(r!es de m4rm(# de imi!aci%&D desde e&!(&ces !(d( #( 1 e 1 er7a es!a2a d(&de de27a0 +a ' ese e& e# re'ri$erad(r0 e& e# 5(r&( ( s(2re #a !a2#a de c(r!ar0 / s!( c a&d( #( precisa2a, Ja2i! a#me&!e #as micr(es!r7as &( se des#iza2a& a m4s de &(s ce&!7me!r(s p(r se$ &d(, L( 1 e Iia&$ dec7a di( 1 e pe&sar a O a&, M iz4s e# p#a&( de'(rmad( &( es! )iese r(!(, I&!r(d /( #as dime&si(&es e& & pr($rama de mec4&icaE Per( p(r #( 1 e parec7a R(2er! G +a sa27a #( 1 e 5acer,

HP(dr7a !rip#icar #a ' erza de sa#ida si #( a/ s!a a1 7, HRe!(rci% #a 2a&de/a, Emi!i% e# cr /id( 5a2i! a# e& #a cer4mica c a&d( casi #a d(2#as 5as!a e# p &!( de r p! ra, HEspereE HLa m /er ' e a a$arrar e# pr(+ec!(, HN( se 5a r(!(, As7 es m c5( me/(r, Ve&$a + se #( dem(s!rar6, HL( di/( de & m(d( 'ra&c( + amis!(s(0 per( +a se a#e/a2a, Iia&$ ' e !ras 6#0 per( &( ac! % c(m( #(s c5ic(s c a&d( a#$ ie& #es 1 i!a #( s +(, Cami&% / &!( a G i&c#i&a&d( #a ca2eza para dar & )is!az( a #a 2a&de/a de !ra&sp(r!e des!r(zada, HPer( &( 5a+ '(rma de apr()ec5ar esa )e&!a/a mec4&ica emp#ea&d( s%#( #as 2a!er7as 1 e es!4 permi!id( sarE HE# res!( de #( 1 e di/( ' e /er$a ma!em4!icaD O a& se #imi!% a $ ardar#( para # e$(, C a&d( G pasa2a / &!( a #(s $eme#(s Rad&er a$arr% c(& e# 2raz( derec5( & 'rasc( de c e&!as de me!a# 1 e Fred + Oerr+ sa2a& para e# m(de#( p#a&e!ari(, HQE5R HL(s Rad&er se p sier(& e& pie + #e si$ ier(&0 casi si& 5a2#ar e& )(z a#!a, L(s es! dia&!es de Ed caci%& de Ad #!(s era& i&!(ca2#es, T" &( !e me!7as c(& e##(s + e##(s &( se me!7a& c(&!i$(, Oerr+ HS O a&9 TmsS UM 6 &(s 5em(s perdid(0 O a&VTWmsS Fred HS O a&9 TmsS S7, UM 6 #e 5as dic5(VTWmsS O a& se ec5% a!r4s0 a#za&d( #as ma&(s para de/ar c#ar( 1 e &( era m4s 1 e & espec!ad(r i&(ce&!e, U & espec!ad(r casi i&(ce&!e, C a&d( G pasa2a / &!( a s 2a&c( de !ra2a/( se:a#% c(& #a 2ar2i##a #a e&!rada de #a carpa, HJaz a#$( "!i#0 Or(zc(, C(&s7$ eme a#$( de c(rrie&!e e#6c!rica, O a& se p s( de#a&!e, E& #a esc e#a 5a27a ' e&!es de <<;VAC0 a &1 e e& e# i&!eri(r, G sc% i&s!a#aci(&es de ma&!e&imie&!( + )i( &a e&(rme '#ec5a 1 e se:a#a2a 5acia e# c6sped, E# c(&ec!(r 1 e emp#ea2a& para a#ime&!ar #a rec(&'i$ raci%& de edi'ici( c a&d( precisa2a& & a di!(ri( e3!ra, Te&7a &a e3!e&si%& !(!a# de diez me!r(s, C(rri% 5as!a ese p &!( + sac% #a #7&ea de e&!re #a 5ier2a reci6& c(r!ada, A esas alturas, todos los chicos, menos el e,uipo de Schle!0 1 e es!a2a e&ca&!ad( c(& #a me/(ra de# re&dimie&!( de s s a)i(&es0 #(s 5a27a& se$ id( a# e3!eri(r, E# c(c5e 1 e sa#7a de# !r4'ic( se des#iza2a para de!e&erse e& e# 2(rdi##(, Era #a se:(ra C5 m#i$0 1 e )(#)7a de a#m(rzar, R(2er! G ##e$% 5as!a e##a c(& Iia&$ / s!( de!r4s + c(& aspec!( de dis$ s!(, G +a &( 5ac7a r idi!(s a$rada2#es, A$arr% e# ca2#e de c(rrie&!e de ma&(s de O a& + #( e&c5 '% e& e# c(&ec!(r &i)ersa# de #a 2a&de/a0 sa#!4&d(se #a dimi& !a 2a!er7a emp#eada p(r #a d(c!(ra Iia&$, P s( #a 2a&de/a de #ad( + )er!i% #as c e&!as de me!a# de# pr(+ec!( de #(s Rad&er p(r #a a2er! ra s peri(r, C5 m#i$ 5a27a sa#id( de# c(c5e, HUM e es!aEV E# #(c( #e s(&ri%,

HEs mi pr(+ec!( de !a##er0 L( ise, Ya me 5e 5ar!ad( de es( de 1 e ?e# s ari( &( de2e ma&ip #ar e# i&!eri(r@, Vam(s a ec5ar & )is!az(, HSe i&c#i&% s(2re e# cap% de# c(c5e + pas% #(s ded(s p(r #as pa#a2ras impresas 1 e pr(5i27a& #a i&!er'ere&cia de# c#ie&!e, L(s c5ic(s '(rma2a& & $r p( s(2rec($id(, O a& & &ca 5a27a (7d( de &adie 1 e se 5 2iese ) e#!( #(c( e& Fairm(&!, R(2er! G es!a2a 5acie&d( 5is!(ria, E# )ie/( c(#(c% #a 2a&de/a de !ra&sp(r!e c(&!ra e# a !(m%)i#, 3 +nde est su lser de batalla, se/or Astronauta4 G si$ i% c(& e# ded( e# 2(rde de #a 2a&de/a0 # e$( mir% a s derec5a0 a #(s 5erma&(s Rad&er, HE& seri(0 &( 1 err6is es!ar a57, Ii I7a&$ se p s( 're&6!ica0 $ri!4&d(#es a #(s $eme#(s, HQA!r4sR QA!r4sR O a& reci27a resp es!as i&cre72#es de# pr($rama de mec4&ica, Se a#e/% de #a 2a&de/a de !ra&sp(r!e, R(2er! G &( &ecesi!a2a &i&$"& #4ser de 2a!a##a, E& esa (casi%&0 !e&7a a#$( me/(r, G di( e&er$7a a #a 2a&de/a, E# s(&id( ' e c(m( de r(pa a# ras$arse per( 2ortsimo0 c(m( si se a)eci&ara e# 'i& de# m &d(, Sa#ier(& c5ispas de# p &!( d(&de #a 2a&de/a de !ra&sp(r!e !(ca2a e# cap% de# c(c5e, A seis me!r(s p(r de#a&!e de# )e57c #(0 d(&de #(s Rad&er 5a27a& es!ad(0 5a27a & se!( de ade#'as, A#$ &as de #as ramas era& !a& $r esas c(m( e# 2raz( de O a&, Las '#(res 2#a&cas 2ai#a2a& c(m( si 5 2iese 2risaD &a de #as m4s $ra&des se r(mpi% + ca+% a# s e#(, G desp#az% #a 2a&de/a p(r #a pa&za de# a !(m%)i#0 #a&za&d( d(ce&as de c e&!as de me!a# p(r se$ &d(s c(&!ra e# cap% 1 e c(r!ar(& &a 2rec5a de )ei&!e ce&!7me!r(s de a&c5(, Gir% #a 2a&de/a0 el cortador, + c(r!% e& 4&$ #(, E# c6sped cerca&( es!a2a des!r(zad( p(r #(s re2(!es i&)isi2#es, E& me&(s de diez se$ &d(s0 G 5a27a ) e#!( a# p &!( de i&ici( + #a secci%& c(r!ada ca+% e& #a (sc ridad de# 5 ec( de# m(!(r de# c(c5e, G arr(/% a #a 5ier2a e# pr(+ec!( de Ii Iia&$, Me!i% #a ma&( e& e# m(!(r + sac% e# !r(z( s e#!(, V7!(res desde:(s(s de #(s c5ic(s, HQE50 im26ci#R Tie&e 1 e 5a2er & cierre, UP(r 1 6 &( e&$a:ar a# cierreV C(m( si &( #(s 5 2iera (7d( G se i&c#i&% para mirar a# i&!eri(r, O a& se #e acerc%, E# c(mpar!imie&!( es!a2a a #a s(m2ra per( se )e7a m + 2ie&, Si& c(&!ar #(s da:(s0 !e&7a e# aspec!( 1 e i&dica2a e# ma& a#9 a#$ &(s &(d(s de pr(cesad(r + 'i2ra ##e)a2a& a d(ce&as de &(d(s adici(&a#es0 se&s(res + e'ec!(res, Ja27a ser)(s de direcci%&, A# '(&d(0 1 e e# c(r!e de G &( 5a27a a'ec!ad(0 es!a2a e# 2 s De 1 e i2a a #a r eda iz1 ierda de#a&!era, E# res!( era espaci( )ac7(, L(s c(&de&sad(res + #as c6# #as de e&er$7a es!a2a& e& #a par!e p(s!eri(r, G mir% 'i/ame&!e a1 e##(, N( 5a27a ' e$(0 &i&$ &a e3p#(si%&, I&c# s( de 5a2er c(r!ad( p(r #a par!e p(s!eri(r0 #(s sis!emas de se$ ridad 5a2r7a& e)i!ad( c a#1 ier res #!ad( espec!ac #ar, Per( O a& )e7a cada )ez m4s i&dicad(res de err(r, Pr(&!( ac dir7a & cami%& de c5a!arra,

G 5 &di% #(s 5(m2r(s + O a& se acerc% para mirar me/(r #as ca/as de c(mp(&e&!es, T(d(s ##e)a2a& &a i&scripci%& '7sica9 EL USUARIO NO DEGE MANIPULAR EL INTERIOR , E# )ie/( se e&)ar% + di( & pas( a#e/4&d(se de# c(c5e, De!r4s de e##(s0 C5 m#i$ + Xi##iams0 1 e +a 5a27a ) e#!(0 ##e)a2a& a #(s es! dia&!es a #a carpa, Casi !(d(s #(s c5ic(s es!a2a& e&#(1 ecid(s, Ni&$ &(0 &i si1 iera #(s 5erma&(s Rad&er0 5a27a !e&id( e# )a#(r de perder p(r c(mp#e!( #a ca2eza, C a&d( c(me!7a& &a !ra)es ra $ra&de0 &(rma#me&!e era c(& s('!>are0 c(m( e# c5ic( 1 e 5a27a $ri!ad( e&!re #a m #!i! d, Ii Iia&$ rec($i% s e3!ra:( pr(+ec!(0 me/(rad( p(r G , Ca2ecea2a + m rm ra2a para s7, Desc(&ec!% e# disp(si!i)( + di( & pas( 5acia R(2er! G , HQN( me 5a $ s!ad( &ada 1 e se apr(piase de mi / $ e!eR Hdi/(, S e3presi%& era e3!ra:aH, A &1 e es cier!( 1 e #( 5a me/(rad( d(2#4&d(#( p(r a57, HG &( resp(&di%, La m /er )aci#%H, QY +( jams #( 5a2r7a a#ime&!ad( c(& & ca2#e de c(rrie&!eR G se:a#% #as e&!ra:as de# c(c5e m er!(, HU&a s cesi%& de m :ecas r sas 5as!a e# '(&d( de# !(d(0 U&( es as70 Or(zc(V O a& &( se m(#es!% e& 2 scar ?m :ecas r sas@, HEs simp#e ma!eria# desec&aZ#e0 pr('es(r G , UP(r 1 6 i2a a 1 erer a#$ ie& !ras!ear c(& 6#V Ii Iia&$ se i&c#i&%0 mir% e# c(mpar!ime&!( casi )ac7( + #as ca/as c(& s s e!i1 e!as $ra2adas, Mir% a G , HT" #( ##e)as pe(r 1 e +(0 U)erdadV Hdi/( e& )(z 2a/a, G a$i!% #a ma&(0 + p(r & m(me&!( O a& cre+% 1 e i2a a $(#pear a #a m /er, H_(rra i&"!i#, T" & &ca ' is!e m4s 1 e &a i&$e&iera + a5(ra !ie&e& 1 e reed car!e i&c# s( para )(#)er a ser#(, HSe $ir% + se a#e/% si$ ie&d( #a r(!(&da0 2a/a&d( #a c(#i&a 5acia #a a)e&ida Pa#a, Iia&$ di( &( ( d(s pas(s 5acia G , Desde e# i&!eri(r de #a esc e#a C5 m#i$ e3i$7a 1 e !(d(s )(#)iese& a e&!rarD O a& !(c% e# 2raz( de Iia&$, HDe2em(s )(#)er de&!r(0 d(c!(ra Iia&$, N( se #( disc !i%0 si&( 1 e se di( #a ) e#!a + )(#)i% a #a carpa0 a$arra&d( c(& ' erza s 2a&de/a !ra&sp(r!ad(ra, O a& #a si$ i%0 mira&d( c(&!i& ame&!e a# #(c( 1 e se i2a e& direcci%& c(&!raria, I&c# s( c(& R(2er! G #e/(s de #a esc e#a0 e# res!( de #a !arde ' e 2as!a&!e em(ci(&a&!e, La / &!a esc(#ar i&)(c% si#e&ci(, Gie&0 i&!e&!% i&)(car si#e&ci(, Per( !e&7a 1 e permi!ir a #(s es! dia&!es ma&!e&erse e& c(&!ac!( c(& s s 5($ares0 + #a ma+(r7a de #(s c5ic(s c(&siderar(& 1 e era &a 2 e&a (casi%& para pi##ar &a a'i#iaci%& peri(d7s!ica, O a& 5a27a es!ad( #( s 'icie&!eme&!e cerca c(m( para ('recer #as me/(res im4$e&es de# ?$ra& des!r(z( de a !(m%)i#@D a s madre &( #e 5iz( m c5a $racia, Le 5iz( m c5a me&(s c a&d( se e&!er% de 1 e ?e# #(c(@ i2a a !res de #as c#ases de O a&,

E& c a#1 ier cas(0 #a esc e#a se 5iz( 'am(sa e& Sa& Die$( + m4s a##40 c(mpi!ie&d( c(& mi#es de mi##(&es de (!r(s 5ec5(s e3!ra:(s de# d7a0 p(r !(d( e# p#a&e!a, A# m&(s de (!ras c#ases 5icier(& &()i##(s + se pasar(& p(r a##7, O a& )i( a &a &i:a a#$( re$(rde!a 5a2#a&d( e& pers(&a c(& #a se:(ra C5 m#i$9 Miri G , A #as !res de #a !arde #a em(ci%& se 5a27a es' mad(, A esa 5(ra #a ma+(r par!e de #(s a# m&(s 5a27a& !ermi&ad( #as c#ases, A#$ &(s !ip(s de L(s 8&$e#es 5a27a& c(mprad( e# ser)ici( de ap es!as de #(s Rad&er s(2re e# cas!i$( para G , P(r s er!e para #(s $eme#(s, E# pr(2#ema de #a 'ama i&s!a&!4&ea es 1 e siempre ##e$a (!ra &(!icia para dis!raer a !(d( e# m &d(, E& $e&era#0 5a27a sid( & $ra& d7a0 per( a#$( !ris!e, O a& casi 5a27a ##e$ad( a casa c a&d( reci2i% &a ##amada !e#e'%&ica, UU&a ##amada !e#e'%&icaV G e&(0 Epi'a&7a #( ##ama2a Me&sa/er7a I&s!a&!4&ea C#4sica Li!e, Ta# )ez ' ese s a2 e#(, HUS7V Hresp(&di% si& pe&sar, La ##amada ##e$% e& '(rma de )e&!a&a c(& #a ima$e& de &a c4mara si&!6!ica, Mira2a 5acia arri2a0 a & pe1 e:( d(rmi!(ri( de e3!ra:a dec(raci%&9 #i2r(s de )erdad $ ardad(s e& ca/as de car!%&, U& r(s!r( de'(rmad( ##e&a2a $ra& par!e de #a pa&!a##a, L e$( e# c(m &ica&!e se ec5% a!r4s, Era R(2e& G 0 ##ama&d( desde #a p4$i&a )is(r, HJ(#a0 c5ic(, HJ(#a0 pr('es(r, HE& pers(&a0 R(2e& G da2a m c5( mied(, E& &a ma#a ima$e& p#a&a0 simp#eme&!e parec7a pe1 e:( + red cid(, HMira0 c5ic(E HLa ima$e& se re!(rci% + se a$i!%, G / $ e!ea2a c(& #a p4$i&a, C a&d( !ermi&%0 s cara ##e&a2a #a pa&!a##aH, S(2re a1 e##( de <; 1 e 5a2#am(s #a sema&a pasada0 cre( 1 e p(dr7a a+ dar!e, ?QS7R@ HSer7a &a !ra$edia0 pr('es(r G , G #e mir% i&e3presi)(, HM ier( decir 1 e ser7a $e&ia#, Y es!ar7a e&ca&!ad( de e&se:ar#e a )es!ir, HYa es!a2a pe&sa&d( e& c%m( i2a a e3p#ic4rse#( a s madre, HVa#e, HG apar!% #a cara + se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(sH, S p(&$( 1 e es( es!ar7a 2ie&, Si me de/a& )(#)er a# i&s!i! !( &(s )erem(s a##7,

;K JOOAS DE _ANAJORIA M e &adie se ##ame a err(r0 es( de dedicarse a sa#)ar e# m &d( &( era & cami&( de r(sas, A#'red mir% c(& ' ria e# "#!im( i&'(rme de G*&2erF Gra &9 ?G"s1 eda secre!a de# Gra& Terr(r e& Sa& Die$(,@ Las c(sas +a es!a2a& #( 2as!a&!e di'7ci#es a&!es de 1 e G*&2erF diese c(& e# pr(+ec!( TMC de A#'red0 per(0 desde #a re &i%& de Garce#(&a0 #a d p#icidad de A#'red se 5a27a ) e#!(0 p(c( a p(c(0 m4s di'7ci# de ma&!e&er, N( 5a27a esperad( 1 e Gra & ' ese capaz de se$ ir !a& de cerca #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de Sa& Die$(, A#'red 5a27a !e&id( 1 e para#izar casi !(das s s ac!i)idades a##70 i&c# s( ca&ce#ar s s e&)7(s re$ #ares de m es!rasD ese as &!( #e 5a27a re!rasad( )ari(s meses, L( "&ic( p(si!i)( era 1 e G*&2erF + PeiF( i2a& a se$ ir c(& e# P#a& C(&e/(, M4s !(da)7a0 C(&e/( 5a27a reaparecid( &a sema&a a&!es c(& s )a#(raci%& i&icia# + e3i$ie&d( e# pa$(, La e3i$e&cia era rid7c #a0 24sicame&!e &a #is!a c(mp#e!a de dr($as me/(rad(ras0 / s!( #( 1 e se s p(&7a 1 e & se:(r de #a dr($a de S ram6rica p(d7a s mi&is!rar a & /()e& + as! !( empre&ded(r, E& c a&!( a #a )a#(raci%&9 C(&e/( 5a27a prese&!ad( &a #is!a de c(&!ac!(s e& Sa& Die$( + & p#a& c(mp#icad( para i&!r(d cir e1 ip(s de )i$i#a&cia direc!ame&!e e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, G*&2erF + PeiF( se 5a27a& se&!id( e# &( irri!ad( + #a (!ra di)er!ida p(r e# p#a&0 per( #(s !res es!a2a& de ac erd( e& 1 e p(d7a& ##e)ar#( a ca2(, L(s america&(s sa2r7a& 1 e #(s 5a27a& s(&dead(0 per(0 a me&(s 1 e #as c(sas sa#iese& m + ma#0 e##(s p(dr7a& &e$ar es!ar a# !a&!( de #a (peraci%&, C#ar( 1 e #( 1 e G*&2erF + PeiF( )e7a& era #( '4ci#, L( di'7ci# era #( 1 e A#'red (c #!a2a 2a/( e# P#a& C(&e/(, C a&d( aca2ara esa i&!r si%&Wi&specci%& &( 5a2r7a &i ras!r( de s pr($rama de i&)es!i$aci%&, Ac! a&d( c(m( #7der de c(&'ia&za de #a (peraci%&0 A#'red es!a2a se$ r( de #($rar#(, E# triun2o c(&sis!7a e& de/ar pr e2as 'idedi$&as 1 e diri$iese& a# perr( de presa de G*&2erF a# (!r( #ad( de# m &d(E de/a&d( #as (peraci(&es de A#'red i&!ac!as e& Sa& Die$(, Si es( &( era p(si2#e0 A#'red !e&dr7a 1 e ##e)ar s (r$a&izaci%& de i&)es!i$aci%& H+ s s medidas de se$ ridadH a # $ares de se$ &da ca!e$(r7a, Perder7a & a:( ( d(s de !iemp( de desarr(##(, UM 6 imp(r!a2a rea#me&!e ese re!ras(V Ya 5a27a 5ec5( #( m4s di'7ci#, La pr e2a de# $ ir#ac5e dem(s!ra2a 1 e !e&7a & m(d( de dispersi%&, De 5ec5(0 s )ir s pse d(mimi era m4s r(2 s!( de #( 1 e G*&2erF cre7a, Si e# Gra& Terr(r 5 2iese sid( #a me!a de A#'red0 +a 5a2r7a es!ad( e& #a casi##a $a&ad(raD p(d7a disparar psic(sis de)as!ad(ras0 i&c# s( a/ s!adas a 2#a&c(s c(&cre!(s, Es!a2a c#ara #a '(rma de desarr(##ar c(&!r(#es me&!a#es s peri(res, Per(0

mie&!ras !a&!(0 #a especie 5 ma&a se$ 7a ca+e&d( c es!a a2a/( si& &adie a# )(#a&!e, Las & c#eares pe1 e:as0 #(s sis!emas de e&)7( 2ara!(s0 #as epidemiasE siempre 5a27a & precipici( de#a&!e0 e# Si$ ie&!e Gra& Desas!re, UY si e# Si$ ie&!e Gra& Desas!re ' ese e# Desas!re A2s(# !( + De'i&i!i)(V UY si s ced7a a&!es de 1 e p diese !(mar e# c(&!r(#V P(r !a&!(0 s70 )a#7a #a pe&a 5acer c a#1 ier c(sa 1 e #e a5(rrase &(s meses, De/% a & #ad( e# i&'(rme de G*&2erF + si$ i% p#a&ea&d( #( 1 e 5ar7a d ra&!e #as 2re)es 5(ras e& #as 1 e a1 e##a (peraci%& #(s si! ase a 6#0 a G*&2erF + a PeiF( a# c(&!r(# de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de Sa& Die$(, Es!a2a !a& a2s(r!( e& s s pe&samie&!(s 1 e casi &( (+% e# s(&id( a s espa#da9 & es!a##id( d62i# + &a c(rrie&!e de aire0 e# !7pic( e'ec!( de & / e$(, U& s(&id( 1 e &( !e&dr7a 1 e 5a2erse (7d( a##7, A#'red 5iz( &a m eca + se )(#)i%, C(&e/( 5a27a crecid(, HQJ(#a0 5(#aR Hdi/(H, Se me 5a (c rrid( pasarme a dar!e & i&'(rme especia#0 i&c# s( a pedir!e a+ da c(& a#$ &(s de!a##es, HC(&e/( #e dedic% a A#'red &a s(&risa de&! da + se se&!% a dis'r !ar de &a za&a5(ria e& e# si##%& de c er( para #as )isi!as 1 e 5a27a a# (!r( #ad( de #a mesa de A#'red, E& e# despac5( de A#'red, S espaci(0 e# 1 e es!a2a e& #as ca!ac m2as a pr e2a de 2(m2as0 2a/( M m2ai0 e& e# c(raz%& de #a A$e&cia de I&!e#i$e&cia E3!eri(r de #a I&dia, A#'red ##e)a2a casi se!e&!a a:(s diri$ie&d( (peraci(&es secre!as, Jac7a d6cadas 1 e &( se se&!7a !a& c(&!rariad(, Era c(m( )(#)er a ser /()e&E &( era &a se&saci%& a$rada2#e, Mir% a C(&e/( & m(me&!(0 asimi#a&d( #as !erri2#es imp#icaci(&es de #a prese&cia de #a cria! ra, :uiz sea mejor ,ue no lo piense ahora. Y di( p(r resp es!a & pa#( de cie$(, HUI&'(rme de pr($res(V Jem(s )is!( ! s pr($res(s, Pers(&a#me&!e es!(+ & p(c( decepci(&ad(, Jas #($rad( m + p(c(E HM e p edas )er, HE apar!e de crear &a &e2#i&a de es! pidez0 5a2i! a#me&!e c(&!rapr(d ce&!e, L(s ?a$e&!es #(ca#es@ 1 e 5as rec# !ad( s(& i&c(mpe!e&!es, P(r e/emp#(E HA#'red a2ri% e# i&'(rme c(& e3a$erad( 6&'asis, Mie&!ras0 #(s a&a#is!as de #a AIE e3ami&a2a& #a i&!r si%& de C(&e/(, A2rier(& &a )e&!a&a $r4'ica s(2re #a ca2eza de #a cria! ra, *onejo llegaba a trav"s de tres enrutadores de tres continentes. A1or ejemplo ;dijo Al2red escogiendo un nombre al azar;0 !e&em(s a es!e ?Xi&s!(& G#( &!@, Jace a:(s ' e & imp(r!a&!e admi&is!rad(r de #a UCSD, Per( & &ca ma&! )( c(&!ac!(s pers(&a#es c(& #(s ' &dad(res de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s + 5(+ e& d7aE HJiz( & $es!( de rec5az( c(& #a ma&(H, Esa pers(&a !ie&e !a& p(ca re#aci%& c(& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de Sa& Die$( 1 e 2ie& p ed( pre$ &!ar 1 6 es!am(s (2!e&ie&d( a cam2i( de & es!r( di&er(, C(&e/( se ap(+% s(2re #a mesa de ca(2a de A#'red, S re'#e/( e& e# 2ar&iz se m()i% e& per'ec!a si&cr(&7a,

HP(dr7as pre$ &!ar#(, Y c 4&!a i$&(ra&cia dem(s!rar7a esa pre$ &!a, Sabes #( 1 e de2es 2 scar + a & as7 es( es !(d( #( 1 e 5as desc 2ier!(, Pie&sa e& #( i&)isi2#e 1 e de2e de res #!ar para #(s america&(s, Y( s(+ & 'a&!asma 1 e se ma&i'ies!a c(m( m()imie&!( 2r(>&ia&( 5as!a 1 e0 voila), #as ma&d72 #as de mi (peraci%& se cierra&, HU&a s(&risa cr z% e# r(s!r( de C(&e/(, A$i!% #as (re/as e 5iz( & $es!( 5acia e# re' $i( de A#'redH, E& cier!a '(rma0 e& rea#idad es &a simp#e dem(s!raci%& de pri&cipi(sE esas ma&d72 #as se cierra& 5(+ s(2re !i, T"0 #a /ap(&esa + e# e r(pe( cre7ais 1 e me 5a27ais e&$a:ad(, UM 6 1 eda a5(ra de ) es!r( a&(&ima!(0 e5V UE5V A#'red mir% ' ri(s( a# a&ima#, N( 5ac7a 'a#!a dis'razar s dis$ s!(, 1ero rezo por,ue eso sea todo lo ,ue ha descubierto. C(&e/( ap(+% #as pa!as de#a&!eras e& #a mesa de A#'red + si$ i% c5ar#a&d(, HN( !e pre(c pes0 &( es!(+ sie&d( !a& c(m &ica!i)( c(& ! s ami$(s de #as a$e&cias /ap(&esa + e r(pea, Les dar7a & a!a1 e de p4&ic(E + 6s!e es & pr(+ec!( c(& e# 1 e es!(+ dis'r !a&d(, C(&(zc( $e&!e & e)a0 apre&d( c(sas & e)as, Ya sa2es, HI&c#i&% #a ca2eza0 c(m( si esperase a#$ &a c(&'ide&cia a cam2i(, A#'red 'i&$i% pe&s4rse#( + 'i&a#me&!e #e dedic% a C(&e/( & ase&!imie&!( / ici(s(, HS7, Si s piese& 1 e #a !apadera 5a 'a##ad(0 a &1 e sea a&!e a#$ ie& de de&!r(0 pr(2a2#eme&!e a2(r!ar7a& #a misi%&, Jas 5ec5( #( c(rrec!(, L(s &"mer(s s(2re #a ca2eza de C(&e/( i2a& cam2ia&d(, La i&'(rmaci%& de e&r !amie&!( era e& s ma+(r7a 'a#sa0 per( #a #a!e&cia de #a red He# re!ras(H 5ac7a 1 e #(s a&a#is!as ! )iese& & (c5e&!a p(r cie&!( de se$ ridad de 1 e C(&e/( pr(ced7a de N(r!eam6rica, Si& #a a+ da de #a $e&!e de se:a#es de #a i&!e#i$e&cia e r(pea0 &( i2a& a #($rar &a es!imaci%& me/(r, Per( c(&!ar#e a G*&2erF #( de a1 e##a )isi!a era a#$( 1 e A#'red &( 1 er7a 5acer, As ,ue tengo ,ue tratar a este hijo de puta como si 2uese un respetable colega. A#'red se rec(s!% + ad(p!% &a p(se ama2#e, HE&!(&ces0 e&!re &(s(!r(s0 Uc 4#es 5a& sid( ! s pr($res(sV C(&e/( #a&z% #( 1 e #e 1 eda2a de #a za&a5(ria a #a mesa de Vaz + cr z% #as pa!as de!r4s de #a ca2eza, HE5, Casi 5e !ermi&ad( de re &ir e# e1 ip( de #a (peraci%&, Ese arc5i)( pr(2a2#eme&!e i&c# +e a#$ &(s de s s miem2r(s0 i&c# id( e# es!imad( deca&( G#( &!, P ed( pa$ar a #a ma+(r7a de esa $e&!e sa&d( mis pr(pi(s rec rs(s, U&( de e##(s p(dr7a par!icipar $ i4&d(se s%#( p(r s esp7ri! 2(&dad(s( de a)e&! ra, L(s (!r(s precisa& i&ce&!i)(s 1 e #a ri1 eza de #as &aci(&es p ede sa!is'acer, Y si 5a+ a#$( 1 e p(see #a A#ia&za I&d(e r(pea es #a ri1 eza de #as &aci(&es, HSiempre 1 e &( se p eda ras!rear s (ri$e& + &( parezca #a ri1 eza de #as &aci(&es, HC(&'7a e& m7, Si es(s c5a#ad(s se #( pie&sa&0 ##e$ar4& a #a c(&c# si%& de 1 e s(m(s rea#me&!e se:(res de #a dr($a de S ram6rica, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 !e

!e&dr6 preparada s #is!a de #(s dese(s de&!r( de &a sema&a m4s ( me&(s, Si !(d( sa#e se$"& #( p#a&ead(0 !e&dr6is c(mp#e!( acces( a #(s 2i(#a2(ra!(ri(s de Sa& Die$( d ra&!e casi c a!r( 5(ras0 e& a#$"& m(me&!( a 'i&a#es de diciem2re, HE3ce#e&!e, HY # e$( 1 iz4 me di$as 1 6 2 sc4is e& es(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, HCreem(s 1 e #(s america&(s !rama& a#$(, C(&e/( a#z% #as ce/as, HUU&a Gra& P(!e&cia !raici(&a&d( a #(s s +(sV HYa 5a s cedid( a&!es, HA &1 e &( desde #a primera mi!ad de si$#(0 e& #a c(&' si%& Si&(america&a, HA/4, HD ra&!e & 2re)e m(me&!( C(&e/( pareci% i&c# s( pe&sa!i)(H, C(&'7( e& 1 e me c(m &icar4s #( 1 e desc 2r4is, A#'red asi&!i%, HSi p(dem(s ma&!e&er#( e&!re #(s d(s, HDe 5ec5(0 1 e C(&e/( desc 2riese #( de# pr(+ec!( TMC de A#'red #e dar7a & & e)( si$&i'icad( a #a e3presi%& ?pe(r res #!ad( p(si2#e@, P(r s er!e0 C(&e/( &( si$ i% p(r ese cami&(, HJa+ &a c(sa Hdi/( #a cria! raH, U& "#!im( c(&!ac!(0 & !ip( i&!eresa&!eE E& cier!a '(rma #( e&c e&!r( m4s i&!eresa&!e 1 e !(d( ) es!r( espi(&a/e de secre!i!(s, HM + 2ie&, HA#'red decidi% acep!ar !(das #as !(&!er7as 1 e s(#!ase s i&!er#(c !(r, E& e# aire '#(!% #a ima$e& de & c5i&( de aspec!( / )e&i#, La mirada de Vaz rec(rri% #a 2i($ra'7a ad/ &!a, N(0 e# !ip( &( era /()e&, HUYse es e# padre de G(2 G V Vas a / $ e!earE HG ard% si#e&ci(0 rec(rda&d( #( recie&!eme&!e s cedid( e& Para$ a+, P(r & m(me&!( (#)id% #a &ecesidad de !(m4rse#( c(& ca#maD a#$ &as !(&!er7as era& di'7ci#es de !ra$arH( Vam(s a )er0 #a (peraci%& !ie&e 1 e ser discre!a, UC%m( )as aEV HN( !e pre(c pes, O &i(r &( me i&!eresa e& a2s(# !(, Simp#eme&!e se !ra!a de &a de esas capric5(sas c(i&cide&cias, Ver4s0 e# padre de G(2 G es e# s e$r( de A#7ce G , 3*+mo4 A#'red i&!e&!% e&!e&der#(, L e$( se di( c e&!a de 1 e C(&e/( 5a2#a2a de A#ice G(&$, Bh, C(&e/( 5a27a a2a&d(&ad( #a !ierra de #a es! pidez + cami&a2a p(r #as pr(' &didades de #a #(c ra, A#'red se 1 ed% m d(, HA50 Usa2es 1 i6& es A#iceV USa2es 1 e se es!4 e&!re&a&d( para rea#izar &a a di!(r7a c(mp#e!a de #a se$ ridad de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s de Sa& Die$(V QPi6&sa#(R M + pr(&!(0 #(s america&(s #e pedir4& a A#ice 1 e re' erce #a se$ ridad, Te&er#a c(&!r(#ada es mu! importante, )ie/(, HS7E HLa U&i%& E r(pea + Oap%& #( de/ar7a& de i&media!( si se e&!era2a& de 1 e A#ice G(&$ G se (c pa2a de# cas(, Y es seguro ,ue Alice detectar lo ,ue esto! haciendo en esos laboratoriosH UM 6 pr(p(&esV HM ier( ase$ rarme de 1 e A#ice &( es!6 pr(!e$ie&d( #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s c a&d( e&!rem(s, Te&$( a pap4 G e& e# seda# desde 5ace d7as, Per( #a c(sa )a #e&!a,

HO!ra mirada de&! da de desa'7(H, Adem4sE me m er( p(r 5a2#ar direc!ame&!e c(& 6#, Necesi!am(s & c(&!ac!( z(m2i, HApareci% (!ra c(m2i&aci%& de ima$e& + 2i($ra'7a, HUU& ci dada&( i&di(V HS(+ de & s !i#0 U)erdadV S70 a &1 e #(s d(s "#!im(s a:(s e# se:(r S5ari' 5a )i)id( e& Es!ad(s U&id(s, N( !ie&e &i&$ &a re#aci%& c(& #(s ser)ici(s de i&!e#i$e&cia i&d(e r(pe(s, Me p(&dr6 e& c(&!ac!( c(& 6# c(m( #a #i$era & 2e de c(i&cide&cias 1 e s(+, Si #(s america&(s #e ide&!i'ica&0 ser4 e# se: e#( per'ec!(, T s ami$(s e r(pe(s + /ap(&eses s(& demasiad( c(2ardes para acep!ar & p#a& as7, Cre( 1 e t !ie&es m4s arr(/(, As7 1 e 5e )e&id( a a)isar!e, C"2reme e& es!a si! aci%&, Ma&!6& a ! $e&!e a#e/ada de S5ari', E& (casi(&es rea#me&!e ser6 +(, Vaz $ ard% si#e&ci( & 2 e& ra!(, N( sa27a 1 e A#ice G(&$ G se prepara2a para &a a di!(r7a de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de Sa& Die$(, Era &a ma#a &(!icia, U&a &(!icia m + ma#a, N( era s 'icie&!e ma&!e&er a G(&$ a#e/ada &a &(c5e, E&!(&es ! )( &a idea 2ri##a&!e, E# $e&i( de A#ice era pr(d c!( de & sacri'ici( 5(rri2#e, Ja27a dad( c(& s secre!( &(s a:(s a&!esD a s m(d(0 e##a arries$a2a m4s 1 e A#'red, Y mi arma, incompleta como est, podra pararla en seco. Mir% a C(&e/(, HE'ec!i)ame&!e0 !ie&es mi ap(+(, A &1 e s%#( de2em(s sa2er#( &(s(!r(s d(s, C(&e/( se acica#%, HPer(0 s7 p ed( 5acer &a s $ere&cia Ha:adi% A#'red0 de & c(#e$a a (!r(H0 es me/(r 1 e #( pr($ramem(s !(d( para 1 e A#ice G est" de $ ardia #a &(c5e 1 e e&!rem(s, C(& #a preparaci%& adec ada ser7a p(si2#e sacar )e&!a/a de s prese&cia, HUE& seri(V HA C(&e/( #i!era#me&!e se #e sa#7a& #(s (/(s de #as %r2i!asH, UC%m( es es(V HTe&dr6 #(s de!a##es de&!r( de &(s d7as, HDe 5ec5(0 +a sa27a m c5(s de!a##es0 per( &( es!a2a& des!i&ad(s a #(s (7d(s de C(&e/(, A#'red +a es!a2a e&)ia&d( #(s re1 isi!(s de #a misi%& a s e1 ip( i&!er&(, UC 4&!( !iemp( ##e)ar7a 'a2ricar & pse d(mimi)ir s apr(piad( para #a de2i#idad c(&cre!a de A#iceV UC 4# era e# m6!(d( de e&)7( m4s se$ r(V Pr(2a2#eme&!e e& a1 e# cas( #a i&'ecci%& i&direc!a &( ' ese #( m4s pr4c!ic(, UY c 4# ser7a e# me/(r c e&!( para c(&!ar a ese ma#di!( C(&e/(V C(&e/( se$ 7a mir4&d(#e e3pec!a&!e, HC#ar( es!4 Hdi/( VazH0 5a+ aspec!(s de #a c es!i%& 1 e es me/(r &( re)e#ar, HOe, C#ar(, UP#a&es para c(&m(ci(&ar a# m &d( + !(d( es(V N( imp(r!a0 me c(&!e&!( c(& se$ ir sie&d( ! Gra& C(r!acirc i!(s Ca7d( de# Cie#(, Ma&!e&dr6 e# c(&!ac!(, Mie&!ras !a&!(E HDe pr(&!( )es!7a & &i'(rme $ris c(& c5arre!eras !ac5(&ad( de meda##as, Le)a&!% e# 2raz( e& & sa# d( 5i!#eria&(H, QLar$a )ida a #a A#ia&za I&d(e r(peaR HC(& #( 1 e #a ima$e& de C(&e/( desapareci% c(m( e# !r c( 2ara!( 1 e era,

A#'red perma&eci% se&!ad(0 i&m%)i#0 casi d(s mi& !(s0 si& resp(&der a #(s $ri!(s de a#arma 1 e rec(rr7a& #a red de #a ('ici&a0 si& resp(&der a #(s dis!i&!(s a&4#isis de# pers(&a# 1 e se i2a& $e&era&d(, A#'red es!a2a re(rde&a&d( s s pri(ridades, N( se 5a27a e&!erad( a&!es de #( de A#ice G(&$ G 0 per( +a #( sa27a + disp(&7a de !iemp( s 'icie&!e para sacar )e&!a/a de s prese&cia, Era m + !ris!e !e&er 1 e 5acer da:( a &a m /er 1 e e& rea#idad # c5a2a de s #ad(0 1 e 5a27a 5ec5( m4s 1 e casi c a#1 ier (!ra pers(&a p(r ma&!e&er #a se$ ridad de# m &d(, V(#)i% a c(&ce&!rarse, Adem4s de #idiar c(& A#ice0 !e&7a (!ra pri(ridad & e)a9 sa2er m4s s(2re C(&e/(0 desc 2rir c%m( des!r ir#e, A#'red Vaz &( !e&7a &a p(sici%& ('icia# e& #a A$e&cia de I&!e#i$e&cia E3!eri(r0 per( s7 & p(der i&me&s(, I&c# s( 5acie&d( s( de #as !6c&icas m(der&as de c(mpar!ime&!a#izaci%&0 /am4s 5a2r7a p(did( (c #!ar s s pr($ramas de i&)es!i$aci%& de &( 5a2er !e&id( !a&!( p(der, A5(ra 2ie&E se p(d7a ar$ me&!ar 1 e #a )isi!a de C(&e/( a# c ar!e# $e&era# de #a AIE era e# 'a##( de se$ ridad m4s espec!ac #ar de #a d6cada0 Qs%#( si a#$ ie& de ' era se e&!era2aR A#'red emp#e% !(d( s p(der e& #a a$e&cia + !(d(s #(s res(r!es p(#7!ic(s secre!(s 1 e 5a27a ac m #ad( e& m4s de se!e&!a a:(s para #($rar 1 e s%#( s s e1 ip(s #( s piese&, Si e# i&spec!(r $e&era# de #a AIE se #( (#7a0 #(s p#a&es de A<'red se )e&dr7a& a2a/(, Era & 5ec5( !ris!e 1 e pr(2a2#eme&!e s pr(pi( $(2ier&( #e c(&siderara & !raid(r si desc 2r7a s s p#a&es para sa#)ar e# m &d(, L( 1 e c(&)er!7a e& &a ma&i(2ra de#icada i&)es!i$ar #a 2r(ma de C(&e/(, De a#$ &a '(rma0 s e&emi$( 5a27a s perad( e# c(r!a' e$(s de ais#amie&!( m4s se$ r( c(&(cid( p(r e# 5(m2re, C(&e/( i&c# s( 5a27a c(&!r(#ad( e# s(p(r!e de #(ca#izaci%& de a#!a res(# ci%& B&( ca27a d da p es!( 1 e s ima$e& 5a27a es!ad( per'ec!ame&!e emp#azadaC, La e3p#icaci%& e)ide&!e era 1 e C(&e/( 5a27a #($rad( ma&ip #ar e# E&!(r&( de Jard>are Se$ r(, Si era as70 e&!(&ces #a 2ase de !(da #a se$ ridad m(der&a 1 eda2a e& e&!redic5(E + #a )isi!a de C(&e/( era e# primer !r e&( de #a des!r cci%&, UEra p(si2#e 1 e & c(&e/( !(&!( a& &ciase e# Ap(ca#ipsisV Se s cedier(& (c5e&!a 5(ras de i&cer!id m2re mie&!ras #(s e1 ip(s i&!er&(s de A#'red i&!e&!a2a& desci'rar e# mis!eri(, Fi&a#me&!e0 s s a&a#is!as de #a AIE desc 2rier(& #a )erdadera e3p#icaci%&0 sim #!4&eame&!e !ra&1 i#izad(ra + m + )er$(&z(sa, C(&e/(0 dem(s!ra&d( &a i&!e#i$e&cia e3!ra(rdi&aria0 5a27a 1 e admi!ir#(0 5a27a e3p#(!ad( &a c(m2i&aci%& de s('!>are 'a##id( + e&!radas err%&eas de re$is!r(0 &( de es(s pr(2#emas 1 e !ie&e& !a& a me& d( #(s s ari(s desc idad(s, E& res me&9 C(&e/( era m c5( m4s pe#i$r(s( de #( 1 e A#'red 5a27a pe&sad( e& & pri&cipi(0 per( &( era e# Si$ ie&!e Gra& Desas!re, Vaz s 'ri% mie&!ras d r% e# s spe&se, Per(0 a# 'i&a#0 #( m4s 'r s!ra&!e de# i&cide&!e ' er(& #as 5(/as de za&a5(ria 1 e C(&e/( #e 5a27a de/ad( s(2re #a mesa, Usa&d( !(d(s #(s rec rs(s + c(&(cimie&!(s de# m(der&( Es!ad( i&di(0 a

#a AIE #e ##e)% casi !res d7as e#imi&ar #a #%$ica 1 e i&+ec!a2a esa ima$e& e& #a red de #a ('ici&a,

<; UN EICELENTE TEMA PARA UNA TESIS E& casa0 Miri ma&!e&7a & per'i# 2a/(, Es( m(#es!a2a a A#ice0 #( 1 e e& s7 mism( era c(&!radic!(ri(0 p(r1 e G(2 &( 1 er7a de &i&$"& m(d( 1 e 5a2#ase c(& R(2er!, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 am2(s cre7a& 1 e0 si !e&7a (casi%&0 R(2er! )(#)er7a a 5acer#e da:(, De/a2a 1 e R(2er! se 1 edase e# c ar!( de es!ar siempre 1 e #e da2a #a $a&a, Se ase$ ra2a de &( es!ar e& casa si 6# es!a2a, Per( !am2i6& #e )i$i#a2a e& c a&!( res #!a2a 5(&rad( 5acer#(, Ja##(>ee& es!a2a a #a ) e#!a de #a es1 i&a, Te&dr7a 1 e 5a2er es!ad( e& #(s si!i(s de s s ami$(s0 i&mersa e& #a p#a&i'icaci%&, E##a0 A&&e!!e + Pa #a 5a27a& 5ec5( m c5(s prepara!i)(s c(& Spie#2er$HR(>#i&$, Ya !(d( parec7a &a !(&!er7a, As7 1 e Miri pasa2a e# !iemp( c(& ami$(s m4s #e/a&(s, L(s padres de Oi& era& psi1 ia!ras de# Gr p( Pr()i&cia# de Asis!e&cia M6dica de Jai&a&, Oi& &( 5a2#a2a & i&$#6s m + 2 e&(0 per( e# ma&dar7& de Miri era !(da)7a pe(r, E& rea#idad0 e# idi(ma &( era & pr(2#ema, Se re &7a& e& #a p#a+a de 6# ( de e##a0 depe&die&d( de e& 1 6 #ad( de# m &d( ' ese de d7a ( e# !iemp( ' ese me/(r0 + c5ar#a2a& e& & i&$#6s pasa2#e0 c(& e# aire 1 e #(s r(dea2a ##e&4&d(se de p(si2i#idades de !rad cci%& e im4$e&es s s!i! !as, Esa pe1 e:a camari##a 5a27a c(&!ri2 id( m c5( a #(s '(r(s de resp es!aD de #as a'ici(&es de Miri0 era #a m4s ?s(cia#me&!e resp(&sa2#e@, Oi& !e&7a m c5as !e(r7as s(2re R(2er!, HT a2 e#( es!a2a casi m er!( a&!es de 1 e #(s m6dic(s #e !ra/ese& de ) e#!a, N( !ie&e &ada de s(rpre&de&!e 1 e a5(ra se sie&!a ma#, HJiz( '#(!ar & par de ar!7c #(s acad6mic(s ap(+a&d( s !esis, A1 e# d7a Oi& era a&'i!ri%& de (!r(s c5ic(s 1 e c(&)i)7a& c(& pers(&as se&i#es ( c(& (!r(s pr(2#emas, La ma+(r7a se #imi!a2a& a esc c5ar e& '(rma de ca&$re/(s de are&a ( mer(s ic(&(s de prese&cia, U&(s c a&!(s !e&7a& '(rma 5 ma&a0 i&c# s( p(si2#eme&!e s aspec!( e& e# m &d( rea#, U&a c5ica 1 e apare&!a2a &(s diez a:(s 5a2#%, HMi !7a a2 e#a es as7, E& e# a:( -;;; era e/ec !(ra de c e&!as, HE/ec !(ra de c e&!as &( si$&i'ica2a #( 1 e parec7aH, Per( # e$( 1 ed% #isiada, Je )is!( #as im4$e&es, Se )(#)i% )(# 2#e + es!a2a deprimida, Mi a2 e#a dice 1 e perdi% e# !a#e&!( + # e$( s !ra2a/(, U&( de #(s ca&$re/(s de are&a a#z% #a ca2eza0 & mir%& 1 e 5a27a decidid( m(s!rarse,

HUY 1 6 !ie&e es( de rar(V Mi 5erma&( es!4 e& e# par( + deprimid( + s%#( !ie&e )ei&!e a:(s, Es di'7ci# ma&!e&erse a# d7a, La c5ica i$&(r% #a i&!err pci%&, HLa !7a a2 e#a simp#eme&!e es!a2a c5apada a #a a&!i$ a, La a2 e#a #e c(&si$ i% !ra2a/( c(m( paisa/is!a, HLa pe1 e:a pas% a m(s!rar s%#( im4$e&es de )ie/(s a& &ci(s de esce&as de '(&d( de a#1 i#er para c a&d( #a $e&!e !e ##ama2a + !" es!a2as e& e# 2a:(H, A #a !7a a2 e#a se #e da2a 2ie&0 per( &( ##e$% a $a&ar !a&!( di&er( c(m( a&!es, Y # e$( #(s paisa/es de )7de( de/ar(& de !e&er i&!er6s, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 )i)i% c(& mi a2 e#a d(ce a:(s, Se parece m c5( a #( 1 e c(me&!as !"0 Miri, % oce a/os) >e volvera loca al cabo de un solo a/o as. Mir% a #a &i:a, HUM 6 pas% e&!(&cesV HO50 a# 'i&a# !(d( sa#i% 2ie&, Mi madre e&c(&!r% & si!i( de !ra!amie&!( especia#izad( e& ac! a#izaci(&es de especia#idades, C are&!a + (c5( 5(ras e& s c#7&ica + #a !7a a2 e#a !e&7a #as 5a2i#idades de & e/ec !i)( p 2#ici!ari(0 1 e era m4s ( me&(s e# e1 i)a#e&!e m(der&( de & ?e/ec !(r de c e&!as@, Si#e&ci(, I&c# s( a#$ &(s de #(s ca&$re/(s parec7a& c(&m(ci(&ad(s, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 Oi& di/(9 HA m7 me s e&a a ESR, HUE&!re&amie&!( para #a Si! aci%& Re1 eridaV UY 1 6 si #( esV HE# ESR es i#e$a#Hdi/( Miri, 0o es algo de lo ,ue ,uiera hablar. HN( era i#e$a# e&!(&ces, Y a1 e# ESR &( es! )( !a& ma#, La !7a a2 e#a )i)e 2as!a&!e 2ie& siempre 1 e si$a !(ma&d( #as ac! a#izaci(&es, Parece 'e#iz0 apar!e de 1 e ##(ra m c5(, HA m7 me s e&a a c(&!r(# me&!a#Hdi/( Oi&, La &i:a ri(, HN( #( es, QT" de2er7as sa2er#(0 Oi& LiR T"0 c5i&(0 c(& padres psi1 ia!ras, HS s (/(s se m()ier(&0 2 sca&d( c(sas 1 e #(s dem4s &( p(d7a& )erH, T" padres per!e&ec7a& a# E/6rci!(0 U&(V De2e& de sa2er#( !(d( s(2re e# c(&!r(# me!a#, QEs #( 1 e ! Ja& i&!e&!% e& M+a&marR Oi& se p s( e& pie + pa!e% are&a a !ra)6s de #a ima$e& de #a &i:a, HQN(R Es decir0 es( pas% 5ace a:(s + a:(s, Ya &adie 5ace &ada as7, Q0osotros &( #( 5acem(sR Miri decidi% 1 e &( #e ca7a 2ie& #a &i:a, L( 1 e dec7a era m4s ( me&(s cier!(0 per(E G(2 #e 5a27a 5a2#ad( e& &a (casi%& s(2re #a Res!a raci%& M+a&mar c a&d( prepara2a & !ra2a/( de 5is!(ria e& 1 i&!( c rs(, Le 5a27a ci!ad( c(m( ?' e&!e a&%&ima de a#!( &i)e# de# E/6rci!( &(r!eamerica&(@D de 5ec5(0 #e 5a27a dic5( #( mism( 1 e #a ma+(r par!e de #(s si!i(s >e2, D ra&!e a:(s #a !ec&(#($7a Tie&esHM eHCreerme 5a27a sid( &a Gra& Pesadi##a, M+a&mar era e# "&ic( # $ar d(&de 5a27a& pr(2ad( #a TMC a $ra& esca#a, HT(d( se red ce a & pr(2#ema de e&)7( H#e 5a27a dic5( G(2H, E# E/6rci!( c5i&( !e&7a &as dr($as & e)as 1 e res #!a2a& pers asi)as e& #a2(ra!(ri(, Per( Ue& #a rea#idadV L(s c5i&(s ma#$as!ar(& #a mi!ad de s pres p es!( e& TMC +

&( (2! )ier(& me/(res res #!ad(s 1 e c(& &a 2 e&a campa:a de pr(pa$a&da, L(s 5 ma&(s ##e)a2a& mi##(&es de a:(s de e)(# ci%& apre&die&d( a resis!irse a# p(der de #a s $es!i%&D Q&( 5a27a &i&$ &a '(rma de 1 e2rar esa resis!e&ciaR Miri !am2i6& se p s( e& pie, HQE5R Hdi/( e& e# !(&( 1 e A#ice emp#ea2a (casi(&a#me&!eH, QN( 5e )e&id( a1 7 a 5a2#ar de p(#7!icaR Je )e&id( e& 2 sca de a+ da para mi a2 e#(, La &i:a #a mir% & m(me&!( c(& e# r(s!r( !(rcid( e& &a c ri(sa s(&risa, La a!m%s'era es!a2a car$ada de ap(+( a Miri0 &4&ime, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 #a &i:a se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, HS%#( i&!e&!a2a a+ dar, Ser6 2 e&a, S(+ !(d( (7d(s, H+ #( dem(s!r% c(& &a e3a$eraci%& $r4'ica0 5acie&d( 1 e #e creciese& (re/as de c(&e/(, T(d(s )(#)ier(& a se&!arse + se pr(d /( & m(me&!( de si#e&ci(, Miri c(&!emp#% #a p#a+a, Sa27a 1 e era #a pa&(r4mica rea#0 a pesar de 1 e /am4s 5a27a id( e& pers(&a a Jai&a&, Era 5erm(sa0 m + parecida a #a ca#a de La O(##a0 per( m c5( ma+(r0 c(& #( c a# 5a27a e& e##a m c5a m4s $e&!e rea#, Cerca de# 5(riz(&!e se aprecia2a& !res pic(s 2#a&c(s0 ice2er$s de cami&( a #as ci dades c(s!eras si! adas m4s a# &(r!e, I$ a# 1 e Ca#i'(r&ia, HE&!(&ces )a#e Hdi/( Oi&H, UC%m( a+ dam(s a Miri G V Per( &ada de ESR, Es & ca##e/%& si& sa#ida, UJ(+ e& d7a ! a2 e#( )a#e para a#$(V HGie&0 siempre se #e dier(& 2ie& #as pa#a2ras0 me/(r 1 e a c a#1 iera 1 e +( c(&(zca, N( sa2e )es!irse0 per( se 5a ) e#!( m + r4pid( c(& #(s &"mer(s + #(s ar!i# $i(s mec4&ic(s, HA1 e##( desper!% &a (#eada de i&!er6sD a#$ &(s ca&$re/(s i&!er)i&ier(& c(& pe1 e:as a&6cd(!as s(2re #a ma!em4!ica 24sicaH, Per( es( s%#( #e p(&e ' ri(s(, HLes m(s!r% #a 5is!(ria de# a !(m%)i# des!ripad(, Le 5a2r7a& e3p #sad( de &( 5a2er#e de'e&did( L( ise C5 m#i$, Las (re/(!as de #a &i:a 5a27a& ) e#!( a# !ama:( &(rma#, C#ar( es!40 !e&7a s s pr(pias (pi&i(&es, HOe, Es!(+ #e+e&d( s(2re 6#0 s(2re c%m( era a&!es, Te&7a !(d( & c rr7c # m e& e# si$#( II, ?Fam(s( p(e!a@0 2#a0 2#a0 2#a, Per( s%#( #e 1 er7a #a $e&!e 1 e /am4s #e 5a27a c(&(cid(, HQEs( &( es cier!(R R(2er! & &ca s(p(r!% a #(s !(&!(s0 per(E HSe 1 ed% si& ' e##e c a&d( rec(rd% a Le&a + #as 5is!(rias s(2re #a !i7!a Cara, Y a# rec(rdar e# i&cide&!e de Ezra P( &d, Oi& 5 &di% #(s ded(s de #(s pies e& #a are&a, HV(#)am(s a #( imp(r!a&!e, UTie&e ami$(s e& e# i&s!i! !(V HN(, L( 5a& empare/ad( c(& O a& Or(zc(, Ese c5ic( es c(m( #(s de s c#ase0 & !(&!(, HUM 6 5a+ de #(s ami$(s de a&!esV Hdi/( #a &i:a, Miri ca2ece%, La $e&!e a #a 1 e R(2er! 5a27a c(&(cid( + a+ dad( c a&d( era p(e!aE &adie se 5a27a p es!( e& c(&!ac!(, ULa amis!ad era as7 de !ra&si!(riaV HJa+ (!ras pers(&as ma+(res e& #a c#ase0 per( !ra2a/a& e& pr(+ec!(s di'ere&!es, Ape&as se 5a2#a&,

HPr e2a c(& & empare/amie&!( de pers(&a#idad, Tie&e 1 e 5a2er cie&!(s de pers(&as c(& pr(2#emas c(mp#eme&!ari(s, HLa &i:a s(&ri%H, L e$(0 arre$#as & e&c e&!r( cas a#, Si ! a2 e#( &( sa2e 1 e ac!"as a s s espa#das0 &( p(dr4 es!ar rese&!id(, HA#z% #a )is!a0 c(m( si se #e (c rriese &a ideaH, Me/(r a"&E e& s 6p(ca ! a2 e#( desper!% m c5( e# i&!er6s de #(s cr7!ic(s, Ap es!( a 1 e !(da)7a 1 eda& es! dia&!es $rad ad(s desea&d( ad #ar#e, QE&c e&!ra a &( + )6&de#e & e3ce#e&!e !ema para &a !esisR Desp 6s de a1 e##( Miri e/ec !% & 2 e& m(&!%& de 2"s1 edas, QU&( de #(s 1 e i2a& a c#ase c(& R(2er! e& Fairm(&! #e c(&(c7a desde 5ac7a a:(sR Te&dr7a 1 e 5a2erse dad( c e&!a a&!es, QL(s d(s !e&7a& !a&!( e& c(m"&R Si p diese &ir#(s, Mmm, M 6 pe&a 1 e ese !(&!( de Or(zc( ' ese e# c(mpa:er( de R(2er!E Per( Xi&s!(& G#( &! se e&car$a2a de a#$( ' era de #a esc e#a0 a#$( e& #( 1 e es!a2a imp#icada a# me&(s (!ra pers(&a 1 e 5a27a es! diad( c(& R(2er! e& #(s a:(s se!e&!a, UC%m( m(&!ar a#$( para re &ir#(s a !(d(sV Tam2i6& 2 sc% a $rad ad(s i&!eresad(s e& 5a2#ar c(& R(2er!, Sa27a per'ec!ame&!e 1 e &i&$"& a2 e#( de Miri G se re&dir7a a&!e 'a#sas a#a2a&zas, Si era a#$ ie& p(c( 542i# para #(s da!(sE 2ie&0 es( !am2i6& es!ar7a 2ie&D e##a misma a+ dar7a0 direc!ame&!e, Rea#iz% &a 2"s1 eda m &dia#0 de #as 1 e e&c e&!ra& a pas!(res de +aFs dese(s(s de apre&der i&$#6s, Per( e& esa (casi%&0 e5E e& me&(s de ci&c( mi& !(s c(&si$ i% & res #!ad( casi per'ec!( + e# !a# S5ari' es!a2a e& Ore$%&0 #( s 'icie&!eme&!e #e/(s c(m( para 1 e #a ma+(r par!e de# c(&!ac!( ' ese )ir! a# + m(di'ica2#e, A pesar de s a#!a&er7a0 #a &i:a 5a27a pr(p es!( a#$ &as ideas m + 2 e&as, Miri )aci#%, De 5ec5(0 !(das #as pr(p es!as )erdaderame&!e "!i#es 5a27a& sid( de #a &i:a, M iz4s e# a)a!ar ?&i:a pe1 e:a@ es! )iese (c #!a&d( a#$(, Miri i&ici% &a c(&s #!a 1 e se repr(d /( a !ra)6s de !(d( #( 1 e p diese ('recer &a pis!a de ide&!idad, Per( i&c# s( si #a &i:a res #!a2a !e&er rea#me&!e diez a:(s0 es( &( dem(s!rar7a &ada, A#$ &(s &i:(s de esa edad da2a& mied(, La m /er era a#!a e i2a )es!ida de &e$r(, HTe&$( e&!e&did( 1 e 2 sca a+ da Hdi/(, 3Eh4 _ #'iFar S5ari' apar!% #a )is!a de# !ac( de car&e, N( #a 5a27a (7d( acercarse, L e$( se di( c e&!a de 1 e es!a2a se&!ad( s(#( a# '(&d( de #a ca'e!er7a de #a DEO, Fr &ci% e# ce:( a #a aparici%&, HN( acep!( 'a&!as7as, :ue ios me proteja. >e han pervertido otra vez. La m /er #e mir% m + seria, N( !e&7a m4s de !rei&!a a:(s0 per( &( se ima$i&a2a sa#ie&d( c(& e##a, HO()e&ci!(0 &( s(+ s 'a&!as7a, G sca a+ da para & !ema de !esis0 U&( es as7V HQO5R H_ #'i S5ari' &( ad(ra2a #a a#!a !ec&(#($7a0 per( +a ##e)a2a d(s a:(s e& e# Depar!ame&!( de Li!era! ra de #a UEO + es!a2a & p(c( desesperad(, S direc!(ra de !esis &( #e a+ da2aD #a pr('es(ra G#a&di&$s parec7a m4s i&!eresada

e& !e&er & a+ da&!e de i&)es!i$aci%& perma&e&!e + a# 1 e &( ! )iera 1 e pa$ar, As7 1 e e& e&er( S5ari' 5a27a ma&dad( a#$ &as pe!ici(&es de a+ da, Le 5a27a& ##e$ad( i&'i&idad de a& &ci(s para p#a$i(s + escri!(s a medida, A&&ie G#a&di&$s era !a& desa$rada2#e 1 e S5ari' se 5a27a se&!id( casi !e&!ad( p(r a#$ &as de #as primeras ('er!asE 5as!a 1 e s s ami$(s m4s !ec&%'i#(s #e 5a27a& e3p#icad( 5as!a 1 6 p &!( p(d7a es!a##ar#e a1 e##( e& #a cara, S5ari' 5a27a 'i#!rad( a #(s p#a$iari(s + a #(s $i#ip(##as sarc4s!ic(s, L( 1 e &( #e 5a27a de/ad( m c5(, Va+a c(& #a a#!a !ec&(#($7a, Ja27a pasad( #(s "#!im(s d(s meses ap &!a#a&d( #a carrera de G#a&di&$s e& Re)isi(&ism( Dec(&s!r c!i)(, E& e# !iemp( #i2re 1 e #e 1 eda2a0 !ra2a/a2a e& & p es!( L<< e& #a As(ciaci%& America&a de P(es7a + 5ac7a #( p(si2#e p(r c(&/ rar &a !esis de# aire, Ja27a id( a N(r!eam6rica 2 sca&d( c(mpre&der #a #i!era! ra 1 e ad(ra2a, Empeza2a a pre$ &!arse si &( 5 2iese sid( me/(r 1 edarse e& casa0 e& Ca#c !a, Y0 de pr(&!(0 esa m /er, 5a respuesta a mis plegarias. S, seguro. Le i&dic% 1 e se se&!aseD a# me&(s es( #a a)er$(&zar7a, Per( #a aparici%& sa27a e3ac!ame&!e d%&de es!a2a si! ada, Se c(#(c% s(2re #a si##a0 a# (!r( #ad( de #a mesa0 si& ape&as s perp(&er c erp( + m e2#e, HRea#me&!e espera2a & eHmai# Hdi/( S5ari', La m /er de &e$r( se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, S mirada imperi(sa &( )aci#%, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 S5ari' a:adi%H9 La )erdad es 1 e esto! 2 sca&d( & !ema para mi !esis, Per( #e ad)ier!( de 1 e &( me i&!eresa& e# 'ra de0 e# p#a$i( &i #a c(#a2(raci%&, Si es( es #( 1 e me )e&de0 p(r 'a)(r0 m4rc5ese, Simp#eme&!e 1 ier( #a direcci%&0 ! el apo!o, 1 e ('rece & 2 e& direc!(r de !esis, La dama s(&ri% c(& cr e#dad + de pr(&!( S5ari' pe&s% 1 e p(d7a es!ar re#aci(&ada c(& A&&ie G#a&di&$s, La )ie/a &i si1 iera )es!7aE per( 1 iz4 ! )iese ami$(s 1 e s7 #( 5ac7a&, HNada i#e$a#0 se:(r S5ari', Simp#eme&!e )i s a& &ci(, Le ('rezc( &a (p(r! &idad es! pe&da, HQY &( !e&$( m c5( di&er(R HEs!(+ se$ ra de 1 e p(drem(s ##e$ar a & ac erd(, UI&!eresad(V HGie&E es p(si2#e, La dama de &e$r( se i&c#i&% 5acia de#a&!e, I&c# s( s s(m2ra se a/ s!a2a a #a i# mi&aci%& de #a ca'e!er7a, S5ari' &i si1 iera sa27a 1 e ' ese p(si2#e !a&!a precisi%&, HUS p(&$( 1 e &( sa2e 1 e R(2er! G es!4 )i)(0 e& 2 e& es!ad( + 1 e reside e& e# s r de Ca#i'(r&iaV HUE5V QT(&!er7asR M ri% 5ace a:(s, N( 5a 5a2id(E HLa mirada si#e&ci(sa #e (2#i$% a ca##ar, Tec#e% 2re)eme&!e e& s !ec#ad( 'a&!asma0 s(#ici!a&d( &a 2"s1 eda es!4&dar, Desde 1 e 5a27a empezad( a !ra2a/ar e& L<< se 5a27a ) e#!( m + 2 e&( c(& esas 2"s1 edas #!rarr4pidas, L(s res #!ad(s pasar(& s(2re #a mesaH, Va#e, HSimp#eme&!e de/% de escri2irH, A#z5eimerE + %ha vuelto) HE'ec!i)ame&!e, ULe s $iere p(si2i#idadesV

HMmm, HS5ari' si$ i% c(& s imi!aci%& pez de ac ari( d ra&!e & se$ &d( ( d(s, Si hubiese mirado los datos correctos, !o mismo lo habra sabido hace un mesH, S $iere p(si2i#idades, HE&!re)is!ar a R(2er! G ir7a / s!( p(r de!r4s de c5ar#ar c(& Xi##iam S5aFespeare, HGie&, HLa dama de &e$r( &i% #as p &!as de #(s ded(sH, Si& em2ar$(0 5a+ c(mp#icaci(&es, HUC(m( c 4#esV HU&a (p(r! &idad !a& 2 e&a de27a de ser &a es!a'a, HR(2er!E HLa ima$e& de #a m /er pareci% c(&$e#arse & i&s!a&!e0 1 iz4s & 'a##( de c(m &icaci%&H, E# pr('es(r G &( s(p(r!a a #(s !(&!(s, Y me&(s a5(ra, P ed( dar#e capacidad de acces( a s e& m pri)ad(, Ser4 c(sa s +a c(&se$ ir 1 e #e i&!erese e# as &!(, Si& e# e& m0 ##e$ar 5as!a e# $ra& 5(m2re ser7a m + di'7ci#, HUC 4&!(V Hdi/(, Te&7a )ei&!e mi# d%#ares e& s cr6di!( de es! dia&!e, M iz4 s 5erma&( desde Ca#c !a p diese 5acer#e & pr6s!am(, HA50 mi preci( &( es e& d%#ares, Simp#eme&!e pid( asis!ir0 de )ez e& c a&d(0 para 5acer s $ere&cias ( p#a&!ear pre$ &!as, HPer( U+( !e&dr6 #(s derec5(s de p 2#icaci%&V HP(r s p es!(, HY(0 2ie&E HS5ari' )aci#%. %7obert &u)H, Va#e0 !ra!( 5ec5(, HM + 2ie&, HLa dama #e se:a#% #a ma&(H, Deme & m(me&!( de acces( !(!a#, Re$#a N"mer( U&( de Epi'a&7a0 1 e rec erda& e& !(das #as i&s!r cci(&es9 ?E# acces( !(!a# es s%#( para padres + esp(s(sE + a & as7 s%#( si !e $ s!a arries$ar!e,@ S5ari' & &ca s p( si ' e p(r &ecesidad ( p(r e# !(&( de #a m /er0 per( !e&di% #a ma&( + !(c% e# aire )ac7(, A# mism( !iemp(0 red /( #a se$ ridad, E# c(s1 i##e( de# ded( ' e p ra ima$i&aci%&0 si& d da0 per( e&!re e##(s e# aire es! )( de repe&!e ##e&( de cer!i'icad(s )i&c #a&!es, Y e# pape#e( aca2%, L( 1 e 1 ed% '#(!a&d( ' e & "&ic( e& m, C(& apre&si%& s"2i!a0 S5ari' mir% e# ide&!i'icad(r, HUY0 simp#eme&!e0 #e llamoV E##a asi&!i%, HA5(ra p ede 5acer#(, Per( rec erde #( 1 e #e 5e dic5(E es i&!(#era&!e c(& #(s !(&!(s, UC(&(ce s (2raV HC#ar( 1 e s7, HULa admiraV HQS7R La admir( si&cera e i&!e#i$e&!eme&!e, HEra &a a'irmaci%& 1 e 5a27a s r!id( e'ec!( c(& !(d(s #(s pr('es(res 1 e S5ari' 5a27a c(&(cid(, Adem4s0 e& a1 e# cas( era #a )erdad, La dama asi&!i%, HP ede 1 e sea s 'icie&!e, Te&$a e& c e&!a 1 e e# pr('es(r G &( se sie&!e m + 2ie&, T(da)7a se rec pera de s e&'ermedad, Es p(si2#e 1 e !e&$a s!ed 1 e ser#e de !i#idad pr4c!ica, HVaciar6 s (ri&a# si 5ace 'a#!a, U&a )ez m4s0 #a e3presi%& se c(&$e#% 2re)eme&!e,

HQA5R N( cre( 1 e )a+a a ser &ecesari(, Per( ec5a de me&(s c(sas de# pasad(, Ec5a de me&(s #a '(rma de #(s #i2r(s, Ya sa2e0 es(s (2/e!(s i&c%m(d(s 1 e 5a+ 1 e car$ar, 3:ui"n es esta criatura4 Per( asi&!i%, HL( s6 !(d( s(2re #(sE #i2r(s '7sic(s, P ed( m(s!rar#e m c5(s + e& pers(&a, HYa es!a2a mira&d( #(s ser)ici(s de !a3i, HM + 2ie&, HLa aparici%& s(&ri%H, G e&a s er!e0 se:(r S5ari', HY desapareci%, S5ari' se 1 ed% casi & mi& !( mira&d( a# espaci( recie&!eme&!e (c pad( p(r #a m /er de &e$r(, L e$( #e c(&s mi% e# dese( de c(mpar!ir esa &(!icia c(& #(s dem4s, P(r s er!e0 a esas 5(ras de #a &(c5e #a ca'e!er7a es!a2a casi desier!a0 + S5ari' &( era de #(s 1 e p(d7a& e&)iar me&sa/es !a& r4pid( c(m( &ecesi!a2a, N(0 a# ca2( de & m(me&!( c(mpre&di% 1 e se !ra!a2a de a#$( 1 e ser7a me/(r &( decir0 a# me&(s 5as!a 5a2er es!a2#ecid( &a c(&e3i%& c(& R(2e& G , Adem4sE empeza2a a !e&er repar(s, 3*+mo he podido ser tan estpido como para dejarla acceder a mi atuendo4 E/ec !% & par de )eces #a c(mpr(2aci%& de i&!e$ridad de Epi'a&7a, L(s i&dicad(res de p reza '#(!ar(& e& e# aire s(2re e# !ac(, Se$"& Epi'a&7a es!a2a #impi(D c#ar(0 si #e 5a27a& per)er!id( p(r c(mp#e!( es( era e3ac!ame&!e #( 1 e dir7a, >aldita sea. 0o ,uiero tener ,ue 2rer la ropa para limpiarla. i Btra vez no) S(2re !(d( e& a1 e# cas(, Mir% e# e& m d(rad(9 e# ide&!i'icad(r direc!( de R(2er! G , Si #($ra2a #a apr(3imaci%& adec ada0 a# 'i& !e&dr7a s !esis, N( c a#1 ier !esis, S5ari' c(&sidera2a 1 e R(2e& G (c pa2a e# es!a&!e m4s a#!( de #a #i!era! ra m(der&a0 / &!( c(& Xi##iams + C5(, Y A&&ie G#a&di&$s (pi&a2a 1 e G era Di(s,

<< PRESENTACIN PROYECTO GIGLIOTOMA

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Orde&ad(res para ##e)ar e& #a r(pa0 1 6 idea, IGM PC cr zad( c(& #a marca de r(pa Epi'a&7a, De 5ec5(0 R(2er! 5 2iese dic5( 1 e s & e)( )es! ari( era de pre&das &(rma#es, Cier!(0 #as camisas + pa&!a#(&es &( era& de & es!i#( 1 e #e $ s!ase, L#e)a2a& 2(rdad(s !a&!( de&!r( c(m( ' era, Per( e# 2(rdad( se aprecia2a me/(r a# !ac!( 1 e a #a )is!aD O a& Or(zc( #e 5a27a e&se:ad( )is!as especia#es para re)e#ar #a red de micr(pr(cesad(res + #4seres, E# pri&cipa# pr(2#ema 5a27a& sid( #as dic5(sas #e&!es de c(&!ac!(, Se #as !e&7a 1 e p(&er !(das #as ma:a&as + ##e)ar#as e# d7a e&!er(, S 'r7a e& #(s (/(s ce&!e##e(s + des!e##(s c(&s!a&!es, Per(0 c(& pr4c!ica0 #( c(&!r(#%, Si&!i% &a a2s(# !a a#e$r7a #a primera )ez 1 e #($r% !ec#ear &a 2"s1 eda e& & !ec#ad( 'a&!asma + )i( #a resp es!a de G(($#e '#(!a&d( e& e# aire 're&!e a s s (/(sE Le da2a cier!a se&saci%& de poder e# ser capaz de e3!raer resp es!as de# aire, Y # e$( es!a2a #( 1 e O a& Or(zc( ##ama2a ?c(di'icaci%& c(#ec!i)a@, Pas% &a sema&a, R(2er! prac!ica2a c(& s a! e&d( de pri&cipia&!e0 i&!e&!a&d( repe!ir #(s !r c(s de c(di'icaci%& 1 e O a& #e 5a27a e&se:ad(, E& $e&era#0 &i si1 iera #(s $es!(s m4s simp#es #e sa#7a& 2ie& a #a primera, Per( 6# i&sis!7a e i&sis!7aE + c a&d( #a (rde& ' &ci(&a2a a# 'i&0 e# 63i!( #e da2a &a #ame&!a2#e pizca de a#e$r7a + se es'(rza2a a"& m4s, C(m( & &i:( c(& & )ide(/ e$( & e)(, O &a ra!a amaes!rada, C a&d( reci2i% #a ##amada de !e#6'(&( cre+% 1 e es!a2a s 'rie&d( &a ap(p#e/7a, Vi( des!e##(s 're&!e a #(s (/(s + (+% & z m2id( #e/a&(, E# z m2id( se ' e di)idie&d( e& pa#a2ras9 HE me $ zzzz!ar7a m c5(E e&!re)iz!ar#e zzzze:(rE QA/4R Spam ( & peri(dis!a, HUP(r 1 6 i2a a c(&ceder!e &a e&!re)is!aV HPer( zzzzer7a &a e&!re)izzzz!aE c(r!a, HNi si1 iera c(r!a, HLa resp es!a de R(2er! era i&s!i&!i)a, Jac7a a:(s 1 e &( !e&7a (casi%& de despedir a & peri(dis!a, La # z se$ 7a carecie&d( de '(rma0 per( c a&d( R(2er! e&derez% e# c e##( #a )(z se esc c5% c#ara + per'ec!ame&!e, HSe:(r0 me ##am( S5ari'0 _ #'iFar S5ari', La e&!re)is!a ser7a para mi !esis de #i!era! ra i&$#esa, R(2er! e&!(r&% #(s (/(s0 se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s0 )(#)i% a e&!(r&ar#(s +0 de pr(&!(0 #e sa#i% 2ie&9 e# )isi!a&!e es!a2a de pie e& medi( de s d(rmi!(ri(, %Se lo tengo ,ue contar a Juan) Era s primer )erdader( 63i!( !ridime&si(&a# +0 adem4s0 era cier!( !(d( #( 1 e e# c5ic( a'irma2a s(2re #a pr(+ecci%& re!i&a#, R(2er! se

p s( e& pie + pas% p(r & #ad( de# )isi!a&!e0 mir% de!r4s, La ima$e& era !a& s%#ida0 !a& c(mp#e!aE ?Mmm@, Y0 si& em2ar$(0 #a s(m2ra de# )isi!a&!e &( se c(rresp(&d7a c(& #a i# mi&aci%& rea#, UM i6& ser4 e# resp(&sa2#e de ese 'a##(V S )isi!a&!e de pie# (sc ra0 Ui&di(V0 Upa1 is!a&7V0 #a )(z !e&7a & de/e de# s r de Asia0 se$ 7a 5a2#a&d(9 HQP(r 'a)(r0 &( di$a 1 e &(0 se:(rR E&!re)is!ar#e ser7a & $ra& 5(&(r, Us!ed es & rec rs( para !(da #a 5 ma&idad, R(2er! se acerc% + se a#e/% de# )isi!a&!e, Se$ 7a 2(1 ia2ier!( p(r e# medi( de# me&sa/e, HQS%#( &a pe1 e:a ca&!idad de s preci(s( !iemp(0 se:(rR Es( es !(d( #( 1 e pid(, YE HMir% a #a 5a2i!aci%& de R(2er!0 pr(2a2#eme&!e )ie&d( #( 1 e rea#me&!e c(&!e&7a, R(2er! &( 5a27a !e&id( (casi%& de es!a2#ecer '(&d(s 'a#s(s, O a& se #( i2a a e&se:ar a 5acer e# d7a a&!eri(r0 per( se 5a27a& e&!re!e&id( c(& #a par!e de# ac erd( 1 e c(rresp(&d7a a R(2er!9 e&se:ar#e i&$#6s a# c5ic(, A# p(2re O a& casi a&a#'a2e!(, Si& em2ar$(0 ese S5ari'9 Uc 4&!( !a#e&!( !e&7a& #(s $rad ad(s e& #a ac! a#idadV Ese $rad ad( e& c(&cre!( parec7a cada )ez m4s desesperad(, Vi( a#$( de!r4s de R(2er!, HQA50 #i2r(sR Us!ed es &( de #(s 1 e !(da)7a )a#(ra& #(s de )erdad, Las ?#i2rer7as@ de R(2er! es!a2a& 5ec5as de p#a&c5as de p#4s!ic( + ca/as de car!%&0 per( #e permi!7a& $ ardar !(d(s #(s #i2r(s 1 e 5a27a resca!ad( de# s%!a&(, A#$ &(s0 c(m( #(s de Pip#i&$0 /am4s #e 5a2r7a& i&!eresad( e& s a&!i$ a )ida, Per( era& !(d( #( 1 e !e&7a, V(#)i% a mirar a S5ari', HAs7 es, UM 6 1 iere decir c(& es(0 se:(r S5ari'V HSimp#eme&!e pe&sa2aE Si$&i'ica 1 e c(mpar!im(s #(s mism(s )a#(res, A+ d4&d(me0 es!ar4 s!ed c(&!ri2 +e&d( a es!as &(2#es pasi(&es, HJiz( &a pa saE Uesc c5a2a &a )(z i&!eri(rV Desde 1 e O a& #e da2a c#ases0 R(2er! era s spicaz c(& #a $e&!e 1 e esc c5a2a )(ces i&!eri(resH, M iz4 p(dam(s ##e$ar a & ac erd(0 se:(r, Y( dar7a casi c a#1 ier c(sa p(r a#$ &as 5(ras de s s (pi&i(&es + rec erd(s, Es!ar7a e&ca&!ad( de ser s a$e&!e L<< pers(&a#, S(+ e3per!( e& es(s ser)ici(sD as7 me pa$( #a &i)ersidad, P ed( $ iar#e p(r e# m &d( c(&!emp(r4&e(, HYa !e&$( ! !(r, HC a&d( re'#e3i(&% s(2re #a resp es!a si&!i% &a p &zada de s(rpresa, E& cier!( se&!id(0 era cier!(9 !e&7a a O a&, O!r( si#e&ci( !rasce&de&!e, HO5, Y#, HS5ari'E &a ima$e& per'ec!a e3cep!( p(r #a s(m2ra ma# c(#(cada + #(s zapa!(s 5 &did(s & par de ce&!7me!r(s e& e# s e#(E cami&% a#reded(r de R(2er!, UPara ec5ar & )is!az( de cerca a #(s #i2r(sV De pr(&!( R(2er! !e&7a m4s pre$ &!as para O a& Or(zc(, Per( S5ari' 5a27a ) e#!( a 5a2#arH9 UEs!4& impres(s perma&e&!eme&!eV UN( s(& pa&'#e!(s impres(s c a&d( 5ace 'a#!aV HQP(r s p es!( 1 e &(R HMara)i##(s(, USa2eV P(dr7a e&se:ar#e #a 2i2#i(!eca de #a UCSD, Mi##(&es de )(#"me&es,

HP ed( ir c a&d( 1 iera, HPer( 5as!a e# m(me&!( &( se 5a27a a!re)id(, R(2er! c(&!emp#% s red cida 2i2#i(!eca, E& #a Edad Media0 & 5(m2re ric( !e&7a esa ca&!idad de #i2r(s, La $e&!e p(seed(ra de #i2r(s )(#)7a a ser a#$( p(c( 5a2i! a#, Per( e& #a UCSD 5a27a &a 2i2#i(!eca '7sica0 rea#, Ir c(& a1 e# $rad ad(E ser7a & p(c( c(m( re$resar a #(s d7as de a&!a:(, Mir% a S5ari', HUC 4&d(V HUP(r 1 6 &( a5(raV R(2er! !e&dr7a 1 e c(m &icar a O a& Or(zc( 1 e 1 eda2a ca&ce#ada #a sesi%& de a1 e##a !arde, Si&!i% &a )er$*e&za i&s!a&!4&ea impr(pia de 6#, O a& i2a a e&se:ar#e c%m( 5acer 2"s1 edas de & )is!az( + R(2er! #e 5a27a pr(me!id( a O a& #a m6!rica p(6!ica, R(2e& descar!% e# pesar, HE&!(&ces0 )am(s Hdi/(, R(2er! !(m% & c(c5e 5as!a e# camp s, P(r a#$ &a raz%&0 de&!r( de# a !(m%)i# &( )e7a &a ima$e& c#ara de S5ari', S%#( (7a s )(z0 par#(!ea&d(0 pre$ &!4&d(#e a R(2er! s (pi&i%& de !(d( #( 1 e )e7a&0 ('recie&d( (pi&i(&es + da!(s e& c a&!( R(2er! parec7a i&c# s( rem(!ame&!e c(&' &did(, R(2er! +a 5a27a pasad( cerca de# camp sD a1 e# d7a )er7a a# 'i& e& 1 6 se 5a27a c(&)er!id(, Sa#ie&d( de Fa##2r((F se e&c(&!r% c(& #as )i)ie&das 5a2i! a#es0 c(rrie&!es + a2 rridas, Per(0 a# &(r!e de# camp s0 pas% / &!( a i&!ermi&a2#es edi'ici(s )erdes + $rises0 c(&ec!ad(s e&!re s7 a1 7 + a##4 p(r pasi##(s e#e)ad(s, HLa2(ra!(ri(s de cie&cias 2i(#%$icas H#e e3p#ic% S5ari' !a& c(&!e&!(H, E& s ma+(r7a es!4& c(&s!r id(s 2a/( !ierra, HAsis!i% #a Epi'a&7a de R(2er! c(& p &!er(s a im4$e&es + de!a##es, A5, As7 1 e esas es!r c! ras si& p er!as &i )e&!a&as &( era& & e3perime&!( de )ida c(m &i!aria de# si$#( II, M4s !(da)7a0 e& s i&!eri(r 5a27a ape&as &as c a&!as dece&as de pers(&as, L(s pasi##(s de &i%& ser)7a& para !ra&sp(r!ar m es!ras 2i(#%$icas, E& es(s edi'ici(s + e& s s ca)er&as s 2!err4&eas se es!ar7a& $es!a&d( c(sas m(&s!r (sas, Per( !am2i6& #a sa#)aci%&, R(2er! #e dedic% & 2re)e sa# d(, E# camp( de mi&as ce#es!ia# de Reed Xe2er se crea2a e& # $ares c(m( 6se, Era& #a a&!esa#a de #a UCSD, Se prepar% para e# ' ! rism( i&c(mpre&si2#e9 e# camp s e& s7, E# c(c5e rec(rri% T(rre+ Pi&es, L(s cr ces era& casi c(m( #(s rec(rda2a0 a &1 e si& sem4'(r(s &i paradas, E# !r4'ic( cr zad( se e&!re!e/7a c(& 'a&!asma$%rica e#e$a&cia, Algn da debo escribir una pieza jocosa sobre la vida secreta de los autom+viles, N &ca 5a27a )is!( & c(c5e de!e&erse m4s de# !iemp( &ecesari( para rec($er ( de/ar a & pasa/er(, A##4 e& e# desier!(0 e# c(c5e se 5a27a id( casi de i&media!(0 de/4&d(#( c(#$ad(, Per( c a&d( 5a27a ) e#!( a #a carre!era0 (!r( 5a27a ##e$ad( para rec($er#e, Esas m41 i&as siempre es!a2a& e& m()imie&!(, Se #as ima$i&a2a da&d( ) e#!as p(r e# c(&dad(0 ma&i(2ra&d( i&!ermi&a2#eme&!e de '(rma 1 e &i&$"& c#ie&!e ! )iese 1 e esperar m4s 1 e & m(me&!(, 1ero 3,u" hacen de noche, cuando el trabajo decrece4 Yse ser7a e# !ema de

s p(ema, UJa27a $ara/es (c #!(s0 aparcamie&!(s (c #!(sV De27a de 5a2er $ara/es para reparaci(&esE ( a# me&(s para cam2i( de piezas, Per( a #( me/(r &( se de!e&7a& para &ada m4s, Era idea# para #a p(es7a + e# ' ! rism(9 de &(c5e0 c a&d( se red c7a #a dema&da + p(r !a&!( !e&7a& 1 e d(rmir e& & aparcamie&!( si& $a&ar &ada0 c(&spirase& para re &irse c(m( / $ e!es !ra&s'(rmer /ap(&esesE para c(&)er!irse e& cami(&es de car$a + ##e)ar a1 e##( 1 e ' ese demasiad( $ra&de para UPWE3press, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 #(s )ie/(s aparcamie&!(s de# &(r!e de# camp s 5a27a& sid( reemp#azad(s p(r camp(s de / e$(s + edi'ici(s de ('ici&as c(m( cas!i##(s de &aipes, R(2e& 5iz( 1 e e# c(c5e #e de/ase d(&de empeza2a e# )ie/( camp s0 cerca de Ma!em4!icas + F7sica, HNada !ie&e e# mism( aspec!(0 &i si1 iera #as z(&as de edi'ici(s, HDe 5ec5(0 parec7a 5a2er m4s espaci(s a2ier!(s de #( 1 e rec(rda2a e& #(s se!e&!a, HN( se pre(c pe0 pr('es(r, HS5ari' se$ 7a sie&d( s%#( a di(, S(&a2a c(m( si #e+ese & '(##e!(H, La UCSD es & camp s p(c( 5a2i! a#0 m c5( me&(s !radici(&a# 1 e c a#1 ier (!r( de #a U&i)ersidad de Ca#i'(r&ia, La ma+(r par!e de #(s edi'ici(s se rec(&s!r +er(& !ras e# !errem(!( de R(se Ca&+(&, A1 7 !ie&e #a )is!a ('icia#, HDe pr(&!( #(s edi'ici(s ' er(& de ceme&!( re'(rzad( + s%#id(0 m + simi#ares a #(s 1 e rec(rda2a, R(2er! e#imi&% #a ima$e& 'a#sa m()ie&d( #a ma&(0 &( de #(s primer(s $es!(s 1 e O a& #e 5a27a e&se:ad(, HMa&!e&$a #as ma&(s #e/(s de #a )is!a pri&cipa#0 se:(r S5ari', HL( sie&!(, R(2er! a!ra)es% e# camp s 5acia e# es!e0 empap4&d(se de #a a!m%s'era, E& #(s camp(s de / e$(s 5a27a !a&!( m()imie&!( c(m( e& #(s a:(s se!e&!aD se ce#e2ra2a& media d(ce&a de par!id(s i&depe&die&!es de r $2+ + '"!2(#, R(2e& & &ca 5a27a par!icipad( e& esas ac!i)idades0 per( &a de #as c(sas 1 e 5a27a admirad( de #a UCSD era 1 e #(s es! dia&!es jugaban a dep(r!es 1 e e& (!ras i&s!i! ci(&es era& espec!4c #(s semipr('esi(&a#es p"2#ic(s, De cercaE 2ie&0 #a $e&!e parec7a m4s 1 e &(rma#, A##7 es!a2a& #as m(c5i#as de siempre0 c(& #(s ma&$(s de #as ra1 e!as de !e&is s(2resa#ie&d( c(m( ' si#es de asa#!(, M c5a $e&!e 5a2#a2a s(#a0 e& (casi(&es 5acie&d( $es!(s ( ap &!a&d( c(& e# ded( a a&!a$(&is!as i&)isi2#es, N( !e&7a &ada de & e)(D #(s adic!(s a# !e#6'(&( m%)i# 5a27a& sid( de siempre &( de #(s 2#a&c(s pre'erid(s de# (di( de R(2er!, Per( a1 e##a $e&!e ##ama2a m4s #a a!e&ci%& 1 e #(s c5ic(s de Fairm(&!, M eda2a & p(c( rid7c #( 1 e & !ip( 1 e i2a cami&a&d( se parase de pr(&!( para !(carse e# ci&! r%& + # e$( 5a2#ar#e a# aire, E# & e)( R(2er! &( p(d7a resis!irse a c(&!ar #( 1 e )e7aE + &( !ard% e& darse c e&!a de a#$( 1 e se #e 5a2r7a pasad( a# )ie/( R(2er!9 5a27a m c5(s c5ic(s e& edad &i)ersi!aria0 per( !am2i6& 5a27a m c5(s )ie/(s, U&a de cada diez pers(&as parec7a rea#me&!e a&cia&a0 !a& )ie/a c(m( era R(2er! e& rea#idad, U&a de cada !res era de#$ada + di&4mica0 e# !%pic( ?miem2r( ac!i)( de #a !ercera

edad@ de# si$#( II, Y a#$ &asE #e ##e)% a#$"& !iemp( #(ca#izar a #(s p(c(s e& #(s 1 e #a medici&a m(der&a 5a27a dad( rea#me&!e e& e# 2#a&c(, La pie# era 'irme + e# pas( e&6r$ic(D casi parec7a& /%)e&es, Per( #a ima$e& 1 e m4s 4&im(s #e da2a9 & par de )ie/(s z(1 e!es 1 e se #e acerca2a&E Q+ #(s d(s ##e)a2a& #i2r(sR R(2er! si&!i% $a&as de a$arrar#(s de #a ma&( #i2re + 2ai#ar, E& # $ar de es( #es dedic% &a s(&risa de (re/a a (re/a a# pasar, S5ari' es! )( de ac erd( e& 1 e e&!rar e& & edi'ici( &(rma#0 i&c# s( e& #a #i2rer7a de# camp s0 &( ser7a #a '(rma m4s e'ec!i)a de e&c(&!rar #i2r(s de )erdad, HLa 2i2#i(!eca de #a &i)ersidad es s me/(r ap es!a0 pr('es(r, R(2er! 2a/% &a c es!a p(c( empi&ada, L(s e ca#ip!(s es!a2a& m4s crecid(s de #( 1 e rec(rda2a, Las c(pas se a$i!a2a& c(& #a 2risa, A# cami&ar ap#as!a2a !r(z(s de c(r!eza0 rami!as + 5(/as, E& a#$"& p &!( p(r de#a&!e se (7a ca&!ar & c(r(, Y # e$(0 e&!re #(s 4r2(#es0 )i( #a 2i2#i(!eca Geise#, QI$ a# desp 6s de !(d(s a1 e##(s a:(sR G e&(0 #(s pi#ares es!a2a& c 2ier!(s de e&redaderasE per( &( 5a27a &i&$ &a )ir! a#idad, Sa#i% de e&!re #(s 4r2(#es + #a c(&!emp#%, Se (+% #a )(z de S5ari'9 HPr('es(r0 si )a 5acia #a derec5a0 e# cami&( ##e$a a #a e&!rada pri&cipa#E Era e# cami&( 1 e rec(rda2a0 per( )aci#% c a&d( #a (!ra )(z desapareci%, HUS7V HQU+R0 e5, Ja+ 1 e des)iarse a #a iz1 ierda, Ja+ & $r p( de ca&!(res 2#(1 ea&d( #a e&!rada pri&cipa#, HVa#e, UDe 1 6 )a& !(d(s es!(s ca&!(sV S5ari' &( resp(&di%, R(2er! se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s + si$ i% #a i&dicaci%& de s $ 7a i&)isi2#e 5acia #a par!e &(r!e de# edi'ici(0 2a/a&d( a #( 1 e 5a27a sid( & aparcamie&!( de &i)e# i&'eri(r, Desde ese p &!( #a 2i2#i(!eca se a#za2a s(2re 6#, Rec(rd% #as cr7!icas de c a&d( #a 5a27a& c(&s!r id(, ?Es & e#e'a&!e 2#a&c( m + car(,@ ?N(s 5a& c(&1 is!ad( #(s # &4!ic(s,@ De 5ec5(0 parec7a & (2/e!( pr(cede&!e de# espaci(9 #(s seis pis(s 1 e se #e)a&!a2a& s(2re e# &i)e# de# s e#( '(rma2a& & (c!aedr( i&me&s( ap(+ad( s(2re &( de s s )6r!ices + e& pi#ares de 1 i&ce me!r(s, E& #a 6p(ca de R(2er! era &a es!r c! ra de ceme&!( + $ra&des #4mi&as de )idri(, Las e&redaderas +a ##e$a2a& a# 1 i&!( pis( + (c #!a2a& e# ceme&!(, T(da)7a !e&7a aspec!( de 5a2er desce&did( de# cie#(0 per( era &a a&!i$ a m(&!a:a de $emas a2razada p(r e# )erde de #a !ierra 1 e #e da2a ap(+(, L(s ca&!(res se (7a& m4s ' er!e, Parec7a 1 e ca&!a2a& 5a >arseillaise. Per( !am2i6& se (7a& c(&si$&as a# es!i#( de #a pr(!es!a es! dia&!i# de siempre, Ya es!a2a / s!( 2a/( e# sa#ie&!e, De27a mirar direc!ame&!e 5acia arri2a para )er #a par!e i&'eri(r de #(s pis(s c ar!(0 1 i&!( + se3!(0 para )er e# p &!( e& e# 1 e e# ceme&!( 'i&a#me&!e s r$7a de #a )e$e!aci%&,

Era e3!ra:(, L(s )6r!ices de #(s pis(s era& !a& rec!(s c(m( siempre0 per( e# ceme&!( !e&7a )e!as m4s c#aras e irre$ #ares, A #a # z de# s(#0 esas #7&eas re# c7a& c(m( p#a!a em2 !ida e& #a piedra, HUS5ari'V N( 5 2( resp es!a, ebera buscar la e#plicaci+n. O a& Or(zc( e/ec !a2a esas 2"s1 edas si& pe&sar, L e$( s(&ri%9 #as #7&eas p#a!eadas era& &a especie de !ra)es ra mis!eri(saE 1 iz4s 6sa ' ese #a e3p#icaci%&, E& #a UCSD #a !radici%& era !e&er & ar!e e3!ra:( + mara)i##(s( e& e# camp s, R(2er! se diri$i% 5acia #a c(r!a esca#era 1 e ##e)a2a 5as!a &a z(&a de car$a, Parec7a #a '(rma m4s direc!a de e&!rar e& #a 2i2#i(!eca, E& #a pared p(&7a SLO PERSONAL AUTORI_ADO e& #e!ras desc(#(ridas, La p er!a de car$a es!a2a c(mp#e!ame&!e 2a/ada0 per( 5a27a &a se$ &da p er!a0 m4s pe1 e:a0 e&!rea2ier!a, A# (!r( #ad( se (7a #( 1 e parec7a &a sierraE UU&a carpi&!er7aV Rec(rd% #( 1 e O a& #e 5a27a c(&!ad( s(2re c%m( (2!e&er )is!as #(ca#es p(r de'ec!(, A$i!% !e&!a!i)ame&!e #a ma&(, Nada, O!r( $es!( #i$erame&!e di'ere&!e9 QU'R La z(&a de car$a es!a2a ##e&a de se:a#es de pr(5i2id( e# pas(, Mir% c(#i&a arri2aD e& a#$"& p &!( m4s a##4 de #a cres!a es!ar7a #a e&!rada pri&cipa#, Epi'a&7a #e m(s!ra2a & &im2( ma#)a 1 e pa#pi!a2a si$ ie&d( e# ca&!( c(ra#, S(2re #a m"sica '#(!a2a& pa#a2ras9 CD bas la .ibl"tome)A QA2a/( Gi2#i(!(maR R(2er! (7a sim #!4&eame&!e )(ces rea#es + rem(!as0 #a m"sica res #!a2a casi cac('%&ica, HUM 6 es!4 pasa&d(0 S5ari'V Es!a )ez (2! )( resp es!a9 HN( es m4s 1 e (!ra pr(!es!a es! dia&!i#, N( #($rar4 e&!rar p(r #a p er!a pri&cipa#, Perma&eci% i&m%)i# & m(me&!(0 si&!ie&d( cier!a c ri(sidad p(r sa2er c(&!ra 1 6 pr(!es!ar7a& e& a1 e##(s !iemp(s #(s es! dia&!es, 0o importa. P(dr7a 2 scar#( m4s !arde, Se acerc% a #a p er!a e&!rea2ier!a + mir% a# '(&d( de & pasi##( ma# i# mi&ad(, A pesar de #a !(rme&!a 'a&!asma# de ad)er!e&cias + &(rmas0 &( )i( &i&$"& (2s!4c #(0 per( e# e3!ra:( s(&id( se (7a c(& m4s i&!e&sidad 1 e e# c(r(, Era r(&c(0 c(m( $r :id(s )er!i$i&(s(s c(& si#e&ci(s i&!erca#ad(s, R(2er! cr z% #a p er!a,

<GUARDIANES DEL PASADO 0 MATRONAS DEL FUTURO Desde e# c(mie&z(0 e# C(&ci#i42 #( de A&cia&(s se 5a27a re &id( e& e# se3!( pis( de #a 2i2#i(!eca Geise#, Xi&s!(& G#( &!0 pidie&d( 'a)(res desp 6s de a:(s e& e# Depar!ame&!( de Ar!es + Le!ras0 #( 5a2#a 5ec5( p(si2#e, D ra&!e &a !emp(rada i&c# s( 5a27a !e&id( &a 2(&i!a sa#a e& #a z(&a de emp#ead(s de a##7 arri2a, Es( 5a27a sid( desp 6s de# !errem(!( de R(se Ca&+(&0 c a&d( #(s #is!7sim(s m c5ac5i!(s de# ' ! r( 5a27a& rece#ad( m(me&!4&eame&!e de s s s(# ci(&es !ec&(#%$icas + 5a27a espaci( para 1 ie& es! )iese disp es!( a arries$arse c(& #a a#! ra, D ra&!e #(s primer(s a:(s 5a27a& sid( casi !rei&!a miem2r(s re$ #ares, Cam2ia2a& de & a:( para (!r(0 per( e& s ma+(r7a era& pr('esi(&a#es + pers(&a# de pri&cipi(s de si$#(0 casi !(d(s / 2i#ad(s ( desemp#ead(s, E# !iemp( pas% + e# c(&ci#i42 #( me&$ %, E# pr(pi( G#( &! se 5a27a a#e/ad( de# $r p( a# desc 2rir 1 e &( #e 1 eda2a& m c5(s 'a)(res p(r c(2rar, S s p#a&es para re!(mar #a carrera se 5a27a& ce&!rad( e& e# pr($rama de Ed caci%& de Ad #!(s de Fairm(&!, L e$( e# c5ic( Or(zc(0 si& pre!e&der#(0 #e 5a27a i&dicad( & a!a/( ma$&7'ic(9 e# m()imie&!( de pr(!es!a Gi2#i(!(ma, Y e# c7rc #( i&!er&( de# c(&ci#i42 #( era e# # $ar per'ec!(, M iz4 ' ese &a s er!e 1 e e# c7rc #( i&!er&( ' ese !(d( #( 1 e 1 edase de# c(&ci#i42 #(, T(m ParFer es!a2a se&!ad( / &!( a #a )e&!a&a pa&(r4mica, Y# + G#( &! mira2a& a #(s ma&i'es!a&!es, ParFer ri(, HGie&0 deca&(0 U)a a predicar a# c(r(V G#( &! $r :%, HN(, Per( &(s p ede& )er a1 7 arri2a, Sa#"da#(s0 T(mmie, HG#( &! si$ i% s pr(pi( c(&se/(0 a#za&d( #(s 2raz(s c(m( si 2e&di/ese a #(s ca&!(res de #a e&!rada pri&cipa# + a# $r p( a#$( m4s pe1 e:( de #a !erraza si! ada / &!( a# cami&( de #a serpie&!e, De 5ec5(0 se 5a27a ('recid( para 5a2#ar#es, A&!a:( 5a2r7a sid( e# (rad(r pri&cipa#, Se$ 7a sie&d( &a pieza imp(r!a&!e0 per( c(& )a#(r p 2#ici!ari( & #(, Repas% a#$ &as de #as im4$e&es 1 e re# c7a& s(2re #a m #!i! d, HVa+a0 es!e ac!( es m #!i! di&ari(, C(& m c5as capas, Per( a#$ &as de #as capas era& dem(s!raci(&es e& c(&!ra0 'a&!asmas (2sce&(s 1 e rec(rr7a& #a m #!i! d 2 r#4&d(se, >alditos sean, Desac!i)% !(das #as capas de me/(ra + se di( c e&!a de 1 e ParFer #e s(&re7a, HT(da)7a si$ e i&!e&!a&d( sar esas #e&!es de c(&!ac!(0 U)erdad0 deca&(V HT(c% c(& cari:( s (rde&ad(r p(r!4!i#H, S%#( dem es!ra& 1 e &( se p ede $a&ar a #a $e&ia#idad de# e&!(r&( de ra!%& + )e&!a&as, HParFer des#iz% #as ma&(s s(2re e# !ec#ad(, Es!a2a rec(rrie&d( #as capas de me/(ra 1 e G#( &! 5a27a )is!(

direc!ame&!e c(& #as #e&!i##as, P ede 1 e T(m ParFer ' ese e# !ip( m4s #is!( de# c(&ci#i42 #(0 per( es!a2a irremedia2#eme&!e (2sesi(&ad( c(& #(s m6!(d(s a&!i$ (sH, Je c(&'i$ rad( e# p(r!4!i# para 1 e m es!re s%#( #( )erdaderame&!e imp(r!a&!e, HP(r #a dimi& !a pa&!a##a i2a& pasa&d( #as im4$e&es, Ja27a c(sas 1 e Xi&s!(& G#( &! &( 5a27a perci2id( c(& #as #e&!i##asD a#$ ie& 5a27a si! ad( &a especie de &im2( s(2re #(s ma&i'es!a&!es, Impresi(&a&!e, T(mmie se$ 7a rie&d(H, N( me ac#ar( c(& e# 5a#( p"rp ra, USe s p(&e 1 e es a 'a)(r ( e& c(&!ra de Gi2#i(!(maV A# (!r( #ad( de ParFer0 Car#(s Ri)era se apar!% de #a )e&!a&a + se desperez%, HE& c(&!ra0 se$"& #(s peri(dis!as, Dice& 1 e e# 5a#( 2e&dice a #(s $ ardia&es de# pasad(, L(s !res mirar(& e& si#e&ci( & m(me&!(, E# s(&id( de# c(r( a!ra)esa2a #(s )e&!a&a#es0 per( !am2i6& e# de #as pr(!es!as e& !(d( e# m &d(, E# e'ec!( de #a c(m2i&aci%& era m4s sim2%#ic( 1 e 5erm(s(0 +a 1 e #as )(ces es!a2a& m + desi&cr(&izadas, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 Car#(s Ri)era )(#)i% a 5a2#ar, HQCasi & !erci( de #(s )isi!a&!es '7sic(s 5a& )e&id( de ' era de #a ci dadR G#( &! #e s(&ri%, Car#(s Ri)era era & /()e& e3!ra:(0 & )e!era&( mi& s)4#id(, Ape&as c mp#7a e# re1 erimie&!( i&'(rma# de edad de# c(&ci#i42 #(0 per( e& a#$ &(s aspec!(s es!a2a casi !a& c5apad( a #a a&!i$ a c(m( T(mmie ParFer, L#e)a2a &as $a'as pe1 e:as + $r esas0 de #as 1 e 5a27a& sid( p(p #ares a pri&cipi(s de si$#(, Te&7a marcas de !ec#ear e& !(d(s #(s ded(s, L#e)a2a &a de #as a&!i$ as camise!as m(di'ica2#es, E& a1 e# m(me&!( dec7a e& #e!ras 2#a&cas s(2re &e$r(9 ?Gi2#i(!ecari(s9 G ardia&es de# Pasad(0 Ma!r(&as de# F ! r(,@ E# de!a##e m4s imp(r!a&!e acerca de Car#(s Ri)era era 1 e per!e&ec7a a# pers(&a# de #a 2i2#i(!eca, ParFer e3ami&a2a #as ci'ras de# p(r!4!i#, HGie&0 5em(s ##amad( #a a!e&ci%& de# m &d(, Jace &(s m(me&!(s a#ca&zam(s & pic( de d(s mi##(&es de espec!ad(res, Y m c5(s m4s #( )er4& e& di'erid(, HUM 6 dice& #(s de re#aci(&es p"2#icas de #a UCSDV ParFer !ec#e% e& e# p(r!4!i#, HV e#a& 2a/(, L(s de re#aci(&es p"2#icas pre'iere& &( dar#e imp(r!a&cia, Oa, Per( #a pre&sa p(p #ar #(s es!4 mac5aca&d(E HParFer se rec(s!% para 5 &dirse e& #(s rec erd(sH, J 2( &a 6p(ca e& 1 e 5a2r7a (c #!ad( mis pr(pias c4maras e& #(s pis(s de a2a/(, QY de 5a2erme de/ad( e& z(&a m er!a0 5a2r7a 5acFead( e# si!i( de re#aci(&es p"2#icas + 5a2r7a c 2ier!( s s &(!as de pre&sa c(& '(!(s de #i2r(s ardie&d(R HS7 Hasi&!i% Ri)eraH, Per( 5(+ e& d7a ser7a di'7ci#, HS7, Pe(r a"&0 5ar7a 'a#!a )a#(r, HT(mmie acarici% e# p(r!4!i#H, Y 6se es e# pr(2#ema de #a $e&!e de 5(+ e& d7a, Ja& re& &ciad( a #a #i2er!ad a cam2i( de se$ ridad, C a&d( +( era /()e&0 &( 5a27a p(#ic7as e& !(d(s #(s apara!(s &i & pa+as( c(2ra&d( r(+a#!ies cada )ez 1 e p #sa2as &a !ec#a, E&!(&ces &( e3is!7a

&i&$"& ?E&!(r&( de Jard>are Se$ r(@ + &( 5ac7a& 'a#!a diez mi# !ra&sis!(res para crear & s#ipH'#(p, Rec erd( e& <KK<0 c a&d( ec56 a2a/( e#E HY se p s( a c(&!ar &a de s s 5is!(rias, E# p(2re T(mmie, La medici&a m(der&a &( #e 5a27a c rad( de #a &ecesidad de c(&!ar &a + (!ra )ez s s 2a!a##i!as, Per( Car#(s Ri)era parec7a dis'r !ar c(& esas 5is!(rias, Ase&!7a cada p(c(s se$ &d(s c(& em2e#es(, G#( &! se pre$ &!a2a a me& d( si e# e&! siasm( de Ri)era c(&!a2a a 'a)(r ( e& c(&!ra de# /()e&, HE p(r !a&!(0 c a&d( se #es (c rri% c(mpr(2ar #a 'i2ra0 5a27am(s c(piad( !(d(s #(s arc5i)(s +E P(r &a )ez0 Ri)era +a &( pres!a2a a!e&ci%&, Se 5a27a $irad( 5acia #(s es!a&!es c(& &a e3presi%& de s(rpresa a2s(# !a, S(#!% a#$( e& c5i&( + # e$(0 p(r s er!e0 )(#)i% a# i&$#6s, HM ier( decir0 p(r 'a)(r0 espere & m(me&!(, HUM 6V HParFer mir% e# p(r!4!i#H, UJa& p es!( e& marc5a #as !ri! rad(rasV >aldici+n, pe&s% G#( &!, S espera&za 5a27a sid( 1 e #(s ma&i'es!a&!es de/ase& c(&s!a&cia de a1 e# !erri2#e m(me&!(, HS7 Hdi/( Ri)eraH0 per( 5ace )ari(s mi& !(s0 mie&!ras 5a2#a2a, Es!( es di'ere&!e, A#$ ie& 5a e&!rad( e& #a z(&a de car$a, Xi&s!(& se p s( e& pie de & sa#!(E e& #a medida e& 1 e s s ar!ic #aci(&es re/ )e&ecidas a medias p(d7a& sa#!ar0 c#ar(, HUN( 5a27as dic5( 1 e a2a/( 5a27a se$ ridadV HQPe&sa2a 1 e #a 5a27aR HRi)era !am2i6& se #e)a&!%H, Se #( m(s!rar6, Las im4$e&es aparecier(& e& #(s (/(s de G#( &!, Vis!as de #as c4maras de #(s #a!era#es &(r!e + es!e de# edi'ici(, M4s de #as 1 e p(d7a pr(cesar, G#( &! apar!% #as im4$e&es, HM ier( )er#( c(& mis pr(pi(s (/(s, HSe perdi% e&!re #(s es!a&!es de #a 2i2#i(!eca0 se$ id( p(r Ri)eraH, Si #( 5 2i6sem(s sa2id(0 p(dr7am(s 5a2er e&)iad( a #(s & es!r(s, Yse era e# pr(2#ema, QC(m( #a se$ ridad era !a& 2 e&a 1 e & &ca 'a##a2a0 &( 5a27a &adie cerca de# 'a##( para apr()ec5arseR U&a par!e de #a me&!e de G#( &! se mara)i##% de s s & e)as pri(ridades, E& (!ra 6p(ca e# deca&( Xi&s!(& C, G#( &! 5a27a sid( & miem2r( de# establishment + 5ec5( #( p(si2#e para $ara&!izar 1 e #(s i$&(ra&!es &( se #( car$ara&, A5(raE 2 e&(0 & p(c( de esc4&da#( 1 iz4 ' ese #a "&ica '(rma de ma&!e&er e# es!a2#is5me&!, HUL(s de# c(r( #( 5a& )is!(V HN( #( s6, Las me/(res )is!as es!a2a& e& c are&!e&a, HRi)era 5a2#a2a c(m( si #e 'a#!ase e# a#ie&!(, Es1 i)ar(& #(s asce&s(res + #a z(&a de pers(&a#0 1 e (c pa2a& e# ce&!r( de #a p#a&!a, Se desp#aza2a& e& 4&$ #( rec!( a #(s es!a&!es, M + a# '(&d( de #as es!a&!er7as car$adas de #i2r(s e&!re)i% e# cie#( p(r #as )e&!a&as, HDi/is!e 1 e ca27a #a p(si2i#idad de 1 e Ma3 J er!as apareciese,

HD a, S7, Ja+ p(si2i#idades de 1 e )e&$a, Ja+ )arias 2i2#i(!ecas 1 e empieza& c(& e# pr(+ec!( es!a misma sema&a0 per( #a UCSD es #a es!re##a, HJ er!as era a#$( m4s 1 e simp#eme&!e e# di&er( 1 e 'i&a&cia2a Gi2#i(!(ma0 !am2i6& era & imp(r!a&!e i&)ers(r de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de 2i(!ec&(#($7a cerca&(s a# camp s, Ja27a ) e#!( de# re)6s e# m &d( &i)ersi!ari( c(& s !(&!er7a de Gi2#i(!(ma0 s(2(r&a&d( a &a admi&is!raci%& &i)ersi!aria 1 e de2er7a 5a2er pe#ead( a m er!e c(&!ra 6#, G#( &! 2a/% de ri!m( a# acercarse a #(s )e&!a&a#es, E& #as "#!imas d6cadas e# camp s de #a UCSD 5a27a s 'rid( &a re)(# ci%&, La )i2ra&!e campa:a de edi'icaci%& de s 6p(ca c(m( deca&( #a 5a27a& arrasad( e# !errem(!( de R(se Ca&+(& + #a #%$ica pedes!re de #(s admi&is!rad(res de #a m(der&a &i)ersidad, E# camp s 5a27a ) e#!( a & es!i#( de ar2(#ad( dispers( c(& edi'ici(s 1 e 2ie& p(dr7a& 5a2er sid( es!r c! ras pre'a2ricadas, De &a '(rma m +0 m + !ris!e0 #e rec(rda2a #(s primer(s a:(s de# camp s0 d ra&!e s 6p(ca de es! dia&!e $rad ad(, ?A1 7 c(&s!r im(s & # $ar !a& 5erm(s( + # e$( de/am(s 1 e #(s (p(r! &is!as0 #a ed caci%& a dis!a&cia + #(s ma#di!(s #a2(ra!(ri(s #( di#apidase&, UE& 1 6 se 2e&e'icia &a &i)ersidad si para ma!ric #ar a 1 i&ie&!(s mi# pierde e# a#maV@ L#e$% 5as!a e# )e&!a&a# &(r!e + mir% a2a/(, E# se3!( pis( (c pa2a #a z(&a 1 e m4s s(2resa#7a de# edi'ici(, Se p(d7a )er casi a p#(m( &a z(&a de ceme&!( c ar!ead(0 #a z(&a de car$a de #a 2i2#i(!eca, + a##7 5a27a & !ip( mira&d( ' r!i)ame&!e a s a#reded(r, Car#(s Ri)era se p s( a#iad( de G#( &! + p(r & m(me&!( #(s d(s mirar(& a2a/(, A c(&!i& aci%& G#( &! se di( c e&!a de 1 e e# /()e& e& rea#idad mira2a a !ra)6s de# s e#(9 5a27a e&c(&!rad( &a c4mara e& #(s pis(s s 2!err4&e(s, HN( es Ma3 J er!as Hdi/( Car#(sH, Ja2r7a )e&id( c(& &a !r(pa de #aca+(s, HS7, HPer( era a#$ ie& capaz de pers adir a #(s p(#is de a#1 i#er de #a 2i2#i(!eca para 1 e #e de/ase& 2a/ar, G#( &! !(c% e# )idri(H, QMira 5acia arri2a0 im26ci#R Era as(m2r(s( #( p(c( 1 e )e7a direc!ame&!e desde arri2a, E# desc(&(cid( se m()7a c(& &a !(rpeza esp4s!ica0 c(m( si ' ese & )ie/( c(& & sis!ema &er)i(s( re$e&erad(E G#( &! +a i2a !e&ie&d( & ma# presa$i(, + de pr(&!( e# desc(&(cid( mir% 5acia arri2a, Era c(m( desc 2rir &a ra!a e&(rme e&!re ! s pies, HQO50 Di(sR HU&a e3!ra:a mezc#a de desa$rad( + c ri(sidad #e (2#i$% a decirH9 Jaz#e s 2ir de i&media!(, E& c(&!ras!e c(& #a s(#eada z(&a de car$a0 e# pasi##( res #!a2a 2as!a&!e (sc r(, R(2er! )aci#% mie&!ras se ac(s! m2ra2a a #a p(ca # z, Las paredes es!a2a& ##e&as de marcas + raspad ras, E# s e#( era de ceme&!( des& d(, N( era &a z(&a a2ier!a a# p"2#ic(, Le !ra7a rec erd(s de# pasad(0 c a&d( #(s a# m&(s se c(#a2a& e& #as e&!ra:as de #as z(&as de ma&!e&imie&!( de edi'ici(s c(m( a1 6#,

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M 6 dem(&i(s0 !am2i6& es!a2a a2ier!a, A# (!r( #ad( e# r id( de sierra era !(da)7a m4s i&!e&s(, Di( ci&c e&!a pas(s0 de/a&d( a!r4s ca/as de p#4s!ic(, ?Da!(s resca!ad(s@0 dec7a& #as e!i1 e!as, A# '(&d(0 de!r4s de &a especie de e#e)ad(ra c(& pa!as0 5a27a (!ra p er!a a2ier!a, Se e&c(&!ra2a e& !erre&( c(&(cid(9 es!a2a a# '(&d( de #a esca#era de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Mir% 5acia arri2a0 a #a espira# de esca#(&es, Dimi& !(s 'ra$me&!(s 2#a&c(s '#(!a2a& a$i!4&d(se e& e# i&!eri(r de #a c(# m&a de # z ce&!ra#, UC(p(s de &ie)eV U &( #e a!erriz% e& #a ma&(9 & 'ra$me&!( de pape#, Y e# es!r e&d( de #a sierra era !(da)7a m4s i&!e&s(0 + !am2i6& se (7a e# s(&id( de &a aspirad(ra $i$a&!esca, Per( era e# es!r e&d( irre$ #ar de sierra e# 1 e re! m2a2a p(r #a esca#era + #e e&s(rdec7a, Le res #!a2a 'ami#iar0 per( &( era precisame&!e & s(&id( de interior, S 2i% #as esca#eras0 de!e&i6&d(se e& cada re##a&(, E# p(#)( + e# r id( era& pe(res e& e# c ar!( pis(0 e!i1 e!ad( c(m( ?Secci%& P_ de# ca!4#($(@, La p er!a se a2ri% '4ci#me&!e, M4s a##4 es!ar7a& #(s es!a&!es, T(d(s #(s #i2r(s 1 e p diese desear0 Fi#%me!r(s de #i2r(s, La 2e##eza de #as ideas a$ arda&d( para a!acar#(, Per( &( era &a 2i2#i(!eca c(m( c a#1 ier (!ra, E# s e#( es!a2a c 2ier!( de #(&a 2#a&ca, E# aire era &a &e2#i&a de res!(s '#(!a&!es, Respir% pr(' &dame&!e0 (#i% a 2rea de pi&( + a madera 1 emadaE + !ard% & ra!( e& de/ar de !(ser, E# brrap, d(#(r(same&!e i&!e&s(0 pr()e&7a de c a!r( pasi##(s a #a derec5a0 c +(s es!a&!es es!a2a& )ac7(s0 c 2ier!(s de !r(z(s de pape# + m c5( p(#)(, .rrap. C(&!ra !(da #%$ica0 a )eces rec(&(cer a#$( res #!a di'7ci#, Per( 'i&a#me&!e R(2er! rec(rd% e3ac!ame&!e 1 6 !e&7a 1 e pr(d cir a1 e# r $id( a2r p!(, L( 5a27a (7d( &as c a&!as )eces a #( #ar$( de s )ida, Per( #a m41 i&a 1 e #( ca sa2a siempre es!a2a e& e# e3!eri(r, %.rrrap) QU&a !ri! rad(raR M4s ade#a&!e !(d( era& es!a&!er7as )ac7as0 es1 e#e!(s, R(2e& ##e$% a# 'i&a# de & pasi##( + se acerc% a# r id(, E# aire era &a &ie2#a de p(#)( de pape#, E& e# c ar!( pasi##(0 e# espaci( e&!re es!a&!er7as es!a2a (c pad( p(r & ! 2( de !e#a, E# $ sa&( m(&s!r (s( es!a2a m + i# mi&ad( i&!eri(rme&!e, A# (!r( e3!rem(0 a casi seis me!r(s de dis!a&cia0 se e&c(&!ra2a #a ma&d72 #a de# $ sa&(E #a ' e&!e

de# r id(, I&de'i&idas e&!re #(s rem(#i&(s de &e2#i&a R(2er! )i( d(s 'i$ ras )es!idas de 2#a&c( c(& & r%! #( e& #a espa#da9 ?Resca!e de da!(s J er!as,@ L#e)a2a& mascari##a c(& 'i#!r( + casc( pr(!ec!(r, P(dr7a& 5a2er sid( (2rer(s de #a c(&s!r cci%&, A &1 e #( cier!( era 1 e e# pr(p%si!( ac! a# de s prese&cia a##7 era #a dec(&s!r cci%&9 primer( &( + # e$( e# (!r( i2a& saca&d( #i2r(s de #(s es!a&!es + #(s #a&za2a& a #as 'a ces de #a !ri! rad(ra, Las e!i1 e!as de ma&!e&imie&!( c(&!e&7a& 'rases as6p!icas s(2re e# 5(rr(r9 #a 2(ca )(raz era & ?dese&c ader&ad(r pers(&a#izad( Na)iC#( d@, E# !"&e# de !e#a 1 e se e3!e&d7a p(r de!r4s era & ?!"&e# c4mara@, R(2er! 5iz( &a m eca de espa&!(E + Epi'a&7a a#ea!(riame&!e rec(mpe&s% e# $es!( c(& &a )isi%& i&!eri(r de# m(&s!r (9 #(s 'ra$me&!(s !ri! rad(s de #i2r(s + re)is!as '#(!a2a& p(r e# !"&e# c(m( 5(/as e& & !(r&ad(0 da&d( ) e#!as + e&!rec5(ca&d(, E# !e/id( es!a2a rec 2ier!( i&!eri(rme&!e p(r mi#es de c4maras dimi& !as, L(s 'ra$me&!(s se '(!($ra'ia2a& &a + (!ra )ez0 desde !(d(s #(s 4&$ #(s + e& !(das #as (rie&!aci(&es0 5as!a 1 e 'i&a#me&!e #a 5(/a arra&cada aca2a2a e& & dep%si!(0 / s!( de#a&!e de R(2er!, Da!(s resca!ad(s, %.77777A1) E# m(&s!r ( a)a&z% (!r( me!r(0 de/a&d( (!r( me!r( de es!a&!e )ac7(, Casi )ac7(, R(2er! se ade#a&!% + c(& #a ma&( a!rap% a#$( de# es!a&!e, N( era p(#)(, Era media p4$i&a0 & res!( de #(s mi#es de #i2r(s 1 e +a 5a27a& aca2ad( e& e# i&!eri(r de# e1 ip( de ?resca!e de da!(s@, L( a$i!% e& direcci%& a #(s (perari(s )es!id(s de 2#a&c( + $ri!% pa#a2ras 1 e se perdier(& e& e# 'ra$(r de #a !ri! rad(ra + #(s )e&!i#ad(res de# $ sa&(, Per( #(s d(s a#zar(& #a )is!a + #e $ri!ar(&, De &( 5a2er !e&id( e# $ sa&( re# cie&!e i&!erp(&i6&d(se e& s cami&(0 R(2er! se 5a2r7a a2a#a&zad( c(&!ra #a pare/a, T(d(s se #imi!ar(& a 5acerse $es!(s de imp(!e&cia0 p(r !a&!(, L e$( apareci% (!r( !ip( de!r4s de R(2er!, U& i&di)id ( c(& s(2repes( de &(s !rei&!a + !a&!(s a:(s0 c(& 2erm das + &a e&(rme camise!a &e$ra, E# /()e& #e $ri!a2a e&E U1 6V UE& ma&dar7&V R($a2a a R(2er! 1 e )(#)iese c(& 6# a #a esca#era0 #e/(s de #a pesadi##a, E# se3!( pis( de #a 2i2#i(!eca &( '(rma2a par!e de #a pesadi##a, De 5ec5(0 !e&7a 24sicame&!e e# mism( aspec!( 1 e R(2er! rec(rda2a de pri&cipi(s de #(s a:(s se!e&!a, E# !ip( de #a camise!a $ra&de #e $ i% e&!re #(s es!a&!es 5as!a #a z(&a de es! di( de# s r de# edi'ici(, A##7 se e&c(&!r% c(& & 5(m2re 2a/i!( armad( c(& & a&!i$ ( p(r!4!i#0 se&!ad( / s!( 're&!e a #a )e&!a&a0 1 e se #e)a&!% + #e mir%, L e$( de pr(&!( se ec5% a re7r + #e ('reci% #a ma&(, HM e me aspe&, QEres de )erdad R(2er! G R R(2er! acep!% #a ma&(0 m(me&!4&eame&!e desc(&cer!ad(, Tri! rad(ras de #i2r(s0 5(m2res mis!eri(s(s a##7 arri2a, Y a1 e# c(r( deme&cia#, A# 'i& p(d7a )er a #(s ca&!(res e& #a p#aza, HOa, N( me rec(&(ces0 U)erdad0 R(2er!V H0o, E# !ip( !e&7a m c57sim( pe#( r 2i(0 per( s r(s!r( era !a& )ie/( c(m( #as m(&!a:as, S%#( s risa #e res #!a2a 'ami#iar, A# ca2( de & se$ &d( se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s + #e i&dic% a R(2er! 1 e

se se&!aseH, N( !e #( ec5( e& cara Hsi$ i% dicie&d(H, Per( rec(&(cer!e a !i es '4ci#, Jas !e&id( s er!e0 R(2er!0 U)erdadV S p(&$( 1 e e& ! cas( e# !ra!amie&!( Ve&&HP rasa>a s r!i% e'ec!( a# cie&!( p(r cie&!(D !ie&es #a pie# me/(r 1 e a #(s )ei&!ici&c(, HE# )ie/( pas% &a ma&( ma&c5ada p(r #a edad s(2re s s pr(pi(s ras$(s + s(&ri% si& a#e$r7aH, Per( U1 6 !a# e# res!( de ! pers(&aV Pareces & p(c( a$i!ad(, HY(E perd7 #a ca2eza, A#z5eimer, Per(E HE50 )a#e, Me 5a$( car$(, L( 1 e R(2er! rec(&(ci% de pr(&!( ' e #a 'ra&1 eza0 #a despre(c paci%&, Tras e# r(s!r( de# e3!ra:( R(2er! rec(&(ci% a# es! dia&!e de primer( 1 e 5a27a 5ec5( 1 e s s a:(s e& #a UCSD ' ese& m c5( m4s em(ci(&a&!es, HQT(mmie ParFerR HE# /()e& me1 e!re'e 1 e 5a27a sid( e# $e&i( de #a i&'(rm4!ica e& #a UCSD i&c# s( a&!es de sa#ir de# i&s!i! !(0 i&c# s( a&!es de 1 e e3is!iera esa !i! #aci%&, E# 5(m2reci!( 1 e &( p(d7a esperar a 1 e ##e$ara e# ' ! r(, T(mmie asi&!i%0 rie&d(, HS7, S7, Per( 5ace m c5( !iemp( 1 e s(+ e# ?pr('es(r T5(mas ParFer@, USa2es 1 e me d(c!(r6 e& e# MITV L e$( )(#)7 a1 7 + e&se:6 d ra&!e casi c are&!a a:(s, Es!4s )ie&d( a & miem2r( de# establishment. Y adem4s )e7a #(s es!ra$(s de# !iemp(E P(r & m(me&!( R(2er! $ ard% si#e&ci(, A estas alturas debera estar inmunizado. Mir% p(r #a )e&!a&a a #a m #!i! d0 apar!a&d( #a )is!a de ParFer, HGie&0 U1 6 es!4 pasa&d(0 T(mmieV Es!4s i&s!a#ad( a1 7 arri2a c(m( si ' eses e# c(ma&da&!e e& /e'e, ParFer r7( + !ec#e%, P(r #( 1 e R(2er! )e7a de #a pa&!a##a0 e# s +( era & sis!ema a&!i1 7sim(0 pe(r 1 e s p4$i&a )is(rE + &ada c(mpara2#e c(& #( 1 e p(d7a (2!e&er de Epi'a&7a, Per( #a )(z de T(m ParFer era !(d( e&! siasm(, HEs &a pr(!es!a 1 e 5em(s (r$a&izad(, C(&!ra #a Ame&aza Gi2#i(!(ma, N( 5em(s impedid( e# !r(cead(0 per(E mira es(, Es e# )7de( de ! e&!rada, HLa pa&!a##a de T(mmie m(s!ra2a #( 1 e parec7a &a ima$e& de !e#e(2/e!i)( !(mada desde e# &(r!e de# camp s, U&a 'i$ ra dimi& !a0 1 e p(d7a ser R(2er! G 0 e&!ra2a p(r #a z(&a de car$a de #a 2i2#i(!ecaH, N( s6 c%m( !e 5as sa#!ad( #a se$ ridad0 R(2er!, HLa admi&is!raci%& !am2i6& se #( pre$ &!a Hdi/( e# /()e& 1 e 5a27a resca!ad( a R(2er!, Se se&!% !ras #a mesa pri&cipa# + se sac di% e# p(#)( de pape# de# pe#( + #a camise!a, De pr(&!( e# es#($a& de #a camise!a c(2r% m c5( se&!id(9 ?E# p(#)( de pape# es &e'as!(,@, Se di( c e&!a de 1 e R(2er! #( mira2a + #e sa# d%H, J(#a0 pr('es(r G , S(+ Car#(s Ri)era0 de# pers(&a# de #a 2i2#i(!eca, HS camise!a se )(#)i% 2#a&ca0 c(& #( 1 e a# me&(s #($r% 1 e #(s !r(ci!(s de pape# ' ese& me&(s e)ide&!es, HUT(mas par!e e& #a des!r cci%&V HDe pr(&!( se ac(rd% de #a mi!ad de p4$i&a 1 e 5a27a sa#)ad( de #a desme& zad(ra, La c(#(c% de#icadame&!e s(2re #a mesa, C(&!e&7a pa#a2rasD 1 iz4 p diese ded cir de 1 6 #i2r( pr(ced7a,

HN(0 &( Hdi/( ParFerH, Car#(s &(s a+ da, De 5ec5(0 !(d(s #(s 2i2#i(!ecari(s se (p(&e& a# !r(cead(E e3cep!( #(s admi&is!rad(res, Y p es!( 1 e 5as c(&se$ id( sa#!ar!e #a se$ ridad de #a 2i2#i(!eca0 cre( 1 e i&c# s( a57 !e&em(s a#iad(s, Eres & !ip( 'am(s(0 R(2er! + p(dr7am(s dar 2 e& s( a# )7de( 1 e 5as cap!ad(, HPer( +(E HR(2er! i2a a decir 1 e &( ##e)a2a &i&$ &a c4mara, L e$( se ac(rd% de #a r(paH, Va#e0 per( !ie&es 1 e i&dicarme c%m( pas4r!e#(, HN( 5a+ pr(2#emaE Hdi/( Ri)era, HEs!4s sa&d( esa mierda de Epi'a&7a0 U)erdad0 R(2er!V S70 !e&dr4s 1 e 2 scar #a a+ da de a#$ ie& 1 e )is!a, L(s )es!i2#es se s p(&e 1 e !e simp#i'ica& #as c(sas0 per( e& $e&era# &( s(& m4s 1 e &a e3c sa para 1 e #(s dem4s c(&!r(#e& ! )ida, Y( pre'ier( se$ ir c(& #as s(# ci(&es e'ec!i)as, HT(c% e# p(r!4!i#, P(r a#$"& capric5( de #a mem(ria0 R(2er! rec(&(ci% e# m(de#(, Vei&!i!a&!(s a:(s a&!es e# disp(si!i)( era #( m4s a)a&zad( e& p(!e&cia + mi&ia! rizaci%&0 de ape&as )ei&!e ce&!7me!r(s p(r )ei&!ici&c(0 c(& &a pa&!a##a m + 2ri##a&!e de &(s mi#7me!r(s de $r(s(r + &a 2 e&a c4mara, A5(raE i&c# s( R(2er! #( c(&sidera2a de &a #e&!i! d m(&s!r (sa, 3*+mo puede comunicarse con la magia moderna4 La mirada de ParFer se diri$i% a# 2i2#i(!ecari(, HUC%m( 5a e&!rad( e& e# edi'ici(0 Car#(sV Ri)era di/(9 HX%2 z5d(, T(mmie $r :%, HEs!4s 5a2#a&d( e& c5i&(0 Car#(s, HO50 #( #ame&!(, HMir% a R(2er!H, F i !rad c!(r de# E/6rci!( d ra&!e #a $ erra Hdi/(0 c(m( si es( #( e3p#icara !(d(H, N( s6 c%m( e&!r%0 pr('es(r ParFer, Le )i )e&ir desde Xarsc5a>sFi Ja##, Y( emp#ea2a #(s mism(s p &!(s de )is!a 1 e e# sis!ema de se$ ridad, Per( i&c# s( desp 6s de ##e$ar #a !r(cead(ra &( 5a27a &adie para de!e&er#e, HSe )(#)i%0 mira&d( e3pec!a&!e #(s es!a&!esH, M iz4s e# deca&( !e&$a a (!ras pers(&as !ra2a/a&d( para desc 2rir#(, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 & a&cia&( s r$i% de e&!re #(s #i2r(s, HSa2es 1 e &( es as70 Car#(s, HF e 5as!a e# )e&!a&a# si& mirar a R(2er!, Aj, pe&s% R(2er!0 as ,ue a,u es donde ?innie lleva perdido un par de semanas. G#( &! mir% 5acia #a p#aza &(s se$ &d(s, A# 'i& di/(H9 Ya &( ca&!a&, Sa2e& #( de #a ##e$ada de G 0 U&(V HS70 se:(r, A &1 e &( 5em(s 5ec5( p"2#ic(s & es!r(s pr(pi(s )7de(s0 5a+ peri(dis!as de s(2ra p(r a1 7, A# me&(s !res ' e&!es p(p #ares #e 5a& ide&!i'icad(, HE& e# e3!eri(r0 #a m #!i! d )i!(rea2a, R(2e& pr(2% e# e&c($imie&!( 1 e0 se$"& O a&0 #e ('recer7a #as &(!icias #(ca#es, S%#( c(&si$ i% &(s a& &ci(s, Y S5ari' perma&ec7a e& si#e&ci(, U& m(me&!( desp 6s G#( &! re$res% a #a ca2ecera de #a mesa + se se&!% res(##a&d(, N( 5a27a mirad( direc!ame&!e a R(2er!D Xi&&ie &( parec7a !a&

c(&'iad( c(m( e& #a c#ase de C5 m#i$, 3*unto tiempo hace desde la ltima vez ,ue practicamos nuestros jueguecitos polticos4 R(2er! mir% direc!ame&!e a G#( &!, Es( 5ar7a 1 e Epi'a&7a rea#izase &a 2"s1 eda s(2re 6#, Adem4s0 a&!a:( esa mirada #e 5a2r7a p es!( &er)i(s(, HVa#e Hasi&!i% G#( &! diri$i6&d(se a T(m ParFerH0 di#es a #(s ma&i'es!a&!es 1 e i&icie& #a si$ ie&!e 'ase, Ya sa2es0 #as e&!re)is!as + #(s ar!7c #(s de (pi&i%&, HUM 6 5a+ de# se:(r N e)a Si! aci%& a1 7 prese&!eV HT(mmie #a&z% e# p #$ar e& direcci%& a R(2er!, A# 'i&0 G#( &! mir% a R(2er!, Y Epi'a&7a c(me&z% a e&)iar i&'(rmaci%& a s )is!a9 &oogle .io<uenteE ?inston *. .lount, mster en literatura inglesa por la F*S en GHIG, doctorado en literatura inglesa por F*5A en GHIJ, pro2esor adjunto de lengua inglesa en Stan2ord entre GHIJ ! GHKL, pro2esor de literatura ! luego decano de Artes ! 5etras en la F*S entre GHKL ! MLGM. N.ibliogra2a, iscursos, <avoritos.O HGie&0 Xi&&ie Hdi/(H0 Usi$ es 5acie&d( c(&!ac!(s + re#aci(&4&d(!eV E# (!r( se p s( p4#id(0 per( resp(&di% c(& !ra&1 i#idad, HL#4mame Xi&s!(&0 ( deca&( G#( &!0 c(m( pre'ieras, HJ 2( &a 6p(ca e& 1 e resp(&d7a a# &(m2re de Xi&, Era R(2er! 1 ie& #e 5a27a 1 i!ad( a1 e# m(!e, Se mirar(& e& si#e&ci( )ari(s se$ &d(s, A# 'i&0 G#( &! di/(9 HUTie&es a#$ &a e3p#icaci%& de p(r 1 6 5as p(did( e&!rar p(r #a p er!a de ser)ici(V R(2er! ri(, HMe 5e #imi!ad( a e&!rar, S(+ e# m4s i$&(ra&!e de !(d(s0 Xi&s!(&, HUM 6 5a27a sid( de _ #'i S5ari'V T(mmie ParFer a#z% #a )is!a, HJa+ i&'(rmaci%& p"2#ica recie&!e s(2re R(2er! G , R(2e& 5a padecid( A#z5eimer a)a&zad( d ra&!e casi c a!r( a:(s, Es &a de #as c raci(&es recie&!es, HMir% a R(2er!H, T7(0 casi !e m eres de )ie/( a&!es de rec perar!e, P(r (!ra par!e0 parece 1 e 5as !e&id( &a s er!e m6dica i&cre72#e, Gie&0 de !(d(s #(s d7as p(si2#es0 U1 6 !e 5a !ra7d( 5(+ a #a UCSDV R(2er! se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, Le res #!a2a s(rpre&de&!e 5as!a 1 6 p &!( era reaci( a c(&!ar #( de s s pr(2#emas c(& G(2 + Miri, HP ra c(i&cide&cia, Je )e&id( a #a UCSD p(r1 eE p(r1 e 1 er7a )er #(s #i2r(s, E& #a cara de G#( &! se di2 /% &a s(&risa p(c( amis!(sa, HM 6 pr(pi( de !i0 )e&ir e# d7a 1 e empezam(s a 1 emar#(s, Ri)era pr(!es!%9 HEs !r(cear0 deca&(, Es decir0 !6c&icame&!e, E3cep!( p(r e# p(#)(0 se preser)a !(d( e# !r(cead(, R(2er! mir% e# pape# r(!( 1 e 5a27a !ra7d( de a2a/(D U & !r(z( 1 e 5a27a escapad( a s desca&s( 'i&a#V S(s! )( e# s(#i!ari( pedaz( de pape#, HSi&cerame&!e0 &( s6 1 6 es!4 pasa&d(, UM 6 es es(V UM 6 #(c ra / s!i'ica des!r ir #(s #i2r(sV Xi&&ie &( resp(&di% de i&media!(D #e 5iz( & $es!( a Ri)era para 1 e #e pasase e# 'ra$me&!(, L( p s( s(2re #a mesa + #( mir% & se$ &d(, S s(&risa amar$a se e&sa&c5% & p(c(,

HM 6 a$rada2#e ir(&7a, Es!4& empeza&d( p(r #a secci%& P_0 U)erdad0 Car#(sV HD a Hresp(&di% e# /()e&0 )aci#a&d(, HQEs!( HXi&&ie a$i!% e# pape# e& e# aireH 5a sa#id( de & #i2r( de cie&cia 'icci%&R HU&a risa secaH, Es(s ca2r(&es de #a cie&cia 'icci%& reci2e& #( 1 e se merece&, D ra&!e !rei&!a a:(s sec es!rar(& #a ed caci%& e& #i!era! raE + es!( es #( 1 e 5a& #($rad( c(& s red cci(&ism(, Ya era 5(ra, HArr $% e# pape# + se #( #a&z% a R(2er!, T(mmie a$arr% #a 2(#i!a e i&!e&!% res ci!ar#a, HEs & simp#e accide&!e 1 e 5a+a& empezad( p(r #a cie&cia 'icci%&0 deca&(, HE& rea#idad Hdi/( Ri)eraH0 c(rre e# r m(r de 1 e e# !r(cead( empez% c(& #a cie&cia 'icci%& para !e&er me&(s 1 e/as de #(s $i#ip(##as, HN( imp(r!a Hdi/( T(mmieH, Te&7a& pre)is!( es!ar 2ie& me!id(s e& (!ras ma!erias a# 'i&a# de# d7a, Xi&&ie se i&c#i&% 5acia de#a&!e, HUM 6 1 ieres decir c(& es( de 1 e ?!e&7a& pre)is!(@V HUN( #( sa2esV HParFer )(#)i% a !(car e# p(r!4!i#D Ues!a2a e&am(rad( de ese disp(si!i)( a&!i$ ( ( 1 6VH, E# !r(cead( se 5a !(pad( c(& & pe1 e:( pr(2#ema !6c&ic(, L( 5a& de/ad( p(r 5(+, HS(&ri%H, Se$"& #a pre&sa p(p #ar e# ?pe1 e:( pr(2#ema !6c&ic(@ 5a sid( #a i&esperada aparici%& de R(2er! e& p#e&a (peraci%&, Ri)era )aci#% + #a # z se re#a/% e& #as pr(' &didades de s s $r esas $a'as, HS7 Hdi/(, As7 1 e0 desp 6s de !(d(0 #a m #!i! d de ' era !e&7a a#$( 1 e ce#e2rar, Xi&&ie se p s( e& pie0 )(#)i% a mirar p(r #a )e&!a&a + se se&!%H, M + 2ie&0 Q5em(s #($rad( & es!ra primera )ic!(riaR Tra&smi!e & es!ras 'e#ici!aci(&es a #as !r(pas0 T(mmie, R(2er! a#z% #as ma&(s, HUA#$ ie& me e3p#ica es!a #(c raV P ede 1 e &( #(s es!6& 1 ema&d(0 per( es!( se parece m c5( a <ahrenheit PQG, O!ra 5is!(ria de cie&cia 'icci%&0 Xi&s!(&, Ri)era a$i!% #a ma&(, HG"s1 eda p(r #a pa#a2ra c#a)e ?Gi2#i(!(ma@0 pr('es(r G , R(2er! 5iz( & $es!( + !(c%, 3*+mo logra hacerlo Juan sin parecer un idiota4 HT(ma0 sa mi p(r!4!i#, N &ca desc 2rir4s c%m( !e&er &(!icias a !ra)6s de Epi'a&7a, Xi&s!(& G#( &! di( & p :e!az( e& #a mesa, HL( p ede 5acer c a&d( es!6 s(#(0 T(mmie, A1 7 !e&em(s & !ra2a/( seri(, HVa#e0 deca&(, Per( R(2er! 5a cam2iad( #as c(sas, P(dem(s sacar & 2 e& par!id( de s rep !aci%&, Ri)era asi&!i%, HS7, Ga&% casi !(d(s #(s premi(s #i!erari(s e3is!e&!es, HM e se #(s $ arde Hdi/( G#( &!H, Ya !e&em(s ci&c( N(2e#, E& c(mparaci%& c(& e##(s0 G &( es especia#, HLa mirada de G#( &! rec(rri% r4pidame&!e #a cara de R(2er!, E# c(r!e diri$id( a R(2er! 5a27a id( ac(mpa:ad( de &a #i$era )aci#aci%&0 pr(2a2#eme&!e demasiad( 2re)e para 1 e #(s (!r(s #a perci2iese&,

E# de!a##e m4s imp(r!a&!e acerca de Xi&s!(& G#( &! &( aparec7a e& s 2i($ra'7a de G(($#e, Erase &a )ez & Xi&&ie 1 e se 5a27a c(&siderad( p(e!a, Per( &( #( eraD era simp#eme&!e e3presi)( a# 5a2#ar + p(seed(r de & e$( e&(rme, C a&d( #(s d(s 5a27a& ##e$ad( a S!a&'(rd c(m( miem2r(s &()a!(s0 R(2er! 5a27a perdid( #a pacie&cia c(& e# 'arsa&!e, Adem4s0 #as re &i(&es de# c(mi!6 5a2r7a& sid( m(r!a#me&!e a2 rridas de &( ser p(r s pasa!iemp(9 picar a Xi&&ie G#( &!, E# !ip( 5a27a sid( &a ' e&!e i&'i&i!a de di)ersi%& p(r1 e parec7a creerse capaz de s perar a R(2er! e& i&$e&i(, Semes!re !ras semes!re0 #(s d e#(s )er2a#es se )(#)ier(& m4s acerad(s + #(s 'racas(s de Xi&&ie m4s e)ide&!es, N( a+ da2a e& a2s(# !( a s ca sa e# 5ec5( de 1 e G#( &! careciese de !a#e&!( para #( 1 e m4s desea2a9 crear (2ras #i!erarias imp(r!a&!es, La campa:a dese&'adada de R(2er! 5a27a res #!ad( de)as!ad(ra, A 'i&a#es de #(s a:(s se!e&!a d p(2re Xi&&ie era e# 5azmerre7r0 e# 5azmerre7r a s s espa#das0 de# depar!ame&!(, L( "&ic( 1 e 1 eda2a de s s pre!e&si(&es de ser imp(r!a&!e era s p(mp(sidad, Ja27a a2a&d(&ad( S!a&'(rd + R(2er! rec(rda2a #a se&saci%& de sa!is'acci%& de 5a2er 5ec5( a#$( 2 e&( p(r e# m &d( c a&d( G#( &! desc 2ri% e# # $ar 1 e #e c(rresp(&d7a e& #a /erar1 7a de #as c(sas + se c(&)ir!i% e& admi&is!rad(rE Per( pr(2a2#eme&!e ' ese !a& 2 e& p(e!a c(m( e# & e)( R(2er! G , 35o sabr ?innie4 E)ide&!eme&!e0 T(mmie ParFer desc(&(c7a es(s !e/ema&e/es, Resp(&di% a# c(me&!ari( de G#( &! c(m( si ' ese #a e3presi%& de & 5ec5( &e !ra#, HAlguien #e cree imp(r!a&!e0 deca&(, A#$ ie& ! )( e# p(der de 5acer#e a!ra)esar &a 2 e&a se$ ridad c(mercia#, HSe )(#)i% 5acia G H, Pie&sa0 R(2er!, S6 1 e para !i es!e m &d( de i&'(rmaci%& es & e)( + 1 e Epi'a&7a (c #!a m c5as c(sas0 per( U5(+ 5as &(!ad( a#$( e3!ra:(V Es decir0 a&!es de e&!rar e& #a 2i2#i(!eca, HGie&E HMir% a# aire, S 2"s1 eda >e2 empeza2a a dar res #!ad(s0 !e3!(s e im4$e&es de# ?Pr(+ec!( Gi2#i(!(ma9 resca!a&d( #a pre5is!(ria para #(s es! dia&!es de# prese&!e@, Desde # e$( era a#$( m + rar(, P(r #( dem4sE 5a27a # ces '#(!a&!es 1 e i&dica2a& c(sas di'ere&!es, I&!e&!% rec(rdar #a e3p#icaci%& de O a&, Ah. S5ari' 5a27a ) e#!(0 & ic(&( c(#(r r 27 1 e '#(!a2a d(2#a&d( #a es1 i&a de #(s es!a&!esH, Je !e&id( a+ da, De & $rad ad( ##amad( _ #'iFar S5ari', HUEs!a2as e& c(&!ac!( c(& 6# c a&d( 2a/as!e a #a 2i2#i(!ecaV HS7, S5ari' pe&sa2a 1 e p(dr7a e&!rar m4s '4ci#me&!e si &( i&!e&!a2a a!ra)esar #a m #!i! d de #a e&!rada pri&cipa#, Ri)era + ParFer se mirar(&, HUN( )is!e #as ci&!as de se$ ridadV De2er7a& 5a2er!e $ iad( 5as!a e# #ad( s r de# edi'ici(, HPr('es(r0 cre( 1 e #e sec es!rar(&, ParFer asi&!i%,

HN( !e sie&!as ma#0 R(2er!, S cede a me& d( c(& #(s )es!i2#es, De2er7am(s #(ca#izar a ese !a# ?_ #'iFar S5ari'@, R(2er! se:a#% #a # z r 27, HCre( 1 e si$ e a1 7, Epi'a&7a de2i% e&!e&der e# $es!( c(m( &a (rde& e 5iz( 1 e #a # z ' ese )isi2#e para !(d(s9 Ri)era mir% 5acia d(&de ap &!a2a, HQS7R UL( )e0 pr('es(r ParFerV T(mmie mir% e# p(r!4!i# + !(c% e# !( c5pad, HC#ar( 1 e #e )e(, Ap es!( a 1 e 5a es!ad( esc c5a&d( )7a R(2er!, UM 6 !a# si #e i&)i!am(s a c5ar#arV G#( &! e&!(r&a2a #(s (/(s0 i&de'e&s(, Era e)ide&!e 1 e &( p(d7a )er e# des!e##( c(#(r r 27, Si& em2ar$(0 c(&sider% 1 e #a pre$ &!a i2a diri$ida a 6#, HS7, Jaz#(, R(2e& !ec#e% & permis(, Pas% & se$ &d(, La c5ispa r 27 '#(!% 5as!a e# 2(rde de #a mesaE + a2r p!ame&!e se !ra&s'(rm% e& & ser 5 ma&( a !ama:( c(mp#e!(0 de pie# (sc ra + (/(s si&cer(s, S5ari' s(&ri% c(m( disc #p4&d(se + r(de% #a mesa para ?se&!arse@ e& &a si##a a# (!r( #ad(, HGracias p(r i&)(carme0 pr('es(r G , Y s7 Hdi/( a #(s (!r(sH0 5e es!ad( esc c5a&d(, Me disc #p( p(r mis m c5(s pr(2#emas de c(m &icaci%&, HY( dir7a 1 e se 5a apr()ec5ad( de #a i$&(ra&cia de & pri&cipia&!e Hdi/( ParFer, G<; &! asi&!i% e&'4!icame&!e, HQL( mism( dir7a +(R Y(E HVaci#%0 pareci% pe&s4rse#(H, A50 a #a mierda, UM 6 m4s da0 T(mmieV T(d( #( 1 e 72am(s a 5acer 5(+ es per'ec!ame&!e p"2#ic(, T(mmie s(&ri%, HQCier!(R Per( si 5e apre&did( a#$( es a mirar siempre #(s die&!es de# ca2a##( re$a#ad(, A )eces res #!a& per!e&ecer a #a )ariedad !r(+a&a HMir% #a ima$e& de# p(r!4!i#H, Gie&0 se:(r S5ari'0 &( me imp(r!a si 5a es!ad( esc c5a&d( ( &(, Simp#eme&!e d7$ame 1 6 5ac7a c(& R(2er! G , A#$ ie& #e $ i% 5as!a #a e&!rada de ser)ici( + a !ra)6s de #a se$ ridad, S5ari' s(&ri% )aci#a&!e, HSi&cerame&!e0 me s(rpre&de !a&!( c(m( a s!edes, E# pr('es(r G + +( 5a2#42am(s !ra&1 i#ame&!e c a&d( 6# ##e$% a# camp s, De/% de 5a2#ar mie&!ras 2a/42am(s #a c es!a desde Xarsc5a>sFi Ja##, Y # e$(0 si& raz%& apare&!e0 $ir% a #a iz1 ierda + se diri$i% a# #ad( &(r!e de #a 2i2#i(!eca, L( si$ ie&!e 1 e )i ' e 1 e e&!ra2a p(r #a z(&a de car$aE + perd7 e# c(&!ac!(, N( s6 1 6 m4s p ed( decir, La se$ ridad de mi )es!i2#e es m43ima0 c#ar( es!4, Mmm, HVaci#% & m(me&!( + # e$( cam2i% de !emaH, UN( se es!4& !(ma&d( !(d( es!( de #a pe(r '(rmaV Es decir0 e# Pr(+ec!( Gi2#i(!(ma 5ar7a accesi2#e #a #i!era! ra de# pasad( )ir! a#me&!e a !(d(sE + m4s r4pid( 1 e c a#1 ier (!r( pr(+ec!(, UM 6 !ie&e es( de ma#(V Dec#araci%& 1 e ' e reci2ida c(& & si#e&ci( a2s(# !(, Xi&s!(& G#( &! s(&ri% ape&as,

HS p(&$( 1 e &( 5a )is!( & es!r( si!i( >e2, HA50 !(da)7a &(, HJiz( &a pa sa + pareci% mirar a# i&'i&i!(H, Va#e0 )e( a 1 6 se re'iere, HS(&ri%H, S p(&$( 1 e de2er7a es!ar de s par!eE Q#( 1 e pre!e&de& s!edes $ara&!izar4 mi !ra2a/( e& L<<R Mire&0 ad(r( a #(s p(e!as a&!i$ (s0 per( es di'7ci# acceder a #a #i!era! ra de a&!a:(, Si !e i&!eresa& !emas p(s!eri(res a# a:( -;;; 5a+ ' e&!es p(r !(das par!es + #a i&)es!i$aci%& #($ra resultados. Per(0 para e# res!(0 5a+ 1 e 2 scar e& eso, HS5ari' a$i!% #a ma&( e& direcci%& a #as 'i#as (rde&adas de #i2r(s0 #(s es!a&!es 1 e (c pa2a& e# se3!( pis( de #a 2i2#i(!ecaH, Jace& 'a#!a d7as para desc 2rir i&c# s( #( m4s !ri)ia#, 9ago de mierda, pe&s% R(2er!0 + se c es!i(&% e# e&! siasm( i&icia# de S5ari' p(r #(s ?#i2r(s de )erdad@, Per( esa !e&de&cia +a se 5a27a ma&i'es!ad( e& s 6p(ca de pr('es(r, N( era& s%#( #(s es! dia&!es #(s 1 e se &e$a2a& a e&s ciarse #as ma&(s, I&c# s( #(s s p es!(s i&)es!i$ad(res pasa2a& de# &i)ers( de !(d( #( 1 e &( es!a2a e& #a red, Xi&&ie mir% ' ri(s( a# /()e&, HSe:(r S5ari'0 &( c(mpre&de #( 1 e represe&!a e# 'i& de #as es!a&!er7as de #i2r(s, N( se )ie&e a1 7 espera&d( #a resp es!a precisa a &a pre$ &!a, N(0 &( es as7, E& #as mi#es de (casi(&es e& 1 e 5e id( a re2 scar e& #(s #i2r(s0 rara )ez 5e e&c(&!rad( / s!( #( 1 e 2 sca2a, USa2e 1 6 e&c(&!r6V E&c(&!r6 #i2r(s s(2re !emas re#aci(&ad(s, E&c(&!r6 resp es!as a pre$ &!as 1 e &( me 5a27a p#a&!ead(, Esas resp es!as me c(&d /er(& p(r se&das & e)as + casi siempre res #!ar(& m4s )a#i(sas 1 e #( 1 e p diese !e&er e& me&!e a# pri&cipi(, HMir% a Ri)eraH, UN( es as70 Car#(sV Ri)era asi&!i%, A R(2er! #e pareci% 1 e si& demasiad( e&! siasm(, Per( Xi&&ie !e&7a !(da #a raz%&0 !a&!( 1 e R(2er! !am2i6& !e&7a 1 e c(&!ri2 ir a #a misma ar$ me&!aci%&, HEs!( es &a #(c ra0 S5ari', Apare&!eme&!e e# Pr(+ec!( Gi2#i(!(ma c(&sis!e e& '(!($ra'iar + di$i!a#izar #a 2i2#i(!eca, Per(E HDe pr(&!( rec(rda2a c(sas de s s "#!im(s a:(s e& S!a&'(rdH, UN( #( 5a27a 5ec5( G(($#e +aV HEs cier!( Hdi/( Ri)eraH, De 5ec5(0 es #( primer( 1 e ar$ me&!am(s + 1 iz4s e# me/(r ar$ me&!( de !(d(s, Per( J er!as es & $ra& )e&ded(r + !ie&e s pr(pi( disc rs(, L( 1 e !ie&e e& me&!e es r4pid( + m +0 m + 2ara!(, Las di$i!a#izaci(&es a&!eri(res &( 5a& sid( !a& $#(2a#es + &i'icadas c(m( 6s!a, Y J er!as disp(&e de a2($ad(s + s('!>are 1 e #e permi!ir4& (2!e&er micr(pa$(s p(r !(d(s #(s )ie/(s sis!emas de c(p+ri$5!E si& sacar & e)as #ice&cias, Xi&&ie s(#!% &a risi!a amar$a, HLa )erdadera raz%& para 1 e #a admi&is!raci%& acep!ase !(d( es!( es 1 e ad(ra& e# di&er( de J er!as + 1 iz4s i&c# s( #a p 2#icidad, Per( de/e 1 e #e di$a0 se:(r S5ari'0 1 e !r(cear des!r +e #(s #i2r(s, Es( es #( imp(r!a&!e, S%#( &(s 1 edar4 & m(&!%& i&"!i#, HO50 &(0 pr('es(r G#( &!, Lea e# res me&, Las im4$e&es 1 e s r$e& de# !"&e# de c4maras s(& a&a#izadas + se '(rma!ea&, Es &a simp#e c es!i%& de s('!>are re(rie&!ar #as im4$e&es0 c(mparar #(s c(r!es + rec(&s!r ir e# !e3!( (ri$i&a# e& e#

(rde& c(rrec!(, Es m4s0 apar!e de s simp#icidad mec4&ica0 6sa es #a raz%& para s )i(#e&cia apare&!e, Las r(! ras s(& "&icas, E& rea#idad0 &( !ie&e &ada de & e)(, Las rec(&s!r cci(&es s(& & c#4sic( de #a $e&%mica, HUA50 s7V HR(2er! #e)a&!% #a p4$i&a des!r(zada 1 e 5a27a resca!ad( de #(s es!a&!es P_, La s(s! )( c(m( si ' ese #a )7c!ima '#4ccida de & asesi&a!(H, UM 6 per'ecci%& de# s('!>are )a a rec perar a#$( 1 e ' e arra&cad( de s s !apas per( /am4s se '(!($ra'i%V S5ari' i2a a e&c($erse de 5(m2r(s0 per( )i( #a e3presi%& e& e# r(s!r( de R(2er!, HSe:(r0 rea#me&!e &( es & pr(2#ema, Ja2r4 a#$ &as p6rdidas0 cier!(0 i&c# s( si !(d( se '(!($ra'iase c(m( es de2id(0 #(s pr($ramas c(me!er7a& a#$ &(s err(res, P(!e&cia#me&!e0 #a !asa de err(r p ede es!ar p(r de2a/( de &as c a&!as pa#a2ras p(r mi##%& de )(#"me&es, Es m c5( me/(r 1 e #a reedici%& e& pape# sa&d( c(rrec!(res ma& a#es, Ysa es #a raz%& p(r #a 1 e (!ras $ra&des 2i2#i(!ecas par!icipa& e& e# pr(+ec!(0 para (2!e&er re#aci(&es 'ia2#es, ?UO!ras $ra&des 2i2#i(!ecasV@ R(2er! se di( c e&!a de 1 e es!a2a 2(1 ia2ier!(, Cerr% #a 2(caD &( se #e (c rr7a &ada 1 e decir, T(mmie mir% e# p(r!4!i#, HDe pr(&!( es!4 s!ed m + 2ie& i&'(rmad(0 se:(r S5ari', HPer(E )am(s0 )is!( Hdi/( e# /()e&, HYa, Y #( "&ic( 1 e desea e& rea#idad es pr(se$ ir c(& s am(r a #a #i!era! ra, HQS7R Mi direc!(ra de !esis 5a 2asad( !(da s carrera e& Secretos de las edades de G , QY a5(ra desc 2r( 1 e e# $ra& p(e!a 5a ) e#!( de# A#z5eimerR Es &a (p(r! &idad de #as 1 e se da& &a )ez e& #a )idaE Mire&, Si &( cree& mi 2i($ra'7a G(($#e0 c(mpr e2e& #(s direc!(ri(s L<<, Te&$( m c5(s c#ie&!es sa!is'ec5(s0 m c5(s de e##(s es! dia&!es de #i!era! ra de #a UCSDE Q&( es 1 e #(s a+ de de '(rma p(c( 6!icaR E& a2s(# !(, HA/4, M iz4 pa$ar para 1 e !e 5iciese& #(s de2eres se$ 7a es!a&d( ma# )is!( e& a1 e# mara)i##(s( m &d( de# ' ! r(H, N( s6 1 6 #e 5a pasad( 5a+a# pr('es(r G 0 per( U&( 5a re!rasad( e# Pr(+ec!( Gi2#i(!(maV UN( es es( #( 1 e 1 iere&V G#( &! + Ri)era ase&!7a&, HS7 Hdi/( T(mmieH, Eres a#$"& !ip( de !r(+a&(, HQS%#( s(+ & es! dia&!e de #i!era! ra i&$#esaR T(mmie ca2ece%, HP(dr7a s!ed ser casi c a#1 ier c(sa, P(dr7a ser & c(mi!6, C a&d( 1 iere& parecer & ama&!e de #a #i!era! ra0 p(&e& a 5a2#ar a & miem2r( 1 e sa2e de p(es7a, H T(mmie se rec(s!% e& #a si##aH, Ja+ & )ie/( pr()er2i(9 #a c(&'ia&za c(mie&za c(& e# c(&!ac!( pers(&a#, E& s 2i($ra'7a &( )e( &i&$ &a cade&a 'ia2#e de c(&'ia&za, S5ari' se p s( e& pie + a!ra)es% a medias #a mesa, Mir% 5acia arri2a0 a$i!a&d( #(s 2raz(s a# cie#(, HUMe 1 iere& e& pers(&aV L(s p ed( sa!is'acer, Mire& a57 a2a/(0 a# 2a&c(0 / &!( a# cami&(,

T(mmie rec#i&% s si##a a"& m4s + mir% p(r e&cima de# 5(m2r(, R(2er! se acerc% a# )e&!a&a# + se as(m%, G e&a par!e de #a m #!i! d +a se 5a27a dispersad(0 de/a&d( a!r4s a a#$ &(s de #(s ma&i'es!a&!es m4s reca#ci!ra&!es, E# se&der( era &a serpie&!e de 2a#d(sas 1 e i2a c(#i&a arri2a0 c +a ca2eza ##e$a2a / s!( a# 2(rde de #a !erraza de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Era & m(saic( de )erdad0 ar!e & e)( desde #(s a:(s de R(2er! e& #a UCSD, HVi&e desde C(r)a##is para )er a# pr('es(r G , P(r 'a)(r0 &( me rec5ace& a5(ra, Y a##4 a2a/(0 / &!( a# se&der(0 5a27a & se$ &d( _ #'i S5ari'0 &( 1 e &( era e& a2s(# !( )ir! a#, Mira2a 5acia arri2a + sa# da2a,

<. NACE LA GANDA DE MIRI Desde 1 e !e&7a mem(ria0 siempre 5a27a !e&id( e# mism( pr(2#ema c(& s s a2 e#(s, L(s padres de A#ice0 + !am2i6& #(s a2 e#(s de A#ice0 5a27a& )i)id( e& C5ica$(D &i&$ &( 5a27a s(2re)i)id(, P(r par!e de G(20 R(2er! 5a27a es!ad( casi m er!(0 per( Q# e$( 5a27a ) e#!(R A5(ra Miri se !em7a 1 e )(#)7a a perder#e, Y # e$( es!a2a Le&aE Le&a G es!a2a m er!a e& #(s re$is!r(s, Le&a 5a27a c(&)e&cid( a G(2 para 1 e m(&!ase esa me&!ira c(& #(s Ami$(s de #a I&!imidad, Le&a i&c# s( #e 5a27a (rde&ad( 1 e (c #!ase #(s de!a##es a Miri, Per( G(2 se #( 5a27a c(&!ad(, L( 1 e ' e i&!e#i$e&!e0 p(r1 e Miri 5a2r7a aca2ad( desc 2ri6&d(#( i$ a#me&!e, De es!a '(rma Miri 1 eda2a prisi(&era de s s pr(mesas a G(2, N( #e 5a27a c(&!ad( a R(2er! &i &a pizca de #a )erdad0 i&c# s( c a&d( !(da)7a se 5a2#a2a& + 6# es!a2a !a& desesperad(, Per( e& a1 e##(s m(me&!(s era Miri #a 1 e se i2a desespera&d(, Jac7a ci&c( meses 1 e &( )e7a a Le&a, Casi 5a27a ##amad( a Le&a !ras e# i&cide&!e Ezra P( &d, Per( c(& es( s%#( 5a2r7a #($rad( c(&'irmar #a (pi&i%& 1 e Le&a !e&7a de R(2er!, G(2 1 er7a i$&(rar #(s pr(2#emas de R(2er!D e# m + c(2arde, A#ice &( era &a c(2arde0 per( es!a2a m + e&'rascada e& e&!re&arse + &( !e&7a !iemp(, 9ale, puedo ocuparme de esto !o sola0 se di/( Miri, Ja27a c(&ce2id( & i&$e&i(s( p#a& de re5a2i#i!aci%& !ra2a/a&d( c(& _ #'i S5ari', A# pri&cipi(0 5a27a sid( $e&ia#, E# )es!i2#e de S5ari' 5a27a sid( '4ci# de ma&ip #arD !e&7a acces( direc!( a R(2er!, Per( desp 6s de# )ia/e de R(2er! a #a UCSD0 Miri se di( c e&!a de 1 e a#$ ie& m4s sa2a a S5ari', De'i&i!i)ame&!e era 5(ra de )isi!ar a Le&a, Miri esper% a# 'i& de sema&a + !(m% & c(c5e 5as!a P+ramid Ji##, L(s s42ad(s es!a2a rea#me&!e a!es!ad(, G(2 dec7a 1 e #e rec(rda2a a #(s sa#(&es de )ide(/ e$(s de s i&'a&cia, Te&7as 1 e )ia/ar '7sicame&!e 5as!a e# par1 e0 per( &a )ez a##7 p(d7as se&s(!(car #(s me/(res / e$(s, L( admi&is!ra2a Ga/a Casi&(s0 per( era para c5ic(s demasiad( pe1 e:(s para ap(s!ar #e$a#me&!e, Para Miri #( imp(r!a&!e era 1 e e# par1 e disp(&7a de m + 2 e&a se$ ridad, I&c# s( si R(2er! se&!7a c ri(sidad s(2re s parader(0 era m + p(c( pr(2a2#e 1 e p diese se$ ir#a 5as!a ##e$ar a Le&a, Sac% #a 2icic#e!a de# c(#$ad(r !raser( de# c(c5e + #a ima$i&% c(m( & pe1 e:( 2 rr(, Para s7 misma 5a27a esc($id( #(s ras$(s c#4sic(s a&ime9 $ra&des (/(s0 pe#( de p &!a + 2(ca dimi& !a, Es( 2as!ar7a para desa#e&!ar a c a#1 iera 1 e pre!e&diese / $ar c(& e##a,

Miri ##e)% e# 2 rri!( p(r & se&der( 1 e da2a #a ) e#!a a #a c(#i&a, Rec5az% e# ima$i&ari( a&ime para )er 1 6 era #( m4s p(p #ar ese d7a, M 6 desa$rada2#e, E& s ma+(r7a era& !(&!er7as Sc((c5HaHm( !, Sa#sip edes + 2a2a ##a$as p(r !(das par!es, U& a:( a&!es &adie 5a27a (7d( 5a2#ar de #(s sc((c5is + +a era& m4s 'am(s(s 1 e a#$ &as $ra&des c(rp(raci(&es, I&c# s( 5a27a& 5ec5( me##a e& #a me$asa#ida de# m4s recie&!e 7egreso al *retcico, Ja27a cie&!(s de !ip(s di'ere&!es de sc((c5is, A#$ &(s era& pr(piedad i&!e#ec! a# #adi&ame&!e r(2ada, E# res!( per!e&ec7a a# '(#c#(re de# m &d( rem(!(, Las im4$e&es era& m +0 m + c !res0 si& #a m4s m7&ima crea!i)idad, M iz4 p(r es( #(s &i:(s pe1 e:(s era& s s ma+(res 'a&s, Cerca de #a c m2re de #a c(#i&a0 & Pe1 e:( Sc((c5HaHm( ! r $7a, E# s(&id( &( era& )a!i(s sacad(s de & si&!e!izad(r, E# Sc((c5HaHm( ! )ia/er( era c(m( e##a )e7a e# #a&zad(r de ca7da #i2re de# par1 e, La c4ps #a de )ia/e s r$7a de #as pr(' &didades de #a c(#i&a + a#ca&za2a c a!r( $es a&!es de )(#ar i&ercia#me&!e p(r e# cie#(0 ('recie&d( a #(s pasa/er(s casi & mi& !( de $ra)edad cer( a&!es de caer e& e# a&e3( de# par1 e, Era e# )ia/e m4s espec!ac #ar de# s r de Ca#i'(r&ia, L(s ami$(s de Miri #( desde:a2a&9 ?Gie& p(dr7as ser & pa1 e!e UPWE3,@ Per( c a&d( Miri era pe1 e:a se 5a27a pasad( m4s de &a !arde da&d( ! m2(s p(r e# cie#(, A1 e# d7a ##e$% a medi( cami&( de #a sa#ida es!e si& esc($er &i&$"& / e$( e& c(&cre!(, T )( c idad( de &( !(car0 + me&(s a"& ca2a#$ar0 #(s r(2(!s, E)i!% s(2re !(d( #(s 2ic5(s m(&(s + pe# d(s, E3cep!( e& #as sa#idas0 #a re$#a de P+ramid Ji## era9 ?L( !(cas0 #( pa$as,@ M iz4 de2iera c(mprar & / e$( simp#eme&!e para red cir #a presi%& de #a mercad(!ec&ia, Se de! )(0 mir% a# (!r( #ad( de #a c(#i&a, Ja27a m c5( r id( + acci%&0 per( si pres!a2as a!e&ci%& !e da2as c e&!as de 1 e #(s c5ic(s e& #(s ar2 s!(s / $a2a& rea#me&!e e& (!r(s &i)ers(s0 !(d( c(re($ra'iad( de '(rma 1 e &i / $ad(res &i e1 ip( se me!iese& e& e# cami&( de (!r(s, Ja27a esc($id( #a !apadera adec adaD para a1 e##(s im26ci#es e# a&ime c#4sic( era demasiad( i&!e#ec! a#, HUM 6 !a# Espritu &emeloV Para es( s%#( !e 5ace& 'a#!a d(s '7sic(s, ;%Ah) HMiri casi se cae de# 2 rri!(, Se $ir%0 si! a&d( #a 2icic#e!a de#a&!e de #a )(z, U&a pers(&a rea#0 !am2i6& de a&ime, Miri pas% a #a )isi%& rea#9 Juan Brozco. Ja2#a&d( de ma#a s er!e, N &ca 5 2iese dic5( 1 e a 6# #e $ s!ase e# a&ime c#4sic(, Miri e&c(&!r% s )(z0 &a )(z i&$#esa c5i##(&a + a$ da 1 e A&&e!!e R sse## #e 5a27a re$a#ad(, HMe !em( 1 e 5(+ &(, G sc( a#$( m4s espec!ac #ar, Or(zc(0 + e# 2ic5( pe#(pi&c5( a# 1 e represe&!a2a0 i&c#i&% #a ca2eza i&1 isi!i)ame&!e, HEres Miri G 0 U)erdadV Era &a !reme&da 'a#!a de e!i1 e!a0 per( U1 6 se p(d7a esperar de & perded(r de ca!(rce a:(sV

HUYV Si$( si& 1 erer / $ar, HLe di( #a espa#da + emp /% #a 2ici p(r e# se&der(, Or(zc( #a si$ i%, Te&7a &a 2icic#e!a p#e$a2#e 1 e &( #e da2a !ra2a/(, HUSa2es 1 e s(+ e# c(mpa:er( de ! a2 e#( e& #a c#ase de c(mp(sici%& de #a se:(ra C5 m#i$V H L( sa27a, HQMa#dici%&R Si O a& desc 2r7a #( 1 e Miri !rama2a0 e&!(&ces R(2er! !am2i6& p(dr7a e&!erarseH, UMe 5as es!ad( si$ ie&d(V HQN( )a e& c(&!ra de #a #e+R HN( es m + c(r!6s, HSe #imi!% a se$ ir a)a&za&d( r4pidame&!e0 si& mirar#(, HN( 5e es!ad( si$ i6&d(!e se$ &d( a se$ &d(, Simp#eme&!e !e&7a #a espera&za de e&c(&!rarme c(&!i$( + !e )i e&!rar p(r #a p er!a (es!eE HAs7 1 e 1 iz4 simp#eme&!e 5 2iese es!a2#ecid( a#er!as de pr(3imidadH, USa2esV0 ! a2 e#( i&!e&!a a+ darme, C(& mi escri! ra, Cre( 1 e es!(+ me/(ra&d(, + +( #e e&se:( a )es!ir, Per(E sie&!( pe&a p(r 6#, Parece siempre ' ri(s(, Miri si$ i% cami&a&d(, HE& !(d( cas(0 pe&sa2a +( 1 e si p diese re &irse c(& a#$ &(s de s s )ie/(s ami$(sE 1 iz4 se si&!iera me/(r, Miri se )(#)i% de s"2i!(, HUEs!4s rec# !a&d(V HQN(R Es decir0 !e&$( &a a'i#iaci%& a #a 1 e #e )e&dr7a& 2ie& &(s ma+(res0 per( &( se !ra!a de es(, T a2 e#( me es!4 a+ da&d( + +( 1 ier( a+ dar#e a 6#, Ga/a2a&0 acerc4&d(se a #a p er!a es!e, Era #a "#!ima (p(r! &idad para P+ramid Ji## de $a&ar di&er(, C a&!( m4s !e acerca2as a #a p er!a0 ma+(res era& #(s es' erz(s p(r )e&der!e !(das #as rea#idades s(p(r!adas p(r e# par1 e, L(s pe# c5es 2ai#a2a& / $ e!(&es a ! a#reded(r0 r($a&d( ser rec($id(s, L(s 2ic5(s era& meca&ism(s rea#esD si a#ar$a2as #a ma&( + #(s !(ca2as0 2a/( #a ma&( e&c(&!ra2as pe#a/e #ar$( + a2 &da&!e0 + )erdadera masa e& s s c erp(s, Cerca de #a p er!a0 #a admi&is!raci%& 1 er7a )e&der!e es(s r(2(!i!(s0 + & adi%s 5a27a c(&)e&cid( a mi#es de &i:(s 1 e p(r #( dem4s se resis!7a&, C a&d( Miri era m4s /()e&0 c(mpra2a c(m( &a m :eca a# mes, S s 'a)(ri!as !(da)7a ' &ci(&a2a& e& s d(rmi!(ri(, L#e)% s p(2re 2 rri!( e&!re #a $e&!e0 e)i!a&d( #(s (s(s par#a&!es + #(s Sc((c5HaHm( ! e& mi&ia! ra0 + a #(s &i:(s rea#es, + de pr(&!( es! )ier(& ' era, Miri se desc(&cer!% m(me&!4&eame&!e + perdi% s ima$e&, Era &a &i:a $(rdi!a + &(rma#0 + s 2ici &( era m4s 1 e & ar!e'ac!( es!"pid(, Or(zc( simp#eme&!e parec7a de#$ad c5( + &er)i(s(, Te&7a &a '#ama&!e 2icic#e!a & e)a0 per( &( parec7a capaz de desp#e$ar#a, 0o ,uiero ,ue descubra lo de 5ena. La&z% & ded( 5acia e# pec5( de# c5ic(, HMi a2 e#( es!4 2ie&, N( &ecesi!a 1 e #e rec# !e& e& &i&$"& p#a& de pa$(, F era de #a esc e#a !e ma&!e&dr4s a#e/ad( de 6#, HJiz( aparecer #as im4$e&es 1 e A&&e!!e 5a27a cread( para s $r p( Ve&$ad(res, E# c5ic( 5iz( &a m eca, HPer( Qsi s%#( 1 ier( a+ darR HY m4s a"&0 si !e pi##( si$ i6&d(meE HPas% a & m(d( a&%&im(0 & e&)7( ap#azad( 1 e O a& &( )er7a 5as!a a# ca2( de &as 5(ras,

A&%&im( HS O a& Or(zc(9 TmsS Si me 5aces e&'adar de )erdad0 ! s re$is!r(s esc(#ares dar4& #a impresi%& de 1 e i&!e&!as!e ma&ip #ar #as &(!as,TWmsS O a& a2ri% & p(c( m4s #(s (/(s a ca sa de# s"2i!( si#e&ci(, Te&dr7a !iemp( para c(cerse e& s sa#sa c(& #( 1 e es!a2a p(r )e&ir, N( era m4s 1 e &a ame&aza 5 era0 c#ar( es!4D Miri respe!a2a #a #e+0 a &1 e 'i&$iese #( c(&!rari(, C(rri% c(& #a 2icic#e!a & par de pas(s0 sa#!% a# si##7& + es! )( a p &!( de caerse, L e$( se rec per% + ' e c(#i&a a2a/(0 a#e/4&d(se de Or(zc(, La c(m &idad de / 2i#ad(s A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris es!a2a si! ada e& & )a##e0 a# &(res!e de P+ramid Ji##, Era &a i&s!i! ci%& a&!i$ a + 'am(sa, La 5a27a& ' &dad( 5ac7a sese&!a a:(s0 m c5( a&!es de 1 e e# s 2 r2i( ##e$ase 5as!a !a& #e/(s, Ja27a a#ca&zad( s m43ima e3pa&si%& a pri&cipi(s de# si$#( III0 c(& #a ##e$ada de &a (#eada de & e)(s ric(s )ie/(s Miri ' e peda#ea&d( p(r e# se&der( para 2icic#e!as0 5acie&d( #( p(si2#e p(r &( c5(car c(& &adie, S pase de )isi!a&!e se$ 7a sie&d( )4#id(0 per( e& A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris #(s &i:(s era& e& $e&era# ci dada&(s de se$ &da, De pe1 e:a0 c a&d( i2a a )isi!ar a Le&a cre7a 1 e era & p e2#eci!( m4$ic(, L(s /ardi&es de )erdad era& !a& 5erm(s(s c(m( #(s 'a#s(s de Xes! Fa##2r((F, Ja27a es!a! as de 2r(&ce de )erdad, Las c(# m&a!as + #(s e&#(sad(s !am2i6& era& rea#es0 de &a e31 isi!ez 1 e s%#( i$ a#a2a& #(s ce&!r(s c(mercia#es m4s car(s, Desde e&!(&ces0 e& #a esc e#a +a 5a27a es! diad( as &!(s de )e/ezE + &( 5a27a '(rma de e)i!ar cier!as c(&c# si(&es c7&icas9 e& A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris se$ 7a 5a2ie&d( di&er( de )erdad0 per( era di&er( 1 e $as!a2a $e&!e 1 e &( p(d7a permi!irse &ada me/(r, La ma+(r7a de #(s 1 e 1 eda2a& )i)7a& de #as pr(mesas cad cas + #a 2i(!ec&(#($7a0 desa'(r! &ad(s !a&!( e& #as i&)ersi(&es c(m( e& #a medici&a, Or(zc( &( 5a27a i&!e&!ad( se$ ir#a &i (c #!ar s ras!r(D #e 5a27a )is!( irse p(r e# es!e, Fi&a#me&!e 5a27a desp#e$ad( s 2ici + peda#ea2a 5acia #as )i)ie&das de Mesi!as, Le mir% c(& #(s (/(s e&!(r&ad(s, UP(dr7a ser O a& Or(zc( e# $am2err( 1 e 5a27a sec es!rad( 2re)eme&!e a S5ari' e& #a UCSDV De &i&$ &a '(rma, A1 6# 5a27a sid( & #is!i##( 2(cazas 1 e &( 5ac7a (!ra c(sa 1 e pres mir, L( 1 e era m4s imp(r!a&!e0 e# se:(r Lis!i##( era rea#me&!e c(mpe!e&!e0 1 iz4 !a& #is!( c(m( #a pr(pia Miri, Va#e, E& a1 e# m(me&!( 5a27a c es!i(&es m4s imp(r!a&!es, La casa de Le&a se e&c(&!ra2a a# 'i&a# de #a se$ &da ca##e0 s 2ie&d(, Era 5(ra de ima$i&ar + )is a#izar, Ja27a pe&sad( m c5( e& ese e&c e&!r(0 c(&sidera&d( !(d( #( 1 e p(dr7a decir0 !(das #as c(sas !ris!es 1 e p(dr7a )er, Miri 5a27a c(&s!r id( &a )isi%& especia#, Se 2asa2a e& e#eme&!(s 1 e ##e)a2a re'i&a&d( desde se$ &d( c rs(0 c a&d( apre&di% p(r s7 s(#a e# si$&i'icad( de ?(s!e(p(r(sis i&!ra!a2#e )aria&!e <-@, Primer(0 5iz( 1 e #(s 4r2(#es 1 e 2(rdea2a& e# cami&( ' ese& m4s a#!(s + m4s a&c5(s0 m + di'ere&!es a #as pa#meras, Mie&!ras asce&d7a0 #as 5(/as ' er(&

reemp#azadas p(r #ar$as ramas de 4r2(#es de 5(/a pere&&e, P(r s p es!(0 Miri &( !e&7a ap(+( 2sico para &ada de es(, N( ##e)a2a 'ra&/as de / e$( e& #a camisaD &( disp(&7a de micr(e&'riamie&!(, E# s(# !(da)7a 2ri##a2a c(& ' erza0 i&c# s( si e##a 5ac7a 1 e e# cie#( es! )iese c 2ier!( + 1 e #(s 4r2(#es se i&c#i&ase&, M iz4 de2iese c(&siderar e# ca#(r c(r&( & 5ec5iz(, Ya se 5a27a p#a&!ead( 5acer#( a&!es0 per( siempre parec7a& m4s imp(r!a&!es (!ras me/(ras, Desp 6s de !a&!(s meses de s(:ar despier!a0 esa )isi%& es!a2a e3e&!a de c a#1 ier ar!e c(mercia#, Ge27a de cie&!(s de 'a&!as7as0 per( e# e'ec!( per!e&ec7a !(!a#me&!e a Miri &id( a s idea de Le&a, Oam4s #( 5a27a 5ec5( p"2#ic(, La ma+(r7a de #as )isi(&es era& m4s di)er!idas si se c(mpar!7a&0 per( &( e& es!e cas(, Fi&a#me&!e se de! )( + 2a/% de #a 2ici, De27a rec(rrer #(s "#!im(s me!r(s a pie, Ja27a (!ras pers(&as p(r #(s a#reded(res0 per( e& s )isi%& &( era& m4s 1 e campesi&(s c(rrie&!es, Ve7a #as aceras + #as rampas para #as si##as de r edas c(m( se&der(s de# 2(s1 e + esca#(&es m(5(s(s $as!ad(s p(r e# !iemp(, Tr(pez% m4s de &a )ez p(r #as i&c(&sis!e&cias0 per( parec7a #( / s!( e& e# cas( de &a 5 mi#de s p#ica&!e c(m( e##a, Y ##e$( 5as!a e# 2(s1 eci##( i&!eri(r, Ja27a se&der(s #a!era#es (casi(&a#es0 se:a#es de ca2a:as (c #!as e& #as pr(' &didades de# 2(s1 e, A##7 s s 4r2(#es era& m + )ie/(s0 de ramas i&me&sas 1 e se cer&7a& s(2re s ca2eza, Miri emp /% #a 2icic#e!a si$ ie&d( e# a&!i$ ( cami&(, La $e&!e de# 2(s1 eci##( i&!eri(r !e&7a (!r( &i)e#E &( era de #a ca!e$(r7a de Le&a0 per( a & as7 p(se7a p(deres respe!a2#es, Miri ma&! )( #a )is!a 'i/a e& e# s e#( + dese% 1 e &adie #e 5a2#ase, Pas% #a "#!ima c r)a + cami&% (!r(s 1 i&ce me!r(s 5as!a &a $ra& ca2a:a de madera, C a&d( a#za2a #a )is!a )e7a 5 ec(s e& #as c(pas0 per( &( e# cie#(0 si&( & )erde s(#ead(, Las ramas m4s a#!as es!a2a& / s!( s(2re #a ca2a:a, La de #a m4s 2r /a de #as 2r /as, La ' e&!e de #a sa2id r7a a&!i$ a, Ap(+% #a 2icic#e!a c(&!ra #a madera + a#ar$% #a ma&( para $(#pear #a e&(rme a#da2a de me!a#, E# s(&id( res(&% c(& ' erza, I$&(r% #a me#(d7a !(&!a de# si$#( II 1 e s(&% e& rea#idadD era e# )ie/( !im2re 1 e Le&a se 5a27a !ra7d( de Pa#( A#!(, A# ca2( de & m(me&!( Miri (+% pas(s e& e# i&!eri(r, UPas(sV La e&(rme p er!a se a2ri% 5acia de&!r( c(& & cr /id( + #( 1 e Miri )i( ' e para e##a &a c(&m(ci%&9 &a m /er0 1 e &( parec7a m c5( ma+(r 1 e #(s pr('es(res de# i&s!i! !(, %:u" haces a,u) Miri #a es! di% & m(me&!(0 si& 5a2#a, Rara )ez se ##e)a2a s(rpresas de ese ca#i2re, Se rec per% pasad( & m(me&!( + asi&!i% respe! (sa, HUIi Iia&$V HS7, Eres Miri0 U)erdadV La &ie!a de Le&a, HSe 5iz( a & #ad( + #e i&dic% 1 e e&!rase, HMmm0 &( sa27a 1 e me rec(&(cer7a, HMiri e&!r%0 c(&/ ra&d( im4$e&es a !(da prisa, Ii Iia&$ !e&7a & aspec!( demasiad( / )e&i# para ser &a 2r /a de )erdad, %9ale, la convertir" en aprendiz de 5ena, una c+modicegoogle- una bruja novata)

La &()a!a Iia&$ #e s(&ri%, HLe&a me 5a e&se:ad( '(!(s, Adem4s0 &a )ez !e )i e& #a esc e#a, Le&a me di/( 1 e )e&dr7as0 !arde ( !empra&(, HGie&E Ume reci2ir4V HSe #( pre$ &!ar6, Miri 5iz( & $es!( de c(r!es7a, HGracias0 se:(ra, La &()a!a Iia&$ $ i% a Miri 5as!a & si##%& !apizad( si! ad( cerca de &a mesa ##e&a de #i2r(s, HV(#)er6 de&!r( de & m(me&!(, Miri se ac(m(d% e& e# si##%&, Va+a, Era de p#4s!ic( d r(, E& c a&!( a #a mesaE 2ie&0 #(s #i2r(s era& de )erdad0 de #(s 1 e a#$ &as pers(&as sa2a& para #ec! ras a# m(me&!(, C(&!e&7a& e# !e3!( 1 e &( 1 er7a0 per( #as p4$i&as era& rea#es, C#ar(0 &( era& #(s (2/e!(s $r es(s + pesad(s 1 e Miri ima$i&a2a0 per( s7 1 e #(s 5a27a a m(&!(&es, E&cima 5a27a &a p4$i&a )is(r0 !(!a#me&!e ' era de # $ar + &a c(&'esi%& de i&ep!i! d, Miri #a !ra&s'(rm% r4pidame&!e e& & $rim(ri(, Se se&!% e& e# 2(rde de# si##%& + e3ami&% #(s #i2r(s, I&$e&ier7a e#6c!rica + mec4&ica, De27a& de ser de #a &()a!a Iia&$D Miri 5a27a c(mpr(2ad( e# pasad( de !(d(s #(s es! dia&!es de #as c#ases de R(2er!, La ca/a de / $ e!es 1 e 5a27a 2a/( #a mesa de27a de c(&!e&er #( 1 e 5a27a c(&s!r id( e& !a##er, Miri rec(&(ci% #a 2a&de/a de !ra&sp(r!e d(2#ada 1 e 5a27a )is!( e& #as &(!icias, M 6 c(i&cide&cia m4s i&cre72#e 1 e Ii Iia&$ )i)iese c(& Le&aE R id(s a s espa#da, La p er!a i&!eri(r se a2r7a, Era #a &()a!a Iia&$0 c(& &a 2r /a ma+(r si$ i6&d(#a, Miri +a !e&7a preparadas #as im4$e&es, La si##a rea# de Le&a disp(&7a de seis r edeci!as disp es!as e& e/es ar!ic #ad(s0 m + pr4c!ica + a2 rrida, Per( #a si##a de #a ma!riarca G era de r edas de madera a#!as re)es!idas de p#a!a e i&c#i&adas 5acia ' era, C a&d( se m()7a de/a2a &a es!e#a de c5ispas az #es, Miri )e7a a Le&a )es!ida de &e$r( pr(' &d(0 & &e$r( 1 e a2s(r27a #a # z de #a es!a&cia0 c(m( era pr(pi( de #a ma$ia c#4sica, U& &e$r( 1 e imped7a )er #(s de!a##es de #a r(pa, E# s(m2rer( de p &!a + a#a a&c5a c(#$a2a $ar2(s( de# respa#d( a#!( de #a si##a, Y a57 !ermi&a2a& #(s e'ec!(s especia#es de Miri, E# res!( se c(&ser)a2a !a# + c(m( era e& rea#idad, De 5ec5(0 s s visiones &( !e&7a& (!r( se&!id( 1 e ('recer a s a2 e#a e# marc( adec ad(0 &( 1 e des!acase #( mara)i##(sa 1 e era e& rea#idad, La 2r /a ma+(r es! di% a Miri de arri2a a2a/(, HUG(2 &( !e pidi% 1 e me de/ases e& pazV HN( parec7a e&'adada0 c(m( Miri 5a27a !emid( 1 e es! )iera, HS7, Per( !e ec5( m c5( de me&(s, HO5, HSe i&c#i&% & p(c(H, UC%m( es!4 ! madre0 MiriV UEs!4 2ie&V HA#ice es!4 2ie&, HLe&a sa27a demasiad( s(2re A#ice0 per( &( !e&7a &ecesidad de sa2er !a&!(, Adem4s0 Le&a &( p(d7a a+ dar a A#iceH, M er7a 5a2#ar!e de (!ras c(sas,

La ma!riarca G s spir% + cerr% #(s (/(s0 m + 5 &did(s, C a&d( #(s a2ri%0 era p(si2#e 1 e #a e3presi%& ' ese &a s(&risa, HGie&0 me a#e$r( de )er!e0 &i:a, Simp#eme&!e &( 1 ier( disc !ir c(&!i$( &i c(& G(2, Y s(2re !(d(0 &( 1 ier( 1 e YaHSa2esHM i6& sepa 1 e a&d( p(r a1 7, HS%#( )(+ a disc !ir & p(c(0 Le&a, H5o su2iciente como para lograr algo ahora !, sin embargo, poder volver a visitarteH, N( !e pre(c pes p(r YaHSa2esHM i6&, HLas pa#a2ras de #a ma!riarca G s r$7a& direc!ame&!e de #a !radici%& 'a&!4s!ica0 a &1 e res #!a2a !ris!e 1 e R(2er! represe&!ase e# pape# de# ma# de'i&i!i)(H, Te pr(me!( 1 e &( se #( c(&!ar6, HAl menos, no sin tu permisoH, Je !(mad( m c5as preca ci(&es para )e&ir a1 7, Adem4s0 a YaHSa2esHM i6& &( se #e da 2ie& 'is$(&ear, Le&a ca2ece%, HEs( es #( 1 e !" crees, La &()a!a Iia&$ se se&!% / &!( a #a si##a de r edas + #as (2ser)% e& si#e&ci(, M iz4 p diese a+ dar, HUs!ed )e a YaHSa2esHM i6& !(d(s #(s d7as0 U&(0 se:(raV Hdi/( Miri, HS7 Hdi/( Iia&$H0 e& e# !a##er + e& 2"s1 eda + a&4#isis de L( ise C5 m#i$, HLa c#ase de #a se:(ra C5 m#i$ &( es!4 !a& ma#, HAl menos para ser una clase para imb"ciles. Miri ! )( #(s re'#e/(s de s primir e# c(me&!ari(0 per( a & as7 &(!% 1 e e&r(/ec7a, La &()a!a Iia&$ &( pareci% darse c e&!a, HLa )erdad es 1 e es m + 2 e&a, Se #( 5e es!ad( c(&!a&d( a Le&a, HMir% a #a 2r /a ma+(rH, L( ise sa2e de!a##es s(2re c%m( p#a&!ear pre$ &!as 1 e a m7 me ##e)% !(da &a )ida c(mpre&der, Y m4s 1 e &adie0 me 5a dem(s!rad( #a imp(r!a&cia de# a&4#isis empa1 e!ad(, HSe:a#% e# )ie/( $rim(ri(, Miri 1 ed% & p(c( s(rpre&dida, S70 #a se:(ra C5 m#i$ era a$rada2#e0 per( &( 5ac7a m4s 1 e repe!ir !%pic(s + 5a2#a2a si& parar, Per( !amp(c( p(d7a c(&!radecir a &a 2r /a &()a!a0 + Miri desea2a c(&$raciarse c(& e##a, J &di% #a ca2eza, HS70 se:(ra, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 )e m c5( a YaHSa2esHM i6&, UEs de )erdad &a pers(&a !a& !erri2#eV Ii Iia&$ ca2ece%, HEs & 5(m2re e3!ra:(, Tie&e & aspec!( m + / )e&i#, R(2er!E es decir YaH Sa2esHM i6&E p ede ser m + ama2#e + de pr(&!( a2rir!e e& ca&a#, Se #( 5e )is!( 5acer a )ari(s &i:(s, L(s ma+(res se a#e/a& de 6#, Cre( 1 e Xi&s!(& G#( &! #e (dia, S7, Miri 5a27a (2ser)ad( a Xi&s!(& G#( &! e# s42ad(0 e& #a 2i2#i(!eca de #a UCSD, Ja27a c(&ce&!rad( $ra& par!e de s a!e&ci%& e& #a 2a!a##a p(r _ #'iFar S5ari'0 per( #a 5(s!i#idad de G#( &! &( #e 5a27a pasad( i&ad)er!ida, La &()a!a Iia&$ mir% a #a 'r4$i# dama de #a si##a de r edas, HMe !em( 1 e Le&a !ie&e raz%&, Ma&ip #a a #a $e&!e, Di/( 1 e #e $ s!a2a mi pr(+ec!( de !a##er + # e$( se #( ##e)%,

Le&a se carca/e%D a#$( 1 e se #e p(d7a dar m + 2ie& a &a pers(&a ma+(r, Se$"& Miri0 era e# "&ic( aspec!( p(si!i)( de #a )e/ez, HIi 0 Ii , Me di/is!e 1 e !e 5a27a e&ca&!ad( )er#e des!r(zar e# c(c5e, La &()a!a Iia&$ parec7a a)er$(&zada, HG e&(0 s7, Me me!7 e& #a cie&cia a !ra)6s de #(s m(de#(s de c(5e!es + #(s c(&!r(#es de radi('rec e&cia caser(s, N &ca 5e sid( &ada si& #a e3perie&cia pr4c!ica, J(+ e& d7a0 e# acces( a #(s (2/e!(s rea#es 1 eda #imi!ad( p(r capas + capas de 2 r(cracia a !(m4!icaE + s p(&$( 1 e mi pr(pi( EJS !ie&e e& par!e #a c #pa, As7 1 e R(2er! + +( 1 er7am(s r(mper a#$( + #e ap#a d7 p(r actuar. Per( #( 1 e +( 1 er7a &( #e imp(r!a2a, N( ' i m4s 1 e &a 5erramie&!a c(&)e&ie&!e, Le&a )(#)i% a re7r, HTie&es m c5a s er!e, Apre&dis!e e& &(s c a&!(s d7as #( 1 e a m7 me ##e)% a:(s, HLe)a&!% &a ma&( c(r&( &a $arra para apar!arse e# pe#(, La medici&a m(der&a &( #e 5a27a 'a##ad( de# !(d( a Le&a G , Ci&c( a:(s a&!es s 'r7a ParFi&s(&, Miri rec(rda2a #(s !em2#(res, La medici&a m(der&a 5a27a i&)er!id( e# ParFi&s(&0 5a27a c(&ser)ad( s me&!e0 5a27a de!e&id( )arias d(#e&cias $ra&des + pe1 e:as, Per( s (s!e(p(r(sis se$ 7a sie&d( i&c ra2#e, Ya e& se$ &d( c rs( Miri 5a27a c(mpre&did( #as raz(&es !6c&icas de ese 5ec5(, La raz%& m(ra# era a#$( 1 e &i si1 iera A#ice p(d7a e3p#icar, Miri es! di% e# r(s!r( arr $ad( de #a 2r /a ma+(r, HMe a#e$r( de 1 e !e ##e)ase a:(s c(mpre&der a YaHSa2esHM i6&, E& cas( c(&!rari( &( 5a2r7ais !e&id( a G(2 + &( #e 5a2r7ais criad( para casarse c(& A#iceE + +( &( 5a2r7a ##e$ad( a e3is!ir, Le&a apar!% #a )is!a, HS7 H$r :%H, G(22+ ' e mi "&ica raz%& para se$ ir c(& ! a2 e#(, Le dim(s & 2 e& 5($ar a G(22+, Y era casi 5 ma&( c(& e# c5ic(0 a# me&(s 5as!a 1 e 1 ed% c#ar( 1 e &( p(d7a diri$ir #a )ida ad #!a de G(2, Para e&!(&ces0 G(2 5a27a escapad( a #(s mari&es, HS mirada re$res% a MiriH, Me 'e#ici!( p(r e##(, C(me!7 & !erri2#e err(r a# casarme c(& ! a2 e#(0 per( di #a e3is!e&cia a d(s )idas ad(ra2#esE + s%#( me c(s!% )ei&!e a:(s, HUOam4s #e ec5as de me&(sV La ma!riarca G e&!(r&% #(s p4rpad(s, HEs( se acerca pe#i$r(same&!e a disc !ir c(&mi$(0 /()e&ci!a, HL( sie&!(, HMiri se acerc% para arr(di##arse / &!( a #a si##a de r edas de Le&a, A$arr% #a ma&( de #a a&cia&a0 1 e s(&ri%, Sa27a #( 1 e )e&dr7a a c(&!i& aci%&0 per( &( p(se7a &i&$ &a de'e&sa !(!a#me&!e e'ec!i)aH, Dis'r !as!e de !(d(s es(s a:(s #e/(s de 6#, Rec erd( 1 e !" &(s )isi!a2as0 mie&!ras 1 e YaHSa2esHM i6& es!a2a 2ie& + &( &(s )isi!a2a & &ca, HI&c# s( e&!(&ces0 Le&a era &a a&cia&i!a0 &a d(c!(ra (c pada 1 e s(&re7a s(2re !(d( c a&d( 5a2#a2a c(& MiriH, UEras 'e#izV HQC#ar( 1 e #( eraR QDesp 6s de !a&!(s a:(s me 5a27a #i2rad( de# m(&s!r (R HPer( YaHSa2esHM i6& ' e perdie&d( #a ca2eza + !" #e a+ das!e,

Le&a 5iz( & $es!( de e3asperaci%& + mir% a #a &()a!a Iia&$, HC a&d( !e #( di$a0 ec5a a es!a m(c(sa a pa!adas, Iia&$ &( parec7a de# !(d( se$ ra, HE50 )a#e, HPer(E !(da)7a &(, HLe&a se )(#)i% 5acia MiriH, Ya #( 5e dic5( e& (!ras (casi(&es0 Miri, G(2 )i&( a A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris + me pidi% a+ da, URec erdasV Vi&( c(&!i$(, G(2 /am4s 5a c(mpre&did( c%m( era& #as c(sas e&!re R(2er! + +(, M e Di(s #e 2e&di$a0 per( &( c(mpre&de 1 e e# a'ec!( 1 e )e7a &( era m4s 1 e &a represe&!aci%& e& s 2e&e'ici(, Per( e&!re s s r e$(s + ! cari!a0 acep!6 a+ dar a# m(&s!r ( d ra&!e #(s a:(s 'i&a#es, Y0 Usa2esV0 a )eces #a deme&cia s a)iza a #as pers(&as, J 2( m4s ( me&(s & a:( e& e# 1 e R(2er! es!a2a c(mp#e!ame&!e i&de'e&s(0 per( !(da)7a p(d7a rec(&(cer a #a $e&!e + rec(rdar & es!r(s a:(s / &!(sE J 2( & peri(d( e& e# 1 e se #e p(d7a !ra!ar, QN(s ##e)am(s 2ie& d ra&!e & !iemp(R Miri asi&!i%, HY # e$( desc 2rier(& c%m( c rar #a deme&cia c(&cre!a de R(2er!, Para e&!(&ces ! a2 e#( 5a27a pasad( de #( d%ci# a &a especie de es!ad( )e$e!a!i)(, Miri0 +( me 5 2iese 1 edad( c(& 6# 5as!a e# 'i&a# de &( 5a2erse i&!erp es!( #a c ra mi#a$r(sa, Per( +a sa27a #( 1 e pasar7a, E# m(&s!r ( re$resar7a, HLe&a a)a&z% & ded( re!(rcid( 5acia s &ie!aH, Ya me 5a27a e&$a:ad( &a )ez0 &( i2a a picar (!ra, As7 1 e pre'ier( ma&!e&erme a#e/ada, UC(mpre&desV Per( #a (!ra ma&( si$ i% c(& #a de MiriD #a &i:a #a apre!%, HPer( U&( es p(si2#e 1 e a5(ra sea di'ere&!eV C a&d( c rar(& a# a2 e#(0 &a par!e de 6# +a 5a27a m er!(, HEra #a !e(r7a de Oi& Li0 &( de MiriH, S6 1 e a5(ra es!4 ' ri(s( m c5as )eces0 per( es p(r1 e 5a perdid( m c5as c(sas, M iz4 !(d( #( ma#( 1 e rec erdas !am2i6& 5a+a desaparecid(, Le&a a$i!% #a ma&( e& direcci%& a #a &()a!a Iia&$, HUN( 5as (7d( #( 1 e 5a c(&!ad( Ii s(2re s & e)a &(2#eza de car4c!erV Miri pe&s% s(& rapidez9 c(& A#ice & &ca s r!7a e'ec!(0 per( e& (casi(&es & cam2i( r4pid( de !ema dis!ra7a a G(2, Mir% a #a &()a!a Iia&$, HLe&a0 )i)es a1 7 desde 1 e e# a2 e#( e&'erm%, P(dr7as 5a2er!e m dad( a c a#1 ier # $ar0 p(r1 e +a &( &(s )isi!as & &ca, Per( si$ es a 1 i&ce Fi#%me!r(s, Le&a a#z% #a 2ar2i##a, HL#e)( a:(s )i)ie&d( e& Sa& Die$(, N( )a+a re& &ciar a )er a mis ami$(s0 a c(mprar e& #as !ie&das de siempre0 a #(s pase(s p(r e# camp(E 2 e&(0 5e re& &ciad( a #(s pase(s, L( 1 e 1 ier( decir es 1 e &i si1 iera res ci!ad( )(+ a permi!ir 1 e YaHSa2esHM i6& diri/a mi )ida, HPer(E H%En este punto el hielo es mu! delgado);, UC(&(c7as de a&!es a #a d(c!(ra Iia&$V La 2r /a ma+(r apre!% #(s #a2i(s,

HN(, + &( )as a c(me&!ar &i a dar a e&!e&der c(& & si#e&ci( #as!imer( 1 e0 dad( 1 e 5a+ d(s mi# 1 i&ie&!(s a&cia&(s e& A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris0 & es!ra re#aci%& &( p ede ser &a c(i&cide&cia, Miri $ ard% si#e&ci(, Fi&a#me&!e0 #a &()a!a Iia&$ 5a2#%, HF e decisi%& m7a, Me !ras#ad6 a1 7 es!e )era&(0 m4s ( me&(s c a&d( reci27 mi p(&!eHe&HpieH+H) e#)e, S(+ &a de #as pers(&as m4s a&cia&as 1 e )i)e& e& A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris0 per( s(+ !a& a#e$re + )i)azE 1 e &( sa2e& 1 6 5acer c(&mi$(, HU&a e3!ra:a s(&risa !ris!eH, As7 1 e me ('rec7 para c(mpar!ir, Ja sa#id( 2as!a&!e 2ie&, T a2 e#a es diez a:(s m4s /()e& 1 e +(0 per( a & es!ra edad es( &( imp(r!a m c5(, HT(c% a Le&a e& e# 5(m2r(, Miri rec(rd% 1 e Le&a L#e>e#+& G 5a27a !e&id( c(&s #!a psi1 i4!rica d ra&!e a:(s e& A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris, Si a#$ ie& p(d7a arre$#ar & empare/amie&!( c(& Ii Iia&$0 era e##a, A2ri% #a 2(ca para c(me&!ar#(E + perci2i% e# 2ri##( de ad)er!e&cia e& #(s (/(s de Le&a0 !a& c#ar( c(m( c a#1 ier (!r( me&sa/e si#e&ci(s(, Le&a se re2 ##% e& #a si##a, HUVes0 mi &i:aV P ra c(i&cide&cia, Per( admi!( 1 e 5a res #!ad( "!i#, Ii me ma&!ie&e a# d7a c(& #as a)e&! ras de YaHSa2esHM i6& e& #a ed caci%& m(der&a, HS(#!% &a desa$rada2#e carca/ada de 2r /a 1 e &( precisa2a &i&$ &a c(&!ri2 ci%& de #(s e'ec!(s especia#es de Miri, HS7 Hdi/( Iia&$H, Le )i$i#am(s c(& & es!r( (/( c(#ec!i)(, HEs!a )ez e# m(&s!r ( &( )a a pi##arme p(r s(rpresa, Miri se i&c#i&% 5acia a!r4s, HQMa&!e&6is &a e&!idad c(&/ &!aR HN( 5a27a s(:ad( 1 e #as d(s 2r /as p diese& ser )erdadera + m(der&ame&!e m4$icas, HUU&a 1 6V Hdi/( #a &()a!a Iia&$, HU&a e&!idad c(&/ &!a, C(mpa:eras c(& ' erzas + de2i#idades c(mp#eme&!arias, E& p"2#ic( &a s(#a e&!idad represe&!ada p(r e# c(mpa:er( c(& m()i#idad, Per( #( 1 e p ede 5acer + c(mpre&der es #( me/(r de am2(s, Iia&$ #a mir% si& c(mpre&der, Bh. Miri 5iz( & pi&$ a #as d(s, Sa#)( p(r e# e1 ipamie&!( m6dic( de Le&a0 es!a2a& !(!a#me&!e desc(&ec!adas, Las im4$e&es de Miri #a 5a27a& c(&' &did( p(r c(mp#e!(, HN( )is!e0 U)erdadV Ii 5iz( & $es!( 5acia #a mesa, HTe&$( #a p4$i&a )is(r +es(s #i2r(s, I&!e&!( apre&der c(sas serias0 Miri, N( !e&$( !iemp( para m(#es!arme e& )es!ir, Miri casi (#)id% s misi%&, HD(c!(ra Iia&$0 se c(&' &de c(& #(s )es!i2#es, Es decir0 U&( #( 5a c(me&!ad( #a se:(ra C5 m#i$V A#$ &(s a&4#isis empa1 e!ad(s &( ('rece& !racci%& a me&(s 1 e #(s e/ec !es c(& )7de( es!4!ic(, La &()a!a Iia&$ asi&!i% reacia,

HMe m(s!r% GLASTK, Per( &( parec7a (!ra c(sa 1 e & dise:( m(#ec #ar dis'razad( de / e$( !(&!(, HPer( Qs%#( #( 5a e/ec !ad( e& #a p4$i&a )is(rR La /()e& 2r /a se 5 &di%, HTe&$( m c5( 1 e apre&der0 Miri, Es!(+ !ra2a/a&d( c(& #( simp#e0 c(& #( 1 e p ed( e/ec !ar e& #a p4$i&a )is(r, Le&a (2ser)% a Iia&$ & se$ &d( + # e$( pareci% marc5i!arse e& #a si##a, Mir% a s &ie!a, HP(2re Miri, N( #( e&!ie&des, Vi)es e& &a 6p(ca 1 e cree p(si2#e i$&(rar #a c(&dici%& 5 ma&a, HI&c#i&% #a ca2ezaH, N &ca 5as #e7d( Secretos de las edades, U)erdadV HQC#ar( 1 e #( 5e #e7d(R HPerd(&a0 Miri0 c#ar( 1 e #( 5as #e7d(, Desp 6s de !(d(0 es e# #($r( m4s 'am(s( de mi (di(s( e3 marid(, Y )(+ a c(&ced6rse#(9 es(s p(emas s(& (2ra de & $e&i(, S ?$ra)edad imp#aca2#e@ es !(d( s d(#(r emp#ead( para s(s!e&er $ra&des )erdades, Per( &( p edes apreciar#(0 U&( es as70 MiriV Vi)es r(deada de pr(mesas m6dicas + c ras a medias, Es( !e dis!rae de# s s!ra!( de #a rea#idad, HCa##% + ca2ece%, Parec7a c(m( si #(s !em2#(res de a&!a:( 5 2iese& ) e#!(0 per( 1 iz4 simp#eme&!e se !ra!ase de i&decisi%& a# pre$ &!arse si de27a decir m4sH, Miri0 #a )erdad es 1 e0 si !e&em(s c idad( + s er!e0 ##e$am(s a )i)ir 5as!a #a )e/ez0 si&!i6&d(&(s d62i#es + e3!remadame&!e ca&sad(s, La a$(&7a !ie&e & 'i&a#, HQN(R Me/(rar4s0 Le&a, S%#( 5as !e&id( ma#a s er!e, Es s%#( c es!i%& de !iemp(, Se (+% & d62i# es!a##id( de #a risa de 2r /a + Miri rec(rd% 1 e ?es s%#( c es!i%& de !iemp(@ era e# )ers( 1 e se repe!7a e& e# cic#( p(6!ic( de R(2er!, P(r & m(me&!(0 a2 e#a + &ie!a se mirar(& c(& cer!id m2re, L e$( Le&a di/(9 HY a1 7 es d(&de s p(&7a 1 e ##e$ar7a & es!ra c5ar#a, L( #ame&!(0 Miri, Miri i&c#i&% #a ca2eza, ?Per( Qsi s%#( 1 ier( a+ darR@ E3!ra:(, Ese mism( 5a27a sid( e# pa!6!ic( c(me&!ari( de# c5ic(0 Or(zc(, Diri$id( a Miri, Va#e0 1 iz4 &( ' ese & im26ci# i&!e$ra#, + 1 iz4 ' ese de a+ da, Per( !am2i6& 5a27a dic5( (!ra c(sa0 1 e a5(ra res #!a2a i&'i&i!ame&!e m4s imp(r!a&!eE QS7R De pr(&!( Miri s p( c%m( c(&)er!ir #a derr(!a e& )ic!(ria, Mir% a# r(s!r( de s a2 e#a + s(&ri% c(& i&(ce&cia9 HLe&a0 Usa27as 1 eE YaHSa2esHM i6& es!4 apre&die&d( a )es!irV

<L EL EITRANO MISTERIOSO A pesar de 1 e 5a27a& pasad( !res sema&as0 R(2er! + O a& se$ 7a& es! dia&d( / &!(s / s!( desp 6s de c#ase, I2a& a #as $radas + & i$&(ra&!e 5ac7a #( p(si2#e p(r e&se:ar a# (!r(, De )ez e& c a&d( Fred + Oerr+ Rad&er #(s ac(mpa:a2a&0 !ercer + c ar!( i$&(ra&!es ('ici(s(s, L(s $eme#(s '(rma2a& $r p( e& #a c#ase de c(mp(sici%& de C5 m#i$0 per( parec7a& se&!ir & p#acer i&(ce&!e (2ser)a&d( #(s pr($res(s de R(2er!0 da&d( c(&se/(s m4s )is!(s(s 1 e #(s de O a& per( rara )ez m4s "!i#es, Y 1 eda2a #a 1 i&!a i$&(ra&!e, Ii Iia&$ se 5a27a ac(2ardad( + 5a27a a2a&d(&ad( c(mp(sici%& crea!i)a0 per( se$ 7a asis!ie&d( a #as (!ras c#ases de Fairm(&!, Y a# i$ a# 1 e R(2er!0 apre&d7a a )es!irD "#!imame&!e )es!7a &a 2# sa de )(#a&!es + c e&!asE (!r( !ip( de pre&da Epi'a&7a de i&iciaci%&, A##7 es!a2a #a !arde e& 1 e R(2er! + O a& se !(par(& c(& #(s c5i#e&(s, F e e& #a pis!a 1 e 2(rdea2a e# camp( de a!#e!ism(, N( parec7a 5a2er &adie m4s p(r #as i&mediaci(&esD pasar7a & 2 e& ra!( 5as!a 1 e ##e$ase& #(s e1 ip(s, Miri HS O a&9 TmsSQE5R Despier!a0 Or(zc(, A)is( Te& mRS,TWmsS O a& HS Miri9 TmsS L( sie&!(0 &( #(s 5a27a )is!(,TWmsS Miri HS O a&9 TmsS Tam2i6& !e #(s pasas!e a+er, Resp(&de a&!es de 1 e cam2ie& a #(s Rad&er, Te di/e 1 e p ede& ser &a 2 e&a pr4c!ica,TWmsS O a& HS Miri9 TmsS QVa#e0 )a#eRTWmsS HE5 Hdi/( O a& de pr(&!(H0 d(c!(res G i Ii , QMire&R HE&)i% & permis( e& m a #a Epi'a&7a de R(2er!, Era i$ a# 1 e #(s 2#a&c(s c(& #(s 1 e 5a27a& es!ad( !ra2a/a&d( e& d7as a&!eri(res, E# c5ic( a'irma2a 1 e0 si prac!ica2as0 esa i&!eracci%& res #!a2a !a& &a! ra# c(m( mirar a &a pers(&a 1 e !e se:a#a2a&, A R(2er! G &( #e res #!a2a !a& '4ci#, Se de! )( + mir% e# ic(&( c(& #(s (/(s e&!(r&ad(s, Era & $es!( 1 e0 p(r de'ec!(0 c(&ced7a e# acces(, Nada, Tec#e% e& e# !ec#ad( 'a&!asma, Se di( c e&!a de 1 e Iia&$0 a &(s pas(s de dis!a&cia0 5ac7a #( mism(, Y de pr(&!( 5a27a media d(ce&a de es! dia&!es0 !(d(s 5a2#a&d( e& espa:(#, Miri HS O a&0 Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS Va#e0 cre( 1 e R(2er! #(s )e,TWmsS Le&aHS O a&0 Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS QL(s )e(R UL(s )es !"0 Ii VTWmsS Ii HS O a&0 Le&a0 Miri9 Tr&sS T(da)7a &(0 de2(E TWmsS Miri HS O a&0 Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS N( i&!e&!e resp(&der a #(s me&sa/es0 d(c!(ra Iia&$, T(da)7a &( !ie&e #a )e#(cidad s 'icie&!eD R(2er! s(spec5ar4, Simp#eme&!e 5a2#e e& )(z a#!a0 c(m( si 5a2#ase c(& 6# ( O a&,TWmsS

Iia&$ $ ard% si#e&ci( & m(me&!(0 !(da)7a !ec#ea&d(, Ves!ir se #e da2a !(da)7a pe(r 1 e a R(2er!, L e$( di/(9 HQS70 #(s )e(R HMir% de s(s#a+( a O a& Or(zc(H, UM i6&es s(&V HAmi$(s de Fred + Oerr+, M + de# s r, De C5i#e, Miri HS O a&9 TmsS Di#es 1 e / e$ e& a m(&s!r ( si&cr(&izad(,TWmsS O a& HS Miri9 TmsS Va#e,TWmsS O a& 5a2#% e& espa:(# a #(s )isi!a&!es0 !a& r4pid( 1 e R(2er! &( e&!e&di% casi &ada, L(s )isi!a&!es se ec5ar(& a!r4s + e# espaci( despe/ad( 1 ed% (c pad( p(r algo c(#(r p"rp ra, Iia&$ ri(, HY( !am2i6& #( )e(, Per( #a cria! raE &i si1 iera pre!e&de ser rea#is!a, R(2er! se i&c#i&% para acercarse a #a )isi%& desi$ a#, HPre!e&de ser & a&ima# de pe# c5e, HTe&7a #as c(s! ras !(scas + e# re##e&( se escapa2a e&!re #as p &!adas, Per( med7a m4s de d(s me!r(s de a#! ra +0 c a&d( R(2er! se acerc%0 se a#e/% de 6# arras!ra&d( #(s pies, R(2er! ri(, HJe #e7d( acerca de es!as c(sas, Le&a HS O a&0 Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS L( 5e 2 scad(0 Ii , T" !e m e)es + 6# se m e)e, Per( cada &( de )(s(!r(s s%#( c(&!r(#a &a par!e,TWmsS HO5 HIi Iia&$ a)a&z% 2#(1 ea&d( #a re!irada de #a cria! ra, Las pa!as !raseras se de! )ier(& per( #as de#a&!eras si$ ier(& emp /a&d(0 p(r #( 1 e casi se ca+%, Miri HS O a&9 TmsS Di#es 1 e e# (2/e!i)( es 5acer 1 e 2ai#e c(& e#e$a&cia, TWmsS O a& di/(9 HLa idea es c((perar para 1 e se m e)a, Gai#a a s a#reded(r0 Ii , L( 5iz(, La m"sica ' e si$ ie&d( s s m()imie&!(s, Las pa!as !raseras de #a cria! ra )(#)ier(& a p(&erse e& marc5a + e# !raser( se$ 7a #(s m()imie&!(s de #a m /er, A #(s &i:(s de C5i#e #es pareci% m + $raci(s(, C a&d( R(2er! i&c#i&% #a ca2eza + se me&e%0 #a m"sica a me&!% de )(# me&, O a& se p s( a dar pa#mas + #(s 5(m2r(s de #a 2es!ia se a$i!ar(& a# ri!m( de #a m"sica, L(s c5i#e&(s (2ser)a2a& e& si#e&ci(, Parec7a& !a& s%#id(s c(m( O a& + Ii Iia&$0 per( &( era& m4s e3per!(s 1 e #a ma+(r7a de #(s s ari(s de Sa& Die$(, Las s(m2ras i2a& e& se&!id( c(&!rari( + s s pies s%#( ma&!e&7a& & precari( c(&!ac!( c(& #a 5ier2a de# prad(, Per( a# ca2( de & i&s!a&!e (+er(& #a m"sica0 !am2i6& se p sier(& a dar pa#mas0 + #a c(#a de# 2ic5(0 !a# )ez e& es( era& 542i#es e& a1 e# / e$(0 c(me&z% a sa#!ar de arri2a a2a/(, R(2er! e3pa&di% s s $es!(s0 !(ma&d( e# c(&!r(# de #as $arras 2#a&das de #a cria! ra, P(r & m(me&!( e# m(&s!r ( 2ai#% a# s(& de #a m"sica ma&!e&ie&d( #a si&cr(&izaci%& de !(d(s #(s $es!(s, Per( e# re!ras( de #a red era de medi( se$ &d( m4s ( me&(s +0 #( 1 e era pe(r0 )aria2a a#ea!(riame&!e desde &a dimi& !a 'racci%& de se$ &d( 5as!a & se$ &d( e&!er(, E# 2ai#e ' e cada )ez m4s ca%!ic( a medida 1 e se c(mpe&sa2a& + se 5iperc(mpe&sa2a& #(s err(res0

5as!a 1 e #a c(#a $(#pe% #as $arras !raseras, La cria! ra $ir% + a$i!% #as pa!as e& !(das direcci(&es, Le&a HS O a&0 Miri0 Ii D TmsSQJa sid( di)er!id(RTWmsS HQMa#di!a seaR Hdi/( R(2er!, Per( !(d(s re7a& si& 1 e 5 2iese &i&$ &a )7c!ima e& c(&cre!( para #as risas, U&( a &(0 #(s &i:(s dis!a&!es ' er(& desaparecie&d(0 5as!a 1 e s%#( 1 ed% #a $e&!e rea#9 R(2er!0 O a& + Ii Iia&$, HQP(dr7am(s 5a2er#( 5ec5( me/(r0 O a&R Hdi/( R(2er!, Le&a HS Ii 9 TmsSUVesV Siempre se es!4 1 e/a&d(, Da#e & mi& !( m4s + es!ar4 da&d( a e&!e&der si2i#i&ame&!e 1 e t eres #a c #pa2#e de !(d( #( 1 e 5a sa#id( ma#,TWmsS O a& se$ 7a rie&d(, HL( s60 #( s6, Per( e# e&#ace de red era &a c(mp#e!a p(r1 er7a, Ja+ empresas de / e$( 1 e !e da& $ra!is red ma#a p(r1 e !e ) e#)es !a& #(c( 1 e pa$as p(r me/(rar#a, HG e&(0 Up(r 1 6 #( i&!e&!am(s e&!(&cesV HE50 para prac!icar, P(r1 e es di)er!id(, R(2er! rec(rd% e# i&ep!( c(r( i&!er&aci(&a# de #a UCSD, HDe2er7am(s 5a2er sad( & me!r%&(m(, UP edes 5acer 1 e ) e#)a& #(s c5ic(sV HN(0 simp#eme&!eE 5a sid( &a especie de sa# d(, Ya sa2e0 a# pasar &( / &!( a# (!r(, A# pasar, HY( &( #(s )e7a 5as!a 1 e &( me #(s 5as e&se:ad(, UE# 6!er es!4 a!es!ad(V HR(2er! a!ra)es% e# aire c(& #a ma&(, UC 4&!as rea#idades 2 r2 /ea2a& i&ma&e&!esV HU& espaci( p"2#ic( c(m( 6s!e es!4 demasiad( a!es!ad( para i&!e&!ar )er#( !(d( sim #!4&eame&!e, E& #a #7&ea de )isi%& de ! Epi'a&7a pr(2a2#eme&!e 5a2r4 &(s !rescie&!(s ( c a!r(cie&!(s &(d(s, Cada &( de e##(s p ede s(p(r!ar dece&as de s perp(sici(&es, E& &a m #!i! d p(dr7a 5a2er ce&!e&ares de rea#idades ac!i)as e i&c(&!a2#es p(!e&cia#es deE Miri HS O a&9 TmsS N( si$as p(r a57, Mi a2 e#( es #( s 'icie&!eme&!e i&!e#i$e&!e c(m( para ir s ma&d( pe1 e:as pis!as + ded cir #a prese&cia de #(s 1 e es!am(s i&)isi2#es,TWmsS O a& HS Miri9 TmsS UE& seri(V Gie&0 !" misma #e es!4s da&d( &a pis!a, Es!4s m(s!ra&d( a #a se:(ra G de '(rma 1 e sea )isi2#e para Ii 0 #( 1 e #e es!4 c(&' &die&d(, Mira c%m( e)i!a e# p &!( d(&de 5as si! ad( a Le&a,TWmsS E# c5ic( pareci% perder e# 5i#( de #as ideas, HC#ar( es!40 c a&d( s%#( 5a+ d(s ( !res pers(&as0 e# !r4'ic( #4ser es e& s ma+(r7a simp#eme&!e p(!e&cia#, A)a&zar(& & p(c( m4s mie&!ras e# m c5ac5( #es e&se:a2a c%m( &a)e$ar p(r #as )is!as p"2#icas, R(2er! + Ii Iia&$ prac!ica2a& si$ ie&d( s s i&dicaci(&es0 #($ra&d( a#$ &a 1 e (!ra )ez &a )is!a c(&se&s ada, Iia&$

parec7a m4s re#a/ada 1 e a# c(mie&z( de# pase(D a# me&(s +a cami&a2a & p(c( m4s cerca de O a& + R(2er!, Per( Ii &( resp(&di% c a&d( R(2er! 2r(me%, HY( dir7a 1 e empiezas a ser rea#me&!e desas!r(sa, Le&a HS Ii 9 TmsS UM 6 !e 5a27a dic5(VTWmsS A R(2er! #e parec7a 1 e #a !a# Iia&$ era & 2ic5( de #( m4s rar(, Ii Iia&$ era rara e& m c5as (!ras c(sas, A &1 e 5a27a de/ad( #a c#ase de c(mp(sici%& p(r1 e era demasiad( !7mida para represe&!ar de#a&!e de #(s (!r(s0 #e e&ca&!a2a e# !a##er, Cada d7a / $a2a c(& & e#eme&!( & e)( de# i&)e&!ari(, Era e# "&ic( m(me&!( e& 1 e se #a )e7a 'e#iz0 s(&rie&d( + !ararea&d(, Para e# & e)( R(2er! a#$ &(s de s s pr(+ec!(s era& (2)i(s0 per( c(& (!r(s !e&7a 1 e 5acer s p(sici(&es, E##a es!a2a e&ca&!ada de e3p#ic4rse#(s, HM iz4 &( c(&!e&$a ? serHser)icia2#e par!s@ Hdi/(H0 per( Qe&!ie&d( #( 1 e 5e c(&s!r id(R Cada d7a rea#iza2a e# e1 i)a#e&!e a & pr(+ec!( es! dia&!i# semes!ra# + dis'r !a2a de cada mi& !(, Ii &( es!a2a c(mp#e!ame&!e #(caD &(rma#me&!e &( aparec7a mie&!ras R(2er! G e&se:a2a c(sas a O a&, R(2er! /am4s 5a27a e&se:ad( a &i:(s + &( #e $ s!a2a& #(s i&c(mpe!e&!es, A pesar de s s 2 e&as i&!e&ci(&es0 O a&0 e# p(2re0 era am2as c(sas, + R(2er! 'i&$7a e&se:ar#e a escri2ir, HEs '4ci#0 O a& Hse (+% decir R(2er!, %Adems de 2ingir, mientes) Gie&0 1 iz4 &( ' ese &a me&!ira9 escri2ir 2as ra era m + '4ci# Vei&!e a:(s de dar c#ases e& semi&ari(s de p(es7a para $rad ad(s se #( 5a27a& dem(s!rad(, Escri2ir 2ie& era &a c(sa c(mp#e!ame&!e di'ere&!e, Escri2ir 2e##eza s(&(ra era a#$( 1 e &( se p(d7a e&se:ar p(r m c5( 1 e &( 1 isiera, L(s $e&i(s de27a& apre&der p(r s7 s(#(s, O a& Or(zc( era m c5( me&(s capaz 1 e #(s a&!i$ (s a# m&(s de R(2er!, Para #(s par4me!r(s de# si$#( II era casi a&a#'a2e!(E e3cep!( c a&d( precisa2a pa#a2ras para acceder a da!(s ( i&!erpre!ar res #!ad(s, Va#e0 &( era casi a&a#'a2e!(, A #( me/(r e3is!7a a#$"& (!r( !6rmi&( para descri2ir a es(s &i:(s #isiad(s, U?Paraa#'a2e!izad(s@V Y esto! seguro de ,ue tambi"n puedo ense/arle a escribir una por,uera. P(r !a&!(0 se se&!a2a& e& #a $rada de m4s arri2a #a&za&d( pa#a2ras a# cie#(, O a& Or(zc( &( pres!a2a a!e&ci%& a #(s c(rred(res de# camp( &i a #(s par!id(s, L#e$% & m(me&!( e& 1 e &i si1 iera / $a2a c(& #(s !ip(s de #e!ras, L#e$% & d7a e& 1 e escri2i% a#$( 1 e pr(d c7a e'ec!( + crea2a &a ima$e&, N( era &a a2s(# !a p(r1 er7a, Casi !e&7a #a ca#idad de & !%pic( $as!ad(, E# c5ic( mir% a# cie#( d ra&!e medi( mi& !(0 2(1 ia2ier!(, HTie&e !a&!aE $arra, Las pa#a2ras me 5ace& )er im4$e&es, HMir% a & #ad(0 5acia R(2er!, S(&ri%H, T" c(& e# )es!ir0 +( c(& #a escri! ra, QEs!am(s me/(ra&d( m c5(R HM iz4s es!em(s a #a misma a#! ra, HPer( R(2er! &( p d( e)i!ar de)(#)er#e #a s(&risa,

Pas% &a sema&a, La ma+(r7a de #as &(c5es R(2er! se e&!re)is!a2a c(& _ #'i S5ari', Desp 6s de c#ase + a )eces #(s 'i&es de sema&a0 O a& + 6# !ra2a/a2a& / &!(s0 casi siempre e& rem(!(, T(da)7a 2 sca2a& & pr(+ec!( para e# semes!re, R(2er! es!a2a cada )ez m4s i&!ri$ad( p(r e# pr(2#ema de #a c((rdi&aci%& rem(!a, O e$(s0 m"sica + dep(r!es '# c! a2a& a m4s de a#$ &(s mi#es de Fi#%me!r(s + & par de dece&as de e&r !ad(res, E# c5ic( !e&7a & p#a& es!ra'a#ari( para sar#( !(d( a #a )ez, HP(dr7am(s 5acer a#$( c(& m"sica0 m"sica manual. Es m c5( m4s '4ci# 1 e #a si&cr(&izaci%& de / e$(s, R(2er! pasa2a 5(ras se$ idas si& pe&sar e& s es!ad( des1 iciad( e imp(!e&!e, Para e# & e)( R(2er! G 0 es(s pr(+ec!(s esc(#ares era& m4s i&!eresa&!es 1 e #a e&!re)is!as ad #ad(ras de S5ari'E + m c5( m4s i&!eresa&!es 1 e s s )isi!as (casi(&a#es a #a UCSD, Ja27a& s spe&did( !emp(ra#me&!e e# !r(cead( de #a 2i2#i(!eca0 apare&!eme&!e de2id( a #a ma&i'es!aci%& + s dram4!ica aparici%& cas a#, Per( si& #(s ma&i'es!a&!es0 #a 2i2#i(!eca es!a2a m er!a, L(s es! dia&!es m(der&(s &( #a sa2a& demasiad(, S%#( 1 eda2a e# C(&ci#i42 #( de A&cia&(s de Xi&&ie0 e& e# se3!( pis(0 re2e#des c(& &a ca sa s"2i!ame&!e s spe&dida, R(2er! + Ii Iia&$ +a d(mi&a2a& #a ma+(r par!e de #(s e#eme&!(s p(r de'ec!( de Epi'a&7a, A5(ra0 c a&d( mira2a ?/ s!( de esa '(rma@ & (2/e!( rea#0 #as e3p#icaci(&es i2a& aparecie&d(, Mira&d( ( e&!recerra&d( #(s (/(s de #a '(rma adec ada a #(s ic(&(s de ap(+(0 (2!e&7a #(s de!a##es adici(&a#es 1 e desea2a, Si mira2a e# (2/e!( de &a '(rma di'ere&!e0 Qa me& d( )e7a a !ra)6s + m4s a##4R A Ii #(s )is a#es &( se #e da2a& !a& 2ie& c(m( a R(2er!, P(r (!ra par!e0 si &( se p(&7a &er)i(sa0 se #e da2a& me/(r #as 2"s1 edas de a di(9 si a# (7r &a pa#a2ra desc(&(cida #($ra2as marcar#a0 e&!(&ces #(s res #!ad(s de #a 2"s1 eda aparec7a& a !(m4!icame&!e, Eso e3p#ica2a e# )(ca2 #ari( mara)i##(s(0 + #(s err(res i$ a#me&!e mara)i##(s(s0 1 e 5a27a (7d( a #(s &i:(s, Miri HS O a&9 TmsS De2er7as decir#e 1 e #as a)a&zadas s(& m c5( m4s di'7ci#es,TWmsS O a& HS Miri9 TmsS Va#e,TWmsS HUSa2eV0 d(c!(r G 0 a Ii +a s!ed se #es da& rea#me&!e 2ie& #as (pci(&es p(r de'ec!(, Per( !am2i6& de2er7a& !ra2a/ar c(& #as a)a&zadas, Iia&$ asi&!i%, A1 e# d7a !am2i6& es!a2a e& )isi%& rem(!a0 a &1 e &( !e&7a & aspec!( !a& rea#is!a c(m( O a& Or(zc(, La ima$e& de #a m /er era per'ec!ame&!e s%#ida0 per( s s pies se ' &d7a& c(& e# 2a&c( 1 e !e&7a / s!( de#a&!e +0 e& (casi(&es0 R(2er! e&!re)e7aE Ue# '(&d(V US apar!ame&!(V Gr(me% c(& ese as &!(0 per(0 c(m( s ced7a 5a2i! a#me&!e c a&d( 5ac7a & c5is!e0 s%#( #($r% 1 e se cerrara m4s, Le&aHS O a&0 Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS QM 6R UM 6 5a )is!(VTWmsS Miri HS O a&0 Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS N( !e pre(c pes, Ii disp(&e de & 2 e& 'i#!r( de '(&d(, Adem4s0 !" es!4s e& #a c(ci&a + e##a se&!ada e& e# c ar!( de es!ar,TWmsS R(2er! #e 5a2#% a O a&,

HGie&0 Uc 4#es s(& #as a)a&zadas m4s "!i#esV HGie&0 es!4 #a me&sa/er7a si#e&ci(sa, La !asa de 2i!s es !a& red cida 1 e ' &ci(&a i&c# s( c a&d( 'a##a !(d( #( dem4s, HQS7R Je #e7d( acerca de #a me&sa/er7a si#e&ci(sa, Es c(m( #a me&sa/er7a i&s!a&!4&ea de a&!a:(0 per( &adie !e )e c(m &icar!e, O a& asi&!i%, HAs7 es c(m( #( sa #a ma+(r7a de #a $e&!e, Le&a HS O a&0 Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS QN(R QM e e# 5i/( de p !a apre&da me&sa/er7a si#e&ci(sa p(r s7 s(#(RTWmsS Miri HS O a&0 Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS QP(r 'a)(r0 Le&aRTWmsS O a& HS Le&a0 Miri0 Ii D TmsS Es a#$( 1 e sa !(d( e# m &d(0 se:(ra,TWmsS Le&a HS O a&0 Miri0 Ii D TmsS QY( di$( 1 e &(R Ya es #( s 'icie&!eme&!e ar!er(,TWmsS E# c5ic( )aci#%, HE per( 5ace 'a#!a m c5a pr4c!ica para sar#a c(& '# idez, P ede dar m c5(s pr(2#emas si !e pi##a&, HM iz4 rec(rdase e&c(&!r(&az(s c(& pr('es(res, Iia&$ se i&c#i&% s(2re e# 2a&c(, Se es!a2a ap(+a&d( s(2re & m e2#e i&)isi2#e, HGie&0 U1 6 m4s 5a+V HQA5R M c5as c(sas, Si a& #as #as (pci(&es p edes )er e& c a#1 ier direcci%&, P edes ac(!ar 2"s1 edas p(r de'ec!(E para 5acer &a c(&s #!a s(2re a#$( si! ad( e& &a s perp(sici%&0 p(r e/emp#(, P edes mezc#ar )7de(s de m"#!ip#es p &!(s de )is!a0 de '(rma 1 e p edas ?es!ar@ d(&de &( 5a+ p &!( de )is!a '7sic(, Es( se ##ama 5acer e# 'a&!asma, Si #( 5aces rea#me&!e 2ie&0 eres capaz de e/ec !ar sim #aci(&es e& !iemp( rea# + emp#ear #(s res #!ad(s c(m( ases(ramie&!( '7sic(, P(r es( a #(s Rad&er se #es da !a& 2ie& e# 26is2(# + # e$( es!4 e# pr(2#ema de 'a#si'icar res #!ad(s si das c(& & p &!( 2#a&d( de red0 ( si 1 ieres 1 e & emis(r parezca m4s rea#is!aE HE# c5ic( si$ i% 5a2#a&d(0 per( a esas a#! ras R(2er! +a era capaz de $ra2ar #( 1 e dec7aD !e&dr7a 1 e repasar a1 e##a c(&)ersaci%&, Le&a HS O a&0 Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS E# m(&s!r ( empieza a perder e# i&!er6s, Cre( 1 e se 5a dis!ra7d(0 O a&,TWmsS Ii di/(9 HVa#e0 )am(s a empezar c(& #( m4s '4ci#0 O a&, HEs( ser7a desp#azar #a a!e&ci%& de# 're&!e ade#a&!e, HE# c5ic( #es i&dic% a#$ &(s e/ercici(s simp#es, R(2er! &( !e&7a &i idea de #( 1 e )e7a Ii Iia&$, Desp 6s de !(d(0 e##a +a es!a2a e& )is!a rem(!a, Para 6#0 mirar direc!ame&!e desde a!r4s era '4ci#0 especia#me&!e si !(ma2a #a )is!a desde s pr(pia camisa, Per( O a& &( 1 er7a 1 e sase& (rie&!aci%& espec #arD dec7a 1 e #(s c(&' &dir7a c a&d( pasase& a (!r(s 4&$ #(s, Si& #as (pci(&es p(r de'ec!(0 era !edi(s(, HMe pasar6 !(da #a )ida !ec#ea&d( %rde&es0 O a&, HM iz4 si sas #(s me&"s (c #aresE Hdi/( Iia&$,

R(2er! #e dedic% &a mirada ' ri2 &da, HQL( es!(+ 5acie&d(0 #( es!(+ 5acie&d(R Le&a HS Ii 9 TmsS N &ca #e cri!i1 es, Te #a de)(#)er4 c a&d( !e p eda 5acer m4s da:(,TWmsS Iia&$ apar!% #a )is!a de R(2er!, Ys!e mir% a O a&, HN &ca !e )e( !ec#ear c(& #(s ded(s, HS(+ & &i:(D crec7 c(& #a c(di'icaci%& c(#ec!i)a, I&c# s( mi madre casi siempre sa e# !ec#ad( 'a&!asma, HGie&0 Ii + +( s(m(s reca c5 !ad(s0 O a&, Te&em(s p#as!icidad de apre&diza/e + !(d( es(, E&s6:a&(s #as %rde&es $es! a#es0 #(s $ i:(s ( #( 1 e sea, HQVa#eR Per( &( s(& c(m( #(s $es!(s es!4&dar 1 e +a 5a26is apre&did(, L( 2 e&( es 1 e !(d( es pers(&a# e&!re )(s(!r(s + e# )es!i2#e, L(s se&s(res d6rmic(s de!ec!a& es!remecimie&!(s m sc #ares 1 e #(s dem4s &( &(!a&, T" #e e&se:as a ! Epi'a&7a + 6s!a !e e&se:a a !i, R(2er! #( 5a27a #e7d(, Res #!% ser !a& e3!ra:( c(m( parec7a0 Q & cr ce e&!re apre&der a 5acer ma#a2arism(s + e&se:ar a & a&ima# es!"pid( a 1 e !e a+ dase c(& #(s ma#a2arism(sR Y# + Ii Iia&$ ! )ier(& &(s )ei&!e mi& !(s para 1 edar c(m( !(&!(s a&!es de 1 e #(s e1 ip(s de '"!2(# se p siera& a / $ar, Per( ' e !iemp( de s(2ra para 1 e R(2er! apre&diese a mirar a s a#reded(r simp#eme&!e c(& & #i$er( e&c($imie&!(, O a& s(&re7a, HSe (s da rea#me&!e 2ie&0 paraE HUPara ser )ie/(sV Hdi/( Ii , O a& s(&ri% a"& m4s, HS7, HMir% a R(2er!H, Si !" p edes apre&der a 5acer es!(0 1 iz4 +( p eda apre&der a e&cade&ar pa#a2rasE G e&(0 !e&$( 1 e ir a a+ dar a mi madre, Es!a !arde 5ace & !( r, N(s )erem(s ma:a&a0 U)a#eV HVa#e Hdi/( Iia&$H, Y( !am2i6& !e&$( 1 e irme, UC 4# es #a '(rma m4s e#e$a&!e de #($rar#(V HQA5R La m4s e#e$a&!e e3i$e pr4c!icaE per( +( pre'ier( 1 e sea c5 #a para c a#1 iera 1 e es!6 mira&d(, HSe:a#% a #(s e1 ip(s 1 e (c pa2a& e# camp( de '"!2(#H, M ier( decir0 para e##(s, P(r !a&!(0 U1 6 !a# si #a c(&)ier!( e& ic(&( + #a $ 7(0 d(c!(ra Iia&$V HM + 2ie&, La ima$e& de Iia&$ se c(&)ir!i% e& & p &!( de # z c(#(r r 27, E# c5ic( se p s( e& pie + #e s(&ri% a R(2er!, HMe parece 1 e !e&$( #a $e(me!r7a #( s 'icie&!eme&!e 2ie& c(&!r(#ada para 1 e &adie !e&$a 1 e c((perar e& #a recepci%&, HS ima$e& 2a/% p(r #as $radas, S a/ s!e de s(m2ras era m c5( me/(r de #( 1 e S5ari' s(#7a #($rar, E# ic(&( de Iia&$ #e ac(mpa:% e&cima de# 5(m2r(, L#e$% 5as!a #a 5ier2a + cami&% si$ ie&d( #as $radas0 c(& #a 'i$ ra ac(r!4&d(se p(r e# e'ec!( de #a perspec!i)a, Y de pr(&!(0 #e!ras d(radas c(#$ar(& s(2re #a )isi%& de R(2er!,

Iia&$ HS G 9 TmsSQJas!a ma:a&aRTWmsS Oa, As7 1 e 6se era e# aspec!( de & me&sa/e si#e&ci(s(, R(2er! c(&!emp#% a O a& + a Iia&$ 5as!a 1 e desaparecier(&, Le&a HS Miri0 Ii 9 TmsSQG a [N( s(+ capaz de dis!i&$ ir #a ima$e& de O a& de #a $e&!e rea#, Ese c5ic( es #is!(,TW msS Miri HS Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS N( #( 5ace ma#,TWmsS R(2e& +a &( !e&7a m4s c#ases, Tam2i6& se p(d7a ir a casa, Ja27a m c5as (pci(&esD #(s c(c5es ##e&a2a& #a r(!(&da p(r1 e #(s c5ic(s )(#)7a& a casa, Per( a R(2e& &( #e ape!ec7a m c5( re$resar de i&media!( a Fa##2r((F, Vi( 1 e Miri ##e$ar7a a casa a# ca2( de &(s mi& !(s, G(2 es!a2a de $ ardia esa &(c5eE &( sa27a #( 1 e es( si$&i'ica2a, C a#1 ier e&c e&!r( c(& Miri 5ar7a 1 e A#ice ac! ase, R(2e& se as(m2ra2a de 5a2er c(&siderad( e& s 6p(ca a s & era !ra&1 i#a + dip#(m4!ica, De '(rma m + s !i#0 da2a 5as!a mied(, O 1 iz4 ' ese simp#eme&!e 1 e R(2er! 5a27a c(mpre&did( 1 e0 si A#ice !(ma2a #a decisi%&0 R(2er! aca2ar7a e3i#iad( e& A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris, N( 5a27a #($rad( decidir si a1 e# &(m2re era p r( azar (2ra de a#$ ie& 1 e rea#me&!e e&!e&d7a ese # $ar, P(r !a&!(0 a 1 edarse p(r a##7 a mirar, Ja27a di&4micas 1 e &( 5a27a& cam2iad( desde s &i:ez0 1 e p(si2#eme&!e &( 5 2iese& cam2iad( desde e# c(mie&z( de #a 5is!(ria de #a 5 ma&idad, Rec(&s!r ir7a s se&saci%& de s peri(ridad, Trep% p(r #a es1 i&a s r de #as $radas0 m + p(r e&cima de #(s / $ad(res de #(s e1 ip(s de '"!2(# e i&c# s( #e/(s de #(s &i:(s !7mid(s se&!ad(s a# (!r( e3!rem( ri6&d(se de !(d(s, Miri HS Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS A5(ra de2er7a )(#)er a casa,TWmsS Le&a HS Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS Mi m(&s!r ( &(, UAprecias esa mirada perdida e& s s (/(sV Es!4 pe&sa&d( e& !(d( #( s cedid(0 2 sca&d( #a '(rma de 5acer da:( a Ii ,TWmsS Ii HS Le&a0 Miri9 TmsS Parece 2as!a&!e &(rma# desde 1 e se )(#)i% #(c( e& e# !a##er,TWmsS Ii HS Le&a0 Miri9 TmsS N(0 Le&a0 p(r 'a)(r0 sa #a me&sa/er7a si#e&ci(sa, S6 1 e me aca2( de se&!ar a ! #ad( e& #a mesa de #a c(ci&a, Per( 1 ier( prac!icar,TWmsS Le&a HS Miri9 TmsS G eee&(, Ii es & e&ca&!(0 per( ##e$a a ser (2sesi)a,TWmsS Ii HS Le&a9 TmsS QE50 Le&aR UM 6 #e es!4s !ec#ea&d( a MiriV TWmsS E# s(# se p(&7a + #as s(m2ras de #as $radas se e3!e&d7a& a medi( cami&( de# camp( de '"!2(#, R(2er! p(d7a )er c(& s s pr(pi(s (/(s casi !(d(s #(s !erre&(s de# i&s!i! !(, L(s edi'ici(s parec7a& case!as pr()isi(&a#es0 c(m( #( 1 e a&!es ped7as p(r c(rre( si !e 5ac7a 'a#!a & p(c( de espaci( de a#mace&amie&!( e& e# /ard7&, Per( &( !(d( era& case!as, E# a di!(ri( pri&cipa# era de madera0 reparad( a1 7 + a##4 c(& p#4s!ic(, Se$"& #as e!i1 e!as 1 e 5a27a s(#ici!ad(0 Q5a27a sid( & pa2e##%& para e35i2ici(&es ec es!resR Ii HS Le&a0 Miri9 TmsS Cre( 1 e simp#eme&!e es!4 e&!re&a&d( s Epi'a&7a,TWmsS

Se c(&ce&!r% e& e# camp( de '"!2(#, Parec7a sacad( de #(s a:(s esc(#ares de G(22+E presci&die&d( de# 5ec5( de 1 e &( !e&7a #7&eas &i p(r!er7as, R(2er! s(#ici!% #a )is!a dep(r!i)a + )i( #a disp(sici%& 5a2i! a# de# camp(, L(s / $ad(res e&!rar(&, Ves!7a& pr(!ecci(&es + casc(s de )erdad0 m + di'ere&!es a #(s 1 e rec(rda2a, Las )(ces a$ das de #(s c5ic(s #e ##e$a2a& direc!ame&!e si& &ecesidad de #a ma$ia de #a !ec&(#($7a m(der&a, Da2a& ) e#!as a camp(s de mi&as0 apare&!eme&!e esc c5a&d( a a#$ ie&, C(& & $ri!(0 #(s e1 ip(s se a2a#a&zar(& e# &( c(&!ra e# (!r(0 persi$ ie&d(E U1 6V UU& 2a#%& i&)isi2#eV R(2er! 2 sc% 're&6!icame&!e e&!re (pci(&es0 )i( & des'i#e parpadea&!e de s perp(sici(&es p(si2#es, ?QA/4R@ De repe&!e #(s e1 ip(s )es!7a& &i'(rmes espec!ac #ares + 5a27a 4r2i!r(s, E& #as $radas se se&!a2a& a#$ &(s ad #!(s0 pr('es(res ( padres0 c(m( ca27a esperar e& & e&c e&!r( 1 e era m4s &a !area esc(#ar 1 e & dep(r!e pr('esi(&a#, Ii HS Le&a0 Miri9 TmsS UA 1 6 / e$a&VTWmsS Miri HS Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS A '"!2(# E$a&,TWmsS Ii HS Le&a0 Miri9 TmsS R(2er! simp#eme&!e mira e# par!id(0 Le&a,TWmsS Le&a HS Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS M iz4,TWmsS Ii HS Le&a0 Miri9 TmsS Cre( 1 e O a& !ie&e raz%& c(& respec!( a R(2er!0 Le&a, D6/ame 5a2#ar c(& 6#, Se$ ir4s es!a&d( a sa#)(,TWmsS Ii HS Le&a9 TmsS N( !e p(&$as as7,TWmsS R(2er! se$ 7a si& )er e# 2a#%& de '"!2(#, E# camp( de / e$( es!a2a c 2ier!( de &a &e2#i&a d(rada 1 e e& a#$ &(s p &!(s casi ##e$a2a a #a ci&! ra de #(s / $ad(res, E& #a &e2#i&a '#(!a2a& &"mer(s dimi& !(s 1 e cam2ia2a& se$"& e# $r(s(r + e# 2ri##( de# resp#a&d(r, C a&d( / $ad(res de #(s d(s e1 ip(s se acerca2a&0 e# resp#a&d(r des!e##a2a 2re)eme&!e + #(s &i:(s da2a& ) e#!as &(s a#reded(r de (!r(s c(m( si i&!e&!ase& prepararse para c5 !ar, + e&!(&ces #a # z es!a##a2a p(r !(d( e# camp( c(m( & arc( de ' e$( i&c(&!r(#ad(, Ii HS Le&a0 Miri9 TmsS UM 6 5a+ de S5ari'0 MiriV L( emp#eas para 5a2#ar c(& R(2er!0 U&(VTWmsS Miri HS Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS S7, Cre7a 1 e S5ari' ser7a e# prim( per'ec!(, P(see e# pasad( acad6mic( adec ad( para 5a2#ar c(& R(2er!, QY &a 5i$ie&e pers(&a# 5(rri2#eR F e '4ci# ap(derarse de 6#, E# pr(2#ema es 1 e !am2i6& #( 5iz( a#$ ie& m4s, E& $e&era# &( es!(r2a a# (!r(, QE5RTWmsS Ii HS Le&a0 Miri9 TmsS Je perdid( !(d(s #(s primer(s p#a&(s de ! a2 e#(,TWmsS Miri HS Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS Tam2i6& 5em(s perdid( !(d( e# a di( #(ca#, N( sa27a 1 e R(2er! ' ese !a& r4pid(,TWmsS Le&a HS Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS Os #( ad)er!7,TWmsS U&a &i:a se a#e/% de #(s (!r(s + c(rri% si$ ie&d( e# ' e$( d(rad(0 sa2ie&d( de a#$ &a '(rma d%&de + c 4&d( )(#)er7a a sa#!ar, La c5ica di( &a e3!ra:a pa!adaE + ca+% de c #(, J 2( & i&s!a&!e de # z e& #a p(r!er7a m4s cerca&a0 !a& # mi&(sa e i&!e&sa 1 e ' e c(m( si de pr(&!( !(da #a &ie2#a 5 2iese

'(rmad( #a ima$e& di' sa de & 2a#%& de '"!2(#, T(d(s $ri!a2a&0 i&c# s( #(s ad #!(s 'a&!asma de #as $radas, R(2er! $r :%, I&c# s( a#$( !a& simp#e c(m( & / e$( esc(#ar carec7a p(r c(mp#e!( de se&!id(, Se !ir% de# p :(0 i&!e&!a&d( (2!e&er &a )is!a m4s c#ara, HN( es c #pa ! +a0 ami$(, L( es!4s )ie&d( c(m( c(rresp(&de, HLa )(z parec7a pr()e&ir de s espa#da, R(2er! mir%0 per( &( 5a27a c erp( 1 e ac(mpa:ara #a )(zH, Mira e# marcad(r, T(d( #( re#a!i)( a es!e dep(r!e es imprecis(0 i&c# s( e# res #!ad(, HE& e# e&(rme marcad(r de #as $radas e# $(# 5a27a 1 edad( re$is!rad( c(r&( ;0K=H, Cre( 1 e de2er7a& red(&dear#( a &(, La c5ica c5 !% & e3ce#e&!e $(# casi se$ r(, HE& e# camp(0 am2(s e1 ip(s 5a27a& ) e#!( a s s p(sici(&es, Se desarr(##a2a (!r( sa1 e i&icia# 'a&!asma, R(2er! ma&! )( #a )is!a 'i/a e& #a acci%&, N( resp(&di% a #a )(z, HN( rec(&(ces e# / e$(0 U)erdad0 pr('es(rV Es '"!2(# E$a&, MiraE HE& s )isi%& '#(!% &a re'ere&cia0 !(d( #( 1 e a#$ ie& p diera 1 erer sa2er s(2re e# '"!2(# E$a&, E& e# camp(0 !res c5ic(s se 5a27a& ca7d( + d(s 5a27a& c5(cad(H, E)ide&!eme&!e Ha:adi% #a )(zH0 &( es m4s 1 e &a apr(3imaci%&, HYa me #( s p(&$( Hdi/( R(2er! casi s(&rie&d(, E# !(&( de# e3!ra:( era de c(&'ia&za + a'ec!aci%&E + casi cada 'rase era &a pe1 e:a p ##a, Res #!a2a a$rada2#e e&c(&!rarse c(& &a pers(&a a #a 1 e ' ese capaz de c(mpre&der !a& 2ie&, Se )(#)i% + mir% e# espaci( )ac7(H, Ve!e de a1 7, Te 1 eda m c5( para p(der / $ar psic(#%$icame&!e c(&mi$(, HN( / e$(0 ami$(, HEmpez% irac &d(0 per( rec per% e# 2 e& 5 m(r pa!er&a#is!aH, Eres & cas( i&!eresa&!e0 R(2er! G , Es!(+ ac(s! m2rad( a ma&ip #ar a #a $e&!e0 per( &(rma#me&!e #( 5a$( p(r medi( de i&!ermediari(s, Es!(+ demasiad( (c pad( para 5a2#ar direc!ame&!e c(& #(s (c pa&!es de #as capas m4s 2a/as, Per( !" me ##amas #a a!e&ci%&, R(2er! 'i&$i% )er e# par!id(0 per( #a )(z si$ i% 5a2#a&d(, HS6 #( 1 e !e rec(&c(me, S6 5as!a 1 6 p &!( !e m(#es!a ser i&capaz de escri2ir p(es7a, R(2er! &( p d( e)i!ar e# $es!( de s(rpresa, E# e3!ra:( i&)isi2#e s(#!% &a carca/adaD de a#$"& m(d( 5a27a dis!i&$ id( ese m()imie&!( de #(s !em2#(res &a! ra#es de R(2er!, HN( 5a+ &ecesidad de 1 e seas discre!(, A1 7 &( p edes disim #ar ! s reacci(&es, L(s se&s(res m6dic(s e& !erre&( esc(#ar s(& !a& 2 e&(s 1 e 2ie& p(dr7as es!ar e&c5 'ad( a & de!ec!(r de me&!iras, ebera irme de a,u, E& # $ar de 5acer#( c(&!i& % mira&d( e# par!id( de ?'"!2(#@, C a&d( es! )( se$ r( de p(der c(&!r(#ar adec adame&!e #a )(z0 di/(9 HE&!(&ces0 es!4s c(&'esa&d( & de#i!(, O!ra carca/ada, HM4s ( me&(s0 a &1 e es e# de#i!( de ser m4s 542i# c(& #a red, P edes pe&sar 1 e s(+ &a especie de ser s peri(r 1 e (2!ie&e s p(der de !(das #as 5erramie&!as c(& #as 1 e #(s m(r!a#es 5a& decidid( )(#)er i&!e#i$e&!e e# e&!(r&( 1 e #(s r(dea,

ebe de ser un chico, O 1 iz4 &( #( ' ese, Era p(si2#e 1 e e# )isi!a&!e ' ese i&)isi2#e p(r1 e i&c# s( s prese&cia )ir! a# e& #(s !erre&(s de #a esc e#a a!e&!ara c(&!ra #a #e+, R(2er! se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, HEs!ar6 e&ca&!ad( de de& &ciar ! ?5a2i#idad c(& #a red@ a #as a !(ridades per!i&e&!es, HN( #( 5ar4s, Primer(0 p(r1 e #a p(#ic7a /am4s p(dr7a ide&!i'icarme, Se$ &d(0 p(r1 e p ed( de)(#)er!e #( 1 e 5as perdid(, P ed( e&!re$ar!e ! )(z p(6!ica, E& es!a (casi%&0 R(2er! se c(&!r(#% + #($r% re7r de & m(d( c(&)i&ce&!e, HA5 Hdi/( e# (!r(H0 c 4&!a s spicacia, Per( Q!am2i6& es e# c(mie&z( de #a cred #idadR De2er7as #eer #as &(!icias ( re2a/ar & p(c( ! s 'i#!r(s de a& &ci(s, A&!a:( #(s a!#e!as !(ma2a& es!er(ides + #(s es! dia&!es a&'e!ami&as, E& $ra& par!e era& 'a#sas pr(mesas, J(+ e& d7a disp(&em(s de s s!a&cias 1 e ' &ci(&a& de )erdad, %Fn tra2icante de drogas, por ios) R(2e& casi se r7( de )erdad, Per( # e$( pe&s% e& s7 mism(0 e& s pie# #isa0 e& s capacidad para c(rrer + sa#!ar si& ape&as perder e# a#ie&!(, 5o ,ue !a me ha sucedido seria magia segn los parmetros de mi vida pasada. S70 p(dr7a !ra!arse de & !ra'ica&!e de dr($as0 per( U+ 1 6V HUM 6 2e&e'ici(s !ie&e& #as dr($as para rec perar &a )(z p(6!ica de $ra& ca!e$(r7aV HR(2er! pr(& &ci% esas pa#a2ras c(& e# adec ad( dese&'ad( + # e$( se di( c e&!a de #( m c5( 1 e re)e#a2a&, M iz4 &( Imp(r!ase, HQM 6 c5apad( a #a a&!i$ a0 pr('es(rR HE# e3!ra:( 5iz( &a pa saH, UVes esas c(#i&as a# s rV HEra& c(#i&as c 2ier!as de casasH, A &(s p(c(s Fi#%me!r(s m4s a##4 se e&c e&!ra &( de #(s p(c(s # $ares s(2re #a Tierra d(&de #a prese&cia '7sica si$ e sie&d( imp(r!a&!e, HULa UCSDV HCasi, Me re'ier( a #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(!ec&(#%$ic(s 1 e r(dea& e# camp s, L( 1 e 5ace& e& es(s #a2(ra!(ri(s &( se parece e& a2s(# !( a #a i&)es!i$aci%& m6dica de# si$#( II, Las c ras m(der&as s(& as(m2r(sas0 per( a me& d( espec7'icas para cada pacie&!e, HAs7 &( se p ede 'i&a&ciar #a i&)es!i$aci%&, HN( me ma#i&!erpre!es, Las c ras &i)ersa#es si$ e& da&d( m c5( di&er(, Per( i&c# s( 6sas emp#ea& a&4#isis pers(&a#izad(s para e)i!ar #(s e'ec!(s sec &dari(s, S70 !" eres & cas( ais#ad(, La c raci%& de# A#z5eimer a )eces &( es c(mp#e!a0 per( #(s 'racas(s s(& idi(si&cr4sic(s, N( 5a+ (!r( $ra& p(e!a 1 e !e&$a ! pr(2#ema, 6o!0 &( 5a+ c ra, HA1 e# pa+as( sa27a c(m2i&ar #as p ##as 2r !a#es c(& #(s 5a#a$(sH, Per( )i)im(s e& #a era de #as dr($as me/(rad(ras0 pr('es(r0 + m c5as s(& acier!(s "&ic(s, Ja+ &a p(si2i#idad0 2as!a&!e p(si2i#idad de #($rar 1 e #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s !e e&c e&!re& &a c ra, Ma$ia, 1ero 3! si puede hacerlo4 Esto es El <uturo. Y !o vuelvo a vivir ! ,uizR(2er! si&!i% c%m( #a espera&za crec7a e& s i&!eri(r, N( p(d7a e)i!ar#(, Este hijo de puta me ha pillado. S" ,ue me manipula, pero no importa. HP(r !a&!(0 Uc(& 1 i6& es!(+ !ra!a&d(0 O50 E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(V HEra &a pre$ &!a es!"pida0 per( se #e escap%,

HUE3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(V MmmE HU&a pa sa0 si& d da mie&!ras a1 e# paraa#'a2e!izad( 2 sca2a #a re'ere&ciaH, QVa+a0 s70 5as pi##ad( mi &(m2re a #a primeraR E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(, Es 2 e&(, R(2er! apre!% #(s die&!es, HY s p(&$( 1 e acep!ar ! a+ da e3i$e 5acer a#$( pe#i$r(s( ( i#e$a#, HSi& d da i#e$a#0 pr('es(r, Y 1 iz4 pe#i$r(s(E para !i0 c#ar(, L( 1 e p eda c rar!e '(rzar4 #(s #7mi!es de# !erri!(ri( m6dic(, Per( a# mism( !iemp(0 )a#e m c5( #a pe&a0 U&( creesV %S) HM iz4, HR(2er! e)i!% 1 e s )(z de#a!ase #a !e&si%& + mir% !ra&1 i#ame&!e e# espaci( )ac7( a s #ad(H, UC 4# es e# preci(V UM 6 1 ieres de m7V E# e3!ra:( ri(, HO50 &( !e pre(c pes, Simp#eme&!e 1 ier( c((peraci%& e& & pr(+ec!( e& e# 1 e +a par!icipas, Si$ e )ie&d( a ! s c(#e$as de #a 2i2#i(!eca de #a UCSD, Par!icipa e& s s p#a&es, HUY !e ma&!e&$( i&'(rmad(V HA50 &( ser4 &ecesari(0 ami$(, S(+ &a & 2e (m&iscie&!e de sa2id r7a, N(0 s(& ! s ma&(s #as 1 e &ecesi!(, C(&sid6ra!e & r(2(! 1 e a&!es era p(e!a, Gie&0 pr('es(r0 U!ra!( 5ec5(V HMe #( pe&sar6, HU&a )ez 1 e #( 5a$as0 es!(+ se$ r( de 1 e 'irmar4s e# ac erd(, HC(& sa&$re0 s p(&$(, HO50 1 6 c5apad( a #a a&!i$ a eres0 pr('es(r, Nada de sa&$re, T(da)7a &(, E# !e&ie&!e c(r(&e# R(2er! G Or, se 5a27a !ra7d( !ra2a/( de #a ('ici&a, A# me&(s0 c(m( !a##( c(&sidera2a c a&d( !ra2a/a2a d ra&!e #(s peri(d(s de !iemp( 1 e !a&!( 6# c(m( A#ice cre7a& 1 e de27a& ser para e##(s + Miri, Per( esa &(c5e Miri !e&7a 1 e es! diar p(r s c e&!a + A#iceE 2 e&(0 s "#!ima misi%& era #a pe(r de !(das, Va$a2a p(r a57 c(& e# r(s!r( p6!re(0 !e&sa, A esas a#! ras c a#1 ier (!ra pers(&a e& s si! aci%& 5a2r7a es!ad( m er!a ( #(ca de a!ar, E##a c(&se$ 7a a$ a&!ar p(r a#$"& m6!(d( desc(&(cid(0 i&c# s( sim #a&d( e& (casi(&es a#$( parecid( a s +( &a! ra#0 + rea#iza2a c(& 63i!( #as !areas de s "#!ima misi%&, Es por eso ,ue el *uerpo de >arines le e#ige cada vez ms. G(2 rec5az% #a idea, Ta&!( sacri'ici( !e&7a s raz%& de ser, De #( de C5ica$( 5a27a pasad( casi &a d6cada, Jac7a m4s de ci&c( a:(s 1 e &( se pr(d c7a & a!a1 e & c#ear c(& 63i!( s(2re Es!ad(s U&id(s &i c a#1 iera de #(s pa7ses de #a (r$a&izaci%& de# !ra!ad(, Per( #a ame&aza es!a2a siempre prese&!e, T(da)7a !e&7a pesadi##as c(& #(s #a&zad(res c(#(cad(s 2a/( e# (r'a&a!( de As &ci%& + #( 1 e 5a27a es!ad( a p &!( de 5acer para e#imi&ar#(s + c(m( siempre0 #a >e2 es!a2a ##e&a de r m(res s(2re & e)as !ec&(#($7as 1 e 5ar7a& 1 e #as armas c#4sicas 1 edase& (2s(#e!as, A pesar de #a se$ ridad prese&!e e& !(das par!es0 a pesar de #(s es' erz(s de Am6rica0 C5i&a + #(s i&d(e r(pe(s0 #(s ries$(s i2a& e& a me&!(, Ja2r7a # $ares 1 e aca2ar7a& 2ri##a&d( e& #a (sc ridad,

G(2 ' e repasa&d( #as "#!imas )a#(raci(&es de ame&aza, F#(!a2a a#$( e& e# aire + p(d7a es!ar m4s cerca 1 e Para$ a+, Las &(!icias rea#me&!e ma#as se e&c(&!ra2a& d(s p4rra'(s m4s ade#a&!e9 & $r p( de a&a#is!as de #a CIA cre7a 1 e #(s i&d(e r(pe(s es!a2a& colaborando c(& #(s ma#(s, % ios) Si las &randes 1otencias no pueden permanecer unidas, 3c+mo va a sobrevivir la humanidad a este siglo4 U& m()imie&!( a s espa#da, Era s padre0 de pie e& #a p er!a, HPap4, HF e e# rec(&(cimie&!( c(r!6s, E# a&cia&( #e mir% & se$ &d(, G(2 5iz( 1 e s !ra2a/( ' ese )isi2#e, HVa+a, L( #ame&!(0 5i/(, UEs!4s !ra2a/a&d(V HMir% #a mesa de G(2 e&!(r&a&d( #(s (/(s, HS70 !ra2a/( de #a ('ici&a, N( !e pre(c pes si se )e 2(rr(s(D &( es!4 e& e# me&" de #a casa, HA5, Y(E me pre$ &!a2a si p(dr7a 5acer!e &as c(&s #!as, G(2 espera2a &( !e&er cara de e3cesi)a s(rpresaD a1 e##a apr(3imaci%& i&se$ ra era & e)a, Le i&dic% a s padre 1 e !(mase asie&!(, HC#ar(, HJ(+ e& #a esc e#a 5e 5a2#ad( c(& a#$ ie&, S%#( )(z, E# i&!er#(c !(r p(dr7a 5a2er es!ad( a# (!r( #ad( de# m &d(0 U)erdadV HS7 Hdi/( G(2H, Si era de m + #e/(s !e 5a2r7as dad( c e&!a, HCier!(, F# c! aci%& + #a!e&cia, 3Simplemente repite la jerga4 A&!es de perder #a ca2eza0 s padre 5a27a sid( & i$&(ra&!e e& c es!i(&es !6c&icas, Ga5 rec(rda2a &a (casi%&0 e& #(s d7as de #(s !e#6'(&(s m + es!"pid(s0 e& 1 e s padre 5a27a i&sis!id( e& 1 e s & e)( !e#6'(&( i&a#4m2ric( &( era m4s 1 e & s s!i! !( de# !e#6'(&( m%)i#, S madre #e 5a27a dem(s!rad( 1 e se e1 i)(ca2a pidie&d( a G(2 1 e se ##e)ase e# i&a#4m2ric( ca##e a2a/( para i&!e&!ar ##amar a# !e#6'(&( de# &e$(ci( d(m6s!ic( de s madre, E##a rara )ez c(me!7a & err(r c(m( 6seD e# )ie/( #a 5a27a !ra!ad( 'a!a# d ra&!e sema&as, Pap4 ase&!7a para s7, HS p(&$( 1 e e# a&4#isis de !iemp(s p(dr7a de/ar c#aras m c5as c(sas, HS7, A# es! dia&!e medi( de i&s!i! !( se #e da& 2ie& !(d(s #(s aspec!(s de ese / e$(, HSi no la hubieses tratado de esa 2orma, podras estar preguntndoselo a >iri. E# a&cia&( apar!% #a )is!a pe&sa!i)(, UPre(c pad(V HUA#$ ie& !e es!4 m(#es!a&d( e& e# i&s!i! !(0 pap4V HLa idea #e de/a2a 2(1 ia2ier!(, R(2er! s(#!% &a de s s risi!as ma#6)(#as, HA#$ ie& intenta m(#es!arme, HVa+a, M iz4 de2er7as c(me&!4rse#( a #(s pr('es(res, P(dr7as e&se:ar#es ! re$is!r( Epi'a&7a de# i&cide&!e, Es & pr(2#ema c(& e# 1 e s e#e& e&c(&!rarse, N( 5 2( ' e$( de resp es!aD e# a&cia&( G se #imi!% a ase&!ir $ra)eme&!e,

HS6 1 e de2er7a, L( 5ar6, Per( es di'7ci#0 +a sa2es, + c(&sidera&d( ! !ra2a/(0 2ie&0 !" ##e)as a:(s e&'re&!4&d(!e a )ersi(&es de )ida ( m er!e de es!(s pr(2#emas0 U&( es as7V T" !e&dr4s &a resp es!a de e3per!(, Era #a primera )ez e& #a )ida 1 e s padre dec7a a#$( p(si!i)( s(2re s carrera, % ebe de ser una trampa) U& m(me&!( de si#e&ci( mie&!ras s padre a$ arda2a c(& pacie&cia apare&!e + e# 5i/( i&!e&!a2a pe&sar e& 1 6 decir, Fi&a#me&!e0 G(2 ri(, HVa#e0 per( &a resp es!a mi#i!ar ser7a e3cesi)a0 pap4, N ( p(r1 e seam(s m4s i&!e#i$e&!es 1 e mi# mi##(&es de ad(#esce&!es0 si&( p(r1 e c(&!r(#am(s e# E&!(r&( de Jard>are Se$ r(, E& e# '(&d(0 c(&!r(#am(s !(d( e# 5ard>are, H>enos a los 2abricantes personales ilegales !a los corruptores de hard=are. HE# !ip( c(& e# 1 e 5e 5a2#ad( se 5a descri!( c(r&( ? &a & 2e (m&iscie&!e de sa2id r7a@, UEs &a !r(#aV UC 4&!( p ede sa2er s(2re m7V HSi e# im26ci# es!4 disp es!( a )i(#ar & par de #e+es0 p ede desc 2rir m c5as c(sas, Pr(2a2#eme&!e i&c# s( ! 5is!(ria# m6dic(0 1 iz4s 5as!a #( 1 e 5a2#as!e c(& Reed Xe2er, E& c a&!( a espiar!e e& cada m(me&!(9 p ede )er!e e& #(s # $ares p"2#ic(s0 a &1 e es( depe&de de ! s (pci(&es p(r de'ec!( + #a de&sidad de #a c(2er! ra #(ca#, Si disp(&e de c%mp#ices ( z(m2is0 se e&!era de #( 1 e 5aces i&c# s( e& z(&as m er!as0 a &1 e &( p(dr7a reci2ir esa i&'(rmaci%& e& !iemp( rea#, HU_(m2isV HSis!emas c(rr p!(s, URec erdas c%m( era& #as c(sas c a&d( +( era &i:(V Casi !(d(s #(s pr(2#emas 1 e !e&7am(s e& #(s (rde&ad(res caser(s #(s !e&er&(s a5(ra e& #(s )es!i2#es, Si& e# EJS #a si! aci%& ser7a a2s(# !ame&!e i&!(#era2#e, HS padre perma&ec7a i&e3presi)(0 ( 1 iz4s es! )iese $(($#ea&d(H, N( !e pre(c pes0 pap4, E# ma!eria# de Epi'a&7a es !a& se$ r( c(r&( c%m(d( de )es!ir, Simp#eme&!e rec erda 1 e #(s dem4s &( s(& !a& de 'iar, R(2er! parec7a es!ar di$irie&d( #( 1 e #e 5a27a dic5( s 5i/(, HPer( U&( 5a+ (!ras p(si2i#idadesV P(r e/emp#(0 apara!i!(s 1 e & c5ic( !e p eda pe$ar, HQS7R L(s $am2err(s de 5(+ &( s(& m + di'ere&!es a c(m( era +(0 per( !ie&e& m4s '(rmas de p(r!arse ma#, HE# semes!re a&!eri(r 5a27a& sid( #as c4maras esp7a 1 e me!7a& 2a/( #as 'a#das, D ra&!e &a !emp(rada es(s cac5arr(s 5a27a& sid( &a i&'ecci%& mec4&ica m(#es!a, Miri es! )( ' ri(sa d ra&!e d7as + # e$( se (#)id% de# !er&a !a& de repe&!e 1 e G(2 s(spec5a2a 1 e 5a27a per!rec5ad( a#$ &a !erri2#e )e&$a&zaH, Es p(r es( 1 e siempre de2es e&!rar e& casa p(r #a p er!a de#a&!era, A##7 !e&em(s &a 2 e&a !rampa c(mercia# para 2ic5(s, T" + +( 5a2#a&d( a1 7 !e&em(s !a&!a i&!imidad c(m( se p ede !e&er c(& Epi'a&7aE Gie&0 U1 6 !e dice e3ac!ame&!e ese !ip(V T" es!4s !a& #e/(s de# m &d( esc(#ar 1 e &( ima$i&( 1 e !e p eda ac(sar c(& 63i!(, %1or ios, pap parece reacio a contrmelo) HN( es!(+ de# !(d( se$ r(, Cre( 1 e es s%#( #a &()a!ada a# c5ic( & e)(, HS(&ri%H, A &1 e e# c5ic( & e)( res #!e ser & carr(za, Gracias p(r #(s c(&se/(s0 5i/(,

HC a&d( 1 ieras, E# a&cia&( se ' e, G(2 #e si$ i% c(& #a mirada p(r e# pasi##( + esca#eras arri2a 5as!a #a i&!imidad de s c ar!(, Es!a2a c#ar( 1 e s padre era & 5(m2re c(& m c5as pre(c paci(&es, G(2 mir% 'i/ame&!e #a p er!a cerrada de# d(rmi!(ri(0 c(&sidera&d( #as i&)ersi(&es de si! aci%& 1 e !ra7a #a )ida + desea&d( 1 e 6# + A#ice ' ese& c(r&( (!ras pers(&as0 de #as 1 e esp7a& a #(s parie&!es 1 e depe&de& de e##as,

<] CUANDO LAS MET8FORAS SE JACEN REALIDAD D ra&!e #a si$ ie&!e sema&a R(2er! e)i!% #a UCSD s%#( para c(mpr(2ar si e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( reacci(&a2a de a#$ &a '(rma, Empeza2a a c(&'iar e& e# s( de Epi'a&7a0 a &1 e era p(si2#e 1 e /am4s a#ca&zase e# $rad( de 5a2i#idad de #(s &i:(s 1 e 5a27a& crecid( )is!ie&d(, Ii Iia&$ i2a m4s a!rasada0 pri&cipa#me&!e p(r1 e d da2a c(&s!a&!eme&!e de s7 misma, Se 5a27a &e$ad( a )es!ir d ra&!e !res d7as desp 6s de 1 e & $es!( err%&e( #a 5iciese caer e&E se &e$a2a a re)e#ar e& 1 60 per( R(2er! s(spec5a2a 1 e e& a#$ &a )is!a p(r&($r4'ica, E# #e&$ a/e de# pr(+ec!( G WOr(zc(0 a &1 e &( era p(es7a0 5a27a s perad( e# &i)e# de r id( e$re$i(, R(2er! se #( 5a27a pasad( s(rpre&de&!eme&!e 2ie& !ra2a/a&d( c(& e'ec!(s de )7de( + '# c! aci%& de red, Si a1 e# pr(+ec!( se 5 2iese prese&!ad( e& #a d6cada de #(s &()e&!a de# si$#( II 5a2r7a sid( c(&siderad( #a (2ra de & $e&i(0 !a# era #a p(!e&cia de #as 2i2#i(!ecas de !%pic(s + !r c(s )is a#es 1 e !e&7a& a s disp(sici%&, Raz(&a2#eme&!e0 O a& !em7a 1 e &( ' ese s 'icie&!e para C5 m#i$, HNecesi!am(s m4s e#eme&!(s a:adid(s ( &(s mac5acar4&, HG sc% e& G(($#e a#$ &(s i&s!i! !(s c(& pr($rama de m"sica ma& a#H, Es(s c5ic(s cree& 1 e es &a '(rma !r4$ica de / e$( Hdi/(, A# 'i&a#0 R(2er! c5ar#% c(& es! dia&!es de m"sica de Gas!a& + e# s r de C5i#eE #( s 'icie&!eme&!e a#e/ad(s c(m( para p(&er e& pr4c!ica s s ideas e& #a red, S5ari' 5a27a ) e#!( a C(r)a##is0 per( 5a27a& ma&!e&id( )arias e&!re)is!as m4s, A#$ &as de #as pre$ &!as de# !ip( era& m c5( m4s i&!e#i$e&!es de #( 1 e R(2er! 5a27a s p es!( 1 e ser7a& e& e# m(me&!( de c(&(cerse, Na)e$a2a m c5( p(r #a >e20 es! dia&d( s(2re se$ ridad +0 a )eces0 para )er 1 6 5a27a sid( de #a #i!era! ra, UM 6 se c(&sidera2a ar!e a5(ra 1 e #a per'ecci%& s per'icia# era p(si2#eV A50 #a #i!era! ra seria se$ 7a a##7, E& s ma+(r7a &( da2a di&er(0 i&c# s( c(& e# sis!ema de micr(pa$(s, Per( 5a27a 5(m2res + m /eres capaces de e&cade&ar pa#a2ras casi !a& 2ie& c(m( e# )ie/( R(2er!, %>alditos sean) E# E3!ra:( se$ 7a $ arda&d( si#e&ci(, O 5a27a perdid( e# i&!er6s ( c(mpre&d7a e# p(der 1 e !e&7a s(2re R(2er!, Es 2cil ganar cuando tu vctima est desesperada. Ja27a pasad( m c5( !iemp( desde #a "#!ima )ez 1 e R(2er! G 5a27a perdid( e& & c(m2a!e de miradasE per( & s42ad( se sa#!% #a sesi%& c(& O a& + !(m% & c(c5e a #a UCSD, S5ari' se prese&!% de cami&(,

HGracias p(r acep!ar mi ##amada0 pr('es(r G , HLa ima$e& se se&!% e& e# asie&!( de# c(c5e0 c(& par!e de# !raser( 5 &did( e& e# ac(#c5ad(H, #!imame&!e 5a sid( di'7ci# c(&!ac!ar c(& s!ed, HMe pareci% 1 e e# / e)es c 2rim(s m c5( !erre&(, S5ari' p s( cara de d(#(r, R(2er! a#z% &a ce/a, HUTe 1 e/asV HQE& a2s(# !(0 e& a2s(# !(R Per( )er40 se:(r0 es p(si2#e 1 e 1 iz4 +( 5a+a permi!id( 1 e mi )es!i2#e se c(rr(mpiese, Es p(si2#e 1 e es!6 s(me!id( a cier!( $rad( deE sec es!r(, R(2er! pe&s% e& s s #ec! ras recie&!es, HEs( es c(r&( es!ar & p(1 i!( em2arazada0 U&(V La ima$e& de S5ari' se 5 &di% a"& m4s e& e# asie&!(, HE'ec!i)ame&!e0 se:(r, C(mpre&d( #( 1 e 1 iere decir, Per(0 'ra&came&!e0 e& (casi(&es mis sis!emas s 're& & cier!( $rad( de c(rr pci%&, Ap es!( a 1 e #es pasa a #a ma+(r7a de #(s s ari(s, Cre7a 1 e se !ra!a2a de &a si! aci%& 1 e p(d7a as mir0 per( #as c(sas 5a& ##e$ad( a & p &!( e& e# 1 eE 2ie&0 )er40 &( #e e&!re)is!6 e# / e)es, E& a2s(# !(, HA5, HAs7 1 e e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( sa27a &adar + $ ardar #a r(pa9 #e $(#pea2a c(& e# si#e&ci( mie&!ras sim #!4&eame&!e i&!erpre!a2a a (!r( pers(&a/e, S5ari' esper% & m(me&!( a 1 e R(2er! di/ese a#$( m4s + # e$( se des5iz( e& r e$(s, HP(r 'a)(r0 pr('es(r0 Qdese( de c(raz%& c(&!i& ar c(& es!as e&!re)is!asR A5(ra 1 e s6 1 e 5a+ & pr(2#ema0 p(dem(s res(#)er#( c(& 'aci#idad, Le r e$( 1 e &( me de/e e& #a ca##e, HP(dr7as #impiar ! sis!ema, HGie&0 s7, E& !e(r7a, E& &a (casi%& #( ! )e 1 e 5acer c a&d( es! dia2a, De a#$ &a '(rma aca26 c(&)er!id( e& e# z(m2i de &a c(&spiraci%& para c(piar e& #(s e34me&es, N( ' e c #pa m7a0 per( #a U&i)ersidad de Ca#c !a me (2#i$% a 're7r !(da mi r(pa, HA#z% #as ma&(s e& &a p#e$aria c(& #as pa#mas a2ier!asH, N &ca se me 5a& dad( 2ie& #as c(pias de se$ ridadD #a de2ac#e me c(s!% m4s de & semes!re de es! di( para #($rar #a #ice&cia! ra, P(r 'a)(r0 &( me (2#i$ e a 5acer#( (!ra )ez, A5(ra ser7a !(da)7a pe(r, R(2er! mir% e# !r4'ic(, E# c(c5e 5a27a e&!rad( e& #a A !(pis!a ]Z + se diri$7a 5acia #a c(s!a, De#a&!e se e&c(&!ra2a e# primer( de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s, M iz4s e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( !am2i6& es! )iese a##7, E& c(mparaci%&0 S5ari' era &a ma$&i! d c(&(cida, V(#)i% a mirar a# /()e& + di/( c(& ama2i#idad9 HVa#e0 se:(r S5ari', Si$ e e& ! es!ad( #i$erame&!e c(rr p!(, HLe ##e$% & rec erd( de# pasad(0 de #(s !6c&ic(s i&'(rm4!ic(s de S!a&'(rd repi!i6&d(#e 1 e de27a ma&!e&er ac! a#izad( e# a&!i)ir sH, Simp#eme&!e &(s e#e)arem(s p(r e&cima de ese )a&da#ism( me&(r, HQAs7 ser40 se:(rR M c5as $racias, HS5ari' 5iz( &a pa sa0 !reme&dame&!e a#i)iad(H( + sie&!( m4s dese(s 1 e & &ca de se$ ir ade#a&!e, P(r a1 7 !e&$(

&a pre$ &!a, HVaci#aci%& + &a mirada )ac7a a# cam2iar me&!a#me&!e de marc5aH, A50 s7, UJa a)a&zad( c(& #a re)isi%& de Secretos de las edadesV HN( Hresp(&di% R(2er! c(& demasiada 2r s1 edad, Per( era e# !ip( de pre$ &!as 1 e ca27a esperar de# )erdader( _ #'i S5ari', R(2er! s a)iz% #a resp es!a c(& a#$ &as )erdades a mediasH9 T(da)7a me e&c e&!r( e& #a 'ase de p#a&i'icaci%&, HSe #a&z% a &a #ar$a dis1 isici%& e3p#ica&d( 1 e0 a pesar de 1 e #a p(es7a de G era escasa0 s creaci%& re1 er7a i&'i&i!a p#a&i'icaci%&, A&!a:( +a dec7a c(sas as70 per( & &ca #( 5a27a e3a$erad( de !a# '(rma, S5ari' se #( !ra$% e&!er(, @As7 1 e d ra&!e #as pr%3imas sema&as )(+ a )isi!ar a mis )ie/(s ami$(sE +a sa2es0 e& #a 2i2#i(!eca0 #( 1 e me permi!ir4 e&!e&der me/(r #a $ra)e si! aci%& de #a0 e50 era )e&cida, Es!4s i&)i!ad(, S7 (2ser)as c(& a!e&ci%&0 p(dr7as apre&der de!a##es de c%m( !ra2a/( + p(s!eri(rme&!e es!ar6 e&ca&!ad( de re)isar ! s c(&c# si(&es, E# /()e& asi&!i% a&si(s(, HMara)i##(s(, QGraciasR Era as(m2r(sa #a em(ci%& de !e&er a alguien 1 e #e respe!ase0 a &1 e se !ra!ase de #a c#ase de pers(&a si& !a#e&!( de #a 1 e se 5a27a ais#ad( d ra&!e !(da #a )ida, As es como debi+ de hacerlo el pobre ?innie, usando palabras grandilocuentes ! pomposidad para enga/ar a los ,ue tenan menos talento. R(2er! apar!% #a )is!a de #a ima$e& de S5ari' e i&!e&!% e)i!ar 1 e s s #a2i(s '(rmase& &a s(&risa de depredad(r, Y cuando Shari2 se vuelva ms listo, sabr" ,ue es el E#tra/o. A1 e# d7a &( 5a27a ma&i'es!a&!es 're&!e a #a 2i2#i(!eca0 per(0 s(rpresa0 5a27a m c5(s es! dia&!es e& pers(&a, Era e&!er&eced(r0 c(m( s s rec erd(s de a:(s pasad(s0 c(& #a 2i2#i(!eca e& e# ce&!r( de #a )ida i&!e#ec! a# de #a &i)ersidad, UM 6 de 2 e&( 5a27a pasad( e& #a "#!ima sema&aV Y# + e# S5ari' )ir! a# cr zar(& #as p er!as de )idri( + !(r&ar(& e# asce&s(r a# se3!( pis(, R(2er! &( )e7a e# i&!eri(r de# edi'ici(0 a pesar de s s & e)as 5a2i#idades de acces(, 9ale, bus,uemos noticias recientes- per( para e&!(&ces +a es!a2a& e& e# 1 i&!( pis(, Le&a HS O a&0 Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS QE5R QJe perdid( #a )is!aRTWmsS O a& HS Le&a0 Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS J(+ e# se3!( pis( es!4 cerrad( a #as 2"s1 edas p"2#icas,TWmsS Miri HS O a&0 Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS M iz4 simp#eme&!e #e pida a R(2er! 1 e redirecci(&e,TWmsS S5ari' se !ra&s'(rm% e& &a masa r(/iza # mi&isce&!e, HYa &( )e( &ada Hdi/(H( Y ap es!( a 1 e s%#( #e (i$( a s!ed, R(2er! )aci#% para # e$( a$i!ar permis(s e& direcci%& a S5ari', 9eamos ,u" opina el concilibulo de todo esto. Xi&&ie + Car#(s Ri)era es!a2a& se&!ad(s / &!( a #a cris!a#era, T(mmie perma&ec7a i&c#i&ad( s(2re e# p(r!4!i#, HQNi 5(0 pr('es(r G R Hdi/( Ri)eraH, Gracias p(r )e&ir, T(mmie #e)a&!% #a )is!a,

HPer( &( es!(+ se$ r( de 1 e 1 eram(s a ! ami$ i!(, S5ari' reci2i% & ap(+( i&esperad(, Xi&s!(& G#( &! di/(9 H T(mmie0 cre( 1 e S5ari' p(dr7a ser&as "!i#, T(mmie ca2ece%, HYa &(, A5(ra 1 e #a UCSD 5a sid( !r(ceadaE HUM 6V HL(s es!a&!es se$ 7a& rep#e!(s de #i2r(s, R(2er! di( & pas( a!r4s + pas% #a ma&( p(r #(s #(m(sH, A m7 me parece& m + rea#esHdi/(, HUN( 5as )is!( #a pr(pa$a&da e& #(s pis(s de a2a/(V HN(, Je s 2id( e& asce&s(r + p(r a5(ra &( se me da 2ie& )er a !ra)6s de #as paredes, T(mmie se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, HN(s e&c(&!ram(s e& e# "#!im( pis( si& !r(cear, C(m( s p(&7am(s0 #a admi&is!raci%& simp#eme&!e espera2a a 1 e se ca#mase e# /a#e(, L e$(0 &a &(c5e0 ##e$ar(& c(& !r(cead( ras adici(&a#es, Ja27a& aca2ad( c(& d(s pis(s a&!es de 1 e &(s di6sem(s c e&!a, HQMa#di!a seaR HR(2er! se ac(m(d% e& &a si##aH UM 6 se&!id( !ie&e se$ ir pr(!es!a&d(V Xi&&ie di/(9 HEs cier!( 1 e &( p(dem(s sa#)ar #a UCSD, De 5ec5(0 es(s as! !(s 5i/(s de p !a 5a& !er$i)ersad( #as c(sas de '(rma 1 e e# Pr(+ec!( Gi2#i(!(ma es m4s p(p #ar e&!re #(s es! dia&!es 1 e a&!es, Per(0 5as!a a5(ra0 #a UCSD es #a "&ica 2i2#i(!eca 1 e 5a sid( !r(ceada, Ri)era pas% a# ma&dar7&, HD a0 d&s5a !me& 3+( 5 a di( 1 7!de !"s5*$ &0 +a&&>iE HVaci#%0 apare&!eme&!e &(!a&d( #as miradas de i&c(mpre&si%&H L( sie&!(, M er7a decir 1 e !(da)7a &ecesi!a& des!r ir (!ras 2i2#i(!ecas, Para #as c(mpr(2aci(&es cr zadas, La red cci%& de da:(s + e# ree&sam2#ad( )ir! a# ser4& pr(+ec!(s c(&sec !i)(s0 !e&die&d( ?asi&!%!icame&!e 5acia #a repr(d cci%& per'ec!a@, R(2er! se di( c e&!a de 1 e T(mmie ParFer #e mira2a c(& &a #i$era s(&risa e& e# r(s!r(, HUTie&es & p#a&V HN( )(+ a decir &ada mie&!ras S5ari' si$a a1 7, Xi&&ie s spir%, HVa#e0 T(mmie, Ade#a&!e0 ap4$a#e, E# resp#a&d(r r(sad( de S5ari' se desp#az% & p(c( 5acia #(s es!a&!es, HN( 5a+ pr(2#ema, N( 1 ier( ser &a m(#esE HE# resp#a&d(r desapareci%, T(mmie a#z% #a )is!a de# p(r!4!i#, HSe 5a id(, Y 5e c(&)er!id( e# se3!( pis( e& z(&a m er!a, HI&dic% e# LED de# 2(rde de# p(r!4!i# de aspec!( a&!i$ (, R(2er! rec(rd% #( 1 e G(2 #e 5a27a dic5(, HUI&c# s( para e# 5ard>are de Se$ ridad I&!eri(rV HN( #( )a+as c(&!a&d( p(r a570 R(2er!, HT(c% e# (rde&ad(rH, E& e# i&!eri(r0 $e& i&( 5ard>are para$ a+(0 e&)iad( / s!( a&!es de 1 e cerrase& #(s !a##eres

de a##4 a2a/(, HLes dedic% &a s(&risa ' $azH, A5(ra es!am(s s(#(s0 a me&(s 1 e &( de )(s(!r(s ##e)e #(s ca#z(&ci##(s s ci(s, G#( &! mir% direc!ame&!e a R(2er!, HO a me&(s 1 e &( de &(s(!r(s sea & c5i)a!(, R(2er! s spir%, HN( es!am(s e& S!a&'(rd0 Xi&s!(&, HPer( U+ si e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( era e& rea#idad & p(#ic7aV De2er7a 5a2er#( pe&sad( a&!es, Descar!% #a ideaH, Gie&0 Uc 4# es ! p#a&V HHJem(s es!ad( #e+e&d( 8he Economist Hdi/( Ri)eraH, J er!as I&er&a!i(&a# se e&c e&!ra e& &a si! aci%& 'i&a&ciera m + de#icada, L(s re!ras(s e& #a UCSD p(dr7a& (2#i$ar#e a deses!imar !(d( e# pr(+ec!(, HMir% a R(2er! a !ra)6s de #as $r esas $a'as, Se )e7a 1 e e& #as #e&!es aparec7a& + desaparec7a& im4$e&es, HUA pesar de 1 e +a casi #( 5a& !r(cead( !(d(V HD a, HE# /()e& se i&c#i&% 5acia de#a&!e0 + e& s camise!a apareci% & !(rre&!e de caras pre(c padasH, La c(sa es as7, E# Pr(+ec!( Gi2#i(!(ma &( c(&sis!e s%#( e& #a cap! ra e& )7de( de #i2r(s a&!eri(res a# & e)( mi#e&i(, N( es s%#( #a di$i!a#izaci%&, Va m4s a##4 de G(($#e + c(mpa:7a, J er!as !ie&e #a i&!e&ci%& de / &!ar !(d( e# c(&(cimie&!( c#4sic( e& &a "&ica 2ase de da!(s (2/e!(si! aci(&a#0 c(& &a es!r c! ra de pa$(s !ra&spare&!e, UGase de da!(s (2/e!(si! aci(&a#V Es( 1 eda2a m4s a##4 de# recie&!e e&capric5amie&!( p(r #a !ec&(#($7a de R(2er!, Mir% p(r e&cima de #a ca2eza de Ri)era0 i&!e&!a&d( 2 scar e# !6rmi&( adec ad(, N( reci27a &ada, La z(&a m er!a de T(mmie0 c#ar(, Ri)era i&!erpre!% #a mirada c(m( i&cred #idad, HRea#me&!e #a ca&!idad de da!(s &( es !a& $ra&de0 d(c!(r G , U&(s p(c(s pe!a2+!es, L( imp(r!a&!e es 1 e s(& m + 5e!er($6&e(s c(mparad(s c(& c(&/ &!(s de da!(s de simi#ar !ama:( e& (!r(s camp(s, HP(r s p es!(, UAd%&de 1 ieres ##e$arV HC(& e# ra2i##( de# (/( )i( 1 e e& #a cara de Xi&&ie aparec7a &a s(&risa, Sa27a 1 e R(2er! es!a2a 'i&$ie&d( sa2er m4s de #( 1 e rea#me&!e sa27a, HP(r !a&!( Ha:adi% Ri)eraH0 #a c(#ecci%& J er!as c(&!e&dr7a casi !(d( e# c(&(cimie&!( 5 ma&( 5as!a 5ar4 &(s )ei&!e a:(s, T(d( c(rre#aci(&ad( + c(&ec!ad(, Ysa es #a raz%& para 1 e J er!as pa$ e a# es!ad( de Ca#i'(r&ia p(r permi!ir#e c(me!er es!a a!r(cidad, I&c# s( #a primera c(mpi#aci%& i&icia# p(dr7a ser &a mi&a de (r(, Desde e# c(mie&z( de# pr(+ec!(0 5ace seis sema&as0 J er!as I&!er&a!i(&a# !ie&e seis meses de m(&(p(#i( s(2re e# Gi2#i(!(ma 1 e es!4 crea&d(, Es( s(& seis meses c(& acces( e3c# si)( a #a )erdadera c(mpre&si%& de# pasad(, U& rec rs( as7 p(dr7a resp(&der dece&as de pre$ &!as9 U1 i6& aca2% rea#me&!e c(& #a I&!i'adaV UM i6& es!4 de!r4s de #as 'a#si'icaci(&es de ar!e de L(&dresV UAd%&de i2a rea#me&!e e# di&er( de# pe!r%#e( a 'i&a#es de# si$#( pasad(V A#$ &as resp es!as s%#( !e&dr4& i&!er6s para s(ciedades 5is!%ricas p(c( c(&(cidas, Per( a#$ &as )a#dr4& m c5a pas!a, Y J er!as !e&dr4 d ra&!e seis meses acces( e3c# si)( a ese (r4c #(,

HPer( primer( de2e c(m2i&ar #(s da!(s Hdi/( Xi&&ieH, Si J er!as pierde a#$ &as sema&as0 5a2r4 cie&!(s de (r$a&izaci(&es 1 e decidir4& 1 e es me/(r esperar a 1 e e# m(&(p(#i( aca2e0 m(me&!( e& 1 e p(dr4& (2!e&er $ra! i!ame&!e &a resp es!a m c5( m4s c(mp#e!a, Pe(r a"&, I&'(rm4$ica C5i&a !ie&e $r p(s e& e# M se( Gri!4&ic( + #a Gi2#i(!eca Gri!4&ica 1 e emp#ea& & e1 ip( m c5( me/(r 1 e e# de J er!as, L(s 2ri!4&ic(s 5a& dem(s!rad( !e&er m4s se&!id( c(m"& 1 e #a UCSD0 per( es!4 pre)is!( 1 e s di$i!a#izaci%& c(mie&ce e& c a#1 ier m(me&!(, Si J er!as se re!rasa m4s0 6# + #(s c5i&(s se e&c(&!rar4& e&'rascad(s e& &a 2a!a##a p(r e# preci( de dar #(s primer(s )is!az(s, HQU&a espira# m(r!a# !7picaR HLa di)ersi%& de T(mmie &( es!a2a e3e&!a de ma#icia, Siempre se 5a27a se&!id( 'asci&ad( p(r e# desm(r(&amie&!( de #(s sis!emas, R(2er! rec(rda2a 1 e0 e& #(s i&ce&di(s '(res!a#es de <K=;0 e# T(mmie ad(#esce&!e se e&c(&!ra2a s(2re e# !erre&(0 a+ da&d( c(& #as c(m &icaci(&esE per( !am2i6& dis'r !a&d( de !(d(s #(s mi& !(s de# desas!re, HGie&0 e5E ;31or ,u" el E#tra/o me ,uiere en2rascado en esto4 G#( &! ri(, HUC(&' &did(0 R(2er!V E& S!a&'(rd0 Xi&&ie /am4s se 5a2r7a a!re)id( a #a&zar#e &a p ##a !a& direc!a0 a# me&(s &( a par!ir de# se$ &d( a:(, Per( e& a1 e# m(me&!( #as resp es!as 1 e se #e (c rr7a& a R(2e& &( era& m4s 1 e sarcasm(s de ad(#esce&!e, As7 1 e se #imi!% a decir9 HS70 si$( a (sc ras, G#( &! )aci#%0 presi&!ie&d( &a de #as )ie/as !rampas de R(2e&, HE& res me&9 es!am(s 5a2#a&d( de ca sar & da:( seri( a J er!as + a# Pr(+ec!( Gi2#i(!(ma, Jem(s pasad( e# #7mi!e de #(s rec rs(s #e$a#es0 as7 1 e c a#1 ier acci%& 1 e !e&$a c(m( i&!e&ci%& re!rasar a# e&emi$( ser4 crimi&a# UL( e&!ie&desV HS7, E& rea#idad es!am(s c(&spira&d(, Ri)era asi&!i%, HL( 1 e +a es & de#i!( e& s7 mism(, T(mmie ri(, HUY 1 6V QAca2( de s 2)er!ir #a capa de# DSIR Es( es me!erse c(& #a se$ ridad &aci(&a#, HQN( me imp(r!a si es!am(s 5a2#a&d( de a#!a !raici%&R Hdi/( R(2er!, Si puedo recuperar la msica- H, Es decir0 +a sa26is 1 e am( #(s #i2r(s, L(s (!r(s asi&!ier(&, HP(r !a&!(0 Uc 4# es e# p#a&V G#( &! #e 5iz( & $es!( a T(mmie, E# 5(m2reci!( di/(9 HURec erdas & es!r(s pase(s 2a/( !ierraV HUE& #(s se!e&!aV S70 era& di)er!id(s, Di)er!id(s si &( s 're da:(s cere2ra#es, T(mmie s(&ri% a"& m4s, HUMe es!4s dicie&d( 1 e #(s !"&e#es de ma&!e&imie&!( si$ e& s4&d(seV

HS7, E& #(s a:(s &()e&!a esa '(rma de c(&s!r ir pas% de m(da, Ja27a m c5(s edi'ici(s & e)(s 1 e &( es!a2a& c(&ec!ad(s, Per( a pri&cipi(s de si$#( #a $e&!e 1 er7a c(m &icaci(&es de a#!a )e#(cidad, + #a $e&!e de 2i(cie&cias 1 er7a e# !ra&sp(r!e a !(ma!izad( de m es!ras, Te&7a& m c5a pas!a, HY 5(+ e& d7a !ie&e& !(da)7a m4s Hdi/( Car#(s, T(mmie asi&!i%, HNada de #4seres de i&'rarr(/( cerca&( para e##(s, M iere& 3#aser + ma!eria# $raser0 2i##(&es de c(#(res p(r cami&( + 2i##(&es de cami&(s, J(+ e& d7a0 #a red de ?!"&e#es de ma&!e&imie&!(@ &( es para #a e#ec!ricidad + #a ca#e'acci%&, A5(ra 5a+ ramas 1 e se e3!ie&de& 2a/( T(rre+ Pi&es 5as!a Scripps + Sa#F, Je (7d( 1 e p edes i&!er&ar!e & p(c( 2a/( e# (c6a&(0 a &1 e &adie sa2e 1 6 5ace& a##7, Jacia e# es!e0 ##e$as a !(d(s #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de 2i(!ec&(#($7a, De pr(&!(0 R(2er! c(mpre&di% p(r 1 6 e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( es!a2a !a& i&!eresad( e& e# C(&ci#i42 #( de A&cia&(s, E& )(z a#!a di/(9 HUM 6 !ie&e es!( 1 e )er c(& e# pr(+ec!( Gi2#i(!(ma0 T(mmieV HQA5R Gie&0 +a sa2es 1 e Ma3 J er!as #($r% s '(r! &a c(& #a 2i(!ec&(#($7a, Es pr(pie!ari( de a#$ &(s de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s m4s $ra&des de N(r!eam6ricaE i&c# id( &( si! ad( a &(s cie&!(s de me!r(s a# (es!e de a1 7, Para 6# ' e '4ci# m(di'icar s s('!>are $e&%mic( para dar ser)ici( a Gi2#i(!(ma, P(r !a&!(0 a#mace&a e# !r(cead( e& c4maras 2a/( e# #ad( &(r!e de# camp s, HUYV HQY !(da)7a &( 5a acabado de sar#(R E# !r(cead( #e 5a ('recid( im4$e&es de s(2ra0 per( #a c(2er! ra &( es c(mp#e!a, Tie&e 1 e esca&ear + )(#)er a esca&ear a1 e##( c(& #( 1 e 5 2( pr(2#emas e& #a primera pasada, Gie&0 si &( ! )iese ese #7mi!e !emp(ra#0 s me/(r (pci%& ser7a esperar a des!r(zar #a si$ ie&!e 2i2#i(!eca desdic5ada + sar ese ma!eria# para &a c(mpr(2aci%& cr zada0 per( !ie&e prisa, HE# a#mace&amie&!( !am2i6& '(rma par!e de #a pr(pa$a&da de J er!as Hdi/( Xi&&ieH, C a&d( 5a+a& !ermi&ad( c(& #(s esca&ead(s0 e# !r(cead( se ?c(&ser)ar4 se$ r( e& #as 2%)edas J er!as0 para 2e&e'ici( de #(s ar1 e%#($(s de $e&eraci(&es ' ! ras@, QA#$ &(s pr('es(res de #a &i)ersidad se #( !ra$ar(&R HGie& Hdi/( Ri)eraH0 !ie&e cier!a par!e de )erdad, E# pape# d rar4 m c5( m4s e& &i!r%$e&( 'r7( 1 e e& #(s es!a&!es de &a 2i2#i(!eca, Xi&&ie a$i!% #a ma&( para rec5azar #a idea, HL( imp(r!a&!e es 1 e J er!as 5a des!r id( #(s #i2r(s + 1 e )a a des!r ir m4s 2i2#i(!ecas si &( #e de!e&em(s, E# p#a& esE HMir% a s a#reded(r + pareci% darse c e&!a de 1 e es!a2a a# 2(rde de pasar &a !emp(rada e& prisi%&H, N es!r( p#a& es e&!rar p(r #(s !"&e#es + ##e$ar 5as!a d(&de J er!as a#mace&a e# !r(cead(, T(mmie 5a pe&sad( e& &a '(rma de 5acer 1 e sea i#e$i2#e, HUM 6V UVais a pr(!es!ar p(r #a des!r cci%& de #a 2i2#i(!eca des!r +e&d( #( 1 e 1 edaV

HQS%#( !emp(ra#me&!eRHdi/( T(mmieH, Je e&c(&!rad( &a c(#a i&cre72#e e& aer(s(#, La sam(s + e# !r(cead( ser4 c(m( & e&(rme !a2#er( pre&sad(, Per( !ras &(s meses #a c(#a se s 2#imar4 p(r s7 s(#a, Ri)era ase&!7a, HP(r !a&!(0 &( es!am(s empe(ra&d( #a si! aci%&, Y( &( es!ar7a a1 7 si pe&sase 1 e 72am(s a des!r ir #( 1 e 1 eda de #(s #i2r(s, E# p#a& de J er!as es &a 2r !a#idad i&&ecesaria p(r1 e 1 iere 5acer de $(#pe #( 1 e ser7a i$ a# de e'ec!i)( 5acer despaci(, M iz4 p(dam(s re!rasar#e #( s 'icie&!e para 1 e #(s di$i!a#izad(res ami$(s de #(s #i2r(s p eda& p(&erse a s a#! raE + &( se des!r +a& m4s 2i2#i(!ecas, HS camise!a 5ac7a p 2#icidad de #a As(ciaci%& America&a de Gi2#i(!ecas, R(2er! se ec5% a!r4s + 'i&$i% re'#e3i(&ar s(2re #( 1 e #e 5a27a& dic5(, HUDices 1 e #(s c5i&(s es!4& a p &!( de !r(cear #a Gi2#i(!eca Gri!4&icaV Ri)era s spir%, HS70 + !am2i6& )a& a car$arse e# m se(, Per( #a UE 2 sca &a e3c sa para de!e&er#(s, Si 5acer&(s 1 e J er!as 1 ede ma#E HC(mpre&d( Hdi/( R(2er! / ici(same&!e, E)i!% #(s (/(s de Xi&&ie, G#( &! +a s(spec5a2a #( s 'icie&!e de 6#H, Va#e, E# p#a& &( parece m + s%#id(E per( s p(&$( 1 e es me/(r 1 e &ada, Me ap &!(, U&a s(&risa i# mi&% e# r(s!r( de T(mmie, HQE50 R(2er!R A# 'i& R(2er! mir( a Xi&s!(& G#( &!, HA5(ra #a pe$ &!a es9 Upara 1 6 me 1 er6is a m7V G#( &! 5iz( &a m eca, HO!r( par de ma&(s, A#$ &(s recad(sE T(mmie p s( #(s (/(s e& 2#a&c(, HE# 5ec5( es 1 e &i si1 iera 5a2r7a s(:ad( 5acer#( a&!es de 1 e aparecieses, HUY(V UP(r 1 6V HOa, Pie&sa e& e# p#a&9 me!erse e& #(s !"&e#es de ma&!e&imie&!(0 rec(rrer &a 2 e&a dis!a&cia para e&!rar e& &( de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s me/(r pr(!e$id(s de# p#a&e!a, Ap es!( a 1 e +( ser7a capaz de c(&se$ ir e&!rar, Per( Up(dr7a a!ra)esar #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s si& ser de!ec!ad(V Ni de c(:a, Es( s%#( pasa2a e& Star 8re(, d(&de e# ?sis!ema de )e&!i#aci%&@ !e&7a c(m( pr(p%si!( pri&cipa# e# desarr(##( de #as !ramas m4s idi(!as, Es!ar&(s e& e# m &d( rea#E + #(s e&car$ad(s de se$ ridad de# m &d( rea# !am2i6& sa2e& d%&de es!4& #(s !"&e#es, HSi$( si& !e&er resp es!a, UP(r 1 6 +(V HUM 6V O5, QA es( )(+R Desp 6s de 1 e & es!ra !4c!ica de pr(!es!a 'racasase0 me p se a i&)es!i$ar, H T(mmie acarici% e# p(r!4!i#H, Gr p(s de &(!icias0 c5a!s0 m(!(res de 2"s1 edaE L( s6 !(d(0 i&c# s( a#$( deme&cia# 1 e se parece m4s a & sis!ema de ap es!as (&#i&e 1 e a c a#1 ier (!ra c(sa, M iz4 #( m4s c(mp#icad( ' e 5acer#( si& a#er!ar a #(s 'edera#es, Es( me re!ras%0 per( 'i&a#me&!e #($r6 &a ima$e& 2as!a&!e 2 e&a de #a se$ ridad de# #a2(ra!(ri(, Es

#( 1 e ca2e esperar de &a i&s!a#aci%& imp(r!a&!e para #a se$ ridad &aci(&a#, Ma!eria# 2 e&(0 per( p(c( e'icaz, Es & sis!ema (rie&!ad( a c#a)es + s ari(s0 e& s ma+(r7a a !(m4!ic(, E# aspec!( i&!r7&sec( es 2i(m6!rica es!4&darE de cier!(s ('icia#es de# ser)ici( de pr(!ecci%& de #(s Es!ad(s U&id(s, Adi)i&a a 1 i6& c(&(cem(s 1 e aparece e& #a #is!a de acces(, HMi 5i/(, HN( e3ac!ame&!e, T & era, A#ice, HEs( es rid7c #(, Es e3per!a e& as &!(s asi4!ic(s, ;*uando no est loca de atar, L e$( pe&s% e& e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(H, T(d( es!( es demasiad( '4ci#, Xi&&ie, HUDesde c 4&d( eres e3per!( e& se$ ridad0 R(2er!V ebera mantener la boca cerrada. %9an en la direcci+n ,ue me conviene) Per( 5a27a perdid( s )ie/a capacidad para #as ma&i(2ras )er2a#es + a)a&z% a !r(mpic(&es9 HI&'(rmaci%& c(m( 6sa &( aparece e& &a 2"s1 eda de G(($#e, T(mmie ca2ece% mir4&d(#( c(& !ris!eza, HE# m &d( 5a cam2iad(0 R(2er!, J(+ e& d7a0 p ed( (2!e&er resp es!as p(r m6!(d(s imp(si2#es 5ace )ei&!e a:(s, Cie&!(s de mi#es de pers(&as de !(d( e# m &d( c(#a2(rar(& e& mi 2"s1 eda0 cada &a ce&!r4&d(se e& &a par!e pe1 e:i!a 1 e &i&$ &a rec(&(ci%, E# ma+(r ries$( es 1 e mis res #!ad(s sea& 'a#s(s, J(+ e& d7a $(2ier&a #a desi&'(rmaci%&, I&c# s( c a&d( #as me&!iras &( s(& de#i2eradas0 a57 ' era 5a+ )ari(s $r p(s de 'a&!as7a i&!e&!a&d( d(2#e$ar #a rea#idad se$"& e# "#!im( / e$( de a)e&! ra a# 1 e es!6& e&$a&c5ad(s, Per( si &(s es!4& e&$a:a&d( c(& es!(0 &( se !ra!a de & e&$a:( &(rma#, Ja+ de!a##es + c(rr(2(raci(&es pr()e&ie&!es de m"#!ip#es ' e&!es i&depe&die&!es, HO5, HR(2er! #($r% parecer impresi(&ad(, L( cier!( era 1 e #( es!a2a, M iz4s e# E3!ra:( p diese c mp#ir s par!e de# !ra!(, Ja2#ar(& media 5(ra m4s0 per( &( se di/( &ada espec7'ic( s(2re #a !raici%& 1 e espera2a& de R(2er!, T(mmie !e&7a (!ras !areas para e##(s, Precisa2a& a#$ &as c#a)es de #a &i)ersidad + 'a#si'icar a#$ &as )(ces, La e&!rada a# !"&e# de ma&!e&imie&!( es!a2a !apada c(& ceme&!(, N( !e&7a #a e&!rada e& #a p#a&!a 2a/a c(m( ci&c e&!a a:(s a&!es0 c a&d( se es!a2a c(&s!r +e&d(, Y 5a27a & pr(2#ema c(& #a ?c(#a e& aer(s(#@ de T(mmie, HULa c(#aV H T(mmie parec7a & p(c( a)er$(&zad(H T(da)7a &( e3is!e, Per( es!4 casi i&)e&!ada, HT(mmie 5a27a prese&!ad( #a idea e& & '(r( s(2re /ardi&er7a (r&ame&!a#0 1 e p s( e& c(&!ac!( c(& a#$ &(s i&)ers(res, E& a1 e##(s m(me&!(s #a S(ciedad de Ar2 s!(s Or&ame&!a#es de Oap%& !ra2a/a2a c(& &(s 2i%#($(s ar$e&!i&(s para crear #a '(rma de'i&i!i)a de# aer(s(#, E# pr(d c!( ser7a &a rea#idad a# ca2( de me&(s de d(s sema&as, Se prese&!ar7a p(r primera )ez e& #a e3p(sici%& de '#(ra# de T(Fi(, T(mmie reci2ir7a p(c(

desp 6s & #i!r( de# pr(d c!( p(r UPWE3, R(2er! #( mira2a i&cr6d #(H, E50 e& es( c(&sis!e ser & 5acFer 5(+ e& d7a, Era& m4s de #as !res de #a !arde, La s(m2ra de #a 2i2#i(!eca se 5a27a a#ar$ad( + 2a:a2a #(s edi'ici(s cerca&(s, L(s c a!r( c(&spirad(res 5a27a& aca2ad( p(r a1 e# d7a, T(mmie se p s( e& pie, HQP(dem(s 5acer#(R Es i&c# s( p(si2#e 1 e &( &(s pi##e&, Per(0 si &(s pi##a&0 U1 6 m4s daV Ser4 c(m( a&!a:(, Car#(s Ri)era se p s( e& pie m4s despaci(, HY &( es 1 e es!em(s ca sa&d( da:( a#$ &(, T(mmie se ##e)% & ded( a #(s #a2i(s, HCa2a##er(s0 )(+ a re!irar #a z(&a m er!a, HTec#e% e& e# p(r!4!i# + e# LED de #a carcasa se apa$%, G ardar(& si#e&ci( & m(me&!(0 i&!e&!a&d( e&c(&!rar a#$( se$ r( 1 e decir, HA50 )a#e, HRi)era mir% a R(2er!H, UTe $ s!ar7a )er #( 1 e 5em(sE #( 1 e #a 2i2#i(!eca 5a 5ec5( c(& #(s es!a&!es )ac7(sV HUTe re'ieres a #( 1 e T(mmie de'i&i% c(m( pr(pa$a&daV Ri)era s(&ri%, HS70 per( e& cier!a '(rma es 5erm(s(, De 5a2erse rea#izad( !ras &a di$i!a#izaci%& 2e&i$&a0 me e&ca&!ar7a si& reser)as, L(s $ i%0 de/a&d( a!r4s #(s asce&s(res, HLa e&!ra2a de #a esca#era es #a 1 e !ie&e me/(r a!m%s'era, Xi&&ie G#( &! 5iz( &a m eca0 per( R(2er! c(mpr(2% 1 e #(s se$ 7a, La esca#era &( es!a2a m + 2ie& i# mi&ada, A simp#e )is!a #as paredes era& de ceme&!(0 $ra2ad( a1 7 + a##4 c(& #as #7&eas p#a!eadas 1 e 5a27a )is!( desde e# e3!eri(r, C a&d( cr zar(& #a p er!a0 #a )is!a de R(2e& pas% a &a especie de )is a#izaci%& es!4&dar9 #a i# mi&aci%& pr()e&7a de #4mparas de $as emp(!radas e& #as paredes, R(2er! a#ar$% #a ma&( para !(car #a pared + #a apar!% c a&d( !(c% #a piedra res2a#adiza, QN( era de ceme&!(R Ri)era ri(, HEspera2a s!ed #a decepci%& 5a2i! a#0 U&(0 d(c!(r G V HSe re'er7a a c a&d( e# !ac!( c(&!radec7a #a i# si%& )is a#, HS7, HR(2er! pas% #a ma&( s(2re #(s 2#(1 es de piedra0 de!e&i6&d(se e& #as z(&as m4s 2#a&das de #71 e&es, HLa admi&is!raci%& de #a &i)ersidad 5a sid( m + #is!a, Pidi% a+ da a #a c(m &idad de c7rc #(s de (pi&i%&E + #(s a&imar(& a i&s!a#ar pi&!adas se&s(!4c!i#es, A#$ &(s de #(s disp(si!i)(s s(& impresi(&a&!es i&c# s( si& #as s perp(sici(&es )is a#es, Ga/ar(& d(s !ram(s de esca#era, De27a de ser e# desca&si##( para #a e&!rada de# 1 i&!( pis(0 per( #a p er!a era de madera !a##ada0 1 e re# c7a c(& #a # z de $as, Ri)era !ir% de# p(m( de 2r(&ce + #a p er!a de m4s de d(s me!r(s se a2ri%D #a # z a# (!r( #ad( era az # ac!7&ic(0 & pas( de #( !e&e2r(s( a #( d(#(r(same&!e 2ri##a&!e, Se (7a e# s(&id( de c5ispas, Ri)era me!i% #a ca2eza + pr(& &ci% &

e&ca&!amie&!( i&i&!e#i$i2#e, La # z me/(r% + #(s "&ic(s s(&id(s era& #(s de )(ces dis!a&!es, HEs!4 2ie& Hdi/( e# 2i2#i(!ecari(H, Vam(s, R(2er! cr z% #a p er!a e&!rea2ier!a + mir% a s a#reded(r, A1 e##( &( era e# 1 i&!( pis( de #a 2i2#i(!eca Geise#0 p#a&e!a Tierra, 6aba #i2r(s0 per( era& desc(m &a#es + es!a2a& disp es!(s e& es!a&!es de madera 5as!a e# !ec5(, R(2er! se i&c#i&% 5acia a!r4s, Las # ces )i(#e!a se$ 7a& #(s es!a&!es 5acia arri2a, Era c(m( &( de es(s 2(s1 es 'rac!a#es de #(s $r4'ic(s de a&!a:(, A# 2(rde de# camp( de )isi%& aprecia2a m4s #i2r(s0 dimi& !(s de2id( a #a dis!a&cia, ?G a @, Res2a#% + si&!i% 1 e T(mmie #( s(s!e&7a c(& &a ma&( e& #a 2ase de #a espa#da, HGe&ia#0 U&(V Hdi/( ParFerH, Casi me $ s!ar7a es!ar )is!ie&d(, HS7, HR(2er! se a'ia&z% a$arr4&d(se a & es!a&!e, La madera era rea#0 $r esa + s%#ida, Mir% e# s e#( a #( #ar$( de# pasi##(, E# cami&( e&!re #(s es!a&!es era !(rcid(E + &( !ermi&a2a e& #a pared e3!er&a0 1 e !e&7a 1 e es!ar a##70 a s%#( diez ( d(ce me!r(s de dis!a&cia, E& # $ar de )e&!a&as 5a27a esca#(&es 5 &did(s de madera, Era #a !7pica carpi&!er7a a medida 1 e !a&!( #e $ s!a2a de #as #i2rer7as de se$ &da ma&(, M4s a##4 de #(s esca#(&es0 #(s es!a&!es parec7a& i&c#i&arse0 c(m( si #a $ra)edad ap &!ase e& (!ra direcci%&, HUM 6 es !(d( es!(V L(s !res $ ardar(& si#e&ci( & m(me&!(, R(2er! se di( c e&!a de 1 e )es!7a& armad ras (sc ras, E# a! e&d( de Ri)era !e&7a &a especie de i&si$&ia m + e#e$a&!e, Adem4s0 s s pre&das se parec7a& s(spec5(same&!e a &a camise!a + &as 2erm das 'a2ricadas c(& p#acas de acer( e&&e$recidas, HUN( #( pi##aV Hdi/( Ri)era a# 'i&H Us!edes s(& Ca2a##er(s G ardia&es, Y +( s(+ & Gi2#i(!ecari( Mi#i!a&!e, De #as 5is!(rias *onocimiento peligroso de Oerz+ JaceF, G#( &! asi&!i%, HN( #as ##e$as!e a #eer0 U)erdad0 R(2er!V R(2er! rec(rda2a )a$ame&!e a JaceF de #a 6p(ca de s / 2i#aci%&, T(m% aire, HY( #e7a #( imp(r!a&!e, Rec(rrier(& despaci( e# es!rec5( pasi##(, L(s se&der(s #a!era#es &( s%#( ##e)a2a& a iz1 ierda + derec5a0 si&( !am2i6& arri2a + a2a/(, De a#$ &(s s r$7a& sise(s de serpie&!es, E& (!r(s0 )i( a Ca2a##er(s G ardia&es i&c#i&ad(s s(2re mesas ##e&as de #i2r(s + per$ami&(s0 c(& e# r(s!r( 2a:ad( p(r #a # z 1 e emi!7a& #(s #i2r(s a2ier!(s, Era& )erdader(s ma& scri!(s i# mi&ad(s, R(2er! se de! )( para ec5ar & )is!az( m4s de cerca, E# !e3!( era e& i&$#6s0 impres( e& &a #e!ra $%!ica deme&cia#, E# #i2r( era de ec(&(m7a, U&( de #(s #ec!(res0 &a /()e& de ce/as espesas0 mir% 2re)eme&!e a# )isi!a&!e + # e$( 5iz( & $es!( a# aire, M + arri2a s(&% & $(#pe + &a #(sa de & me!r( de a&c5 ra de c er( + per$ami&( ca+% s(2re 6#, R(2er! re!r(cedi% de & sa#!( + casi pis% a T(mmie, Per( e# #i2r( aca2% '#(!a&d( a# a#ca&ce de #a es! dia&!e, Las p4$i&as se a2rier(& p(r s7 s(#as, Bh. R(2e& sa#i% de a##7 c(& m c5( c idad(, HYa e&!ie&d(, Es!( es #a di$i!a#izaci%& de #( des!r id( 5as!a a5(ra,

HLa primera pasada de #a di$i!a#izaci%& Hdi/( G#( &!H, L(s ca2r(&es de #a admi&is!raci%& m(der&a 5a& #($rad( m4s p 2#icidad 'a)(ra2#e c(& es!( 1 e c(& !(d( #( dem4s, La $e&!e #( e&c e&!ra i&$e&i(s( + m(&(, Y #a sema&a pr%3ima )a& a !r(cear #a se3!a p#a&!a, Ri)era #(s $ i% 5acia #(s esca#(&es de 2a/ada, HN( !(d( e# m &d( es!4 !a& 'e#iz, L(s 5ereder(s de Geise#0 de# d(c!(r, Se ss0 &( c(mpar!e& e# cri!eri( de #a &i)ersidad e& es!e p &!(, HQGie& p(r e##(sR HG#( &! di( &a pa!ada a #(s m e2#es de maderaH, L(s es! dia&!es 2ie& 5a2r7a& p(did( ir a P+ramid Ji##, R(2er! 5iz( & $es!( 1 e se s p(&7a 1 e de27a de)(#)er #a )isi%& a #a rea#idad si& me/(rar0 per( se$ 7a )ie&d( # z p"rp ra + ma& scri!(s e&c ader&ad(s e& pie#, Tec#e% #a se:a# e3p#7ci!a de re)ersi%&, Se$ 7a si& !e&er rea#idad, HEs!(+ pi##ad( e& es!a )is!a, HS7, A me&(s 1 e !e 1 i!es #as #e&!i##as + dec#ares &a emer$e&cia &( p edes )er #( 1 e 5a+ rea#me&!e a1 7, Y 6sa es (!ra raz%& m4s para &( sar Epi'a&7a, HT(mmie a$i!% s p(r!4!i# a2ier!( c(m( si ' ese & !a#ism4&H, Y( )e( #a i# si%&0 per( s%#( c a&d( 1 ier(, HE# 5(m2reci!( !(m% p(r (!r( se&der( #a!era#0 $(#pea&d( & #i2r( 1 e $em7a e& e# s e#( para # e$( me!erse e& &a sa#a + )er 1 6 5ac7a& #(s )isi!a&!esH, QEs!e # $ar es 'a&!4s!ic(R C a&d( ##e$% a #(s esca#(&es de madera0 Ri)era di/(9 HC(& c idad(, S(& & p(c( c(mp#icad(s, HC(m( a medi( cami&(0 #(s esca#(&es se i&c#i&a2a& + #a perspec!i)a se de'(rma2a, Xi&&ie i2a de#a&!e0 )aci#a&!e, HL( 5e 5ec5( a&!es H$r :%0 5a2#a&d( para s7 m4s 1 e &adaH P ed( 5acer#(, HA)a&z%0 5iz( c(m( si diese & !raspi60 + # e$( se ir$ i%E per( i&c#i&ad( e& re#aci%& a R(2er! + c(mpa:7a, C a&d( R(2er! ##e$% a# p(r!a#0 cerr% #(s (/(s, L( &(rma# era 1 e Epi'a&7a a2a&d(&ara !(das #as s perp(sici(&es c a&d( ?#(s (/(s se cerra2a&@0 as7 1 e 2re)eme&!e ' e i&m &e a #(s !r c(s )is a#es, Di( & pas(E Q+ e& rea#idad &( 5a27a i&c#i&aci%&0 s%#( & simp#e $ir(R T(mmie #e si$ i% de i&media!(, Re7a c(m( & #(c(, HQGie&)e&id( a# A#a Esc5erR Hdi/(H, A #(s c5ic(s #es e&ca&!a, HA# pie de #a esca#era 5a27a (!r( $ir( de &()e&!a $rad(s, ParFer di/(H9 Va#e0 a5(ra cami&am(s 5acia #a z(&a de ser)ici( de# edi'ici(0 s%#( 1 e !e&em(s #a se&saci%& de se$ ir rec(rrie&d( pasi##(s de #i2r(s i&!ermi&a2#es, Li2r(s p(r de#a&!e + p(r de!r4s0 + !am2i6& a #(s #ad(s0 (c #!(s e& pasadiz(s, Li2r(s p(r e&cima de e##(s0 c(r&( c5ime&eas perdi6&d(se e& &a # z p"rp ra, I&c# s( )e7a #i2r(s p(r de2a/(0 a##7 d(&de #as esca#eras des)e&ci/adas se 5 &d7a& e& #as pr(' &didades, Si R(2er! #(s mira2a #i$erame&!e de re(/(0 #(s !e3!(s de !(m(s + p(r!adas emi!7a& e& )i(#e!a0 casi demasiad( (sc r( para ser )isi2#e per( m + c#ar(0 #(s c%di$(s cr7p!ic(s de #a Gi2#i(!eca de# C(&$res( c(m( si

' ese& r &as, L(s #i2r(s era& #(s 'a&!asmas H( 1 iz4 #(s a)a!aresH de #( 1 e 5a27a sid( des!r id(, Emi!7a& s(&id(s9 $r :id(s0 s s rr(s0 sise(s, C(&spira&d(, E& #as pr(' &didades de #(s ca##e/(&es0 a#$ &(s #i2r(s es!a2a& e&cade&ad(s, HJa+ 1 e !e&er c idad( c(& El capitalHdi/( Ri)era, R(2er! )i( &( de #(s )(#"me&es !ira&d( de s s cade&as, L(s es#a2(&es res(&a2a& c(& ' erza, HS7, E# C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( a&s7a #a #i2er!ad, A#$ &(s de #(s #i2r(s de27a& de ser rea#es0 ar!7c #(s se&s(!4c!i#es, L(s es! dia&!es de & ca##e/%& am(&!(&a2a& #i2r(s, Se apar!ar(&0 + #(s !e3!(s se acariciar(& e& &a (r$7a de p4$i&as a$i!4&d(se, HUEs( es #a s7&!esis 2i2#i($r4'icaV Ri)era si$ i% s mirada, HE50 s7, T(d( es!( empez% sie&d( #( 1 e c(me&!a2a e# deca&( G#( &!0 a#$( para 1 e e# p"2#ic( acep!ase e# pr(+ec!( de !r(cead(, Represe&!am(s #(s #i2r(s c(m( (2/e!(s casi )i)(s0 cria! ras para ser)ir + 5ec5izar a s s #ec!(res, Terr+ Pra!c5e!! + # e$( Oerz+ JaceF ##e)a& a:(s / $a&d( c(& ese !ema, Per( rea#me&!e &( apreciam(s !(d( s p(!e&cia#, E& es!e cas( !e&em(s #a a+ da de #(s me/(res c7rc #(s de (pi&i%& de JaceF, T(da acci%& s(2re #a 2ase de da!(s !ie&e a1 7 &a represe&!aci%& '7sica0 c(m( pasa e& #as 5is!(rias Gi2#i(!ecari( Mi#i!a&!e de JaceF, La ma+(r7a de & es!r(s s ari(s cree& 1 e es me/(r 1 e e# s('!>are de re'ere&cia es!4&dar, Xi&&ie #(s mir%, Se 5a27a a#e/ad( !a&!( 1 e se #e )e7a ac5a!ad(0 c(m( a !ra)6s de &a $ra& dis!a&cia sa&d( & !e#esc(pi(, A$i!% #a ma&( as1 ead(, HEs( es &a !raici%&0 Car#(s, L(s 2i2#i(!ecari(s &( es!4is de ac erd( c(& e# !r(cead(0 per( mirad #( 1 e 5a26is 5ec5(, Es(s c5ic(s #e perder4& e# respe!( a# re$is!r( perma&e&!e de #a 5ere&cia 5 ma&a, T(mmie ParFer0 1 e i2a de!r4s de R(2er!0 di/( c(& ma#icia9 H Xi&&ie0 #(s c5ic(s +a #e 5a& perdid( e# respe!(, Ri)era 2a/% #a )is!a, HL( sie&!(0 deca&( G#( &!, Es !r(cear #( 1 e es!4 ma#0 &( #a di$i!a#izaci%&, P(r primera )ez e& #a )ida0 & es!r(s es! dia&!es dis'r !a& de & acces( m(der&( a# c(&(cimie&!( a&!eri(r a# cam2i( de si$#(, HSe:a#% a #(s es! dia&!esH, Y &( s%#( a1 7, Se p ede acceder a #a 2i2#i(!eca desde #a red0 si& #(s !r c(s se&s(!4c!i#es, J er!as permi!e e# acces( #imi!ad( $ra! i!(0 i&c# s( d ra&!e e# peri(d( de m(&(p(#i(, N ( es m4s 1 e #a primera pasada de #a di$i!a#izaci%&0 + s%#( de JG a JI0 per( e& #a "#!ima sema&a 5em(s reci2id( m4s )isi!as a & es!r(s '(&d(s a&!eri(res a# cam2i( de si$#( 1 e e& #(s c a!r( a:(s a&!eri(res, QY $ra& par!e de esas )isi!as s(& de pr('es(resR HCa2r(&es 5ip%cri!as Hdi/( Xi&&ie, R(2er! mir% a #(s es! dia&!es, E# se3( e&!re #i2r(s +a 5a27a c(&c# id(0 per( '#(!a2a& s(2re #a ca2eza de #(s es! dia&!es + #as p4$i&as ##ama2a& c(& )(ceci!a a$ da a )(#"me&es !(da)7a p(r c(&s #!ar, ?Me!4'(ra e&car&ada,@

F er(& e& pe#(!%& 5acia #a z(&a de ma&!e&imie&!(, Res #!% es!ar m c5( m4s #e/(s de #( 1 e R(2er! rec(rda2a, L(s pasi##(s esca#(&ad(s de27a& ##e)ar#(s a# ce&!r( de# c ar!( pis(, P(r 'i& ##e$ar(& a #as p er!as de d(s me!r(s + medi(, Desp 6s de !(d( #( )is!(0 #a madera !a##ada era p ra rea#idad c(!idia&a, I&c# s( e# s e#( se 5a27a ap#as!ad( para '(rmar & !erre&( s%#id( de aspec!( &(rma#, Per(0 a c(&!i& aci%&0 se m()i% 2a/( s s pies, HUM 6EV HR(2er! a$i!% #(s 2raz(s + ca+% c(&!ra #a pared, L(s #i2r(s se m()ier(& e& #(s es!a&!es + rec(rd% 1 e algunos era& !a& rea#es + pesad(s c(m( parec7a&, Se dispar% & ra+( '(rma&d( arc(s p #sa&!es, Ri)era $ri!a2a e& ma&dar7& a#$( s(2re & !errem(!( 'a#s(, F ese #( 1 e ' ese0 e# )ai)6& + e# cam2i( era& reales. De a2a/( ##e$% & $r :id( + #(s m rci6#a$(s c(rrier(& de & #ad( a (!r(, E# )ai)6& dismi& +%0 c(m( & 2ai#ar7& e/ec !a&d( &a $i$a, Y se !ermi&%, Las paredes + e# s e#( )(#)7a& a ser !a& 'irmes c(m( c a&d( R(2er! es! dia2a, T(mmie se i&c(rp(r% + a+ d% a Xi&s!(& G#( &! a #e)a&!arse, HUT(d(s 2ie&V Hdi/(, G#( &! asi&!i% a!(&!ad(0 demasiad( a$i!ad( para rec rrir a# sarcasm(, HN( 5a27a pasad( & &ca Hdi/( T(mmie, Car#(s asi&!i%, HRi!a, duSbT,, = gng #ing ,li tmen jntin shS #n dng# Hdi/(0 a#$( s(2re pr(2ar c(sas & e)as, T(mmie !(c% e# 5(m2r( de# 2i2#i(!ecari(, HC5ic(0 5a2#as e& c5i&(, Ri)era #( mir% 'i/ame&!e + # e$( #e resp(&di%0 (!ra )ez e& ma&dar7&0 per( m4s r4pid( + m4s a#!(, HDa i$ a#0 Car#(s, N( !e pre(c pes, H T(mmie $ i% a# /()e& esca#eras a2a/(, Ri)era se$ 7a 5a2#a&d(0 per( a r4'a$as0 repi!ie&d(9 H? zi shu !ng! ma4 ShS !ng! ma4 HUJa2#( e& i&$#6sV UJa2#( e& i&$#6sV HN( !e pares0 Car#(s, Es!ar4s 2ie&, R(2er! + Xi&&ie '(rma2a& #a re!a$ ardia, G#( &! e&!(r&a2a #(s (/(s c(& a1 e# $es!( s +( !a& e3a$erad(, HQOaR Hdi/(H, L(s ca2r(&es 5a& sad( #(s ser)(s de es!a2i#idad para a$i!ar e# edi'ici(, UL( )esV Y0 mara)i##a de #as mara)i##as0 p(r &a )ez R(2er! #( )i(D !a&!( prac!icar da2a s s 'r !(s, HQS7R HLa 2i2#i(!eca Geise# era &( de #(s p(c(s edi'ici(s 1 e &( 5a27a& sid( reemp#azad(s !ras e# !errem(!( de R(se Ca&+(&, E& # $ar de es( 5a27a& i&s!a#ad( es!a2i#izaci%& ac!i)a e& #a )ie/a es!r c! ra, HN(s p(dr7am(s 5a2er ma!ad( Hdi/( G#( &!,

Se e&c(&!ra2a& e& e# !ercer pis(, Se acerca2a & $r p( de es! dia&!esD a# me&(s0 R(2er! di( p(r 5ec5( 1 e #( era&0 p(r1 e se re7a& + #a ma+(r7a 5a27a esc($id( &a '(rma m(&s!r (sa, L(s d(s $r p(s se cr zar(& + #(s )ie/(s $ ardar(& si#e&ci( 5as!a 1 e #(s es! dia&!es desaparecier(&, T(mmie di/(9 HUM 6 5a pr()(cad( e# !errem(!(0 Car#(sV Ri)era es1 i)% & armari( emp(!rad(, Gri!%9 HUYa 5a2#( e& i&$#6sVE %S) O50 $racias a Di(s, A )eces s e:( 1 e me 1 ed( a!rapad( para siempre, HDi( )ari(s pas(s0 casi ##(ra&d( de #a a#e$r7a, A c(&!i& aci%& #as pa#a2ras '# +er(& e& !(rre&!eH, S70 s7, C(mpre&d( #a pre$ &!a9 &( es!(+ se$ r( de 1 6 5a pr()(cad( e# 'a#s( !errem(!(, Asis!7 a #a re &i%& e& #a 1 e decidier(& sar de esa '(rma e# sis!ema de es!a2i#izaci%&, Se s p(&7a 1 e e# de!(&a&!e de27a ser c a#1 ier i&!e&!( de ?a2rir@ & #i2r( 1 e c(&! )iese c(&(cimie&!( ?1 e #a 5 ma&idad &( de2e sa2er@, C#ar( es!40 es 2r(maE me&(s c a&d( )a !a& e& seri( 1 e Se$ ridad I&!eri(r ##ama a ! p er!a, As7 1 e cre( 1 e0 simp#eme&!e0 #( 5em(s pr()(cad( p(r cas a#idad, HRi)era si$ i% 5a2#a&d( mie&!ras 2a/a2a&H, La 2i2#i(!ecaria /e'a es c(mp#e!ame&!e 'ie# a es!a idea, Oc pa &a p(sici%& m + imp(r!a&!e e& e# c7rc #( #(ca# de cree&cia de JaceF, M iere imp(&er pe&a#izaci(&es !ip( JaceF a #(s s ari(s 1 e )i(#e& #as re$#as de #a 2i2#i(!eca, La mirada de pre(c paci%& de T(mmie 1 ed% reemp#azada p(r &a de i&!er6s !6c&ic(, HVa+a Hdi/(H, UL(s p(z(s de !(r! ra de JaceFV E& e# primer pis( pisar(& #a m(1 e!a es!4&dar de# )es!72 #( de #a 2i2#i(!eca, U&a 5(ra a&!es0 R(2er! + S5ari' 5a27a& cr zad( esa z(&a cami&( de #(s asce&s(res, E&!(&ces R(2er! ape&as 5a27a pres!ad( a!e&ci%& a# espaci( a2ier!( + #impi(0 a #a es!a! a de T5e(d(r Se ss Geise#, E& a1 e# m(me&!( era & a$rada2#e s7m2(#( de c(rd ra, A!ra)esar(& #as p er!as de )idri( 5acia #a # z de# a!ardecer, Xi&&ie se )(#)i% para mirar #(s pis(s de #a 2i2#i(!eca, HJa& c(&)er!id( es!e # $ar e& &a ame&aza, E# !errem(!( 5a sid(0 5a sid(E HDe pr(&!( 2a/% #a miradaH, UEs!4s 2ie&0 Car#(sV E# 2i2#i(!ecari( a$i!% #a ma&(, HS7, A )eces 1 edarse a!rapad( es & p(c( c(m( & a!a1 e de epi#epsia, HSe #impi% #a caraD es!a2a s d(r(s(H, Va+a, Ys!e 5a sid( de #(s pe(resE HDe2er7a )er!e & m6dic(0 Car#(s, HYa es!4, UVesV HI&dicad(res m6dic(s s r$7a& a#reded(r de s ca2ezaH, Me 5e as s!ad( e& #a esca#era, A# me&(s a5(ra 5a+ & d(c!(r de )erdad )i$i#4&d(me, Y(E HVaci#%0 esc c5a&d(H, Va#e0 me 1 iere& e& #a c#7&ica, Me )a& a 5acer & esc4&er cere2ra#, Ya &(s )erem(s, HVi( #a e3presi%& de s s carasH, E50 &(s (s pre(c p6is0 c5ic(s, HIr6 c(&!i$( Hdi/( T(mmie,

HVa#e0 per( e& si#e&ci(, Me es!4& prepara&d( para e# esc4&er, HL(s d(s cami&ar(& 5acia #a r(!(&da, R(2er! + Xi&&ie #(s mirar(&, G#( &! 5a2#% c(& &a i&cer!id m2re impr(pia de 6#, HM iz4 &( de2er7a 5a2erme me!id( c(& 6# p(r #( de JaceF, HUVa a p(&erse 2ie&V HPr(2a2#eme&!e, Cada )ez 1 e & )e!era&( se 2#(1 ea perma&e&!eme&!e0 e# VA 1 eda e& m + ma# # $ar, Jar4& !(d( #( 1 e p eda&, R(2er! re'#e3i(&% s(2re !(d(s #(s aspec!(s e3!ra:(s de Ri)era, N(rma#me&!e &( dec7a e& ma&dar7& m4s 1 e m(&(s7#a2(s0 casi p(r es&(2ism(, Per( a1 e##a )ezE HUM 6 #e pasa0 Xi&&ieV La mirada de G#( &! a&da2a perdida, Se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, HCar#(s es & ESR, HUM 6 es es(V HUE5V QP(r!ad(s #(s cic#(s0 G R G"sca#(, HMir% #a p#azaH, Va#e, Va#e, HLe dedic% &a s(&risa '(rzadaH, L( #ame&!(0 R(2er!, ESR es '4ci# de 2 scar, E&c(&!rar4s m c5as disc si(&es de ca#idad s(2re es(, L( imp(r!a&!e es 1 e &( perdam(s de )is!a & es!r( (2/e!i)(, Vam(s0 es #( 1 e Car#(s 1 err7a, M c5as c(sas depe&de& de 1 e !" 5a$as #( c(rrec!(, H Per( U1 6 esV UM 6EV Xi&&ie a#z% #a ma&(, HTra2a/am(s e& ese as &!(, Pr(&!( !e darem(s de!a##es, De cami&( a casa0 e& e# c(c5e0 R(2er! 2 sc% ?ESR@, Ja27a mi##(&es de res #!ad(s e& medici&a0 e& as &!(s mi#i!ares0 s(2re dr($as, Esc($i% e# res me& de Se$ ridad G#(2a# e& ?(pi&i%& e& c(&!ra respe!ada@9
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Ese !a#e&!( ' e decisi)( s(2re e# !erre&(D si& em2ar$(0 e# preci( 5 ma&( de# pr(cedimie&!( 1 ed% c#ar( i&c# s( a&!es de# 'i&a# de #a $ erra,

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&a especia#idad pr('esi(&a#0 cambia a #a pers(&a, A!i2(rra de es(s c(&(cimie&!(s a a#$ ie& p(r #as 2 e&as + dis!(rsi(&ar4s s pers(&a#idad, U& pe1 e:( &"mer( de ESR &( s 'r7a& e'ec!(s sec &dari(s, E& a#$ &(s cas(s p(c( 5a2i! a#es0 esas pers(&as p(d7a& pasar (!ra )ez p(r e# pr(ces(0 e i&c# s( &a !ercera0 a&!es de 1 e se ma&i'es!ase& #(s da:(s, E# rec5az( c(&sis!7a e& &a especie de 2a!a##a i&!er&a e&!re #(s & e)(s p &!(s de )is!a + #(s a&!i$ (s0 1 e se ma&i'es!a2a e& '(rma de a!a1 es epi#6p!ic(s + es!ad(s me&!a#es a#!erad(s, A me& d(0 e# ESR 1 eda2a 2#(1 ead( de '(rma a!e& ada e& &( de s s c(&/ &!(s de 5a2i#idadesE Desp 6s de #a $ erra0 5a27a 1 edad( e# #e$ad( de #(s )e!era&(s a'ec!ad(s p(r e# ESR + de# a2 s( c(&!i& ( de# mism( p(r par!e de es! dia&!es es!"pid(s de !(d( e# m &d(, P(2re Car#(s, 3Y eso es lo ,ue me promete el E#tra/o >isterioso4 De'i&i!i)ame&!e a1 e# d7a 5a27a sid( &( de es(s d7as de c(&m(ci%& p(r e# ' ! r(, R(2er! 2a/% #a )e&!a&i##a + dis'r !% de #a 2risa, I2a e& direcci%& &(r!e p(r #a <H<], Le r(dea2a p(r c(mp#e!( & 2arri( de&s( m + simi#ar a #as z(&as m4s edi'icadas de #a Ca#i'(r&ia de# si$#( II0 s%#( 1 e #as casas era& & p(c( m4s s(sas + #(s ce&!r(s c(mercia#es parec7a& m4s 2ie& z(&as de a#mace&es, C ri(same&!e0 i&c# s( e& ese m &d( de# ' ! r( 1 eda2a& ce&!r(s c(mercia#es rea#es, Ja27a id( de c(mpras a & par de e##(s, E& a#$ &(s c(merci(s 5a27a m c5a ar1 i!ec! ra s%#ida, C(mpras para ?#(s 1 e !ie&e& e# c(raz%& e& e# pasad(@ era s #emaD & #ema 1 e &( 5a2r7a ' &ci(&ad( e& a2s(# !( e& e# a:( -;;;, R(2er! descar!% #(s mis!eri(s B+ #(s mied(sC + prac!ic% c(& Epi'a&7a, 9eamos los adornos mnimos. R(2er! e/ec !% e# $es!( +a 'ami#iar, .ien, de momento. Ve7a e!i1 e!as simp#es, E& !(d(0 i&c# s( e& #a p#a&!a de 5ie#( si! ada a# 2(rde de #a carre!era0 5a27a pe1 e:(s r%! #(s a#'a& m6ric(s, O!r( m()imie&!( de #(s 5(m2r(s + )i( #( 1 e #(s (2/e!(s 1 e pasa2a& 1 er7a& 1 e )iese0 ( m4s 2ie&0 para ser e3ac!(s0 #( 1 e #(s due/os de dic5(s (2/e!(s 1 er7a& 1 e )iese, P 2#icidad, L(s ce&!r(s c(mercia#es 5a27a& desc 2ier!( 1 e era & )ie/( + 5a27a& adap!ad( #(s a& &ci(s e& c(&s(&a&cia, Per( &( reci2i% e# spam direc!( de a#$ &as de s s primeras sesi(&es, Era p(si2#e 1 e 'i&a#me&!e 5 2iese #($rad( c(&'i$ rar 2ie& #(s 'i#!r(s, R(2er! se apar!% de #a )e&!a&i##a + 2 sc% &i)ers(s m4s amp#i(s, Fre&!e a s s (/(s aparecier(& mapas de c(#(res, Ja27a rea#idades $e($r4'icame&!e m + dis!a&!es 1 e &( se c(rresp(&d7a& e& a2s(# !( c(& Sa& Die$(, A1 e##( de27a de ser c(m( #a p(r1 er7a de ci2erespaci( de #(s (c5e&!a + #(s &()e&!a, Fi&a#me&!e di( c(& &a )e&!a&a 1 e #e pr(me!7a ?"&icame&!e rea#idad p"2#ica #(ca#@, Ya, S%#( 1 e 5a27a d(scie&!as mi# (pci(&es e& esa par!e de# c(&dad( de Sa& Die$(, Esc($i% a# azar, E& e# e3!eri(r de# c(c5e0 #as #aderas de N(r!5 C( &!+ se des& dar(& de edi'ici(s, La carre!era s%#( !e&7a !res carri#es + #(s c(c5es era& m(de#(s de #(s sese&!a, Vi( 1 e e& e# para2risas de s c(c5e Ba5(ra & F(rd Fa#c(&C p(&7a9 ?S(ciedad Jis!%rica de Sa& Die$(,@ P(c( a p(c( i2a&

rec(&s!r +e&d( e# pasad(, Las pers(&as 1 e a&sia2a& !iemp(s me&(s c(mp#icad(s !e&7a& a s disp(sici%& $ra&des !r(z(s de# si$#( II, R(2er! es! )( !e&!ad( de 1 edarse e& esa )is!a, Era de &a 6p(ca m + cerca&a a s s a:(s de es! dia&!e &i)ersi!ari(, Era !a&E c(&s(#ad(ra, Tam2i6& se #e (c rri% 1 e a1 e##(s a'ici(&ad(s a #a 5is!(ria p(d7a& ser partidarios de# Pr(+ec!( Gi2#i(!(ma, Usa&d( #a 2ase de da!(s de J er!as p(dr7a& a)a&zar !(da)7a m4s r4pid( e& s rec(&s!r cci%& de# pasad(, Jiz( s r$ir #a )e&!a&a de c(&!r(#, Ja27a a#$( ##amad( ?!ra&s)ersa#es c(&!i& as de para!iemp(@, M iz4 de2iera esc($er a & escri!(r e& par!ic #ar, Oerz+ JaceF0 p(r e/emp#(, Per( &(0 p(r & d7a +a 5a27a !e&id( 2as!a&!e de Fn poco de conocimiento. UM 6 !a# Terr+ Pra!c5e!!V Va#e, L(s edi'ici(s era& de ad(2e, E# c(c5e se 5a27a c(&)er!id( e& &a a#'(m2ra e31 isi!a0 1 e desce&d7a &a #adera 5er2(sa 1 e & m(me&!( a&!es 5a27a sid( #a carre!era de M( &!ai& Mead(>, E& e# )a##e 1 e !e&7a de#a&!e 5a27a !ie&das de c(#(res c(& car!e#es e& c rsi)a0 &a ca#i$ra'7a 1 e da2a a# a#'a2e!( #a!i&( & aspec!( )a$ame&!e 4ra2e, Se )e7a &a 'ra&/a de (c6a&( a# '(&d( de# #ar$( )a##e0 a# (es!e, UY a1 e##( era& 2arc(sV R(2er! G 5a27a #e7d( &a &()e#a de Pra!c5e!!, L( 1 e rec(rda2a era 1 e #a acci%& !ra&sc rr7a e& &a ci dad simi#ar a# L(&dres medie)a#, A1 e##( era di'ere&!e, I&!e&!% )er me/(r #a ci dad de !ie&dasE Miri HS Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS QLe 5e rec perad(R UVeisVTWmsS Ii HS Miri0 Le&a9 TmsS UEs!4s c(&d cie&d( a s #ad(VTWmsS Miri HS Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS N(0 es &a )is!a 1 e c(m2i&a #( 1 e se )e desde #as c(#i&as + desde )arias c4maras de c(c5e,TWmsS Ii HS Miri0 Le&a9 TmsS N( parece 1 e 5a$a (!ra c(sa 1 e mirar a s a#reded(r,TWmsS Miri HS Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS Te&$( 2#(1 ead( a S5ari', Te&em(s a R(2er! para &(s(!ras s(#as,TWmsS Le&aHS Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS Es!( es rid7c #(,TWmsS Miri HS Le&a0 Ii 9 TmsS Gie&0 a5(ra s(+ S5ari' + es!(+ se&!ada / &!( a R(2er!E O50 %maldita sea)UVmsS A#$ ie& !(si% ed cadame&!e para ##amar s a!e&ci%&, R(2er! se $ir%, Era S5ari'0 se&!ad( e& e# asie&!( de# pasa/er(, HN( pre!e&d7a dar#e & s s!(0 pr('es(r, HLa )isi%& s(&ri% disc #p4&d(seH, Je i&!e&!ad( reaparecer a&!es0 per( 5a27a di'ic #!ades !6c&icas, HN( pasa &ada Hdi/( R(2er!0 pre$ &!4&d(se )a$ame&!e si T(mmie se$ ir7a i&!er'irie&d(, S5ari' se:a#% e# paisa/e, HGie&0 U1 6 #e pareceV Era Sa& Die$( c(& & p(c( m4s de a$ a, Y $e&!e di'ere&!e0 &a ci)i#izaci%& di'ere&!e, HCre7a 5a2er e&!rad( e& &a de #as 5is!(rias de Terr+ Pra!c5e!!, S5ari' se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s,

HJa e&!rad( e& e# c7rc #( de (pi&i%& pri&cipa# de Pra!c5e!!, A# me&(s e& Sa& Die$(, HS70 per(E HR(2er! se:a#% #a 5ier2aH, UD%&de es!4 A&F5HM(rp(rFV UD%&de es!4& #(s 2arri(s 2a/(s0 #(s a&!r(s + #a $ ardia de #a ci dadV S5ari' s(&ri%, HE& L(&dres + e& Gei/i&$0 pr('es(r, Es me/(r adap!ar #as 'a&!as7as para 1 e se c(rresp(&da& & m7&im( c(& #a $e($ra'7a s 2+ace&!e, Pra!c5e!! escri2e s(2re !(d( & m &d(, Es!( de a1 7 es #( 1 e se a/ s!a a Sa& Die$(, HS5ari' #( mir% & m(me&!(H, S70 es!( es A2 Da/ee2, Ya sa2e0 e# s #!a&a!( si! ad( a# s r de S mar2ad e& El cuervo en llamas. HO5;3El cuervo en llamas4 HF e escri!a desp 6s de 1 e s!ed0 a5E espu"s de ,ue perdiese la cabeza, s. HEsE es e&(rme, P ed( ima$i&arme a a#$ ie& escri2ie&d( sobre & # $ar c(m( 6s!e0 per( &i&$"& 5(m2re &i &i&$"& es! di( ci&ema!($r4'ic( ser7a capaz de re &ir !(d( #( 1 eE HR(2er! se apar!% r4pidame&!e de #a )e&!a&i##a c a&d( pas% )(#a&d( &a m /er m(&!ada e& &a i$ a&a a#ada, BPas% a )is!a rea# + )i( & c(c5e de #a p(#ic7a de !r4'ic( ade#a&!4&d(#(,C S5ari' ri(, HN( es (2ra de & s(#( 5(m2re, Pr(2a2#eme&!e sea e# res #!ad( de #as c(&!ri2 ci(&es de mi##(&es de admirad(res, C(m( pasa c(& m c5as de #as me/(res rea#idades0 ' e !am2i6& &a empresa c(mercia#0 e# ci&e e3!er&( de m4s 63i!( e& -;<K, C(& #(s a:(s 5a id( me/(ra&d(, U&a dem(s!raci%& de am(r de #(s 'a&s, HYa, HA R(2er! siempre #e 5a27a parecid( 'a!a# 1 e se dedicara& !a&!(s mi##(&es a #a i&d s!ria ci&ema!($r4'ica + 1 e #(s escri!(res se 5iciera& ric(s c(& #as pe#7c #asH, Ap es!( a 1 e Pra!c5e!! se ##e)% & 2 e& pe##izc(, S5ari' s(&ri% c(& sa!is'acci%&, HM4s 1 e JaceF, N( !a&!( c(m( R(>#i&$, Per( #(s micr(pa$(s aca2a& ac m #4&d(se, Pra!c5e!! es pr(pie!ari( de &a 2 e&a par!e de Esc(cia, R(2er! a2a&d(&% #a ima$e& Pra!c5e!!, Ja27a (!ras9 )is!as de T(#Fie& + c(sas 1 e &( p(d7a rec(&(cer &i si1 iera #e+e&d( #as e!i1 e!as, UM 6 era SCAV O50 e& #a )isi%& SCA #(s s 2 r2i(s se c(&)er!7a& e& a#deas e3!ram r(s + 5a27a cas!i##(s e& #a cima de #as c(#i&as m4s a#!as, Las z(&as )erdes !e&7a& & aspec!( sa#)a/e de 2(s1 e ! pid(, P(r #( )is!(0 S5ari' #( se$ 7a e& s pase( )ir! a#, Se:a#% e# par1 e de# )a##e de L(s P mas0 a #a derec5a, HDe2er7a )er #as 'erias re&ace&!is!as, Oc pa& !(d( e# par1 e0 a )eces se represe&!a& 2a!a##as e&!re #(s 2ar(&es de #as c(#i&as, Es es! pe&d(0 ami$( m7(0 )erdaderame&!e mara)i##(s(, Ah. R(2er! se )(#)i% + mir% a!e&!ame&!e a S5ari', Era e3ac!ame&!e i$ a# 1 e s s aparici(&es a&!eri(res0 e3cep!( p(r #a s(&risa de #is!i##( 1 e !e&7a e& #a cara, H+ !" &( eres S5ari',

La s(&risa se e&sa&c5%, HMe pre$ &!a2a si llegaras a dar!e c e&!a, La )erdad es 1 e de2er7as apre&der a ser m4s para&(ic( c(& #as ide&!idades0 pr('es(r, L( s60 5as )is!( a _ #'i S5ari' e& pers(&a, Yse es e# es! dia&!e $rad ad( 1 e crees 1 e es0 + e# pe#(!a 1 e apare&!a ser, Per( &( !ie&e demasiad( c(&!r(#, P ed( aparecerme c(m( S5ari' siempre 1 e me d6 #a $a&a, HN( es #( 1 e 5as dic5( 5ace & m(me&!(, S5ari' 'r &ci% e# ce:(, HEs( 5a sid( p(r (!ra c(sa, Tie&es m4s admirad(res, U&( de e##(s &( es !(!a#me&!e i&c(mpe!e&!e, 3Eh4 R(2er! pe&s% & se$ &d( + # e$( '(rz% &a s(&risa, HE&!(&ces ser4 me/(r 1 e ac(rdem(s &a c#a)e0 &( )a+a a ser 1 e #e s e#!e ! s secre!(s a# S5ari' e1 i)(cad(0 U)erdadV E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( &( parec7a c(&!e&!(, HM + 2ie&, C a&d( di$a ?ami$( m7(@ p(r primera )ez se i&iciar4 & i&!ercam2i( de cer!i'icad(s, N( !e&dr4s 1 e 5acer &ada, HE# r(s!r( de S5ari' es!a2a )erd(s( + s s (/(s p(c( !e&7a& 1 e )er c(& #(s asi4!ic(s, S(&ri%H, Ver4s a ! $e&ieci##( de #a #4mpara + sa2r4s 1 e s(+ +( de )erdad, UM 6 !e parece e# p#a& de ParFerV HA5E S5ari'0 e# S5ari'HE3!ra:(0 se i&c#i&% 5acia 6#0 per( &( 5 2( &i&$ &a se&saci%& de m()imie&!( e& e# asie&!( de c er( 'a#s(, HEs!(+ e& !(das par!es + aparezc( d(&de me da #a $a&a para (2!e&er e# res #!ad( 1 e dese(, A pesar de# i&$e&i( de T(mmie0 +( es!a2a a##7, HMir% 'i/ame&!e a #(s (/(s a R(2e&H, E5, Te 5as 1 edad( si& 5a2#a0 U)erdad0 pr('es(rV + 6se es precisame&!e e# pr(2#ema0 U&(V M ier( a+ dar!e e& ese as &!(0 per( a&!es !e&dr4s 1 e a+ darme a m7, R(2er! se (2#i$% a s(&re7r !ra&1 i#ame&!e, N( da2a c(& &a 2 e&a resp es!a, L( me/(r 1 e se #e (c rri% decir ' e9 HMe pr(me!es & mi#a$r( si& m(s!rarme &i&$ &a pr e2a, Y si me ('reces ESR0 &( me ape!ece, Es( &( es crea!i)idad, S5ari' se i&c#i&% 5acia a!r4s c(& &a carca/ada 'ra&ca + a$rada2#e, HM + cier!(, E# ESR es & mi#a$r( !erri2#e, Per( 5(+ e& d7a es p(si2#e #($rar mi#a$r(s 'e#ices, Y !o p ed( 5acer#(s, E# c(c5e 5a27a a2a&d(&ad( #a a !(pis!a, Se e&c(&!ra2a& a p(c(s mi& !(s de Xes! Fa##2r((F + #a casa de G(2, E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( pareci% admirar e# paisa/e & ra!(, L e$( di/(9 HLa )erdad es 1 e 1 er7a a)a&zar 5(+ mism(0 per( si i&sis!es e& !e&er pr e2as s%#idasE HJiz( & $es!( + e&!re e##(s sa#!% & des!e##(, N(rma#me&!e es( i&dica2a e# !raspas( de da!(sH, Ec5a & )is!az( a es!as re'ere&cias, + a1 7 !ie&es #a pr e2a de 1 e ' i +( e# pri&cipa# resp(&sa2#e de# desc 2rimie&!(, HLe ec5ar6 & )is!az( + )(#)erem(s a 5a2#ar,

HP(r 'a)(r0 &( !ardes m c5(0 pr('es(r, L( 1 e ! s a#e$res camaradas es!4& p#a&ea&d( ser4 imp(si2#e si& ! a+ da, Y +( #( &ecesi!( para a+ dar!e, E# c(c5e e&!r% e& J(&(r C( r! + se de! )( & p(c( m4s a##40 're&!e a #a casa de G(2, T(da)7a &( era& #as c a!r( + media de #a !arde0 per( #a &e2#i&a (ce4&ica +a se 5a27a #e)a&!ad( + empeza2a a (sc recer, A1 7 + a##4 / $a2a& $r p(s de &i:(s0 a #( #ar$( de #a ca##e, S%#( Di(s sa27a #( 1 e es!ar7a& )ie&d(, R(2e& sa#i% a# aire 'r7( +E a##7 es!a2a Miri peda#ea&d( 5acia 6# e& 2icic#e!a, Se mirar(& i&c%m(d(s, A# me&(s R(2er! se si&!i% i&c(m(d(, N(rma#me&!e &( se )e7a&0 a &( ser e& c(mpa:7a de G(2 + A#ice, Antes no habra sentido ni un instante de malestar por haber machacado a esta ni/a, Per(0 p(r a#$ &a raz%&0 #a ' ria sim #!4&ea de G(2 + A#ice + #a r7$ida c(r!es7a de Miri #e 5ac7a& se&!irse i&c%m(d(, 0o puedo ,uedarme a,u, debi"ndole algo a una ni/a ,ue tendra ,ue deb"rmelo a m. Miri se ape% de #a 2ici + se 1 ed% a s #ad(, O2ser)a2a e# c(c5e, R(2er! mir% a#e/arse e# )e57c #(, Ve7a a S5ari' !(da)7a se&!ad( e& e# asie&!( !raser(D 1 iz4 e##a !am2i6& #e )iese, HEs _ #'iFar S5ari' Hdi/( R(2er!0 apres r4&d(se a dar &a e3p#icaci%&0 c(m( e# a#ma c #pa2#e 1 e eraH, Me e&!re)is!a s(2re e# pasad(, HO5, HPerdi% e# i&!er6s, HE50 Miri0 &( sa27a 1 e ! )ieras 2ici, Miri pas% a s #ad( emp /a&d( #a 2ici, HS7 Hresp(&di% m + seriaH, N( es 2 e&a c(m( medi( de !ra&sp(r!e0 per( A#ice dice 1 e e# e/ercici( me sie&!a 2ie&, Me $ s!a rec(rrer Fa##2r((F + pr(2ar #as "#!imas rea#idades, Gracias a# mi#a$r( de Epi'a&7a0 R(2er! s p(&7a a 1 6 se re'er7a HDe 5ec5(0 e& rea#idad &( es mi 2ici, Es #a de G(20 de c a&d( era m4s pe1 e:( 1 e +(, Las ##a&!as parec7a& & e)as0 per(E s s (/(s rec(rrier(& e# c adr( de a# mi&i(0 #a pi&! ra )erde + amari##a 1 e empeza2a a desc(&c5arse, ios. Le&a 5a27a i&sis!id( e& 1 e #e c(mprase& #a 2icic#e!a, Le asa#!ar(& #(s rec erd(s de# pe1 e:( G(22+0 de c a&d( i&!e&!a2a c(& !(das s s ' erzas apre&der a m(&!ar, Ja27a sid( & )erdader( i&c(rdi(, E# res!( de# cami&( 5as!a #a p er!a #( 5icier(& e& si#e&ci(, R(2er! cami&a2a & pas( p(r de!r4s de s &ie!a,

<Z EL INCIDENTE DEL GANO D ra&!e #(s si$ ie&!es d7as0 Xi&s!(& G#( &! ##am% & par de )eces, Es!a2a a&si(s( p(r sa2er a#$( m4s s(2re ?es( de #( 1 e 5a2#am(s@, R(2er! #e di( #ar$as + se &e$% a 5a2#ar e& pri)ad(, Casi p(d7a (7r #(s die&!es de Xi&&ie rec5i&a&d( p(r #a 'r s!raci%&E per( #e di( (!ra sema&a, R(2er! ma&! )( )arias e&!re)is!as m4s c(& e# )erdader( B2 e&(0 espera2a 1 e #( ' eraC S5ari', Era& rec(rda!(ri(s e&!er&eced(res de #(s G e&(s Tiemp(s0 c(mp#e!ame&!e di'ere&!es de s s e&c e&!r(s c(& e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(, E# /()e& $rad ad( !e&7a & e&! siasm( casi i&!e#i$e&!e0 e3cep!( c a&d( parec7a $ s!ar#e #a cie&cia 'icci%&, A )eces, C a&d( R(2er! #( c(me&!a2a0 S5ari' p(&7a cara de pe&a, Ah. E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( a!aca2a de & e)(, O 1 iz4s 5 2iese !resE e&!idadesE a&ima&d( #a ima$e& de _ #'iFar S5ari', R(2er! es!a2a decidid( a pres!ar a!e&ci%& a cada pa#a2ra0 a cada ma!iz, Las c(mp(sici(&es de O a& Or(zc( 5a27a& '#(recid(, P(d7a escri2ir 'rases e&!eras i&!e&ci(&adame&!e, P(r #( )is!( e# c5ic( cre7a p(r e##( 1 e R(2er! G era & pr('es(r $e&ia#, S, ! pronto incluso me admirarn los chimpanc"s. Per( esa idea &( pas% de #(s #a2i(s de R(2er!E O a& Or(zc( se es'(rza2a 5as!a e# #7mi!e, Es!a2a c(&de&ad( a #a medi(cridad0 c(m( R(2er!0 a 1 ie& +a &( ape!ec7a di' &dir#(, E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( se ma&! )( a#e/ad(, M iz4 pe&sa2a 1 e #a &ecesidad de R(2er! era e# me/(r acica!e, Me& d( ca2r%&, R(2er! )(#)7a &a + (!ra )ez a #(s i&'(rmes 1 e e# E3!ra:( #e 5a27a 'aci#i!ad(, Descri27a& !res mi#a$r(s m6dic(s (c rrid(s e& #(s "#!im(s diez meses, U&( era & !ra!amie&!( e'ec!i)( c(&!ra #a ma#aria, N( era &ada de# (!r( m &d( p(r1 e c ras m4s 2ara!as e3is!7a& desde 5ac7a a:(s, Per( #(s (!r(s d(s a)a&ces es!a2a& re#aci(&ad(s c(& !ras!(r&(s de# 4&im( + de# i&!e#ec!(, N( era& e/emp#(s de# ?camp( de mi&as ce#es!ia#@ a#ea!(ri( de# 1 e #e 5a27a 5a2#ad( Reed Xe2er, L(s d(s remedi(s 5a27a& sid( encargados p(r #(s pacie&!es a #(s 1 e 5a27a& c rad(, 3Y ,u"4 E& a1 e##a & e)a 6p(ca se pr(d c7a& mi#a$r(s, UM 6 pr e2a 5a27a de 1 e e# E3!ra:( p diese 5acer#(sV Car$% #(s d(c me&!(s 1 e e# E3!ra:( #e 5a27a e&!re$ad(, Vis a#me&!e parec7a& car!as medie)a#es0 c(& #(s s(2res se##ad(s c(& cera, M4s a##4 de #a represe&!aci%& me!a'%rica era '4ci# )er #as capas s 2+ace&!es0 a#$ &(s me$a2+!es de ci'rad(, T(&!er7as i&"!i#es, Per(0 si se$ 7a c(& #a me!4'(ra0 e&!(&ces da2a c(& p &!er(s a 5erramie&!as m4$icas para sar #(s cer!i'icad(s + c(& (!r(s p &!er(s para #as e3p#icaci(&es !6c&icas acerca de #( 1 e esas 5erramie&!as 5ac7a& c(& #(s da!(s s 2+ace&!es,

R(2er! ##e)a2a !res d7as 5 r$a&d( e& a1 e##(s ar!7c #(s, E# )ie/( R(2er! &( 5a2r7a sid( capaz, Di(s #e 5a27a r(2ad( s "&ic( + )erdader( !a#e&!( +0 de ma&era per)ersa0 #e 5a27a e&!re$ad( a cam2i( a1 e# !a#e&!( a&a#7!ic(, O $ar c(& #(s pr(!(c(#(s era di)er!id(, U& par de d7as m4s + #( !e&dr7aE + desc 2rir7a #as )erdaderas i&!e&ci(&es de# E3!ra:(, Mie&!ras !a&!(0 se i2a re!rasa&d( e& s !ra2a/( c(& O a& para #a c#ase de c(mp(sici%& de C5 m#i$, HUTe&dr4s !iemp( para mirar!e mis s $ere&cias $r4'icasV HLe pre$ &!% O a& &a !ardeH M ier( decir0 a&!es de ma:a&a, HA# d7a si$ ie&!e de27a& e&!re$ar e# pr(+ec!( semanal, HS70 c#ar(, HE# c5ic( se 5a27a p(r!ad( es! pe&dame&!e + 5ec5( !(d( #( 1 e R(2er! #e dec7a, Se si&!i% & p(c( ma# p(r &( c(rresp(&der#eH, Es decir0 #( i&!e&!ar6, Te&$( & pr(2#ema c(& (!ra c(saE HO50 U1 6V UP ed( a+ dar!eV ios. HSe !ra!a de &(s d(c me&!(s de se$ ridad, Se s p(&e 1 e dem es!ra& 1 e &E 2 e&(0 & ami$( m7( rea#me&!e es!4 imp#icad( e& #a res(# ci%& de &E pr(2#ema de / e$(, HJiz( 1 e &( de e##(s ' ese )isi2#e para O a&, E# c5ic( mir% #a cera0 e# c(#(r d(rad( + e# per$ami&(, HQO5R U& credi!ad(, Je )is!( cer!i'icad(s c(m( 6s!e, N( 5a+ m4s 1 eE O50 e# ! +( !ie&e s(2re0 as7 1 e s%#( !" p edes e/ec !ar !(d(s #(s pas(s0 per( )eam(sE HA$arr% e# cer!i'icad( + se:a#% #( 1 e R(2er! de27a 5acerH, Primer( p(&es ! pr(pi( se##( + # e$( ras$as p(r #a #7&ea de ser)id(r + )er4s & i&'(rme c(m( 6s!e, HLas !ra&s'(rmaci(&es 'a&!asma$%ricas se e3!e&dier(& a s a#reded(rH + si ese ami$( ! +( &( es!4 ec54&d(se & 'ar(#0 es!( de a1 7 es!ar4 e& )erde + 5a2r4 &a descripci%& !e3! a# de s c(&!ri2 ci%&0 respa#dada p(r Micr(s('!0 e# Ga&c( de Am6rica ( a#$( simi#ar, L e$( O a& se ! )( 1 e ir a a+ dar a s madre, C a&d( +a se des)a&ec7a0 R(2er! repas% e# e/emp#(, Rec(&(ci% a#$ &(s de #(s pas(s p(r #as descripci(&es de #(s pr(!(c(#(s0 per(9 HUC%m( sa2es !(d( es(V U&a pre$ &!a !(&!a, E# m c5ac5( p s( cara de s(rpresa, HEsE es i&! i!i)(0 Usa2esV Cre( 1 e #a i&!er'az es!4 dise:ada de esa '(rma, H+ desapareci% p(r c(mp#e!(, E& a1 e# m(me&!( &( 5a27a &adie e& casa0 as7 1 e R(2er! 2a/% + se prepar% & !e&!empi6, L e$( repas% #(s pas(s 1 e #e 5a27a i&dicad( e# c5ic(, N( !e&7a &i&$ &a e3c sa para p(sp(&er#(, D d% & m(me&!(E # e$( si$ i% #(s pas(s c(& cada &( de #(s ?credi!ad(s@ Verde 2ri##a&!e, Verde 2ri##a&!e, Verde 2ri##a&!e, A# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( &( #e $ s!a2a )isi!ar a R(2er! c a&d( es!a2a e& casa, M iz4s e# C erp( de Mari&es &( ' ese !a& i&c(mpe!e&!e c(m( a'irma2a e# E3!ra:(, R(2er! c(me&z% a !emer p(r a&!icipad( #(s m(me&!(s 1 e pasa2a

' era de casa, Pr(&!( !e&dr7a 1 e decidirse, UEra #a !raici%& & preci( 1 e es!a2a disp es!( a pa$ar p(r rec perar s )ie/( +(V Pasar(& #(s d7as, Se$ 7a si& 5a2er c(&!ac!(, El E#tra/o me ,uiere bien maduro antes de cosecharme. C a&d( a# 'i& s cedi%0 R(2er! cami&a2a p(r e# )eci&dari(0 dedicad( a (!ra e&!re)is!a c(& _ #'iFar S5ari', E# /()e& )aci#% e& medi( de &a pre$ &!a + #e mir%, Miri HS O a&9 TmsS QEs!(+ ' eraRTWmsS O a& HS Miri9 TmsS UO!ra )ezVTWmsS Miri HS O a&9 TmsS QS70 (!ra )ezRTWmsS L(s ras$(s si&cer(s de S5ari' ad1 irier(& e# aspec!( maci#e&!( + #adi&( de# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(, HUC%m( )a #a c(sa0 ami$( m7(V R(2e& #($r% resp(&der c(& !ra&1 i#idad, HM + 2ie&, E# E3!ra:( s(&ri%, HPareces & p(c( &er)i(s(0 pr('es(r, M iz4s es!6s m4s c%m(d( si !e sie&!as, HU& c(c5e se de! )( / &!( a e##(s, La p(r!ez e#a se a2ri% +0 c(r!6sme&!e0 e# 'a&!asma #e i&dic% a R(2er! 1 e e&!rase, HUEs!( es m4s se$ r(V Hdi/( R(2er! c a&d( se a#e/ar(& de #a acera, HEste c(c5e es m4s se$ r(, Rec erda 1 e !e&$( p(deres 1 e s pera& #(s de ! s ami$ i!(s, HSe ac(m(d% e& e# asie&!( (rie&!ad( 5acia #a par!e p(s!eri(r de# )e57c #(H( Gie&, UEs!4s c(&)e&cid( de 1 e p ed( a+ dar!eV HM iz4 p edas Hdi/( R(2er!0 & p(c( (r$ ##(s( de #( !ra&1 i#( 1 e parec7aH Je c(mpr(2ad( ! s credi!ad(s, N( pareces sa2er &ada s(2re &ada0 per( !ie&es #a 5a2i#idad de re &ir a #a $e&!e adec ada + es!ar prese&!e c a&d( esa $e&!e res e#)e pr(2#emas imp(r!a&!es, E# E3!ra:( a$i!% #a ma&( c(& desd6&, HUN( s6 &ada s(2re &adaV Eres & i&$e& (0 pr('es(r, N es!r( m &d( es!4 p#a$ad( de p(si2i#idades !6c&icas, E# c(&(cimie&!( se am(&!(&a 5as!a a#! ras me!a'%ricas de a:(s # z, Dada esa si! aci%&0 e# a !6&!ic( d(& es e# 1 e +( p(se(9 sa2er re &ir e# c(&(cimie&!( + #as 5a2i#idades &ecesari(s para (2!e&er s(# ci(&es, T se:(ra C5 m#i$ #( c(mpre&de, L(s a# m&(s #( e&!ie&de& per'ec!ame&!e, I&c# s( T(mmie ParFer #( c(mpre&de0 a &1 e 6# 5a e&!e&did( a# re)6s & de!a##e imp(r!a&!e, HJiz( (!r( $es!( e3a$erad(0 c(& #a ma&( ap(+ada e& e# c e##( de #a camisaH, E& m7 !ie&es #a e&car&aci%& de ese d(&, S(+ e# me/(r de# m &d( e& e# camp( de ?re"&e#(s + (2!6& resp es!as@, Y con un ego a juego. 3*+mo se sale con la su!a cuando trata con los Einsteins ! 6a=(ings de esta "poca4 0o es posible ,ue tenga a todo el mundo pillado por sus partes. E# E3!ra:( se i&c#i&% 5acia de#a&!e, HPer( de/em(s de 5a2#ar de m7, Xi&&ie G#( &! + s C(&ci#i42 #( de A&cia&(s se empieza& a desesperar, N( es 1 e +( es!6 desesperad(0 per(0 si #( re!rasas

m4s de &(s c a&!(s d7as0 &( p(dr6 $ara&!izar & res #!ad( acep!a2#e, Gie&, UTe ap &!as ( &(V HY(E S70 me ap &!(, HVei&!e a:(s a&!es0 !raici(&ar a G(2 &( #e 5a2r7a i&c(m(dad( e& a2s(# !(, Desp 6s de !(d(0 e# m + idi(!a era & i&$ra!(, N( 2 sc% &i&$ &a e3c sa !(&!a para / s!i'icarse0 per(E 6ara lo ,ue 2uese para recuperar lo ,ue he perdido; UM 6 i&'(rmaci%& 2i(m6!rica 1 ieres de A#iceV HA#$ &as ec($ra'7as 1 e &( p(dem(s 5acer#e, U& micr($ram( de sa&$re, HE# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( i&dic% &a ca/i!a c(#(cada e&!re #(s d(sH, Ec5a & )is!az(, R(2er! a#ar$% #a ma&(E + s s ded(s !(car(& a#$( d r( + 'r7(0 &a ca/a de )erdad, Era #a primera )ez e& e# cas( de# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(, La e3ami&% m4s de cerca, Era de p#4s!ic( $ris0 si& !apa para a2rir#a &i e!i1 e!as )ir! a#es, A57 es!a2a c(m( siempre9 ?E# s ari( &( de2e ma&ip #ar e# i&!eri(r,@ HUYV HEs!a &(c5e #a de/ar4s e& e# 2a:(, La ca/a se (c par4 de #( dem4s, HN( 5ar6 &ada 1 e #e ca se da:( a A#ice, E# E3!ra:( ri(, HC 4&!a para&(ia, La idea es pasar desaperci2id(s, A#ice G se e&c e&!ra e& # $ares p"2#ic(s )arias )eces p(r sema&a, Si #e dese4sem(s a#$"& ma#0 6sas ser7a& #as (p(r! &idades 1 e 5a2r7a 1 e apr()ec5ar, Per( a !i + a# c(&ci#i42 #( s%#( (s 5ace& 'a#!a da!(s 2i(m6!ric(sE UA#$ &a (!ra pre$ &!aV HDe m(me&!( &(, HR(2er! se me!i% #a ca/i!a $ris e& e# 2(#si##(H, Simp#eme&!e0 &( me ca2e e& #a ca2eza 1 e a #a se$ ridad mi#i!ar de# si$#( III se #a p eda e&$a:ar c(& a#$( !a& simp#e c(m( &a $(!a de sa&$re + a#$ &as ec($ra'7as, E# E3!ra:( ri( de & e)(, HO50 5a+ m c5(s e#eme&!(s m4s, T(mmie ParFer cree es!ar c 2rie&d( !(das #as p(si2i#idades0 per( si& mi a+ da #(s c a!r( &( ##e$ar7ais &i a #(s !"&e#es de ma&!e&imie&!(, HO2ser)% #a e3presi%& r7$ida de R(2er! + )(#)i% a re7rH, C(&sidera 1 e ! pape# es 5acer de i&!er'az de s ari(, HJiz( &a re)ere&ciaH, Y +( s(+ e# s ari(, R(2er! se ase$ r% de e&!rar e# disp(si!i)( p(r #a p er!a de#a&!era0 d(&de es!a2a #a !rampa para 2ic5(s, N( se dispar% &i&$ &a a#arma0 1 e 6# p diese )er, As7 1 e perpe!rar #a !raici%& ser7a !a& simp#e c(m( e&!rar e& e# 2a:( de #a p#a&!a 2a/a + de/ar #a ca/a e&!re #as 2(#sas0 #(s aer(s(#es + #(s ! 2(s 1 e +a es!a2a& a##7 $ ardad(s, L(s pr(d c!(s m(der&(s para e# 2a:( era& & 2as!i%& de #a p 2#icidad a #a )ie/a sa&za, A# 'i& + a# ca2(0 i&c# s( #a pers(&a m4s m(der&a !e&7a 1 e aca2ar p(r 1 i!arse #a r(pa + #as #e&!i##as, Per( A#ice + G(2 &( !e&7a& es!i#(, C(mpra2a& #(s pr(d c!(s $e&6ric(s m4s 2ara!(s 1 e p(d7a& e&c(&!rar, La ca/a ma#i$&a pasa2a per'ec!ame&!e desaperci2ida, R(2er! se di( &a #ar$a d c5a, Ser7a a$rada2#e se&!irse #impi(, N( (+% &i&$"& s(&id( e3!ra:(0 &( )i( &ada e3!ra:( a !ra)6s de# )idri( esmeri#ad(, Per( c a&d( sa#i% de #a d c5a se di( c e&!a de 1 e &( 5a27a &i&$ &a mis!eri(sa ca/i!a $ris, I&c# s( c a&d( re)(#)i% e& e# es!a&!e0 !(c4&d(#( !(d(0 &( e&c(&!r%

se:a# a#$ &a de #a i&!r si%&, La p er!a de# 2a:( &( se 5a27a a2ier!( e& &i&$"& m(me&!(, A#$ ie& ##am% e& a1 e# m(me&!(0 si& c(&!ra)e&ir0 p(r s er!e0 #a &(rma de #a 'ami#ia0 1 e pr(5i27a mirar a !ra)6s de #a p er!a de# 2a:(, HR(2er!0 Ues!4s 2ie&V HEra MiriH, A#ice dice 1 e es 5(ra de ce&ar, La ce&a ' e &a pesadi##a, Siempre era & m(me&!( !e&s( c a&d( #(s c a!r( es!a2a& / &!(s, Ja2i! a#me&!e0 R(2e& e)i!a2a !a#es re &i(&es0 per( A#ice es!a2a decidida a )er#e c(& !(da #a 'ami#ia a# me&(s &a )ez p(r sema&a, R(2er! sa27a #( 1 e pre!e&d7a s & era, Es!a2a reca#i2ra&d(0 decidie&d( si p(d7a 5acer caer e# !r e&( s(2re s s e$r(, Esa &(c5e es!a2a sie&d( m4s d ra 1 e & &ca + &( a+ da2a &ada 1 e R(2er! esc(&diera secre!(s !erri2#es, M iz4s A#ice ! )iese a#$ &a raz%& c(&cre!a para ser s spicaz, R(2e& se di( c e&!a de 1 e G(2 + Miri era& #(s e&car$ad(s de ir a #a c(ci&a + )(#)er, Ja2i! a#me&!e A#ice #(s a+ da2a, Esa &(c5e se se&!% e& #a si##a de siempre e i&!err($% a R(2er! de '(rma imp#aca2#e + desa#mada9 c%m( #e i2a e& e# i&s!i! !(0 1 6 !a# e# pr(+ec!( c(& O a&, QI&c# s( #e pre$ &!% p(r s s ?)ie/(s ami$(s@0 p(r am(r de# cie#(R + R(2er! se e3p#ic%0 s(&ri% + rez% p(r es!ar pasa&d( #a pr e2a, %El viejo 7obert nunca ha tenido problemas para embaucar a la gente) L e$( G(2 + Miri se se&!ar(& a c(mer, A#ice de/% de pres!ar a!e&ci%& a# )i##a&( de s s e$r(, C5ar#% c(& Miri emp#ea&d( e# mism( !(&( amis!(s( e i&!eresad( 1 e c(& R(2er!, Miri resp(&di% c(& precisi%&0 da&d( & res me& de!a##ad( de 1 i6& + 1 6 era 2 e&( + ma#( e& e# c(#e$i(, R(2er! es! )( a p &!( de re#a/arse, A# 'i& + a# ca2(0 es!a2a& a##7 para c(mer, N( p(d7a desc 2rirse, Per( a#$( es!a2a pasa&d( + &( era s%#( e& s ima$i&aci%&, G(2 + A#ice se p sier(& a disc !ir de p(#7!ica0 p(r & as &!( de & 2(&( esc(#ar0 per( 5a27a &a m(!i)aci%& (c #!aD a#$ &as pare/as realmente disc !e& de p(#7!ica0 per( 6sa era #a primera 1 e R(2er! (7a a es(s d(s 5acer#(, Y0 de )ez e& c a&d(0 #a r(pa de A#ice parpadeaba. E& e# m &d( rea#0 para es!ar e& casa0 A#ice G ##e)a2a &a 2a!a de 'ae&a 1 e &( 5a2r7a dese&!(&ad( e& #(s a:(s ci&c e&!a, C a&d( parpade%0 se c(&)ir!i% e& a#$( c(mp#e!ame&!e di'ere&!e a #a camise!a i&!e#i$e&!e pasada de m(da de Car#(s, La primera )ez R(2er! casi &( se di( c e&!aE e& par!e p(r1 e &i Ga5 &i Miri reacci(&ar(&, Medi( mi& !( m4s !arde0 mie&!ras A#ice $es!ic #a2a p(r & de!a##e a2s(# !ame&!e !ri)ia# de #as e#ecci(&es0 se pr(d /( (!r( parpade(, P(r & i&s!a&!e se #a )i( )es!ida c(& &i'(rme &a)a#, L#e)a2a e& e# c e##( &a i&si$&ia c(& #as #e!ras ?PJS@, ?UPJSV@ Ja27a m c5as p(si2#es !rad cci(&es e& G(($#e para esas si$#as, Pasad(s &(s mi& !(s + 2re)eme&!e ##e)% &i'(rme de c(r(&e# de# C erp( de Mari&es, R(2er! +a 5a27a )is!( a1 e# &i'(rme p(r1 e c(rresp(&d7a a s a !6&!ica $rad aci%&, G(2 di/( ama2#eme&!e9 HN( es!4s sie&d( raz(&a2#e0 cari:(,

HN( imp(r!a Hdi/( A#ice c(r!a&!eH, L( sa2es, L( imp(r!a&!e es 1 eE H+ si$ i% c(& e# !ema de# 2(&( esc(#ar, Per( s mirada rec(rr7a #a 5a2i!aci%& + se p(sa2a de )ez e& c a&d( e& R(2er!, N( era &a mirada amis!(sa +0 a &1 e #( 1 e dec7a &( !e&7a &ada 1 e )er c(& R(2er! G 0 5a27a !e&si%& e& s )(z, L e$(0 d ra&!e casi d(s se$ &d(s0 se #a )i( )es!ida de paisa&( c(& &a ide&!i'icaci%& de #as a&!i$ as e& e# c e##(, La ide&!i'icaci%& ##e)a2a & se##( c(&(cid( + #as si$#as ?DSI@, R(2er! sa27a #( 1 e si$&i'ica2a, Jiz( c a&!( p d( para &( ac(2ardarse, %0o puede saberlo todo) Se pre$ &!% si A#ice + Ga5 es!ar7a& c((rdi&a&d( si#e&ci(same&!e !(d(s a1 e##(s i&dici(s esca#('ria&!es0 c(&spira&d( para (2#i$ar#( a c(&'esar, L( cier!( era 1 e &( #e parec7a 1 e G(2 ' ese !a& sa$az, As7 1 e R(2er! se #imi!% a ase&!ir + a mirar c(m( si &ada, Miri es!a2a m4s ca##ada de #( 5a2i! a#, Mira2a 'i/ame&!e & p &!( dis!a&!e + parec7a !a& a2 rrida c(m( p ede es!ar#( &a c5ica de !rece a:(s a!rapada e& casa c(& s s padres par#(!ea&d( s(2re C(sas Si& Imp(r!a&cia, Per( se !ra!a2a de Miri G + &( es!a2a& e& e# si$#( II, L( m4s pr(2a2#e era 1 e es! )iese &a)e$a&d(0 a &1 e se&!ada a #a mesa s(#7a disim #ar esas a se&cias, A#ice descar$% & p :e!az(0 + R(2er! #a mir% s(2resa#!ad(, L( es!a2a (2ser)a&d( a!e&!ame&!e, HUN( es!4s de ac erd(0 R(2er!V Ni L( ise C5 m#i$ p(d7a mirar c(& m4s a$resi)idad, HL( sie&!(, Pe&sa2a e& (!ra c(sa0 A#ice, U& $es!( r4pid( de #a ma&(, HN( imp(r!a, Y a c(&!i& aci%&0 #e!ras d(radas se m()ier(& e& si#e&ci( e& e# aire, Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS N( !e pre(c pes, N( es!4 e&'adada c(&!i$(,TWmsS Miri se$ 7a c(& #a mirada perdida, S s ma&(s es!a2a& a #a )is!a0 i&m%)i#es, Era 2 e&a c(& #a r(pa, 9ale, pero 3,u" co/o pasa a,u4 Yse era e# me&sa/e 1 e 1 er7a e&)iar0 per( si& p(der sar #(s ded(s #( m4s 1 e p(d7a 5acer era mirar#a i&1 isi!i)(, A#ice se$ 7a 5a2#a&d(0 + G(2 i&!er)e&7a de )ez e& c a&d(0 per( R(2er! +a &( es!a2a c(mp#e!ame&!e a!err(rizad(, Esper% !res ( c a!r( mi& !(s + se disc #p%, G(2 parec7a & p(c( a#i)iad(, HN( )am(s a 5a2#ar m4s de# 2(&(0 R(2er!, Ja+ (!r(sE HN(0 da i$ a#, Te&$( m c5(s de2eres, HR(2er! '(rz% &a s(&risa + se escap%, N(!a2a #a mirada pe&e!ra&!e de A#ice si$ i6&d(#e, De &( ser p(r e# me&sa/e si#e&ci(s( de Miri0 5 2iese s 2id( #as esca#eras c(rrie&d(, De m(me&!(0 A#ice &i si1 iera se 5a27a acercad( a# 2a:(, Te&7a de2eres, O a& se prese&!% + #e dis!ra/( media 5(ra c(& s s e3p#icaci(&es s(2re per'i#es de i&mersi%&, Se s p(&7a 1 e R(2er! de27a !e&er preparad( &( de es(s per'i#es para #a c#ase de# d7a si$ ie&!e, O a& se ' e e&ca&!ad(, Tam2i6& #( es!a2a R(2er!D 5a27a c(mpe&sad( )ari(s d7as de 'a#!a de a!e&ci%&, O $ e!e%

c(& #(s es1 emas de O a& 5as!a 1 e ' e capaz de ##e)ar#( a ca2( !(d(, 1or ios, deberan darnos matrcula en apo!o mutuo. La pr(sa de# c5ic( se 5a27a ) e#!( casi !i#iza2#eE + e# per'i# de i&mersi%& 1 e 5a27a c(&s!r id( era 5erm(s(, F e c(&scie&!e de 1 e Miri a+ da2a a #impiar desp 6s de #a ce&a + # e$( s 27a a s c ar!(, G(2 + A#ice es!a2a& se&!ad(s e& e# sa#%&, Es!a2#eci% &a a#arma de ac!i)idad para e# primer pis( + # e$( se dedic% a me/(rar cada )ez m4s #(s $r4'ic(s, % ios) QJa27a pasad( &a 5(raR Ec5% & )is!az( r4pid(, Nadie 5a27a id( a# 2a:( de a2a/(, Te&7a & me&sa/e pe&die&!e de T(mmie ParFer, E# c(&ci#i42 #( 1 er7a sa2er si i2a a c mp#ir c(& s par!e, V(#)i% a mirar esca#eras a2a/(, E3!ra:(, Ya &( p(d7a )er e& e# sa#%&, N(rma#me&!e aparec7a e& e# me&" de #a casa0 per( e& a1 e# m(me&!( era &a z(&a !a& pri)ada c(m( #(s d(rmi!(ri(s, Se p s( e& pie0 se acerc% a #a p er!a + #a a2ri% si#e&ci(same&!e &(s ce&!7me!r(s0 'is$a&d( a #a a&!i$ a, QDisc !7a&R + G(2 es!a2a #7)id( de ' ria, A#za2a cada )ez m4s #a )(z0 5as!a $ri!ar, HQMe imp(r!a &a mierda si !e &ecesi!a&R Siempre es &a )ez m4s, Per( es!a )ez !"E G(2 )aci#% e& medi( de #a i&)ec!i)a, R(2er! se i&c#i&%0 c(& #a (re/a pe$ada a #a p er!a, Nada, Ni si1 iera #(s m rm ##(s de #as pa#a2ras pr de&!es, S 5i/( + s & era se 5a27a& ##e)ad( #a disc si%& a re$i(&es m4s e!6reas, Per( R(2er! si$ i% esc c5a&d(, L(s (7a m()erse, E& cier!( m(me&!( se (+% e# $(#pe de &a ma&(, UA#ice d4&d(#e & p :e!az( a #a mesa de# c(med(rV J 2( medi( mi& !( de si#e&ci( + & p(r!az(, La )isi%& re$res% & se$ &d( desp 6s, G(2 es!a2a a s(#as e& e# sa#%&0 mira&d( 'i/ame&!e #a p er!a de# despac5( de #a p#a&!a 2a/a, As7 perma&eci% &(s mi& !(s0 # e$( di( #a ) e#!a a# sa#%& + se se&!% e& s si##%& 'a)(ri!(, T(m% & #i2r( de #a mesi!a, Era &( de #(s !res #i2r(s '7sic(s de# pis( de a2a/(E + &( era m4s 1 e &a imi!aci%& para #ec! ra i&s!a&!4&ea, R(2er! G cerr% si#e&ci(same&!e #a p er!a de# d(rmi!(ri( + )(#)i% a #a si##a, Re'#e3i(&% & m(me&!( + # e$( escri2i%9 R(2er!HS Miri9 TmsSUM 6 5a sid( es(VTWmsS Miri es!a2a a &(s me!r(s pasi##( a2a/(, P(r !a&!(0 Up(r 1 6 &( dar &(s pas(s + ##amar a s p er!a ( prese&!arse )ir! a#me&!eV M iz4 ' ese p(r #a c(s! m2re de ma&!e&erse a#e/ad( de e##a, Ta# )ez era m4s '4ci# (c #!arse !ras #as pa#a2ras, A #( me/(r 6# &( era e# "&ic( 1 e se (c #!a2a, Pas% casi & mi& !( a&!es de 1 e #e ##e$ase #a resp es!a, Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS N( es!4& e&'adad(s c(&!i$(,TWmsS R(2er! HS Miri9 TmsS Va#e, Per( U1 6 pasaVTWmsS Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS N( pasa &ada,TWmsS Es( ' e !(d(0 per( # e$( Miri e&)i% (!r( me&sa/e, Miri HS R(2e&9 TmsS A#ice se prepara para & !ra2a/(, Para e##a es siempre d r(, Y G(2 se p(&e ' ri(s(,TWmsS

O!ra pa sa, Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS Es & as &!( de# C erp( de Mari&es0 R(2er!, Se s p(&e 1 e +( &( s6 &ada0 + 1 e !" de2es sa2er me&(s !(da)7a, L( sie&!(, EOF,TWmsS EOF, Es(0 e& ar$(!0 si$&i'ica2a ?sa&seaca2%@, R(2er! esper%D &( #e ##e$% &ada m4s, Per( era #a c(&)ersaci%& m4s #ar$a 1 e ma&!e&7a c(& Miri e& d(s meses, UM 6 5ac7a #a &i:a c(& s s secre!(sV Es!a2a c#ar( 1 e era& m c5( m4s imp(r!a&!es de #( 1 e 6# 5a27a s p es!(, Miri disp(&7a de me/(res medi(s de c(m &icaci%& 1 e &adie de# si$#( II0 per( s s remi#$(s #e imped7a& c(mpar!ir e# d(#(r, 3B ser ,ue tiene amigos con los ,ue hablar4 R(2er! G padre &( !e&7a ami$(s0 per( &( #e 5ac7a& 'a#!aD esa &(c5e !e&7a crisis + s spe&se de s(2ra para e&!re!e&erse, Si$ i% )i$i#a&d( e# 2a:( de a2a/( + #a p er!a de# despac5(, G(2 c(&!i& a2a #e+e&d( + mira&d( de )ez e& c a&d( 5acia e# despac5(, HUEs 2 e& m(me&!( para 1 e 5a2#em(s0 pr('es(rV HLa )(z pr()e&7a de s espa#da, La s(rpresa #e 5iz( dar & respi&$(, Se )(#)i%, HQOes"sR Era _ #'iFar S5ari'0 1 e re!r(cedi%0 s(rpre&did(, HP(dr7as 5a2er ##amad( Hdi/( R(2er!, HL( 5ice0 pr('es(r, HS5ari' parec7a & p(c( d(#id(, HS70 s7, HR(2er! !(da)7a &( 5a27a c(&se$ id( desci'rar !(d(s #(s de!a##es de# ?c7rc #( de ami$(s@ de Epi'a&7a, Le 5iz( & $es!( a S5ari' para 1 e se 1 edaseH, UM 6 !ie&es e& me&!eV S5ari' #( 5iz( 2as!a&!e 2ie& se&!4&d(se e& &a si##a si& 5 &dirse 5as!a #a mi!ad, HGie&0 espera2a 1 e p di6sem(s 5a2#ar, HRe'#e3i(&% & m(me&!(H, Es decir0 p(dr7am(s c(&!i& ar c(& mis pre$ &!as s(2re Secretos de las edades. A2a/( se$ 7a si& pasar &ada, HM + 2ie&, Pre$ &!a ;3:ui"n ha venido4 UEra e# S5ari' )erdader(V UE# S5ari' E3!ra:(V UE# S5ari' Cie&cia Ficci%&V UA#$ &a ma#)ada c(m2i&aci%& de #( a&!eri(rV F era 1 ie& ' ese0 era demasiada c(i&cide&cia 1 e se 5 2iese prese&!ad( / s!( e& a1 e# m(me&!(, R(2er! se ap(+% e& e# respa#d( + #e esc c5%, HVeam(sE &( s6 HUTa& (#)idadiz( eraV Per( de repe&!e S5ari' desper!%H, QA5R A#$( 1 e me $ s!ar7a i&c# ir e& mi !esis es e# e1 i#i2r( e&!re #a 2e##eza de #a '(rma + #a 2e##eza de #a )erdad s 2+ace&!e, US(& c(sas i&depe&die&!esV Fna pregunta ,ue debo responder con pro2undidad crptica. R(2er! 5iz( &a pa sa e&'4!ica + se #a&z% a s(#!ar )ac idades, HYa de2er7as sa2er0 _ #'i0 a &1 e &( p edas crear p(es7a0 1 e s(& i&separa2#es, La 2e##eza re'#e/a #a )erdad, Lee mi e&sa+( e& *arolingian- ;.la, bla, bla. S5ari' asi&!i% c(& si&ceridad,

HE&!(&ces0 Uespera 1 e a#$ &a )ez se aca2e &a + p(r !a&!( #a (!raV Me re'ier( a #a 2e##eza +a #a )erdad, 3Eh4 Va+a0 era &a pre$ &!a !a& e3!ra:a c(m( para desc(&cer!ar#(, R(2er! re'(rm #% + )(#)i% a re'(rm #ar #a es! pidez, C3Se le acabar la belleza4A ! la respuesta en mi caso es ,ue s$ !a no puedo crear belleza, M iz4 &( ' ese m4s 1 e S5ari' E3!ra:( d4&d(#e ca:a mie&!ras espera2a& a 1 e #a ca/i!a $ris ac! ase, HS p(&$(E 1 e p(dr7a 5a2er & 'i&a# HL e$( re'#e3i(&% acerca de #a (!ra par!e de #a pre$ &!aH( Dem(&i(s0 S5ari'0 #a )erdadE #a )erdad & e)aE se aca2% 5ace m c5( !iemp(, L(s ar!is!as &(s se&!am(s s(2re & m(&!%& de res!(s 1 e !ie&e diez mi# a:(s de espes(r, G scam(s + re2 scam(s0 + a#$ &(s #( 5acem(s 2ri##a&!eme&!e0 per( &( es m4s 1 e & re'ri!( des# m2ra&!e, ;3Acabo de decir lo ,ue he dicho4 HY si es!4& re#aci(&adas0 e&!(&ces0 U#a 2e##eza !am2i6& 5a desaparecid(V HS5ari' se 5a27a i&c#i&ad( 5acia de#a&!e0 c(& #(s c(d(s s(2re #(s m s#(s0 #a 2ar2i##a ap(+ada e& #as ma&(s, Te&7a #(s (/(s m + a2ier!(s + &a e3presi%& seria, R(2er! apar!% #a )is!a, Fi&a#me&!e 5a2#%, HT(da)7a 5a+ 2e##eza, Y( #a traer". ;5a recuperar", S5ari' s(&ri%0 !a# )ez p(r1 e i&!erpre!% #a a'irmaci%& de R(2er! c(m( 'e e& e# ' ! r( de #a 5 ma&idad, HEs mara)i##(s(0 pr('es(r, Es!( s pera s e&sa+( e& *arolingian. HE'ec!i)ame&!e, HR(2er! se arre##a&%0 pre$ &!4&d(se 1 6 es!a2a pasa&d(, S5ari' )aci#% & m(me&!(0 c(m( si &( es! )iese se$ r( de c%m( c(&!i& ar, HY #a 2i2#i(!eca de #a UCSD0 Uc%m( )a s pr(+ec!( a##7V Se$ 7a si& pasar &ada a2a/(, R(2er! di/(9 HUVes a#$ &a re#aci%& e&!re mi (2ra +E Gi2#i(!(maV HG e&(0 s7, N( 1 ier( e&!r(me!erme0 per( "#!imame&!e #( 1 e 5ace s!ed e& #a UCSD parece &a dec#araci%& de pri&cipi(s s(2re #a si! aci%& de# ar!e + #a #i!era! ra e& e# m &d( m(der&(, M iz4 se !ra!ase de S5ari' Cie&cia Ficci%&0 i&!e&!a&d( desc 2rir #( 1 e !rama2a S5ari' E3!ra:(, Si pudiese en2rentarlos entre s, Dedic% a# )isi!a&!e & ase&!imie&!( / ici(s(, HL( c(me&!ar6 c(& mis ami$(s, M iz4 p(dam(s re &ir&(s, L( 1 e pareci% 2as!ar a 1 ie& ' ese, Ac(rdar(& (!r( m(me&!( para re &irse + S5ari' se ' e, R(2er! desac!i)% e# acces( a# c7rc #( de ami$(s, N( 1 er7a &i&$ &a )isi!a s(rpresa m4s esa &(c5e, Y a2a/( segua si& pasar &ada, Mir% a !ra)6s de #a pared d ra&!e casi 1 i&ce mi& !(s, Va+a & s( m4s pr(d c!i)( de# !iemp(, 1iensa en otra cosa, mierda. Le)a&!% #a c 2ier!a de #a casa + mir% Xes! Fa##2r((F, Si& me/(ras0 era & # $ar m + (sc r(0 m4s parec7a & p e2#( a2a&d(&ad( 1 e & 2arri( 5a2i!ad(, E# Sa& Die$( rea# es!a2a me&(s i# mi&ad( 1 e e& <K=;0 p(r #( 1 e rec(rda2a, Per( apar!e de #a )is!a rea# 5a27a i&!ermi&a2#es a#!er&a!i)as0 !(da #a di)ersi%&

de# ci2erespaci( ima$i&ada p(r #a $e&eraci%& de G(2, A57 ' era0 esa &(c5e0 5a27a cie&!(s de mi##(&es / $a&d(, R(2er! perci27a BEpi'a&7a se #( 5ac7a perci2irC e# p #s( de #a ac!i)idad0 ##am4&d(#e, Us% &a (rde& 1 e C5 m#i$ 5a27a me&ci(&ad(D a1 7 + a##40 p(r !(d( N(r!5 C( &!+0 se e&ce&dier(& # ceci!as, Ys(s era& #(s a# m&(s de s c#ase0 a# me&(s #(s 1 e es!a2a& es! dia&d( esa &(c5e + se&!7a& a#$"& i&!er6s p(r #( 1 e 5ac7a& #(s dem4s, Vei&!e pe1 e:as # ces, M4s de d(s !erci(s de s s c(mpa:er(s0 & !ip( especia# de c7rc #( de (pi&i%&0 &( dedicad( a 5acer a)a&zar !(d( #( p(si2#e s s p &! aci(&es de c((peraci%&, N &ca se 5a27a dad( c e&!a de #( m c5( 1 e !ra2a/a2a& esas pers(&i!as de !ercera ca!e$(r7a, R(2er! '#(!% c(m( & 'a&!asma s(2re #(s s 2 r2i(s 5acia #a # z m4s cerca&a, N &ca 5a27a sad( #as (pci(&es ?e3!rac(rp(ra#es@ de Epi'a&7a, N( !e&7a &i&$ &a se&saci%& de 1 e e# aire '# +ese a s a#reded(r0 &i !amp(c( de m()imie&!(, N ( era m4s 1 e & p &!( de )is!a si&!6!ic( desp#az4&d(se s(2re e# paisa/e, T(da)7a &(!a2a e# !raser( pe$ad( a #a si##a de s d(rmi!(ri(, Y0 si& em2ar$(0 c(mpre&d7a p(r 1 6 #as i&s!r cci(&es precisa2a& 1 e #a ac!i)idad de27a rea#izarse es!a&d( se&!ad(, E# p &!( de )is!a rec(rr7a e# )a##e a &a )e#(cidad 1 e marea2a, Se des#iz% 5acia &a )e&!a&a amis!(sa, O a& Or(zc(0 Ma5m( d P>(& + & par m4s es!a2a& re &id(s e& e# c ar!( de es!ar0 c(&/ ra&d( p(si2i#idades para e# i&!ercam2i( de# d7a si$ ie&!e c(& Ci dad de# Ca2(, A#zar(& #a )is!a + di/er(& ?5(#a@0 per( R(2er! sa27a 2ie& 1 e &( )e7a& m c5( m4s 1 e s ic(&( '#(!a&d( e& #a 5a2i!aci%&, P(dr7a es!ar prese&!e )ir! a#me&!e0 1 iz4s i&c# s( parecer !a& ?rea#@ c(m( S5ari' s(#7a ser, Per( R(2er! se #imi!% a '#(!ar + esc c5ar #( 1 e dec7a& +E %Aviso de alarma) C(r!% #a c(&e3i%& + re$res% a# c ar!(, A2a/(0 G(2 5a27a sa#id( de# sa#%&, Se acerc% a #a p er!a de A#ice + ##am% c(& s a)idad, P(r #( 1 e R(2er! p d( )er0 &( 5 2( resp es!a, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 G(2 2a/% #a 2ar2i##a + se $ir%, R(2er! #e si$ i% esca#eras arri2a, O+% #(s pas(s p(r e# pasi##(, G(2 ##am% a #a p er!a de Miri0 c(m( 5ac7a casi !(das #as &(c5es, Se (+% &a c(&)ersaci%& apa$ada + #a )(z de Miri dicie&d(9 HG e&as &(c5es0 pap4, HEra #a primera )ez 1 e R(2er! #a (7a ##amar as7 a G(2, L(s pas(s de G(2 se acercar(&D se de! )( 're&!e a #a p er!a de R(2er!0 per( &( di/( &ada, R(2er! #e )i( a !ra)6s de #a pared9 G(2 se )(#)i% + se #( !ra$% #a i&!imidad de# d(rmi!(ri( pri&cipa#, R(2er! se ap(+% e& #a mesa + mir% a2a/(, A#ice casi & &ca se 1 eda2a #e)a&!ada 5as!a m c5( m4s !arde 1 e G(2, E)ide&!eme&!e0 6sa &( era &a &(c5e 5a2i! a#, M 6 desas!re, U&( 5ace ac(pi( de )a#(r para !raici(&ar a #a 'ami#iaE + # e$( e# des!i&( &( 5ace m4s 1 e api#ar pr(2#emas s(2re esas i&!e&ci(&es !a& des5(&r(sas, Per(0 i&c# s( e& e# cas( de 1 e A#ice se 1 edara a d(rmir e& e# despac5(0 !e&dr7a 1 e aca2ar +e&d( a# 2a:(0 U&(V Pasar(& )ei&!e mi& !(s,

A#ice a2ri% #a p er!a, Sa#i%0 ' e 5acia #as esca#eras, >aldita sea, usa el ba/o de abajo. Se di( #a ) e#!a + cr z% ' ri(sa e# sa#%&, Cada m()imie&!( era precis( + p(!e&!e0 c(m( #(s de &a 2ai#ari&a ( &a 'a&4!ica de #as ar!es marcia#es, N( se m()7a c(m( #a A#ice G(&$ G de# )es!id(0 #a de #a !ra&1 i#a cara red(&deada + #as 2a!as i&'(rmes, Y0 si& em2ar$(0 era #a )is!a rea#, Era s r(s!r( rea#0 a &1 e es! )iera !e&s( de d(#(r + s d(r(s(, UE5V R(2er! !ra!% de e3ami&ar de cerca s da&za des#iza&!e, Es!a2a empapada de s d(r, Te&7a e# )es!id( !a& m(/ad( c(m( si aca2ase de !ermi&ar &a carrera #ar$a + 're&6!ica, I$ a# 1 e Car#(s Ri)era, N( p(d7a ser, A#ice & &ca se 1 eda2a a!rapada e& &a #e&$ a e3!ra&/era ( e& &a especia#idad c(&cre!a, E& una especia#idad c(&cre!a, Per( rec(rd% #( 1 e 5a27a #e7d( s(2re ESR, UM 6 5a27a de esas pers(&as e3!ra:as a #as 1 e p(d7a& ?e&!re&ar@ m4s de &a )ez0 1 e ad1 ir7a& m"#!ip#es !a#e&!(s 5as!a 1 e #(s e'ec!(s sec &dari(s aca2a& des!r(z4&d(#asV UE& 1 6 se 1 edar7a& ?pi##ad(s@ es(s des$raciad(s si 5a27a dece&as de p(si2i#idades e&!re #as 1 e e#e$irV A#ice aca2% p(r de!e&erse, Se 1 ed% i&m%)i# & m(me&!( c(& #a ca2eza $ac5a0 #(s 5(m2r(s s 2ie&d( + 2a/a&d(, L e$( se )(#)i% + e&!r% e& e# 2a:(, Al 2in, al 2in. Ahora debera sentirme mu! aliviado. Per( e& cam2i( #a re)e#aci%& #( !e&7a e& )i#(, E3p#ica2a m c5(s pe1 e:(s de!a##es, C(&!radec7a )arias c(sas de #as 1 e es!a2a se$ r(, M iz4s A#ice &( ' ese p(r 6#, M iz4 &adie e& #a casa ' ese s e&emi$(, A )eces #as c(sas &( s(& #( 1 e parece&, T(d( es!a2a e& si#e&ci(, E& #a )ie/a casa de Pa#( A#!( se (7a& cr /id(s + $(#pes0 + de )ez e& c a&d( e# PC de G(2 repr(d cie&d( m"sica r(2ada, A1 e##a &(c5eE s70 5a27a s(&id(s esp(r4dic(s0 de #a casa 5aci6&d(se a# 'resc( de #a &(c5e, Espera. E& #a )is!a de ma&!e&imie&!( p(d7a c(mpr(2ar 1 e &( de #(s ca#e&!ad(res de a$ a se 5a27a e&ce&did(, O7a e# a$ a c(rrie&d(, Y p(r primera )ez se pre$ &!% 1 6 !ip( de ma$ia c(&!e&dr7a #a ca/i!a $ris, N ( 5a27a a#er!ad( a #(s $ ardia&es de #a casa, M iz4 &( ' ese e#ec!r%&ica0 si&( de e&$ra&a/es de# si$#( III m()id(s p(r res(r!es, Y adem4s 5a27a desaparecido de #a )is!a de R(2er!, Era a#$( & e)(0 &( & !r c( )is a#, M iz4 #a ca/i!a 5 2iese criad( pa!i!as + 5 2iese sa#id( c(rrie&d(, Per(0 ' ese #( 1 e ' ese0 3,u" hara4 M iz4s e# E3!ra:( &( 1 er7a & p(c( de sa&$re, M iz4 #e c(&)e&7a m4s & m(&!%& de sa&$re, R(2er! se 1 ed% se&!ad( c(mp#e!ame&!e i&m%)i# & se$ &d( + # e$( se p s( e& pie de & sa#!(E + )(#)i% a 1 edarse i&m%)i#, Es!a2a desesperad(, La credi2i#idad &( es e3cesi)ame&!e imp(r!a&!e si #a )7c!ima a&s7a creer 1 e #a )erdad !ie&e 1 e ser e3ac!ame&!e #( 1 e e# me&!ir(s( a'irma, As7 1 e e# E3!ra:( se 5a27a 2 r#ad( de #a idea de 1 e para 5acer da:( a A#ice &( )a#7a& #a pe&a !a&!(s prepara!i)(s, Y !o, desesperado, sonre ! ,ued" convencido. R(2er! 5a27a sa#id( de s c ar!( + )(#a2a esca#eras a2a/(, Cr z% c(rrie&d( e# sa#%& + $(#pe% #a p er!a de# 2a:(, HQA#iceR QA#R

La p er!a se a2ri%, A#ice #e mira2a c(& #(s (/(s c(m( p#a!(s, R(2er! #a a$arr% de# 2raz( + #a (2#i$% a sa#ir a# pasi##(, A#ice &( era &a m /er m + c(rp #e&!aD sa#i% c(& 'aci#idad, Per( # e$( se $ir%0 #( 1 e dese1 i#i2r% a R(2er!, R(2er! !r(pez% + se $(#pe% c(&!ra #a /am2a, HUM 6 pasaV Hdi/(, Parec7a irri!ada, HY(E HR(2er! mir% p(r e&cima de# 5(m2r( e# 2a:( m + i# mi&ad(0 + # e$( a A#ice (!ra )ez, L#e)a2a &a 2a!a + parec7a 1 e se 5a27a #a)ad( e# pe#( c(r!(, Y todo el mundo sigue de una pieza. 0o ha! sangre- e#cepto all donde me he dado un golpe en la cabeza. HUEs!4s 2ie&0 R(2er!V HLa pre(c paci%& parec7a $a&ar a# e&'ad(, R(2er! se pa#p% #a par!e p(s!eri(r de #a ca2eza, HS70 s7, A5(ra s(+ m4s resis!e&!e, HPe&s% e& c%m( 5a27a 2a/ad( #as esca#eras, Ni si1 iera a #(s diecisie!e a:(s 2a/a2a #(s esca#(&es de c a!r( e& c a!r(, HPer(E HEs!a2a c#ar( 1 e a A#ice s(2re !(d( #e pre(c pa2a e# es!ad( me&!a# de R(2er!, 0o pasa nada, nuera ma. *rea ,ue iba a evitar tu asesinato ! ahora descubro ,ue ha sido una 2alsa alarma. Ysa &( ser7a &a e3p#icaci%& c(&)i&ce&!e, P(r !a&!(0 U1 6 5ac7a a##7 a2a/( e& p#e&a &(c5e ap(rrea&d( #a p er!aV V(#)i% a mirar e# 2a:(, HY(0 e50 &ecesi!a2a sar e# 2a:(, A#ice se e&)ar%, HN( ser6 +( 1 ie& !e #( impida0 R(2er!, HSe )(#)i% + s 2i% #as esca#eras, HUEs!4s 2ie&0 A#iceV Hdi/( #a )(z de G(2 desde #( a#!( de #a esca#era, R(2er! &( ! )( e# )a#(r de mirar0 per( se ima$i&a2a #a cari!a de Miri as(mada, C a&d( 5 2( e&!rad( e& e# 2a:( + cerrad( #a p er!a (+% #a )(z a$(!ada de s & era, HN( !e pre(c pes, S%#( era R(2er!, R(2er! es! )( se&!ad( e& e# )4!er &(s mi& !(s 5as!a 1 e de/% de !em2#ar, M iz4 !(da)7a 5 2iese &a 2(m2a a##7 de&!r(0 per( si e3p#(!a2a s%#( 5erir7a a# c #pa2#e, Adem4s0 &( !e&7a #a ca/i!a e& c es!i%&, C a&d( se prese&!ase e& #a 2i2#i(!eca0 #( 5ar7a c(& #as ma&(s )ac7as, UYV A# ca2( de & m(me&!( R(2er! se p s( e& pie + se mir% a# espe/( rea# de )idri(, Sa# d% a s re'#e/( c(& &a s(&risa !(rcida, M iz4 de2iese ##e)ar#es &a 'a#si'icaci%&D UT(mmie se dar7a c e&!aV Y e& c a&!( a# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(0 1 iz4 s 5ec5iz( se 5 2iese es' mad(E / &!( c(& !(das #as espera&zas, S s (/(s se p(sar(& e& e# es!a&!e, A##70 apar!ada de #( dem4s0 5a27a &a ca/i!a $ris, N( es!a2a a57 c a&d( 5a27a sa#id( A#ice, A#ar$% #a ma&(, T(c% e# p#4s!ic( c4#id(, N( era &a i# si%&, Era m c5( m4s mis!eri(sa 1 e !(d(s #(s !r c(s 2ri##a&!es a #(s 1 e empeza2a a ac(s! m2rarse, Se me!i% #a ca/a e& e# 2(#si##( +0 e& si#e&ci(0 )(#)i% a s c ar!(,

<= LOS VOLUNTARIOS DE ALFRED G*&2erF Gra & + PeiF( Mi!s ri era& ('icia#es de a#!( ra&$( de s s respec!i)as a$e&cias, Vaz 5a27a se$ id( s !ra+ec!(ria desde #a &i)ersidad, Sa27a m4s s(2re e##(s de #( 1 e e##(s 5 2iese& p(did( s p(&er9 &a de #as )e&!a/as de ser m + )ie/( + es!ar m + 2ie& re#aci(&ad(, E& cier!( se&!id(0 6# 5a27a $ iad( s s carreras e& #a i&!e#i$e&cia0 a &1 e &i e##(s &i s s (r$a&izaci(&es #( s(spec5a2a&, N( era& !raid(res a #a UE &i a Oap%&0 per( A#'red #(s c(&(c7a !a& 2ie& 1 e p(d7a $ iar#(s s !i#me&!e, Es( 5a27a cre7d( + se$ 7a !e&ie&d( esa espera&za, Y0 si& em2ar$(0 #(s de&(dad(s es' erz(s de a1 e##(s d(s /%)e&es para a+ dar se 5a27a& c(&)er!id( e& #a ma+(r ame&aza para s s p#a&es, C(m( a1 e# d7a, HS7D s7, Ja+ ries$(s Hdec7a VazH, Es( <; sa27am(s desde & pri&cipi(, Per( permi!ir 1 e & pr(+ec!( TMC c(& p(si2i#idades de 63i!( &( ' ese de!ec!ad( ser7a m c5( m4s pe#i$r(s(, ebemos desc 2rir #( 1 e pasa e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de Sa& Die$(, C(& e# P#a& C(&e/( p(dem(s #($rar#(, PeiF( Mi!s ri &e$% c(& #a ca2eza, HA#'red0 !e&$( c(&!ac!(s e& e# espi(&a/e america&( desde 5ace m c5(s a:(s, N( s(& mis a$e&!es0 per( /am4s !(#erar7a& & pr(+ec!( armame&!7s!ic( de re&e$ad(s, E& ese p &!( #es c(&'iar7a mi )ida, Y( di$( 1 e 5a2#em(s c(& e##(s0 m + e3!ra('icia#me&!e0 + )eam(s #( 1 e p(dem(s desc 2rir s(2re #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de Sa& Die$(, A#'red se i&c#i&% 5acia de#a&!e, HULes c(&'iar7as #a s per)i)e&cia de ! pa7sV P(r1 e de es( es!am(s 5a2#a&d(, E& e# pe(r de #(s cas(s0 e& Sa& Die$( &( s%#( se es!4 desarr(##a&d( & pr(+ec!( TMC0 si&( 1 e se desarr(##a c(& e# ap(+( de #as m4s a#!as i&s!a&cias de# G(2ier&( de Es!ad(s U&id(s, E& !a# cas( #(s es' erz(s de ! s ami$(s s%#( c(&se$ ir7a& a#armar a s s s peri(res, Las pr e2as desaparecer7a&, C a&d( se !ra!a de i&)es!i$ar &a ame&aza !a& imp(r!a&!e0 debemos hacerlo nosotros. De &a '(rma (!ra0 era &a disc si%& 1 e se rem(&!a2a a #a re &i%& de Garce#(&a, La e&!re$a de a1 e# d7a p(d7a ser decisi)a, PeiF( se arre##a&% c(& & e&c($imie&!( de 'r s!raci%&, Se prese&!a2a m4s ( me&(s c(& s aspec!( + e& s si! aci%& rea#es9 &a m /er de !rei&!a a:(s se&!ada e& s despac5( de T(Fi(, Ja27a !ra&s'(rmad( & e3!rem( de# despac5( de Vaz c(& s m(2i#iari( mi&ima#is!a + &a )is!a pa&(r4mica de T(Fi(, G*&2erF Gra & era me&(s a!rac!i)(, S ima$e& simp#eme&!e (c pa2a &( de #(s si##(&es de #a ('ici&a de A#'red, Se$ rame&!e G*&2erF pe&sa2a 1 e #a UE

!e&7a !a&!( p(der 1 e p(d7a permi!irse & aspec!( &(rma#, Ta# )ez aca2ara sie&d( & )erdader( pr(2#ema a1 e# d7a0 per( de m(me&!( se #imi!a2a a esc c5ar, Va#e, A#'red a2ri% #(s 2raz(s, HSi&cerame&!e (pi&( 1 e e# r m2( 1 e e#e$im(s e& Garce#(&a es e# m4s pr de&!e, UP(d6is &e$ar #( m c5( 1 e 5em(s a)a&zad(V HSe:a#% #(s i&'(rmes 2i($r4'ic(s dispers(s s(2re #a mesaH, Te&em(s ma&(s + cere2r(s !ra2a/a&d( s(2re e# !erre&(E P(dem(s &e$ar#( !(d( si& 1 e sepa& 1 e #(s ma&ip #am(s, Es m4s0 !ie&e& &a idea m + e1 i)(cada s(2re #a imp(r!a&cia de #a (peraci%&, UL( d d4isV UCre6is 1 e #(s america&(s s(spec5a& de & es!ra i&)es!i$aci%&V L(s d(s /%)e&es &e$ar(& c(& #a ca2eza, PeiF( i&c# s( se permi!i% &a s(&risa de arrepe&!imie&!(, HN(, T c(mpar!ime&!a#izaci%& 2asada e& EJS es cier!ame&!e &a re)(# ci%& e& as &!(s mi#i!ares, HE'ec!i)ame&!e0 + 1 e 5a+am(s c(mpar!id( es(s m6!(d(s0 i&c# s( c(& a$e&cias 5erma&as de #a A#ia&za0 dem es!ra c(& 1 6 seriedad se !(ma #a EIA #as &ecesidades ac! a#es, P(r !a&!(0 p(r 'a)(r0 si #( re!rasam(s m4s de cie& 5(ras 2ie& p(dr7am(s empezar de & e)(, UM 6 pe$a !e&6is para dar e# )is!( 2 e&( de'i&i!i)(V G*&2erF mir% a s 5(m%#($a /ap(&esa, E##a 5iz( & $es!( de impacie&cia para i&dicar#e 1 e 5a2#ase, HD(+ p(r s p es!( 1 e #a pre$ &!a es re!%rica0 A#'red, La pe$a de# P#a& C(&e/( es C(&e/(, T(d( depe&de de 6# + &( sa2em(s casi &ada de 6#, HNi !amp(c( #( sa2r4& #(s america&(s, La idea es p(der &e$ar#( !(d(, C(&e/( es precisame&!e #( 1 e 1 erem(s, HEs m4s 1 e es(0 A#'red, HLa mirada de G*&2erF era 'irme, A pesar de s / )e&! d0 Gra & !e&7a e# aspec!( imper! r2a2#e de & a#em4& de# si$#( II, Pasa2a de & p &!( a (!r( #e&!a0 i&e3(ra2#eme&!eH, M(&!a&d( es!a (peraci%& C(&e/( 5a (2rad( mi#a$r(s para &(s(!r(s, Esa 5a2i#idad dem es!ra 1 e 6# mism( es &a ame&aza, Vaz mir% a #(s res #!ad(s de #a i&)es!i$aci%& m4s recie&!e de G*&2erF, HPer( !" 5as desc 2ier!( de2i#idades imp(r!a&!es e& C(&e/(, P(r m c5( 1 e i&!e&!e (c #!ar#(0 5as desc 2ier!( 1 e !(da s a !(ridad cer!i'icada pr(cede de &a "&ica a !(ridad cer!i'icad(ra de a#!( &i)e#, HTe&er &a "&ica AC de a#!( &i)e# &( !e&7a &ada de rar(D 1 e G*&2erF 5 2iese #($rad( desc 2rir #a de C(&e/( era & !ri &'(, Para A#'red0 c(&sidera&d( s de#icada re#aci%& c(& C(&e/(0 era &a 2 e&a &(!icia mi#a$r(sa, G*&2erF asi&!i%, HLa Cr6di! S isse, UY 1 6V HSi C(&e/( res #!a ser &a pesadi##a0 &( !e&dr4s m4s 1 e desc(&ec!ar #a Cr6di! S isse + de/ar#e e& #a ca##e,

HUDesc(&ec!ar #a AC Cr6di! S isseV UTie&es a#$ &a idea de# e'ec!( de a#$( as7 s(2re #a ec(&(m7a e r(peaV Es!(+ (r$ ##(s( de mi $e&!e p(r 5a2er #($rad( dese&!errar es!e secre!(E per( &( es & arma e'ec!i)a, HDe2er7am(s 5a2er&(s (#)idad( de C(&e/( !ras e# primer e&c e&!r( e& Garce#(&a Hdi/( PeiF(H, Es demasiad( #is!(, Vaz a#z% &a ma&(, HM iz40 per( Uc%m( 72am(s a sa2er#(V HJa4 Disc"#pame0 A#'red0 per( &(s pre$ &!am(s si &( sa2r4s m4s s(2re C(&e/( 1 e &(s(!r(s, %>aldici+n) HE& a2s(# !(, E& seri(, HA#'red se arre##a&% e& e# si##%& + e3ami&% #as p(s! ras &er)i(sas de s s c(#e$asH, Ja26is es!ad( 5a2#a&d( a mis espa#das0 U&( es cier!(V HLes dedic% &a s(&risa ama2#eH, UCre6is 1 e C(&e/( per!e&ece e& rea#idad a# espi(&a/e america&(V UA# c5i&(V HJa27a& i&)er!id( m c5( !iemp( e& i&)es!i$ar esas p(si2i#idades0 per( PeiF( &e$% c(& #a ca2ezaH, E&!(&ces0 Uc 4# es ) es!ra !e(r7a0 ami$(sV HGie& Hdi/( G*&2erF0 a#$( a)er$(&zad(H, M iz4s e# se:(r C(&e/( &i si1 iera sea 5 ma&(, M iz4 sea &a I&!e#i$e&cia Ar!i'icia#, Vaz r7(, Mir% a PeiF( Mi!s ri, HUY !"V HCre( 1 e #a IA es &a p(si2i#idad 1 e de2er7am(s !e&er e& c e&!a, L(s !a#e&!(s de C(&e/( s(& !a& amp#i(s0 s !ra2a/( !a& e'ec!i)( + s pers(&a#idad !a& / )e&i#E Es!( "#!im( es &a de #as carac!er7s!icas 1 e #a DARPA de Es!ad(s U&id(s #es a!ri2 7a, HVi( #a i&cred #idad e& e# r(s!r( de VazH, N( !(da ame&aza pr()ie&e de &a sec!a ( es &a c(&spiraci%&, HC#ar( 1 e &(, Per( Um(&s!r (s de IAV Es( es & !em(r de# si$#( II, UM i6& se #( !(ma e& seri( e& #a c(m &idad de# espi(&a/eV QA5R Es e# !ema 'a)(ri!( de Pasca# Jeri(!0 U&(V HE# !(&( de A#'red se )(#)i% $ra)e + seri(H, UJa26is es!ad( 5a2#a&d( c(& Pasca# s(2re es!e pr(+ec!(V HC#ar( 1 e &(, Per( #a IA es &a ame&aza a #a 1 e &adie 5a pres!ad( a!e&ci%& e& #(s "#!im(s a:(s, HCier!(0 p(r1 e & &ca se 5a 5ec5( rea#idad, A&!es de #a $ erra si&(america&a0 sa2em(s 1 e #a DARPA i&)ir!i% mi#es de mi##(&es e& e# pr(+ec!( Pe1 e:( A+ da&!e, F e & 'racas( casi !a& $ra&de c(m( s i&icia!i)a Ne$ar e# Acces( a# Espaci(, HNe$ar e# Acces( a# Espaci( 2uncion+, Vaz r7( de & e)(, HF &ci(&% c(&!ra !(d(s0 PeiF(0 s(2re !(d( c(&!ra #(s pr(pi(s america&(s, Per( !ie&es raz%&0 #a NAE &( es #a c(mparaci%& adec ada, L( 1 e 1 ier( decir es 1 e a#$ &(s de #(s i&di)id (s m4s i&!e#i$e&!es de# m &d( i&!e&!ar(& crear &a IA + 'racasar(&, HLa i&)es!i$aci%& ' e & 'racas(0 per( se$ r( 1 e se sa#)% c%di$( e/ec !a2#e, I&!er&e! &( es e# / $ e!i!( 1 e ' e e& s d7a, M iz4 p(r a57 ' era 1 ede& piezas

de# Pe1 e:( A+ da&!e de #a DARPA0 crecie&d( para c(&)er!irse e& a#$( 1 e era imp(si2#e e& e# pasad( de 2a/a !ec&(#($7a, HQEs( es cie&cia 'icci%&R I&c# s( 5icier(& &a pe#7c #aE HE& rea#idad0 m4s de &a Hdi/( G*&2erFH, A#'red0 &( es!(+ de ac erd( c(& PeiF( e& es( de 1 e pr($ramas de 5ace a:(s p diese& a !((r$a&izarse simp#eme&!e p(r1 e #(s rec rs(s ac! a#es sea& dece&!es, Cre( 1 e Pasca# Jeri(! !ie&e par!e de raz%&, E# simp#e 5ec5( de 1 e #a ma+(r7a de #a $e&!e 5a+a rec5azad( #a p(si2i#idad &( 1 iere decir 1 e &( sea rea#, Desde # e$( +a 5em(s s perad( e# #7mi!e e& #( 1 e a 5ard>are i&'(rm4!ic( se re'iere, Pasca# cree 1 e c a&d( s ceda 'i&a#me&!e &( 5a2r4 precede&!es i&s!i! ci(&a#es, Ser4 c(m( m c5(s a)a&ces de i&)es!i$aci%& per( 2as!a&!e m4s ca!as!r%'ic(, HO!ra '(rma e& 1 e #a 5 ma&idad p(d7a &( s(2re)i)ir a# si$#(, HI&depe&die&!eme&!e de #a e3p#icaci%& 1 e !e&$a Hdi/( PeiF(H0 C(&e/( es demasiad( c(mpe!e&!e0 demasiad( a&%&im(E L( sie&!(0 A#'red0 creem(s 1 e 5a2r7a 1 e de!e&er #a (peraci%&, Ja2#em(s c(& & es!r(s ami$(s america&(s, HPer( e# e1 ip( es!4 e& s si!i(, N es!ra $e&!e es!4 preparada, PeiF( se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, HUC(& C(&e/( c(&!r(#4&d(#( !(d(V Es( p(dr7a de/ar a C(&e/( c(& #( 1 e se desc 2riese e& Sa& Die$(, I&c# s( si &(s(!r(s es! )i6sem(s de ac erd( c(&!i$(0 & es!r(s /e'es /am4s #( acep!ar7a&, L( dec7a e& seri(, A#'red mir% a Gra &, Y# !am2i6&, Ma# as &!(, HPeiF(0 G*&2erF0 p(r 'a)(r, Va#(rad #(s ries$(s, HL( es!am(s 5acie&d( Hdi/( PeiF(H, QC(&e/( c(& #as ma&(s #i2res de&!r( de es!e p#a& $ra&di(s( es & pe#i$r( de pr(p(rci(&es c%smicasR HLa m /er se e3presa2a c(& !(da #a m(der&a 'ra&1 eza /ap(&esa, Vaz di/(9 HP(dr7am(s arre$#ar#( de '(rma 1 e C(&e/( reci2iera #a i&'(rmaci%& de #a (peraci%& s%#( a medida 1 e se desarr(##ara& #(s ac(&!ecimie&!(s, P(r s er!e0 G*&2erF descar!% esa idea de i&media!(, HN(, U&a micr(admi&is!raci%& rem(!a as7 $ara&!iza e# desas!re, Vaz )aci#% & 2 e& ra!(0 i&!e&!a&d( apare&!ar 1 e es!a2a m + c(&ce&!rad(0 1 e !(ma2a &a decisi%& di'7ci#, HM iz4s 5a+a &a '(rma de 1 e p(dam(s !e&er e#E e50 ?p#a& $ra&di(s(@ + & ries$( m7&im( e& #( c(&cer&ie&!e a C(&e/(, S p(&$am(s 1 e &( #e dam(s de a&!ema&( #(s "#!im(s de!a##es, S p(&$am(s 1 e p(&em(s a &( de #(s & es!r(s e& e# s r de Ca#i'(r&ia #a &(c5e de #a i&!r si%&, Mi!s ri + Gra & #e mirar(& & se$ &d(, HPer( U1 6 5a+ de #a &ecesidad de &e$ar#( !(d(V Hdi/( PeiF(H, Si &( de & es!r(s a$e&!es par!icipaE HPi6&sa#(0 PeiF(, M7 pr(p es!a !a# )ez a#er!e a #(s america&(s0 c(sa 1 e s ceder4 si& d da si 5acem(s #( 1 e !" pr(p(&es, + p(dem(s mi&imizar #(s ries$(s, Simp#eme&!e si! am(s a# a$e&!e cerca0 e& &a p(sici%& 2ie& es! diada, L( 1 e #(s america&(s ##ama& & Ca2eci##a L(ca#,

G*&2erF s(&ri%, HQC(m( A#ice G(&$ e& Ci dad Ge&era# Or!izR HS7, E3ac!(, HN( 5a27a pe&sad( e& A#ice0 per( G*&2erF !e&7a raz%&, A#ice G(&$ 5a27a es!ad( s(2re e# !erre&( e& Or!iz0 para desc 2rir + desma&!e#ar pr4c!icame&!e s(#a e# Fre&!e de# A$ a Li2re, M iz4s e# Fre&!e 5 2iese 'racasad( i$ a#me&!e, Desp 6s de !(d(0 &adie /am4s 5a27a i&!e&!ad( c(&)er!ir &a 2(m2a c(rrie&!e e& &a de !rescie&!(s me$a!(&es, Per(0 si #a 2(m2a 5 2iese de!(&ad(0 s ?dec#araci%& de pri&cipi(s@ 5a2r7a e&)e&e&ad( #a i&d s!ria mi&era de a$ a d #ce de A&!4r!ica Occide&!a#, G(&$ se$ 7a sie&d( &a desc(&(cida para e# m &d(0 per( era &a #e+e&da e& #a c(m &idad de i&!e#i$e&cia, Era &a de #(s 2 e&(s, Gracias a# cie#(0 &i Gra & &i Mi!s ri parecier(& &(!ar #a i&c(m(didad de A#'red a# (7r e# &(m2re, HSer7a di'7ci# i&'i#!rar & ca2eci##a a5(ra Hdi/( PeiF(H, UJa2#am(s de & ! ris!a ( de &a r #e!a de !ra&sp(r!e de car$aV HU&a i&'i#!raci%& rea#me&!e i&de!ec!a2#e se parec7a a# !r4'ic( de armas de des!r cci%& masi)aD era& (peraci(&es 1 e p(&7a& de #(s &er)i(s a !(d(s #(s imp#icad(sH, Ni&$ &( de mis a$e&!es s(2re e# !erre&( es!4 capaci!ad( para ##e)ar a ca2( es!a (peraci%&, Jar7a 'a#!a &a pers(&a especia#0 c(& & !a#e&!( especia# + & permis( especia#, HTe&$( 2 e&(s a$e&!es e& Ca#i'(r&ia Hdi/( G*&2erFH0 per( &i&$ &( de !a&!( &i)e#, HN( imp(r!aHdi/( Vaz0 c(& &a )(z 1 e era !(d( res(# ci%&H, Es!(+ disp es!( a ir +( mism(, Ya #(s 5a27a s(rpre&did( a&!es0 per( a1 e##( ' e &a 2(m2a, Gra & se 1 ed% 2(1 ia2ier!(, HQA#'redR HEs !a& imp(r!a&!e c(m( es( Hdi/( Vaz, A #(s d(s #es dedic% s mirada m4s direc!a + si&cera, HPer( Qeres & 5(m2re de despac5(0 c(m( &(s(!r(sR A#'red &e$% c(& #a ca2eza, Te&dr7a 1 e dar a c(&(cer par!e de s pasad(, Te&7a #a espera&za de 1 e #a si! aci%& &( se desmadrase p(r c(mp#e!(, A#'red 5a27a pasad( a:(s i&!e&!a&d( e&ca/ar c(m( 2 r%cra!a de &i)e# medi( e& #a A$e&cia de I&!e#i$e&cia E3!eri(r, Si #e dese&mascara2a&0 e&!(&ces e& e# me/(r de #(s cas(s aca2ar7a c(m( primer mi&is!r(0 (2#i$ad( a dedicarse de & e)( a #(s c5a&c5 ##(s p(#7!ic(s de a#!(s ) e#(s, E& e# pe(rE e& e# pe(r de #(s cas(s0 G*&2erF + PeiF( ded cir7a& 1 6 pasa2a rea#me&!e e& Sa& Die$(, Vaz HS O'ici&a I&!er&a AIE9 TmsS Li2erar Pa1 e!e Gi($r4'ic( . para )isi%& c(&/ &!a c(&'ide&cia#,TWmsS E& )(z a#!a di/(9 HTe&$( e3perie&cia de camp(, De 5ec5( e& Es!ad(s U&id(s0 e& m7 / )e&! d, Gra & + Mi!s ri mira2a& si& )er, Es!a2a& m + (c pad(s #e+e&d(, E# Pa1 e!e Gi($r4'ic( . #es p(&7a a# c(rrie&!e de #as (peraci(&es, T(d( era c(&sis!e&!e c(&

#( 1 e sa27a& de a&!es0 per( re)e#a2a aspec!(s & e)(s de# ami$( i&di(, G*&2erF ' e e# primer( e& rec perarse, HYaE )e(, HG ard% si#e&ci( & m(me&!(0 #e+e&d( m4sH, L( 5icis!e 2ie&, Per( es( ' e 5ace a:(s0 A#'red, Ys!a ser4 &a misi%& m + !6c&ica + m + depe&die&!e de #a red, A#'red acep!% #a cr7!ica c(& & ase&!imie&!(, HCier!(, Ya &( s(+ /()e&, HMi!s ri + Gra & cre7a& 1 e !e&7a ci&c e&!a + p(c(s a:(sH, P(r (!ra par!e0 mi especia#idad e& #a AIE s(& #(s as &!(s de red0 p(r #( 1 e &( es!(+ des'asad(, U&a s(&risa de s(rpresa des!e##% e& e# r(s!r( de PeiF(, HY c(&(ces es!a (peraci%& me/(r 1 e &adie, P(r #( 1 e es!a&d( s(2re e# !erre&( p edes 'aci#i!ar e#eme&!(s imp(r!a&!es si& e&!re$4rse#(s a C(&e/(E HE3ac!(, G*&2erF se$ 7a si& es!ar sa!is'ec5(, HSi& em2ar$(0 se !ra!a de &a (peraci%& e3!remadame&!e pe#i$r(sa, Las Gra&des P(!e&cias c(mpe!im(s0 es cier!(, Per( c a&d( se !ra!a de #a ame&aza de #as Armas0 de2em(s ma&!e&er&(s &idas, Es #a primera )ez e& mi carrera 1 e se r(mpe e# pac!(, A#'red asi&!i% c(& s(#em&idad, HDe2em(s desc 2rir #a )erdad0 G*&2erF, P(dr7am(s es!ar e1 i)(cad(s c(& respec!( a Sa& Die$(, Si es as70 &(s re!irarem(s a#i)iad(s + e& si#e&ci(, Per( sea c a# sea #a ' e&!e de esa arma0 de2em(s desc 2rir#a, Y si res #!a ser Sa& Die$(0 #( m4s pr(2a2#e es 1 e #(s america&(s &(s de& #as $racias, Mi!s ri + Gra & se mirar(& #ar$ame&!e, A# 'i&a# asi&!ier(& + PeiF( di/(9 HAp(+arem(s #a i&'i#!raci%& de# Ca2eci##a L(ca#0 pres mi2#eme&!e #a ! +a, Jar6 1 e & es!r(s p#a&i'icad(res prepare& #as es!ra!e$ias p(r si 1 edas e3p es!(, O'recerem(s ap(+( de red + a&4#isis, Ser4 c(sa ! +a admi&is!rar #(s da!(s cr7!ic(s s(2re e# !erre&(E HQY e)i!ar 1 e e# se:(r C(&e/( se 1 ede c(& !(d(R Hdi/( G*&2erF, C a&d( s s ami$(s se 5 2ier(& marc5ad(0 A#'red se 1 ed% )ari(s mi& !(s se&!ad( e& s despac5(, Ja27a es!ad( cerca, C a&!( m4s es!a2a e& / e$(0 ma+(res era& #as ame&azas, E# P#a& C(&e/( era #a (peraci%& m4s de#icada e& #a 1 e e# G(2ier&( i&di( 5 2iese par!icipad( & &ca Bsa2i6&d(#(CD &( 5a27a sid( '4ci# #($rar e# ap(+( de# primer mi&is!r(, PeiF( + G*&2erF 5a27a& es!ad( a p &!( de desma&!e#ar#( c(& !a&!a c(&! &de&cia c(m( p(dr7a 5a2er#( 5ec5( e# primer mi&is!r(, E& c a&!( a C(&e/(0 2 e&(0 &a IA p(d7a ser &a 'a&!as7a0 per( C(&e/( era &a ame&aza !a& $ra&de c(m( !em7a& G*&2erF + PeiF(, A#'red se re#a/% & p(c(0 permi!i6&d(se s(&re7r, S70 #as ame&azas se 5a27a& m #!ip#icad( c(m(0 2 e&(0 c(m( c(&e/(s, Per( a1 e# d7a se 5a27a e&'re&!ad( a a#$ &as + #as 5a27a &e !ra#izad(, L#e)a2a sema&as p#a&ea&d( s pape# de

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<A LA SOCIEDAD ESPELEOLGICA MIASTYNICA E# c(&ci#i42 #( se$ 7a re &i6&d(se e& e# se3!( pis( de #a 2i2#i(!eca0 per( a5(ra se 5a27a c(&)er!id( e& & # $ar m + di'ere&!e, R(2er! s 2i% e& asce&s(r0 e)i!a&d( a #(s 5aceFea&(s + s s Gi2#i(!ecari(s Mi#i!a&!es, A & as70 ce:irse a #a rea#idad res #!a2a di'7ci# T5e(d(r Geise# se$ 7a c(&!r(#a&d( e# )es!72 #(0 per( #a admi&is!raci%& i2a cedie&d( espaci( !4c!i# + me&!a# p(r !(das par!es, L(s pers(&a/es Sc((c5HaHm( ! 5a27a& i&'es!ad( e# s%!a&(, Se dec7a 1 e #(s de J, P, L()ecra'! acec5a2a& m4s a2a/(0 e& a#mace&amie&!( perma&e&!e, Y e# se3!( pis(E es!a2a )ac7(0 c(& #(s es!a&!es !(!a#me&!e des& d(s, Desde #a p er!a de# asce&s(r0 e& e# ce&!r( de# pis(0 R(2e& )e7a e&!re #(s es!a&!es es1 e#6!ic(s #as )e&!a&as, Las !r(cead(ras de #i2r(s 5a27a& es!ad( a##7 + se 5a27a& id(, E& #a es1 i&a s res!e0 #(s c(&spirad(res es!a2a& a$azapad(s c(m( e# 2#(1 e s(cia#is!a de# si$#( II0 ma1 i&a&d( e& medi( de s e)ide&!e decade&cia, HP es 2ie&0 U1 6 impide #a i&)asi%& de Gi2#i(!ecari(s Mi#i!a&!esV Hdi/( R(2er! mie&!ras se:a#a2a #a rea#idad des(#ada de #(s es!a&!es )ac7(s, Car#(s #e resp(&di%9 HLa e3p#icaci%& ('icia# es & re!ras( e& #a i&s!a#aci%& de #(s & e)(s sis!emas 54p!ic(s, E& rea#idad0 es p ra p(#7!ica, L(s de'e&s(res de Sc((c5i 1 iere& es!e pis( para s &i)ers(, L(s Gi2#i(!ecari(s Mi#i!a&!es se resis!e&, P ede 1 e #a admi&is!raci%& #(s decepci(&e a !(d(s + 5a$a 1 e es!e pis( sea &a sim #aci%& de# aspec!( 1 e !e&7a& a&!a:( #as 2i2#i(!ecas, HPer( c(& im4$e&es 'a#sas de #(s #i2r(s0 U&(V HS7, HT(mmie s(&re7aH, UM 6 espera2asV Mie&!ras !a&!(0 !e&em(s e# pis( para &(s(!r(s s(#(s, HN( &(s 5a& derr(!ad(0 ca2a##er(, HE# r(s!r( de Xi&&ie era !(d( seriedadH, Jace sema&as 1 e sa2em(s 1 e es!( era i&e)i!a2#e, Jem(s perdid( &a 2a!a##a imp(r!a&!e, Per( &( es m4s 1 e #a primera 2a!a##a de #a $ erra, HMir% a T(mmie, ParFer se:a#% & LED de# (rde&ad(r, HLa z(&a m er!a es!4 e& marc5a, Es 5(ra de c(&!i& ar e& seri( & es!ra c(&spiraci%& crimi&a#, HS(&re7a0 per( ' e mir4&d(#(s a #(s (/(s &( a &(H, Va#e, Y( 5e !ermi&ad( mi i&)es!i$aci%&, C(&se$ ir6 1 e e&!rem(s e& #(s !"&e#es de ma&!e&imie&!(, I&c# s( 5e preparad( ce#e2raci(&es 1 e sacar4& de & es!r( cami&( a# pers(&a# de #a2(ra!(ri(, S6 ##e$ar 5as!a #(s c(&!e&ed(res de !r(cead( + !e&$( #a c(#a e& aer(s(#, P(dem(s ca sar m c5( da:( a# Pr(+ec!( Gi2#i(!(ma

+ a J er!as e& c(&cre!(, C#ar( es!40 &( e)i!ar4 1 e es!as si! aci(&es si$a& d4&d(se e& (!ras 2i2#i(!ecas0 per(E Xi&&ie $r :%, HYa 5em(s ac(rdad( 1 e &a parada perma&e&!e es imp(si2#e, Per( si p(dem(s c(&se$ ir parar #(s pies a #(s im26ci#es 1 e sa& #(s m6!(d(s m4s des!r c!i)(sE 2ie&0 !e&drem(s 1 e c(&'(rmar&(s c(& es(, HVa#e0 deca&(, Es( es e3ac!ame&!e #( 1 e 5arem(s, T(d( es!4 #is!(0 a 'a#!a de & e#eme&!( m + imp(r!a&!e, HMir% a R(2er!, Ta# es e# p(der de# se&!id( c(m"& 1 e R(2er! )aci#% casi & !erci( de se$ &d( a&!es de me!erse #a ma&( e& e# 2(#si##( + sacar #a ca/a de p#4s!ic( 1 e e# E3!ra:( #e 5a27a e&!re$ad(, HC(mpr 62a#a0 T(mmie, ParFer ar1 e% #as ce/as, HE50 es!(+ impresi(&ad(, Espera2a &a ser)i##e!a de pape# ( a#$( simi#ar, HMir% #a pa&!a##a de# p(r!4!i# + # e$( !(m% #a ca/aH, Parece & Fi! de 2i(m es!ras, HDe 5ec5(0 e& a1 e# m(me&!( #a ca/a !e&7a e!i1 e!as de c(#(res 1 e a& &cia2a& precisame&!e esa ' &ci%&H, UC%m( #( 5as 5ec5(V S70 Uc%m(V A R(2er! &( se #e (c rri% &i&$ &a )erdad &i me&!ira 1 e ! )iese se&!id(, T(mmie !(m% e# si#e&ci( p(r #( 1 e &( era, HN(0 &( me #( di$as, De2er7a ser capaz de ded cir#( p(r mi c e&!a, H T(mmie s(&ri% mira&d( #a ca/a +0 a c(&!i& aci%&0 se #a $ ard% e& e# 2(#si##(, HVa#e, Es!am(s #is!(s, A5(ra !e&em(s 1 e decidir e# m(me&!( de ac! ar, Ri)era se i&c#i&%, HPr(&!(, E&!re c a!rimes!res 5a+ m c5a c(&s!r cci%& e& e# #a2(ra!(ri(, HS7, Y 5a+ (!r(s i&c(&)e&ie&!es, N( creer7ais #(s prepara!i)(s 1 e 5e !e&id( 1 e 5acer, Es!(+ 5 &did( e& c(&s #!(res 5as!a arri2a, N( !e pre(c pes0 deca&(0 &i&$ &( de e##(s )e m4s 1 e &a mi&"sc #a par!e de #( 1 e 5a$(, Empiez( a ser & )erdader( e3per!( e& #a a'i#iaci%&, HT(mmie se #( es!a2a pasa&d( de '42 #aH, QC(&se$ ir6 1 e sa#$a 2ie&0 c5ic(sR E50 ser4 c(m( e& #(s $ra&des d7as de a&!a:(E 2ie&0 1 iz4 para !i &(0 Car#(sD !" &i si1 iera 5a27as &acid(, HS(&ri% a Xi&&ie + a R(2er!, R(2er! 5a27a par!icipad( a me& d( e& a1 e##(s pase(s p(r e# s 2s e#(, Era impresi(&a&!e rec(rrer cie&!(s de me!r(s de !"&e# para desem2(car e& edi'ici(s (sc r(s0 )ac7(s + si& !ermi&ar, A )eces 5a27a esca#(&es e& #(s p(z(s0 + a )eces &(, Xi&&ie G#( &! !am2i6& s(&re7a & p(1 i!(, HS70 #a S(ciedad Espe#e(#%$ica Mias!6&ica, HFr &ci% e# ce:(0 rec(rda&d( m4sH, T )im(s s er!e de &( par!ir&(s e# c e##(, HEse c(me&!ari( pr()e&7a de# #ad( de #a mesa d(&de Xi&&ie 5a27a pasad( $ra& par!e de s )ida9 de# admi&is!rad(r 1 e s 'r7a pesadi##as s(2re resp(&sa2i#idades + dema&das, HS7, Era m c5( m4s di)er!id( 1 e / $ar + m c5( m4s pe#i$r(s(, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 es( ' e a&!es de #(s (rde&ad(resE a# me&(s !a# + c(m( #(s e&!e&dem(s 5(+ e& d7a, J(+ #as c(sas s(& m + di'ere&!es0 per( c(& mi

i&)es!i$aci%& + es!e 2i(per'i# (2!e&id( p(r R(2er!0 p ed( sa#!arme a #(s perr(s $ ardi&es a !(m4!ic(s, A# me&(s0 si #( 5acem(s e& e# m(me&!( precis(, HTec#e% a#$( e& e# p(r!4!i#H, Va#e0 a1 7 !e&em(s #( "#!im(, A #( #ar$( de #as pr%3imas seis sema&as 5a2r4 !res 2re)es peri(d(s de !iemp( e& #(s 1 e !(d(s #(s a$ /er(s de se$ ridad es!ar4& a#i&ead(s, HUC 4&d( ser4 e# primer(V Hdi/( Xi&&ie, HM + pr(&!(, E& &a sema&a a par!ir de# pr%3im( # &es, HGir% e# p(r!4!i# para 1 e #(s dem4s p diese& mirarH( Irem(s p(r Pi#c5&er Ja##, HSe #a&z% a &a e3!e&sa e3p(sici%& s(2re c%m( #($rar7a& ##e)ar a ca2( #a a)e&! raH, Y a1 7 es d(&de e# !"&e# se di)ide para sa#ir de# camp s, U&a )ez pasad( ese p &!(0 cami&arem(s &(s (c5(cie&!(s me!r(s p(r de2a/( de #a )ie/a i&s!a#aci%& de Ge&era# Ge&(mics, HE# #a2(ra!(ri( de J er!as es!4 / s!( a# &(r!e Hdi/( Ri)era, HS70 + diez a &( a 1 e p(drem(s e&!rar + 5acer #( 1 e 1 eram(sE Qe i&c# s( a #( me/(r sa#irR Ni Ri)era &i G#( &! parec7a& i&c%m(d(s p(r esa predicci%&, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 Xi&&ie di/(9 HLa )erdad es 1 e &( p(dem(s re!rasar#(, V(!( p(r 5acer#( e& &a sema&a a par!ir de# # &es, HS70 +( !am2i6& Hdi/( R(2er!, H ? t+ng!S. S7, HQM + 2ie&R HT(mmie )(#)i% a $irar e# p(r!4!i# e 5iz( &a a&(!aci%&H, Ve&id )is!ie&d(0 per( +( (s s mi&is!rar6 r(pa & e)a + !(da #a e#ec!r%&ica &ecesaria, Y(E Xi&s!(& G#( &! #e i&!err mpi%, HJa+ &a c(sa m4s0 T(mmie, HE50 (5, HN( es $ra& c(sa0 per( p(dr7a dar&(s m c5a p 2#icidad, HMmm, HPr(p(&$( 1 e !rai$am(s &a prese&cia rem(!a0 a ese !ip(0 S5ari', HQEs( es &a #(c raR H T(mmie se p s( de pie de & sa#!( + )(#)i% a se&!arse c(& #a misma rapidezH, UM ieres &a prese&cia rem(!aV UN( #( c(mpre&desV A##4 a2a/( &i si1 iera )es!ir6is, Xi&&ie s(&ri%0 e&$a! s4&d(#e, HPer( !" ##e)ar4s e#ec!r%&ica e&cima0 T(mmie, UN( p(dr7am(s s(s!e&er #a prese&cia p(r ese medi(V ParFer se !ra$% #a i&di$&aci%&, HUC%m( crees 1 e se e/ec !a &a prese&cia rem(!a0 deca&(V HE50 es &a especie de s perp(sici%&, HE& #( 1 e se re'iere a #a represe&!aci%&0 es( es cier!(, Per( &( es #(ca#, Tras #as im4$e&es 2(&i!as0 !e&em(s c(m &icaci(&es de a#!a )e#(cidad + ree&)7( a !ra)6s de micr(#4seres de# e&!(r&(, E& es(s !"&e#es &( 5a+ redes a#ea!(rias, T(d( #( 1 e 5e p#a&ead( depe&de de 1 e pasem(s e& si#e&ci( +0 s(2re !(d(0 de 1 e &( sem(s &(d(s de #a2(ra!(ri(, L( 1 e 1 ieres esE HCa2ece%0 i&cr6d #(,

R(2er! mir% a G#( &!, HY( !amp(c( #( c(mpre&d(, Jace d(s sema&as cerras!e #as p er!as a S5ari' p(r1 e #( c(&sidera2as &a ame&aza para #a se$ ridad, La cara de Xi&&ie e&r(/eci%0 c(m( e& e# pasad(0 c a&d( R(2e& #e p(&7a e& e)ide&cia d ra&!e &a re &i%& de #a 'ac #!ad, R(2er! a#z% &a ma&(, HEs s%#( &a d da0 Xi&s!(&, E& seri(, U& se$ &d( desp 6s0 Xi&&ie asi&!i%, HVa#e, Mirad0 & &ca me 5a ca7d( ma#, Le 5em(s c(&(cid( e& pers(&a0 a1 7 mism(0 e& #a 2i2#i(!eca, Parece & es! dia&!e si&cer(, Te es!4 e&!re)is!a&d( e& seri(0 U&(V S, cuando no es el E#tra/o o el se/or *iencia <icci+n, R(2er! c(mpre&di% 1 e 2as!a2a 1 e di/era &a pa#a2ra para 1 e a2a&d(&ase& e# p#a&, N &ca 5a27a ima$i&ad( 1 e #a !raici%& ' ese & !ra2a/( a !iemp( c(mp#e!(, HS7, S s pre$ &!as s e#e& ser es!"pidas0 per( s(& m + acad6micas, HQA57 #( !ie&esR L( 1 e di$( es 1 e0 si #($ram(s & es!r(s (2/e!i)(s a# cie&!( p(r cie&!(0 &(s c(&)e&dr7a !e&er a a#$ ie& de ' era 1 e p diese dar a c(&(cer & es!r( p &!( de )is!a0 pre'ere&!eme&!e a#$ ie& 1 e sepa e3ac!ame&!e 1 6 es!am(s 5acie&d(, P(dr7a si$&i'icar #a di'ere&cia e&!re aca2ar e& #a c4rce# c(& #a 2(ca cerradaE + e3p(&er & a#e$a!( m(ra# c(&)i&ce&!e, HS7 Hdi/( Ri)eraH, Us!ed es e# $e&i( de #a se$ ridad0 pr('es(r ParFer, Per( i&c# s( #(s me/(res p#a&es p ede& sa#ir ma#, Si i&c# +e a S5ari'0 ser7aE &a especie de red de se$ ridad, T(mmie se $(#pe% de#icadame&!e #a ca2eza c(&!ra #a mesa, HN( sa26is #( 1 e me es!4is pidie&d(, Per( &( era& m4s 1 e $es!(s 5is!ri%&ic(s, T(mmie &( 5a27a dic5( 1 e &(, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 e# 5(m2reci!( se se&!% er$ id( + #(s mir%, HMe es!4is pidie&d( & mi#a$r(, M iz4 p eda #($rar#(0 1 iz4 &(, Dadme & d7a para pe&sar, HC#ar(0 pr('es(r, HDesde # e$(, HG#( &! s(&re7a de a#i)i(, T(mmie ca2ece% + se i&c#i&% s(2re e# p(r!4!i#, Parec7a m4s 1 e c(&!e&!( c a&d( #(s (!r(s miem2r(s de #a 2a&da dier(& p(r c(&c# ida #a re &i%& + se ' er(& a #(s asce&s(res, Ja2i! a#me&!e c a&d( ##e$a2a& a##7 +a 5a27a & asce&s(r espera&d(, P(r #( )is!(0 #a z(&a m er!a de T(mmie 5a27a ce$ad( i&c# s( e# s('!>are de #(s asce&s(res, Tras & m(me&!( mira&d( #as p er!as cerradas0 Car#(s p #s% e# 2(!%& de #a p#a&!a 2a/a, HLa )e&!a/a de c(&ser)ar c(&!r(#es a&!ic ad(s Hdi/( c(& &a s(&risa p(c( c(&)i&ce&!e, Xi&&ie s(&re7a de (re/a a (re/a0 per( &( p(r &ada re#aci(&ad( c(& e# asce&s(r, HN( !e pre(c pes, A T(mmie se #e (c rrir4 a#$(, R(2er! asi&!i%,

HSiempre #( c(&si$ e0 U&(V HS^ Hdi/( Xi&&ie0 + !(d(s rier(&0 + de pr(&!( R(2er! c(mpre&di% p(r 1 6 Xi&&ie + Car#(s 1 er7a& a S5ari' c(& e##(s, Mie&!ras #as p er!as se a2r7a& + Ri)era + G#( &! e&!ra2a&0 R(2er! di/(9 HYa &(s )erem(s, M iz4 de2er7a )(#)er a )er a #(s Gi2#i(!ecari(s Mi#i!a&!es, Xi&&ie 5iz( & $es!( de e3asperaci%&, HC(m( 1 ieras, HY se ' er(&, R(2er! se 1 ed% a##7 & m(me&!(0 esc c5a&d( e# s(&id( de# asce&s(r 1 e se i2a, P(r #a p er!a 1 e da2a a #a esca#era si! ada a s iz1 ierda se 2a/a2a a #a 2i2#i(!eca )ir! a#, N( se 5a27a& pr(d cid( m4s !errem(!(s 'a#s(s0 per( #(s Gi2#i(!ecari(s Mi#i!a&!es !(da)7a / $a2a& c(& amp#i'icad(res p(!e&!es, O7a e# s(&id( de piedra e& m()imie&!(0 m4s ' er!e 1 e e# de# asce&s(r, E# s e#( 2a/( s s pies se a$i!a2a si$ ie&d( e# ri!m( de #as 'a&!as7as de Oerz+ JaceF, Esper% & p(c( m4s0 + # e$(0 e& # $ar de 2a/ar #as esca#eras0 )(#)i% s(2re s s pas(s para e&c(&!rarse c(& T(mmie ParFer, T(mmie es!a2a i&c#i&ad( 5acia de#a&!e0 c(& #a cara 5 &dida e& e# (rde&ad(r, E# LED de z(&a m er!a se$ 7a e&ce&did(, Te&7a e# aspec!( de & ma$( i&c#i&ad( s(2re & $rim(ri(, A##7 &( 5ac7a 'a#!a #a rea#idad )ir! a#, R(2er! se se&!% e& &a si##a + #e mir%, Era m4s 1 e p(si2#e 1 e &i si1 iera se 5 2iese perca!ad( de s ##e$ada, Te&7a &a e&(rme capacidad para c(&ce&!rarse e& / e$(s0 r(mpeca2ezas + p#a&es, ?Es!(+ e& !(das par!es + aparezc( d(&de me da #a $a&a para (2!e&er e# res #!ad( 1 e dese(,@ De es( se 5a27a /ac!ad( e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(, Desp 6s de #a pasada &(c5e0 desp 6s de# mi#a$r( e& e# 2a:(0 R(2er! es!a2a disp es!( a creer 1 e0 ' ese 1 ie& ' ese e# E3!ra:(0 2ie& p(d7a ser !a& p(der(s( c(m( a'irma2a, 3:u" tendr para controlar a ?innie ! a *arlos4 A# 'i&0 R(2er! r(mpi% e# si#e&ci(, HGie&0 T(mmie0 Ue& 1 6 medida #a 5em(s /(did(V U&(s (/(s az #es se as(mar(& p(r e&cima de #a pa&!a##a de# p(r!4!i# La e3presi%& de T(mmie era de 3,u" haces a,u4 V(#)i% a mirar e# (rde&ad(r, HN( s6, Me $ s!ar7a 1 e !(maseis &a decisi%& de'i&i!i)a, HU&a mirada r4pida a R(2er!H, Per( !" &( 5as i&sis!id( e& es!e cam2i(0 U)erdadV HTe&$(E !e&$( ideas c(&!rap es!as, HE# E3!ra:( es!ar7a c(& e##(s a# # &es si$ ie&!e0 #( 1 e dem(s!rar7a s 2ic idadH, Siempre 5e cre7d( 1 e #(s $e&i(s de #a !ec&(#($7a de2er7ais !ra2a/ar c(m( (s pareciese m4s c(&)e&ie&!e, T(mmie asi&!i%, HS7, E& rea#idad0 a# a&!i$ ( R(2er! #a !ec&(#($7a &( #e 5a27a imp(r!ad( e& a2s(# !(, E& e# prese&!e #as c(sas era& m + di'ere&!es, HPer( rec erd( 1 e siempre se !e di( 2ie& sacar!e mi#a$r(s de# s(m2rer(, UEs!a )ez es!am(s pidie&d( demasiad(0 T(mmieV ParFer se se&!% 2ie& + #e dedic% a R(2er! !(da s a!e&ci%&,

HY(E &( #( s60 R(2er!, A&!a:(0 &( 5a27a '(rma de #($rar a#$( as7, P(d7a dise:ar s percirc i!(s i&!e$rad(s de ap#icaci(&es espec7'icas, P(d7a 5acFear pr(!(c(#(s, P(d7a 5acer d(ce&as de c(sas 1 e escapa2a& a #as es!rec5eces de mi especia#idad acad6mica, Per( a5(ra es( &( )a#e de m c5(, Es 1 eE HEs 1 e es!4s !ra2a/a&d( e& & pr(2#ema m4s amp#i( 1 e c a#1 ier c(&/ &!( de especia#idades, HQS7R UC%m( sa2es es(V 5a se/ora *humlig me lo dijo. E& )(z a#!a0 R(2er! di/(9 HJ(+ e& d7a0 !e e&'re&!as a especia#idades si& &i&$ &a re#aci%& e&!re s7, HE3ac!(, A#$ &as de mis capacidades ' &dame&!a#es si$ e& sie&d( imp(r!a&!es, E& e##as s(+ !a& e'ec!i)( c(m( siempre, Per(E c a&d( me / 2i#6 +a casi era &a )er$*e&za para mi depar!ame&!(, Se me da2a& 2ie& cier!as c#ases0 per( c a&d( i&!e&!6 e&se:ar #as & e)as !6c&icas i&!e$ra!i)asE 2ie&0 !(da mi )ida 5e es!ad( m + p(r de#a&!e de #(s a# m&(s0 i&c# s( e& #as & e)as c#ases, Per( 5acia e# 'i&a# +a )aci#a2a, S per6 mi "#!im( semes!re asi$&a&d( pr(+ec!(s sema&a#es + # e$( 5acie&d( 1 e #(s c5ic(s se cri!icase& &(s a (!r(s, HParec7a !reme&dame&!e a)er$(&zad(, Nada parecid( #e 5a27a pasad( a# a&!i$ ( R(2er!E 1ero !o siempre pude de2inir ,u" eran la calidad ! el rendimiento. @E& c a#1 ier cas(0 !ras / 2i#arme )(#)7 a #a &i)ersidadE a# me&(s me&!a#me&!e, Ja+ &a '(rma c(mp#e!ame&!e di'ere&!e de e&carar #a res(# ci%& de pr(2#emas si #( 1 e 1 ieres es res(#)er rpidamente pr(2#emas $ra&des, Es c(m( apre&der a sar 5erramie&!as p(!e&!es0 s%#( 1 e 5(+ e& d7a ! s 5erramie&!as &( se #imi!a& a G(($#e + a #(s pa1 e!es ma!em4!ic(s0 !am2i6& es!4& #(s '(r(s de ideas + #as espec #aci(&es s(2re e# ' ! r( +E HUY !ra!ar c(& $e&!eV HS7, La $e&!e & &ca '(rm% par!e de mis ec aci(&esE per( es( +a &( imp(r!a, Ja+ ('ici&as de dise:( especia#izadas e& !ra!ar c(& #as pers(&as &(rma#es, HT(mmie se i&c#i&% 5acia de#a&!e0 5a2#a&d( e& c(&'ia&zaH, Desde 1 e empec6 a !ra2a/ar e& es!e pr(+ec!(0 Q!(d( 5a id( e&ca/a&d(R E&!rar e& #(s !"&e#es &( ser)ir7a de &ada si e# pers(&a# es! )iese e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, As7 1 e 5e c(&)er!id( #a # c5a p(#7!ica e&!re #(s 5aceFea&(s + #(s sc((c5is e& #a dis!racci%& medi4!ica m4s espec!ac #arE e# c5(1 e de #(s c7rc #(s de (pi&i%&, QSer4 $e&ia#R Je e&c(&!rad( & c((rdi&ad(r de dise:( 1 e c(mpre&de #( 1 e 2 sc(, Y( es!a2#ezc( #a idea $e&era# + 6# #a )a dis!ri2 +e&d( p(r !(d( e# p#a&e!a para s res(# ci%&, QL(s p#a&es de!a##ad(s simp#eme&!e )a& crecie&d(R H T(mmie )(#)i% a se&!arse0 s 'r s!raci%& s s!i! ida p(r esa )isi%& de s s & e)(s p(deresH, QY mira mi (rde&ad(rR HPas% am(r(same&!e #a ma&( s(2re e# apara!(, La carcasa es!a2a me##ada + ra+ada, Da2a #a impresi%& de 1 e 5a27a ser)id( a $e&eraci(&es, L(s LED de #a par!e s peri(r es!a2a& e&ca/ad(s e& pe1 e:as 5e&did ras de# me!a#, E# )ie/( T(mmie &( cre7a e& es( de 1 e ?e# s ari( &( de2e ma&ip #ar e# i&!eri(r@H, A #( #ar$( de #(s a:(s 5e reemp#azad( !(d(s #(s c(mp(&e&!es i&!er&(s, Demasiad( a me& d( #(s cam2i(s 5a& sid( para c mp#ir es!4&dares & e)(s de# ma#di!( EJS, Per( e& #(s "#!im(s d(s meses 5e me!id(

&a re)(# ci%& a57 de&!r(, S 2)ier!e aspec!(s &ada !ri)ia#es de# E&!(r&( de Jard>are Se$ r(, Te #( / r(0 R(2e&0 !e&$( m4s p(!e&cia de c4#c #( de #a 1 e & &ca ! )ier(& #a DARPA + #a CIA e& e# si$#( II, R(2e& $ ard% si#e&ci( & m(me&!(, L e$( di/(9 HAp es!( a 1 e e&c(&!rar4s &a '(rma de ##e)ar a S5ari', HOa, Es( ser7a #a $ i&da de# pas!e#, E# !r c( m4s (2)i( es de# si$#( II9 !e&der & es!r( pr(pi( ca2#e, Es( &(s permi!ir7a (2!e&er &a !asa de da!(s dece&!e0 a# me&(s #a s 'icie&!e para S5ari'0 + se$ ir pasa&d( desaperci2id(s, HMir% a R(2er! + apare&!eme&!e !(m% s si#e&ci( p(r i&cred #idadH, L( s60 e# pase( es #ar$( + #a se$ ridad de# !"&e# es!ar4 casi !(da ac!i)a, Per( 5a+ & !ip( de 'i2ra %p!ica ais#adaE ( #a 5a2r4 e& c a&!( aca2e c(& mi c((rdi&ad(r de dise:(, HS7, T c((rdi&ad(r de dise:(, CEsto! en todas partes ! aparezco donde me da la gana, para obtener el resultado ,ue deseo.A E# & e)( m &d( era & # $ar m4$ic(0 per( #(s mi#a$r(s !e&7a& s /erar1 7a, Es!a2a& #as c(sas 1 e O a& + R(2er! p(d7a& 5acer, L e$( es!a2a #( 1 e L( ise C5 m#i$ i&!e&!a2a e&se:ar, Es!a2a #( 1 e T(mmie 5a27a apre&did( p(r s c e&!a, Y e& a#$"& # $ar p(r e&cima de !(d( es(0 se e&c(&!ra2a #( 1 e e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( era capaz de (2rar,

<K EL FRACASO

ES UNA OPCIN

E& Fairm(&!0 #(s e34me&es 'i&a#es d ra2a& )ari(s d7as, Se parec7a & p(c( a #( 1 e rec(rda2a de s i&'a&cia, L(s &i:(s es!a2a& dis!ra7d(s p(r #as )acaci(&es 1 e ##e$a2a&, Pe(r a"&0 #a !emp(rada de pe#7c #as &a)ide:as empeza2a a i&)adir #(s dis!i&!(s m &d(s c(mpar!id(s e& #(s 1 e )i)7a&, Per( #(s e34me&es 'i&a#es era& pr(' &dame&!e di'ere&!es de #(s 1 e 5a27a 5ec5( e& e# i&s!i! !(, Para R(2er! G 0 #(s & e)(s e34me&es era& di2ciles. N( !e&7a #a se$ ridad de 1 e sacar7a #a m43ima &(!a + s perar7a a !(d(s #(s dem4s, E& e# pasad( 5a27a pasad( p(r &a si! aci%& parecida sie&d( es! dia&!e &i)ersi!ari(0 c a&d( #e 5a27a& (2#i$ad( a asis!ir a c#ases de cie&cias &a !emp(rada, E& dic5as c#ases 5a27a c(&(cid( a# 'i& a es! dia&!es 1 e &( era& p(r de'i&ici%& i&'eri(res a 6#E + !am2i6& se 5a27a e&c(&!rad( c(& pr('es(res a #(s 1 e &( impresi(&a2a c(& s $e&i(, U&a )ez s peradas #as c#ases (2#i$a!(rias de cie&cias0 R(2er! 5a27a e)i!ad( 5 mi##aci(&es simi#ares, Jas!a a1 e# m(me&!(, Ma!em4!icas + se&!id( c(m"& '(rma#, Es!ad7s!ica + mec4&ica de da!(s, G"s1 eda + a&4#isis, Ni si1 iera e& e# e3ame& de G + A p(d7a &( c(&s #!ar #a red + ser)irse de #a i&!e#i$e&cia de (!r(s, A pesar de 1 e C5 m#i$ e&se:a2a #as )ir! des de c(#a2(raci%&0 siempre i&sis!7a e& #a imp(r!a&cia de #as c(mpe!e&cias pers(&a#es, A5(ra !(das #as (2)iedades 1 e predica2a se 5a27a& &id( para c(&'(rmar &a sema&a i&'er&a# de e34me&es, O s!( desp 6s de# e3ame& de se&!id( c(m"&0 e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( se ma&i'es!%, N( era m4s 1 e &a )(z + & resp#a&d(r )erd(s(, HUTie&es pr(2#emas c(& #(s e34me&es0 ami$( m7(V HL(s s perar6, HL( cier!( era 1 e #as ma!em4!icas #e 5a27a& res #!ad( i&!eresa&!es, Miri HS O a&0 Ii 9 TmsS V e#)e a 5a2#ar c(& a#$ ie&,TWsmS Ii HS O a&0 Miri9 TmsS UM 6 diceVTWmsS Miri HS O a&0 Ii 9 TmsS N( #( s6, E# a di( #(ca# 5a pasad( a pri)ad(, QO a&R Ve a57,TWmsS O a& HS Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS T" &( me das %rde&es, De !(das '(rmas0 a5(ra i2a a 5a2#ar c(& R(2er!,TWmsS E# E3!ra:( ri(, HE& Fairm(&! &( c(&cede& ma!r7c #a de '(rma a !(m4!ica0 &i !amp(c( se apr e2a a !(m4!icame&!e, E# 'racas( es &a (pci%&0 per( &i !"E Re' erz(s a #a )is!a, Vi( a O a& Or(zc( 1 e sa#7a de# a #ari( + se #e acerca2a, E# E3!ra:( si$ i% 5a2#a&d(9

HE &i O a& Or(zc( !e&6is e# s spe&s( $ara&!izad(, L(s d(s c rs4is asi$&a! ras adap!adas, De2er7as )er #(s e34me&es 1 e p#a&ea& para ! &ie!a, HUM 6 pasa c(& mi &ie!aV HSi a1 e# m(&!%& de mierda #a me!7a e& es(E Per( #a )(z &( resp(&di%, O a& mir% a s a#reded(r0 i&1 isi!i)(, HUJa2#as c(& a#$ ie&0 R(2er!V HN( s(2re c(sas de# i&s!i! !(, HP(r1 e &( 5e )is!( a &adie, HVaci#% + #as #e!ras pasar(& p(r de#a&!e de #a )is!a de R(2er!, O a& HS R(2er!9 TmsS Es m + imp(r!a&!e &( c(#a2(rar sa#!4&d(se #as re$#as,TWmsS HC(mpre&d( Hresp(&di% R(2er! e& )(z a#!a, HVa#e, HEs!a2a c#ar( 1 e O a& &( cre7a 1 e R(2er! p diese apr(2ar !(d(s #(s e34me&es, A )eces da2a #a impresi%& de 1 e e# p(2re c5ic( i&!e&!a2a pr(!e$er#eH, Ver4s ba:adi% O a&H0 e# i&s!i! !( !ie&e & ser)ici( de c(&!r(# 2 e&( de )erdad, M iz4s 5a+a c5ic(s capaces de e&$a:ar#(0 per( #(s s pera& e& &"mer( #(s 1 e s%#( cree& ser capaces de 5acer#(, Y luego tenemos al E#tra/o >isterioso, ,ue no parece tener ninguna di2icultad con la seguridad. E# E3!ra:( era m + p(der(s(0 per( a & as7 se e&!re!e&7a m('4&d(se de R(2er!, UP(dr7a !ra!arse de a#$"& )ie/( e&emi$(E m c57sim( m4s i&!e#i$e&!e 1 e Xi&&ie G#( &!V HE& c a#1 ier cas(0 cre( 1 e !e&em(s p(si2i#idades de sacar 2 e&a &(!a c(& & es!ra prese&!aci%& de# semes!re0 R(2er!, HE# c5ic( se p s( a c(me&!ar s s "#!im(s p#a&es para c(m2i&ar s s !e3!(s c(& m"sica ma& a# + e# a#$(ri!m( de red de R(2er!, Era & cas( de & cie$( $ ia&d( a (!r( cie$(0 per( a# ca2( de & ra!( R(2er! +a es!a2a a2s(r!( e& #a e3p#icaci%&, E& casa #as c(sas es!a2a& !e&sas0 + &( !e&7a &ada 1 e )er c(& #(s e34me&es 'i&a#es, M4s !(da)7a0 e# e&c(&!r(&az( de media&(c5e de R(2er! e& e# c ar!( de 2a:( c(&s!i! 7a &a a$resi%& '7sica, N( imp(r!a2a 1 e s i&!e&ci%& 5 2iese sid( pr(!e$er a A#iceE p(r1 e &( era a#$( 1 e p diese c(&!ar, N( 5 2( ame&azas &i e&'re&!amie&!(s, Per( R(2er! )e7a e& #(s (/(s de G(2 &a i&c(m(didad 1 e a&!es &( perci27a, Era #a mirada de & 5(m2re 1 e empieza a pre$ &!arse si #a serpie&!e 1 e !ie&e e& casa &( ser4 &a mam2a &e$ra, Si ##e$a2a a esa c(&c# si%& R(2er! aca2ar7a e& A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris m4s r4pid( 1 e si c(me!7a c a#1 ier es! pidez, Miri #e di( &a pis!a de p(r 1 6 &( 5a27a ##e$ad( a esa c(&c# si%&, Le e&c(&!r% &a !arde mie&!ras 6# deam2 #a2a p(r Xes! Fa##2r((F c(& #a espera&za de es!a2#ecer c(&!ac!( c(& a#$ &a )ersi%& amis!(sa de S5ari', Miri se c(#(c% a s #ad( e& 2icic#e!a0 pr(c ra&d( ir a #a misma )e#(cidad 1 e 6# + !am2a#e4&d(se, A# 'i&a# se ape% + cami&% c(& #a 2ici, C(m( era 5a2i! a#0 #a &i:a mira2a a# 're&!e, P(r & m(me&!( #e mir% de re(/(, HUC%m( )a& #(s e34me&es 'i&a#es0 R(2er!V HJ(#a0 Miri, UC%m( !e )a& #(s e34me&es 'i&a#esV

HQY( 5e pre$ &!ad( primer(R Adem4s0 sa2es 1 e mis 'i&a#es &( empieza& 5as!a desp 6s de #as )acaci(&es, HS !e&de&cia a ma&dar era i&c(mpa!i2#e c(& #a dip#(maciaH, P(r !a&!(0 Uc%m( !e )a&V HDa #a impresi%& de 1 e )(+ a sacar & 2ie& e& ma!em4!icas, E##a a2ri% #(s (/(s c(m( p#a!(s, HQO5R L( sie&!(, R(2e& se ec5% a re7r, HN(, Ysas s(& #as 2 e&as &(!icias, A&!es de# A#z5eimer &i si1 iera 5a2r7a sid( capaz de c(mpre&der #(s pr(2#emas, E##a #e dedic% &a s(&risa '(rzada, HVa#e0 e&!(&ces es! pe&d(, HMmm, U&E ami$(E me c(&!% 1 e a #(s c5ic(s de ) es!ras asi$&a! ras se #es da& m + 2ie& esas c(sas, HC(&(cem(s #as 5erramie&!as, HCre( 1 e se me p(dr7a& dar m c5( me/(r #as ma!em4!icas Hdi/( R(2er!0 casi 5a2#a&d( c(&si$( mism(H, I&c# s( p(dr7a ser di)er!id( apre&der, HC#ar( es!a2a 1 e0 si s s p#a&es para #(s pr%3im(s d7as sa#7a& c(m( espera2a0 rec perar7a #a p(es7a + &ada de a1 e##( !e&dr7a imp(r!a&cia, E& es!a (casi%& Miri s(&ri% m4s c(&!e&!a, HQSe$ r( 1 e p(dr7asR Ya sa2esE +( p(dr7a a+ dar!e, La )erdad es 1 e me $ s!a& #as ma!em4!icas + !e&$( !(d( !ip( de 5e r7s!icas pers(&a#izadas, E&!re semes!res p(dr7a e&se:ar!e a sar#as, HS !(&( cam2i% a #a m(da#idad #7der c a&d( se p s( a p#a&i'icar#e #as )acaci(&es, Es la Alice ,ue lleva dentro0 pe&s% R(2er!, Casi s(&ri%, HA#!(0 !(da)7a 1 eda& e34me&es 'i&a#es 1 e apr(2ar, HPe&s% e& #(s "#!im(s p#a&es de O a& para #a prese&!aci%&, A# c5ic( #e i2a 2ie&, Era R(2er! e# 1 e !e&7a pr(2#emas c(& #( s +(0 c(& #(s $r4'ic(s + #a i&!er'azH, E& es( es e& #( 1 e )erdaderame&!e &ecesi!( a+ da, Miri apar!% #a )is!a de pr(&!(, HQN( !e a+ dar6 a 5acer !rampas0 R(2er!R L(s d(s se de! )ier(& + se mirar(&, HQN( me re'ier( a es(0 MiriR HL e$( pe&s% e& #( 1 e #e 5a27a dic5( a #a &i:a, ios, anta/o insultaba a todo el mundo continuamente, pero saba ,ue lo estaba haciendoH, E& seri(, Simp#eme&!e 1 er7a decir 1 e #(s e34me&es 'i&a#es s(& & pr(2#ema0 U)a#eV Le&a HS Miri0 Ii 9 TmsS Tra&1 i#idad0 &i:a, Ni si1 iera +( cre( 1 e R(2er! es!6 !rama&d( &ada,TWmsS Ii HS Le&a0 Miri9 TmsS E&!(&ces0 es #a primera )ez,TWmsS Miri #e mir% & se$ &d( m4s, L e$( emi!i% & e3!ra:( s(&id( 1 e de27a de ser &a risi!a, HVa#e, De2er7a 5a2er sa2id( 1 e & G &( 5ar7a !rampas, Es simp#eme&!e 1 e me p(&$( 2uriosa c(& a#$ &(s c5ic(s de# $r p( de es! di(, Les di$( #( 1 e 5a+ 1 e 5acer, Les di$( 1 e &( 5a$a& !rampas, Y0 si& em2ar$(0 siempre es!4&

'(rza&d( #(s pr(!(c(#(s de c(#a2(raci%&, HEc5% a a&dar (!ra )ez0 + R(2er! #a imi!%H, E& rea#idad Hdi/(H0 simp#eme&!e es!(+ c5ar#a&d(, Ve&$( e& &a misi%&, Ja+ a#$( 1 e de2( decir!e, HUS7V HS7, G(2 1 iere ma&dar!e ' era de# es!ad(, Cree 1 e i&!e&!as!e pe$ar a A#ice, HU&a pa sa0 c(m( si esperase #a de'e&sa, Per( R(2er! se #imi!% a ase&!ir0 rec(rda&d( #a mirada de G(2, As7 1 e A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris es!a2a demasiad( cerca, HUC 4&!( !iemp( me 1 edaV HEs( es #( 1 e )e&$( a decir!e0 1 e &( !e pre(c pes, Ver4sE HRes #!a2a 1 e 5a27a sa#id( e& s de'e&sa #a pers(&a m4s impr(2a2#e0 a sa2er0 #a pr(pia c(r(&e# A#ice e& pers(&a, Apare&!eme&!e0 &( se 5a27a se&!id( ame&azada e& #( m4s m7&im(H, A#ice sa27a 1 e simp#eme&!e es!a2as desesperad(0 es decirE HMiri s% e 'emism(s para e)i!ar e# i&s #!( + e# #e&$ a/e s(ez9 e& res me&0 A#ice cre7a 1 e era & )ie/( #(c(, L(s )ie/(s #(c(s !ie&e& 1 e ir c(&!i& ame&!e a# 2a:(D se c(&ce&!ra& e3cesi)ame&!e e& ese pr(2#ema, M4s a"&0 c a&d( #a 5a27a a$arrad(0 A#ice &( 5a27a cre7d( 1 e #a es! )iese a!aca&d(, R(2er! rec(rd% e# $(#pe 1 e se 5a27a dad( c(&!ra #a /am2a desp 6s de !r(pezar c(& #(s pies de A#ice, Ci&! r%& &e$r( de a#$( de27a '(rmar par!e de# a2a&ic( de ESR de A#ice, E##a era #a pe#i$r(sa, P(2re A#ice0 p(2re G(2, P(2re Miri, @E& c a#1 ier cas(0 #e di/( a G(2 1 e es!a2a reacci(&a&d( e3a$eradame&!e + 1 e !e 5ace 'a#!a ir a# i&s!i! !(, A#ice dice 1 e !e p edes 1 edar siempre 1 e ! c(mp(r!amie&!(E HE&m deci% + #e mir%, N( sa27a c%m( !ra&smi!ir dip#(m4!icame&!e e# res!(9 siempre ,ue no vuelvas a machacar a mi hija. HTe c(mpre&d(0 Miri, Ser6 2 e&(, HGie&, Va#e, HLa &i:a mir% a s a#reded(rH, Y(0 2 e&(E s p(&$( 1 e es !(d( #( 1 e !e&7a 1 e decir!e, Te de/ar6 c(&E c(& #( 1 e sea 1 e es!6s 5acie&d(, G e&a s er!e c(& #(s e34me&es 'i&a#es, V(#)i% a s 2irse a #a 2icic#e!a e i&d s!ri(same&!e se a#e/% peda#ea&d(, La )ie/a 2icic#e!a s%#( !e&7a !res )e#(cidades, R(2er! ca2ece%0 per( &( p d( e)i!ar s(&re7r,

-; EL OFICIAL DE GUARDIA L(s e34me&es 'i&a#es de R(2e& +a 5a27a& !ermi&ad(, Ja27a sacad( & 2ie& de media + & &(!a2#e e& 2"s1 eda + a&4#isis, Ja27a !ra2a/ad( m4s 1 e e& !(da s )ida, De &( ser p(r #a irre#e)a&cia i&mi&e&!e de !(d( a1 e# es' erz( se 5a2r7a se&!id( (r$ ##(s( de s7 mism(, Era # &es p(r #a !arde + R(2er! c(&!a2a #as 5(ras0 casi #(s mi& !(s, E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( &( 5a27a aparecid( m c5( recie&!eme&!e, E# c(&ci#i42 #( se 5a27a re &id( e& & par de (casi(&es0 + T(mmie #es 5a27a dad( e3c# si)ame&!e #a i&'(rmaci%& 1 e &ecesi!a2a& !e&er, T(mmie 5a27a #e7d( demasiadas &()e#as de esp7as, De m(me&!(0 R(2er! s%#( sa27a 1 e a #as ci&c( + media se re &ir7a& e& #a 2i2#i(!eca, Mie&!ras !a&!(0 e& a#$"& p &!( 2a/( e# campame&!( Pe&d#e!(&E E& !e(r7a0 ser e# ('icia# de $ ardia para e# s r(es!e de# !erri!(ri( c(&!i&e&!a# de Es!ad(s U&id(s &( era m + di'ere&!e a c a#1 ier (peraci%& de 'is$arH+Ha2a#a&zarse e& c a#1 ier par!e de# m &d(, E& !e(r7a0 a##7 mism( p(dr7a es!ar !ram4&d(se &a c(&spiraci%& para aca2ar c(& e# m &d(, E& rea#idad0 era e# 5($ar0 c(& a#$ &(s de #(s !erre&(s me/(r re#aci(&ad(s de# m &d(, Las p(si2i#idades de 1 e ! )iese& 1 e a2a#a&zarse era& casi & #as, A & as70 d ra&!e #as c a!r( 5(ras si$ ie&!es0 e# !e&ie&!e c(r(&e# R(2er! G Or, ser7a e# resp(&sa2#e de pr(!e$er de #a des!r cci%& masi)a a &(s cie& mi##(&es de s s )eci&(s, G ##e$% c(& )ei&!e mi& !(s de a&!e#aci%&0 5a2#% c(& e# ('icia# 1 e es!a2a de $ ardia e& ese m(me&!( + # e$( c(mpr(2% #(s 'a##(s de# DSI, Es( s(#7a ser #( pe(r de esas $ ardias, P(r & mi#a$r( de #a 2 r(cracia )ir! a#0 e# $r p( e3pedici(&ari( de mari&es de G '(rma2a esa &(c5e par!e de# Depar!ame&!( de Se$ ridad I&!eri(r, Era as7 c(m( e# DSI ma&!e&7a s prep es!( !a&0 e/em0 a ra+a, ?C(m( #as c(rp(raci(&es m(der&as0 e# DSI se i&!e$ra c(& 'aci#idad e& #a (r$a&izaci%& d(&de 5ace 'a#!a e& cada m(me&!(,@ Es( dec7a&, Y a1 e##a &(c5e0 $#(ria di)i&a0 &( 5a27a a #a )is!a &i & s(#( 'a##( de a !(rizaci%&, G(2 rec(rri% e# 2"&Fer !ra&s'(rma&d( #as paredes de p#4s!ic( )erde e& )e&!a&as 1 e da2a& a #a &(c5e de# s r de Ca#i'(r&ia, E# aire se ##e&% de a2s!racci(&es9 #a si! aci%& de s s 5(m2res + e# e1 ip(0 #a re(r$a&izaci%& de s par!e de# $r p( de a&4#isis, Se sir)i% & p(c( de ca'6 e& #a m41 i&a si! ada / &!( a #a p er!a + se se&!% a &a mesa m + c(rrie&!e0 a p(ca dis!a&cia de #a z(&a de #a&zamie&!(, HUPa!ricFV S se$ &d( a# ma&d( se c(#(c% a# (!r( #ad( de #a mesa,

HUSe:(rV HUM 6 !e&em(s es!a &(c5eV HU&a pre$ &!a i&&ecesaria0 per( Pa!ricF Xes!i& #e e&se:% #a #is!a ('icia#, E# $r p( e3pedici(&ari( de mari&es es!a2a c(mp es!( p(r c a!r( e1 ip(s de ma&i(2ra de d(ce 5(m2res cada &(, Se #(s p(d7a ##amar pe#(!(&esD !(d( e# m &d( #( 5ac7a, E& e# si$#( II0 e# ?p es!(@ de G(2 #( 5a2r7a (c pad( & !e&ie&!e, P(r (!ra par!e0 e# $r p( c(&!r(#a2a mi#es de )e57c #(s Ba &1 e casi !(d(s !a& pe1 e:(s c(m( & a)i%& de aer(m(de#ism(C + s 'icie&!e p(!e&cia de ' e$( c(m( para aca2ar c(& c a#1 ier $ erra de #a 5is!(ria, L( 1 e a G(2 G #e parec7a m4s imp(r!a&!e9 !(d(s #(s miem2r(s de s $r p( 5a27a& s perad( & e&!re&amie&!( de c(m2a!e !a& d r( c(m( e# de (!r(s !iemp(s, Era& mari&es, Pa!ricF #(s ##am% a !(d(s para ce#e2rar &a 2re)e re &i%&, La 5a2i!aci%& se amp#i% a#reded(r de #a mesa de G(2 + d ra&!e &(s m(me&!(s ! )( aspec!( de a di!(ri(, T(d(s parec7a& !ra&1 i#(sD 5a27a pasad( m c5( !iemp( desde #a "#!ima )ez 1 e a#$( 5a27a Sa#id( Ma# e& e# s r(es!e de# !erri!(ri( c(&!i&e&!a# de Es!ad(s U&id(s, ?Y &(s(!r(s s(m(s e& 2 e&a par!e #a raz%& de 1 e &( 5a+a pasad(,@ HVam(s a es!ar a1 7 c a!r( 5(ras Hdi/( G(2H, C(& s er!e0 pasarem(s &a &(c5e de 'is$(&e( m + a2 rrida, Y mie&!ras sea as70 s(is #i2res de perma&ecer e& #a z(&a de pers(&a# ad+ace&!e a ) es!r(s )e57c #(s, Per( #a ma+(r7a de )(s(!r(s +a 5a26is es!ad( e& mis $ ardias, Sa26is 1 e 1 ier( 1 e ma&!e&$4is #(s (/(s a2ier!(s, Se$ id c(& #(s a&4#isis, HSe:a#% a# $r p( de a&4#isis0 1 e para &a $ ardia de# s r(es!e de# !erri!(ri( c(&!i&e&!a# de Es!ad(s U&id(s era& &(s mi# 1 i&ie&!(s especia#is!as dedicad(s0 per( c(& c(&e3i(&es a cie&!(s de mi#es de ser)ici(s + mi##(&es de pr(cesad(res i&!e$rad(s, Esa &(c5e A#ice se (c pa2a de# c(&/ &!(0 + #(s cam2i(s +a era& e)ide&!es9 e# &id( de ra!as !radici(&a# se !ra&s'(rma2a c(& &a c#aridad 1 e 5a2i! a#me&!e s%#( se )e7a e& #(s s e:(s de #(s admi&is!rad(res, Apar!e de s mara)i##(sa re(r$a&izaci%&0 #a represe&!aci%& era !(!a#me&!e c(&)e&ci(&a#, E&!re #(s 5 ma&(s c(& permis( de se$ ridad + 1 e se p(d7a& c(m &icar direc!ame&!e 5a27a cie&!(s de #7&eas de as(ciaci%& c(di'icadas p(r c(#(r, La masa de &i)e#es i&'eri(res m !a2a c(&!i& ame&!e0 a medida 1 e pes(s0 )a#(raci(&es + c(&e3i(&es cam2ia2a& de & se$ &d( a (!r(, G(2 se:a#% #(s r(/(s de #as ame&azas 1 e siempre '(rma2a& par!e de #a mezc#a, HUDe 1 6 !e&em(s 1 e pre(c par&(s d ra&!e #as pr%3imas c a!r( 5(rasV HL(s a&a#is!as 1 e 5a27a !ras #(s &(d(s r(/(s esc pier(& s #is!a c(&se&s ada + #(s p &!er(s de ap(+(, A &1 e esa &(c5e &i si1 iera #(s para&(ic(s !e&7a& m c5( 1 e decir,
Acci(&es P(si2#e pr(!es!a c(&!ra Gi2#i(!(ma e& #a UCSD Casi se$ r( 1 e &a re) e#!a de c7rc #(s de (pi&i%& P(si2#es par!icipa&!es (r$a&izad(s C7rc #( de (pi&i%& de Oerz+ JaceF,

Va#(raci%& de #a CIA de c(&e3i(&es i&d(e r(peas C7rc #( de (pi&i%& Sc((c5HaHm( ! Va#(raci%& de #a CIA de c(&e3i%& c(& 8'rica ce&!ra# Va#(raci%& de #a CIA de c(&e3i%& s 2sa5aria&a Va#(raci%& de #a CIA de c(&e3i%& c(& Para$ a+ I&'(rme de #a RIAA a# C(&$res( E&!idades c(mercia#es P(si2#e da:( a #a i&'raes!r c! ra Pr(3imidad a p &!(s imp(r!a&!es para #a se$ ridad &aci(&a# Ge&era# Ge&(mics J er!as I&!er&a!i(&a# I&creme&!( de #a imp(r!aci%& de c(mp !aci%& i#e$a# C(&dad( de Ora&$e C(&dad( de L(s 8&$e#es Pr(2a2i#idad p(r de2a/( de #a esca#a re#aci(&a&d( #(s p &!(s a&!eri(res As &!(s p(#icia#es Es casi se$ r( & asa#!( de# FGI a Sp#e&d(r Farm e& Las Ve$as P(si2#e pe!ici%& de i&'(rmaci%& s(2re espi(&a/e Asa#!( p(r dr($as me/(rad(ras de #a DEA e& e# c(&dad( de Per& P(si2#e pe!ici%& de i&'(rmaci%& s(2re espi(&a/e P(si2#e ac!i)idad ' era de z(&a Ase&!amie&!(s e& A#2er!a de is#e:(s de# Pac7'ic( Pers(&as de i&!er6s Ariz(&a Ca#i'(r&ia C(&dad( de Sa& Die$( I&creme&!( de )isi!a&!es asi4!ic(s e& )ia/es c(r!(s O!r(s Ne)ada C(&sideraci%& de rec saci(&es

G(2 #a de/% & m(me&!(, HOaHdi/( &( de #(s ar!i##er(sH, A# me&(s #(s p(#ic7as &( ca sar4& pr(2#emas, HA1 e##a &(c5e ser7a '4ci# rec5azar #as pe!ici(&es p(#icia#es0 #( 1 e &( era !a& '4ci# e& cas( de sec es!r( ( para e)i!ar & asesi&a!(, U&a sar$e&!( !6c&ic( remarc% #( de #a UCSD, HEs( &(s ma&!e&dr4 (c pad(s, HU&a pa sa0 e3pa&die&d( #as de'i&ici(&esH, UM 6V UEs &a # c5a e&!re c7rc #(s de (pi&i%&V N &ca 5a27a (7d( &ada parecid(, U&( de #(s mari&es m4s /%)e&es ri(, HTe 5aces )ie/a0 Na&c+, Las # c5as e&!re cree&cias s(& !r4$icame&!e recie&!es, G(2 &( se m(#es!% e& i&!e&!ar e&!e&der#(0 per( sa27a #( s 'icie&!e p(r s padre + Miri para c(mpre&der de 1 6 i2a, E3pa&di% #a descripci%& de# dis! r2i( esperad(, HParece &a mezc#a de pr(!es!a de# si$#( II c(& / e$(s m(der&(s, De2er7a ser !a& se$ r( c(m( #a ma+(r7a de #(s ac(&!ecimie&!(s p"2#ic(s, E# pr(2#ema es e#

# $ar, HSe rea#iza2a& !a&!as i&)es!i$aci(&es 2i(#%$icas cerca de #a UCSD 1 e c a#1 ier i&es!a2i#idad res #!a2a pre(c pa&!eH, Es!( merece 2 e&a par!e de ) es!ra a!e&ci%&, Te&ed e& c e&!a #a i&'(rmaci%& s(2re i&!ereses e3!ra&/er(s, HF e a #(s e&#aces s(2re Pers(&as de I&!er6s, C(m( era 5a2i! a#0 #a e3pa&si%& pr(d /( dece&as de mi#es de &(m2res, E& & m(me&!( (!r(0 casi !(d( e# m &d(0 a me&(s 1 e es! )iese m er!(0 e& c +( cas( !(da)7a c(&!a2a para #a para&(ia 2i(!err(ris!a0 aca2a2a sie&d( e3ami&ad(H, N( (s )(+ a pedir 1 e repas6is #a #is!a de PDI ( es!a $ ardia d rar7a #( 1 e 1 eda de a:(, HEs!( "#!im( era sa2id r7a c#4sica0 c(& e'ec!i)idad dem(s!rada e& dece&a de desas!res + e& desas!res e)i!ad(s e& #( 1 e i2a de si$#(, L(s a&a#is!as siempre !e&7a& & mi##%& de s(spec5(s(s0 per( c a&d( ##e$a2a& a# m &d( d r( + 'r7( de# !iemp( rea#0 e# 63i!( depe&d7a de 1 e #(s e&car$ad(s de #a (peraci%& 5 2iese& pres!ad( a!e&ci%&, Y # e$( es!a2a e# "#!im( p &!(0 c(&sideraci%& de rec saci(&es0 es decir0 rec sar a #(s miem2r(s de# e1 ip( 1 e p(r a#$ &a raz%& p(d7a& c(mpr(me!er #a $ ardia, N(rma#me&!e era #a #is!a m4s para&(ica de !(dasE per( s $e&!e &( )e7a #a & 2e de de!a##es s(2re ese p &!(0 &i si1 iera e&#aces, Las rec(me&daci(&es era& s%#( para 6# + s s s!i! !(, E& #a pr4c!ica0 de 5a2er 5a2id( a#$"& pr(2#ema imp(r!a&!e se 5a2r7a (c pad( de 6# a&!es de #a re &i%&, HUPre$ &!asV Mir% a s a#reded(r, J 2( & m(me&!( de si#e&ci(, L(s mari&es asimi#a2a& #(s de!a##es0 resp(&die&d( e##(s mism(s a m c5as pre$ &!as, U& /()e& 5a2#%, HSe:(r0 Ue# e1 ip( es e# mism( 1 e para #as misi(&es de ame&azas !6c&icas e& #!ramarV G(2 mir% a #(s /%)e&es (/(s, HE# e1 ip( de #a&zamie&!( es m4s #i$er( de #( 5a2i! a#E Es #a "&ica di'ere&cia0 ca2(, A1 7 es!am(s para pr(!e$er0 per( e# 'i& "#!im( es pr(!e$er a !(d( e# pa7s, HA todo el mundo, diran algunosH, P(r !a&!(0 s70 )am(s c(& #a car$a es!ra!6$ica c(mp#e!a, HSe ap(+% e& e# respa#d( + mir% a !(d(sH, N( esper( pr(2#emas, Si pres!am(s a!e&ci%& + 5acem(s & es!r( !ra2a/(0 es!a &(c5e #a $e&!e de Ca#i'(r&ia pasar4 (!ra )e#ada a$rada2#e, Termi&% #a re &i%& + #a 5a2i!aci%& rec per% s s dime&si(&es rea#es, Pa!ricF Xes!i& !e&7a a#$ &as pre$ &!as m4s s(2re e# desp#ie$ e de #(s pe#(!(&es0 + # e$( !am2i6& se ' e, G(2 G desac!i)% #as me/(ras + d ra&!e & 2re)e i&s!a&!e s%#( )i( s mesa + s si##a0 / &!( a #a m41 i&a de ca'6, A #a derec5a 5a27a &a p er!a 1 e ##e)a2a a 5ard>are rea#, C(& s er!e0 esa &(c5e &( #( )er7a, G(2 HS A#ice9 TmsS UEs!4s !ra&1 i#aVTWmsS A#ice HS G(29 TmsS Tra&1 i#a + despe/ada, L( de #a UCSD ser4 &a 2 e&a pr4c!ica para mi a di!(r7a de# #a2(ra!(ri(, L( 5a2#am(s # e$(, TWmsS Es decir0 desp 6s de !ermi&ar #a $ ardia, Esa &(c5e A#ice era #a /e'a de a&a#is!asD si &( 5 2iese es!ad( e&!re&a&d( para #a a di!(r7a0 p(dr7a 5a2er sid( #a /e'a de !(da #a (peraci%&, Era &a de #as p(cas pers(&as capaci!adas para (c par am2(s p es!(s, E& c a#1 iera de e##(s era &a de#icia !ra2a/ar c(& e##aE

siempre 1 e G(2 &( pe&sara e& #(s sacri'ici(s &ecesari(s para #($rar e# re&dimie&!( de A#ice, Se !ermi&% e# ca'6 e 5iz( 1 e #a )is a# re$resase0 a5(ra c(mp#e!ame&!e pers(&a#izada, V(#)i% a 5a2#ar c(& C5er+# Gra&!, Es!a2a #is!a, 9ale, ,ue conste. G HS Gra&!9 TmsS Me 5a$( car$( de #a $ ardia0 se:(ra,TWmsS Y# + Gra&! i&!ercam2iar(& sa# d(s, E# re#(/ se p s( e& marc5a, S s pe#(!(&es pasar(& a a#er!a m43ima, Te&dr7a& 1 e es!ar as7 c a!r( 5(rasE &( era m c5( !iemp(0 per( s7 #( m4s 1 e p(d7a a#$ ie& perma&ecer e& $ ardia si& !(mar dr($as, E# !ra2a/( de G(2 era di'ere&!e, Y# era c(m( & perr( ()e/er( 1 e c(rr7a a#reded(r de# re2a:(0 pasa&d( de & !ema a (!r(, C(mpr(2a2a a 1 6 dedica2a& e# !iemp( #(s mari&es + #(s a&a#is!as9 e& par!e para ade#a&!arse a #(s p &!(s ca#ie&!es0 e& par!e para de!ec!ar #a$ &as de a!e&ci%&, Mir% p(r & p &!( de )is!a de #a pre&sa p(p #ar #a UCSD, E& a1 e#E ac!( i2a& a re &irse m c5(s ma&i'es!a&!es0 #a ma+(r7a prese&!es '7sicame&!e, Y se$"& #as es!ad7s!icas de #a red &a m #!i! d esp(&!4&ea era p(si2#e, Se pre$ &!% si Miri es!ar7a )ie&d( a1 e##(, La idea #( de)(#)i% a #a rea#idad, Repas% #as c(&sideraci(&es de rec saci%&, La mi!ad de s s mari&es !e&7a& a#$"& 'ami#iar ma!ric #ad( e& #a UCSD, Yse era e# $ra& pr(2#ema de &a (peraci%& #(ca#, Tres de e##(s era& a# m&(s a !iemp( parcia# de #a UCSD, U&( era a'ici(&ad( a #a dec(raci%& sc((c5i e& #a 1 e par!icipa2a& )ari(s 'a&s de Ga&$a#(re, Si &( 5 2iese es!ad( de ser)ici( a1 e##a &(c5e0 e# c5ic( 5a2r7a es!ad( e& e# camp s, Per( #(s a&a#is!as 5a27a& c(mpr(2ad( mi& !( a mi& !( de# c5ic( d ra&!e #(s "#!im(s ca!(rce meses, Ja27a 5ec5( a#$ &as c(sas i#e$a#es0 a2 s(s de dr($as me/(rad(ras0 per( &ada 1 e p diese per/ dicar #a misi%&, G(2 +a 5a27a repasad( !(d( e# 4r2(# de rec saci(&es + ' e a #(s p &!er(s0 pr(' &diza&d(, S padre &( aparec7a, Y !o ,ue estaba seguro de su implicaci+n en lo de .ibliotoma. Es( s7 1 e 5a2r7a sid( & 2 e& m(!i)( de rec saci%&, Es!a2a ec5a&d( & )is!az( m + p(r e&cima0 & pr(2#ema 5a2i! a# de #(s c(ma&da&!es c(& m c5as (2#i$aci(&esE 3Wiu Wiang4 E# &(m2re #e s(&a2a0 per( &( #e 5a2r7a ##amad( #a a!e&ci%& si s pr(pi( ape##id( &( #( 5 2iese ac(mpa:ad(, Iia&$ era &a de #as !rescie&!as mi# pers(&as de# s r(es!e de# !erri!(ri( c(&!i&e&!a# de Es!ad(s U&id(s a #as 1 e se c(&sidera2a i&!eresa&!es p(r1 e ma&ip #a2a& 5ard>are, M c5as de esas si! aci(&es era& i#e$a#es0 c#ar(D esa $e&!e se p(d7a de& &ciar a# FGI, Per( res #!a2a m4s pr(d c!i)( #imi!arse a se$ ir#as, La ma+(r7a era& a'ici(&ad(s i&('e&si)(s ( !ramp(s(s de #a pr(piedad i&!e#ec! a#, A#$ &(s era& #as ma&(s de sec!as !err(ris!as, Y a#$ &(s era& #a i&!e#i$e&cia a&a#7!ica 1 e se (c #!a2a !ras esas sec!as, Iia&$ p(se7a #a i&!e#i$e&cia + e# e&!re&amie&!( para e&ca/ar e& esa "#!ima ca!e$(r7a0 per( #( m4s ##ama!i)( 1 e 5a27a 5ec5( de m(me&!( era& &(s / $ e!es 1 e 5a27a c(&s!r id(0 & m se( de e#ec!r%&ica e3!ra:a, Y asis!7a a &a de #as c#ases de s padre, La re#aci%& es!a2a ca#i'icada c(m( ?s per'icia#@,

Tam2i6& 5a27a &a re'ere&cia a# asi#( A# Fi&a# de# Arc( IrisE QEsa m /er era #a c(mpa:era de s madreR + d ra&!e !(d( a1 e# !iemp( se 5a27a es!ad( pre(c pa&d( de #( a2 rrida 1 e de27a de ser #a )ida para s madre, Va+a e1 ip(9 #a cie&!7'ica #(ca + s madre0 #a #(1 era +E 3:u" es esto4 Sema&as de espi(&a/e ama!e r de Miri0 s madre + esa Iia&$ a s padre, Se #e (c rrier(& &a d(ce&a de c(&/e! ras +E 5a misi+n, la misi+n, conc"ntrate en la misi+n. Descar!% c(& decisi%& !(d(s #(s as &!(s pers(&a#es, L( "&ic( 1 e dem(s!ra2a a1 e##( era #a es! pidez de rea#izar $ ardias c(& pers(&a# #(ca#, G(2 se sir)i% (!r( ca'6 + se se&!% a c(&!emp#ar #as )is!as de #a UCSD + #(s (!r(s p &!(s c(&'#ic!i)(s de #a &(c5e, E& e# E/6rci!( m(der&(0 perder #a c(&ce&!raci%& era e# mism( pecad( 1 e 1 edarse d(rmid( e& e# p es!(, Era 5(ra de e&!rar e& #a r !i&a, Y a & as70 &a )(ceci!a i&!er&a 5ac7a #( p(si2#e p(r dis!raer#e9 1or todos los cielos, 3a ,u" se habrn estado dedicando >iri ! mam4 L &es0 ci&c( de #a !arde, 1or 2in. E# crep"sc #( se$ 7a !e:id( de c(#(res s(2re La O(##a c a&d( R(2er! e&!r% e& e# 2 c#e de !r4'ic( a# &(r!e de Xarsc5a>sFi Ja##, F e a# es!e a pie0 cami&( de #a 2i2#i(!eca Geise#, HUPreparad( para #a $ra& &(c5e0 ami$( m7(V HEra S5ari' E3!ra:( e# 1 e cami&a2a a s #ad(, L(s pea!(&es &( parec7a& )er a s c(mpa:er( de cara )erd(sa, R(2er! diri$i% &a mirada a$ria a# E3!ra:(, HEs!(+ preparad( para )er!e c mp#ir ! par!e, HN( !e pre(c pes, Si es!a &(c5e sa#e 2ie&0 rec perar4s !(d( ! $e&i(, Tie&es mi pa#a2ra, R(2er! $r :%, N( p(r primera )ez0 re'#e3i(&% s(2re #a #(c ra de #(s desesperad(s !ermi&a#es, HY &( p(&$as esa cara de des4&im(0 pr('es(r, Ya 5as 5ec5( #a !area m4s d ra, Es!a &(c5e es T(mmie ParFer e# pri&cipa# resp(&sa2#e de 1 e #as c(sas ' &ci(&e&, HUT(mmieV Me e3!ra:a, HUTe e3!ra:aV HE# E3!ra:( s(&ri%H, As7 1 e 5as #($rad( ide&!i'icar e# !a2#er( de dise:( de mi#a$r(s de T(mmie, P(2re T(mmie, Es e# "&ic( de )(s(!r(s 1 e cree 1 e )a p(r #i2re, Es m4s0 cree 1 e +( s%#( s(+ &( de s s me/(res c(#a2(rad(res, Ya )es0 p ed( ser a$rada2#e c a&d( res #!a a2s(# !ame&!e &ecesari(, Ja27a m4s $e&!e de #a 1 e R(2er! 5 2iese )is!( & &ca e& &a &(c5e de camp s d ra&!e s s d7as de &i)ersidad, De#a&!e0 5acia #a 2i2#i(!eca0 &a # z c(#$a2a de# cie#(0 m4s 2ri##a&!e 1 e e# crep"sc #( 1 e !e&7a& de!r4s, Mira&d( 5acia a2a/( desde #as c(pas de #(s e ca#ip!(s0 R(2er! )e7a &a m #!i! d e& #as e3p#a&adas s r + es!e de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Parec7a 1 e 5a27a )ari(s $r p(s 1 e &( se mezc#a2a&,

HUM 6 es!4 pasa&d(V HDe27a de ser #a ma&i(2ra de dis!racci%& 1 e T(mmie 5a27a pr(me!id(D era &a ma&i'es!aci%& m c5( m4s & mer(sa 1 e #a de Gi2#i(!(ma de Xi&&ie, HOe, Para es!a &(c5e 5e p#a&ead( $ra&des ce#e2raci(&es a#reded(r de #a 2i2#i(!ecaD casi !(d( e# m &d( es!4 i&)i!ad(0 s(2re !(d( e# pers(&a# de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s Ge&era# Ge&(mics, Per( !" &(, Te s $ier( 1 e dem(s & r(de(, HPer( 6se era e# p &!( de e&c e&!r(E HJa+ demasiada $e&!e, Irem(s direc!ame&!e a Pi#c5&er Ja##, P(r a1 70 p(r 'a)(r, HE# E3!ra:( se:a#% 5acia #a derec5a0 5acia #(s !e&e2r(s(s e ca#ip!(s, Mie&!ras !a&!(0 e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s Ge&Ge&E S5ei#a Ja&s(& se prese&!% media 5(ra desp 6s de# c(mie&z( de# ! r&( de &(c5e, HUEs!4s #is!(0 TimV Tim J +&5 se apar!% de #a mesa e 5iz( & $es!( a s s pe1 e:(s a+ da&!es, HEs!am(s #is!(s0 /e'a, HE& e# pasi##( si$ i% #as '#ec5as 1 e S5ei#a marca2a s(2re e# s e#(, E##a + e# res!( de# pers(&a# de# #a2(ra!(ri( +a es!a2a& re &id(s a#reded(r de #a e&!rada s per'icia#, C a!r( ( ci&c( reci6& $rad ad(s0 + e# res!(0 c(m( e# pr(pi( Tim(!5+ J +&50 es! dia&!es 1 e !ra2a/a2a&H, UEs!4s se$ ra de 1 e &( )am(s a perder e# !ra2a/(V HL(s / e$(s de c7rc #(s de (pi&i%& es!a2a& m + 2ie& ' era de# !ra2a/(0 per( a J +&5 /am4s se #e 5a2r7a (c rrid( a1 e##a a)e&! ra si s pr(pia s per)is(ra &( #a 5 2iese s $erid(, Ja&s(& ri(, HYa !e #( di/e, Ge&Ge& c(&sidera es!a 2a!a##a & ser)ici( p"2#ic(, Adem4s0 ser4 &a )er$*e&za para J er!as I&!er&a!i(&a#, HLa mirada de #a m /er #(s i&c# 7a a !(d(s0 a !(d( e# e1 ip( &(c! r&( de Ge&Ge& e3cep!( #(s de re$ #%mica, A Tim #e 2as!a2a c(& #a e3p#icaci%& de S5ei#a, E& (!ra 6p(ca 5a27a a&siad( !ra2a/ar e& Ge&Ge&, UC 4&!a $e&!e #($ra2a )er c(& s s pr(pi(s (/(s e# e1 ip( de #a2(ra!(ri( s(2re e# 1 e se s s!e&!a2a s carrera &i)ersi!ariaV Si& em2ar$(0 #( 5a2i! a# era 1 e s !ra2a/( se red /ese a des2#(1 ear r(2(!s de #impieza demasiad( e&! sias!as + a !ra&sp(r!ar car$a, S70 a )eces 5a27a pr(2#emas + 5a27a 1 e 5a2#ar c(& #(s s ari(s + a+ dar#(s a se$ ir #as especi'icaci(&es para s m(&!a/e e3perime&!a#, Per( a c(&!i& aci%& se pasa2a d7as i&)e&!a&d( sis!emas a !(m4!ic(s para e)i!ar 1 e precisame&!e es( )(#)iese a pasar, T(d(s #(s miem2r(s de# e1 ip(0 i&c# s( #(s 1 e &( era& &(s 'a&4!ic(s de #(s Sc((c5HaHm(##!0 parec7a& e&ca&!ad(s de !e&er &a dis!racci%& esa &(c5e, HVa#e0 !(d( e# m &d( Hdi/( S5ei#aH0 )am(s a '(rmar c(m( es de2id(, HT(d(s ad(p!ar(& s s '(rmas de sc((c5is, Ja27a p(' H#(&$s + de>#2s + & e&(rme s5imaHpi&$, E# s5imaHpi&$ era S5ei#a, Di( &a (/eada a J +&5H, T" &( p edes ser Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm(##!0 Tim, Es!4 reser)ad(, HPer( #(s 2ic5(s es!4& a mi ma&d(, HI&dic% #(s r(2(!s a+ da&!es 1 e #e 5a27a& se$ id( esca#eras arri2a,

HT" #(s $ 7as0 Tim, P edes ser Pe1 e:( Sc((c5HaH( !, HVa#e, HCam2i% de '(rma, Era& !(d(s dise:(s de primera & &ca )is!(s, D da2a m c5( de 1 e a#$ &( si$ iese sie&d( pri)ad( d ra&!e m c5( !iemp(0 per(0 si S5ei#a 1 er7a / $ar a cree&cias es!ric!as0 6# &( i2a a r(mper e# c7rc #(, Sa#ier(& e& !r(pe# p(r #a p er!a 5acia #a &(c5e, T(da)7a 5a27a cier!( c(#(r p(r e&cima de #(s e ca#ip!(s, A# s r0 a# (!r( #ad( de #(s 2arra&c(s0 #a me!a era &a e&(rme pir4mide d(2#e0 c(& #a par!e s peri(r de )idri( + (sc ra + c 2ier!a de e&redaderas p(r a2a/(, QY era as7 a simp#e )is!aR La 2i2#i(!eca Geise#, Mie&!ras a)a&za2a&0 S5ei#a + #(s (!r(s ' er(& s perp(&ie&d( s )isi%& a# m &d(, N( #( 5a27a& prac!icad(, Te&7a 1 e ser &a s(rpresa para #(s 5aceFea&(s0 per( a"& m4s para e# m &d( 1 e pr(&!( ac dir7a a mirar, U&( a &(0 #(s e ca#ip!(s0 e& pe1 e:(s es!a##id(s0 se !ra&s'(rmar(& e& d(&die$(s de &(c5e c(& #as 5(/as '# (resce&!es a #a # z de# crep"sc #(, HN(s 5a& de!ec!ad( Hdi/( a#$ ie&, HC#ar( 1 e s7, Es!am(s p(r !(das par!es, Ja+ s`&ices + $(!HaHr &s )i&ie&d( desde e# edi'ici( de #i!era! ra, HQJa+ '>eFs + #i2aH#((s 1 e sa#e& )(#a&d( de# s%!a&( de #a 2i2#i(!ecaR Y cada aparici%& e&)ia2a &a dimi& !a 'racci%& de pe&i1 e 1 e s 27a p(r e# 4r2(# de creaci%& de Sc((c5i, P(r &a )ez0 a Tim &( #e imp(r!% e# $as!( e3cesi)(, La a'i#iaci%& Sc((c5HaHm( ! era de #as $ra&des, I&c# s( e# 5ard>are i#e$a# de# 'i& de# m &d( se 2e&e'iciar7a de #as re$a#7as, Ja&s(& HS T r&( de &(c5e9 TmsS Oc #!ad e# ma!eria# !a&!( c(m( p(d4is,TWmsS La ima$e& rea# de #as c4maras #(ca#es re)e#ar7a 1 e a#$ &(s de #(s sc((c5is (c #!a2a& 2ic5(s de )erdad, As7 1 e p(r e# m(me&!( S5ei#a 1 er7a !(da #a i&!imidad p(si2#e, M e #(s 5aceFea&(s se e&!erase& s%#( de #( 1 e pr()e&7a de #(s p &!(s de )is!a p"2#ic(s + de s s (/(s, J +&5 de/% 1 e RicF Sma#e + #(s dem4s se e&car$ase& de es(, Se c(&ce&!r% e& c(&!r(#ar #(s 2ic5(s9 !(d(s #(s r(2(!s c(& a !(&(m7a + '#e3i2i#idad s 'icie&!es para ir 5as!a #a 2i2#i(!eca, A1 e##(s apara!(s se (c pa2a& de #a #impieza r !i&aria + e# recam2i( de m%d #(s, N( es!a2a& dise:ad(s para c(rrer a#(cadame&!e p(r e# e3!eri(r, Per( Ge&Ge& 5a27a dad( permis( para 1 e sa#iese& + Tim(!5+ J +&5 se #( es!a2a pasa&d( de '42 #a, Primer(0 decidi% #a aparie&cia de #(s r(2(!s, Ja27a 1 eeps + c5irps0 ec5a&d( c5ispas + dispara&d( e& !(das direcci(&es, E& rea#idad0 se !ra!a2a de s s c a!r(cie&!(s ma&ip #ad(res m%)i#esE 1 e e& e# &e$(ci( se c(&(c7a& c(m( ?r(2(!s pre&si#es@, Ape&as era& #( s 'icie&!eme&!e r4pid(s para ma&!e&erse a #a a#! ra de #(s 5 ma&(s, Tam2i6& 5a27a me$am &c5es0 3(r(s5(>s + sa#sip edsE e& es!e cas( r(2(!s #impiad(res + p(r!ad(res de m es!ras, De!r4s acec5a2a& #(s r(2(!s m4s $ra&des de# #a2(ra!(ri( de J +&50 c(m2i&aci(&es de e#e)ad(res e i&s!a#ad(res de e1 ip( pesad(0 1 e de m(me&!( i2a& dis'razad(s de i(&ip(ds az #es de as!a $ris, Y# mism( 5a27a s mi&is!rad( #as especi'icaci(&es '7sicas d(s sema&as a&!es0 c a&d( #a p(si2i#idad de 1 e esa a)e&! ra se ma!eria#izara 5a27a empezad( a di' &dirse p(r e# #a2(ra!(ri(, L(s dise:(s res #!a&!es era& espec!ac #ares + se

a/ s!a2a& a #a rea#idad '7sica de #(s r(2(!s + #(s disp(si!i)(s se&s(!4c!i#es 1 e J +&5 5a27a i&s!a#ad( e& #as carcasas, Si acaricia2as e# 3(r(s5(> e& #(s c ar!(s !raser(s0 &(!a2as #(s m"sc #(s m()i6&d(se 2a/( e# pe#a/e s a)e0 / s!( #( 1 e ! s (/(s !e dec7a&, Siempre 1 e s%#( ! )iese& 1 e resp(&der a & s(#( par de ma&(s 5 ma&as0 #(s sis!emas 54p!ic(s !e&7a& #a capacidad de ma&!e&er #a i# si%&, Era& me/(r 1 e c a#1 ier c(sa 1 e 5 2iese !(cad( e& P+ramid Ji##, C#ar( es!40 e# p"2#ic( rem(!( &( se 2e&e'iciar7a demasiad( de a1 e##(0 per( dar7a m(ra# a #(s sc((c5is prese&!es + desa&imar7a a #(s 5aceFea&(s, E# e&emi$( +a es!a2a '(rma&d(, E& #a !erraza es!e de #a 2i2#i(!eca 5a27a ci&c( Ca2a##er(s G ardia&es + & Gi2#i(!ecari( acec5a2a e& e# cami&( de #a serpie&!e, HUEs( es !(d( #( 1 e !ie&e&V HP(r a5(ra Hdi/( S5ei#a0 e# s5imaHpi&$H, S%#( esper( 1 e &( es!em(s demasiad( 'ra$me&!ad(s, HS7, HYsa era #a )ir! d + #a de2i#idad de #a )isi%& de# m &d( sc((c5i, Sc((c5HaH m( ! se dis!ri2 7a e& 'ra$me&!(s0 a !r(ci!(s, Se adap!a2a a #(s dese(s de #(s &i:(s0 &( s%#( e& #as Gra&des P(!e&cias0 si&( !am2i6& e& #(s es!ad(s 'racasad(s de# 'i& de# m &d(, L(s sc((c5is !e&7a& innumerables creaci(&es di'ere&!es, L(s 5aceFea&(s a2raza2a& #a cree&cia de# c(&(cimie&!( e3!e&di6&d(se 5acia e# e3!eri(r0 &a )isi%& 1 e e3i$7a #a c(&sis!e&cia de !(das #as c(sas, + e& a1 e# m(me&!( #( c(&sis!e&!e era s c(&!r(# casi a2s(# !( de #a 2i2#i(!eca, E# s5imaHpi&$ di( sa#!(s s(2re s s !res pa!as, S5ei#a #e $ri!a2a a# e&emi$( c(& #( 1 e de27a de ser & a#!a)(z e3!er&(0 +a 1 e J +&5 &(!a2a #a p(!e&cia de# s(&id( a s a#reded(r, HQApar!a(s de & es!r( cami&(R HQM erem(s & es!r( espaci(R HQM erem(s & es!ra 2i2#i(!ecaR HQY s(2re !(d(0 1 erem(s #i2r(s DE VERDADR HEsa "#!ima e3i$e&cia era & 2 e& es#($a&0 a &1 e &( se c(rresp(&d7a m + 2ie& c(& e# !ras'(&d( 'i&Hde#Hm &d( sc((c5i, La 2a&da de S5ei#a se #a&z% a# a!a1 e $ri!a&d(0 per( dece&as de 5aceFea&(s se &ier(& a #(s ci&c( Ca2a##er(s G ardia&es, P(r s p es!(0 #a ma+(r7a era& )ir! a#es0 per( e# a/ s!e a #a rea#idad era per'ec!(, N( era &i&$ &a s(rpresa9 am2(s 2a&d(s sa27a& 1 e a1 e##a si! aci%& se pr(d cir7a, Era & c(m2a!e de c7rc #(s de (pi&i%&, Se !ra!a2a de c(&)e&cer a !(d( e# m &d( p(r medi( de im4$e&es de 1 e Sc((c5HaHm( ! era &a )isi%& m4s imp(r!a&!e, Am2(s 2a&d(s crean sa2er #( 1 e se a)eci&a2a, La )erdad era 1 e Tim 5a27a preparad( a#$( especia#, L(s 5accFea&(s a ##ar(& s s ame&azas a# e/6rci!( sc((c5i0 a #(s c5irps + 1 eeps +a #as m(#es ape&as )isi2#es 1 e )e&7a& de!r4s, Cre7a& 1 e s%#( era& / $ad(res 5 ma&(s e im4$e&es i&$e&i(sas, L e$( e# primer( de #(s i(&ip(ds de as!a $ris ap#as!% e# as'a#!( + #a $e&!e de JaceF c(mpre&di% 1 e e# s(&id( 1 e emi!7a era rea#, A# mism( !iemp(0 &( de #(s sa#sip eds0 & !ra&sp(r!e de m es!ras0 sa#i% c(rrie&d( + #e m(rdi% e# !(2i##( a & Ca2a##er(, E& rea#idad &(

' e m4s 1 e &a pe1 e:a descar$a e#6c!rica0 per( #(s 5aceFea&(s se ec5ar(& a!r4s0 a ##a&d(9 HQTramp(s(sR QTramp(s(sR Y0 cier!(0 era !rampa0 per( J +&5 )e7a e& #as es!ad7s!icas de red 1 e e# ap(+( a s 2a&d( se 5a27a d p#icad(, Adem4s, es por una buena causa. Tim(!5+ J +&5 !amp(c( sa2a demasiad( #a 2i2#i(!eca '7sica0 per( #( 1 e a##7 5a27a pasad( #e d(#7a, La !erraza 1 ed% m(me&!4&eame&!e despe/ada0 per( S5ei#a )aci#%, Ja&s(& HS T r&( de &(c5e9 TmsS N( me $ s!a 1 e sea !a& '4ci#, Cre( 1 e &(s !ie&e& preparad( a#$(,TWmsS HQS7R QMiradR H$ri!% Sma#e a !(d( p #m%&0 + se:a#% a #as )is!as p(r e&cima de #a e&!rada de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Esas c4maras m(s!ra2a& seres c(m( ara:as 1 e pr(!e$7a& e# "#!im( !ram( 5as!a #a p er!a de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Era& cria! ras !a& $r esas 1 e casi !apa2a& e# m(saic(, L e$( #as )is!as se desac!i)ar(&, HVa+a0 Ues!as cria! ras s(& rea#esV HCre( 1 e a#$ &as #( s(& Hdi/( S5ei#a, HN( p ede ser, Ni si1 iera i&$e&ier7a e#6c!rica disp(&e de !a&!(s r(2(!s, E& es!a c(&!ie&da0 Qnosotros !e&em(s s peri(ridad & m6ricaR Per( U+ si e# e&emi$( se 5a27a !ra7d( m c57sim(s r(2(!s c(&s!r id(s p(r a'ici(&ad(sV Si s%#( #a mi!ad de es(s meca&ism(s era& rea#esE S5ei#a se de! )(0 a!e&die&d( a #(s c(&se/(s 1 e p(d7a& es!ar ##e$a&d( desde !(d(s #(s p &!(s de# $#(2(, R $i%, HQA #(s 4r2(#esR Emi!ier(& & $ri!( cac('%&ic(, L( 1 e s r$i% de #(s si&!6!ic(s ' e & r $id( de resp es!a0 p(!e&!e0 2arr(c( + !(!a#me&!e sc((c5i, F er(& 5acia #(s ar2 s!(s0 a# s res!e de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Las im4$e&es )ir! a#es se c(&)ir!ier(& e& ar!7s!ic(s di' mi&ad(s para (c #!ar e# 5ec5( de 1 e #a c(2er! ra de red &( era de# !(d( c(mp#e!a, L(s r(2(!s m4s pe1 e:(s0 #impiad(res0 !ra&sp(r!es de m es!ras + pre&si#es0 &( ! )ier(& demasiad(s pr(2#emas para a)a&zar s(2re e# !erre&( c 2ier!( de ma!eria (r$4&ica, L(s e#e)ad(res s7, Se 5 &dier(& e& #a !ierra 2#a&da, L(s m(&s!r (s a)a&zar(& #e&!ame&!e, A1 e##( se parec7a 2as!a&!e a a#$ &as de #as !areas 1 e !e&7a& 1 e rea#izar e& e# #a2(ra!(ri(, Per( era e# m(me&!( de 1 e/arse & p(c(, J +&5 HS Ja&s(&9 TmsS Es!( &( ser)ir4 de &ada0 S5ei#a, L(s r(2(!s ara:a se #imi!ar4& a se$ ir&(s 5as!a a1 7,TWmsS Ja&s(& HS J +&59 TmsS Te& 'e e& m7, Es!( sa#dr4 2ie&, Mira #( 1 eE TWmsS S5ei#a s(#!% & c5i##id( de s(rpresa + #a 'rase 1 ed% i&c(mp#e!a, L(s sc((c5is )ir! a#es a)a&zar(& & par de pas(s m4s0 depe&die&d( de #as dis!i&!as #a!e&cias0 per( a# 'i&a# e# ! r&( de &(c5e de Ge&Ge& a# c(mp#e!( se de! )(, T(d(s se c(&$re$ar(& + #as im4$e&es me/(rar(& + sa#ier(& de #a espes ra, Per( 6sa &( era #a raz%& de #a parada s"2i!a, T(d(s mira2a& aE & 5(m2re + & c(&e/(, E# primer( era rea#0 e# se$ &d( )ir! a#, N( se (c #!a2a&

precisame&!eD es!a2a& de pie e& e# c#ar(0 per( c(mp#e!ame&!e r(dead(s de ma#eza, Jas!a 1 e #(s sc((c5is &( 5a27a& ##e$ad( a##7 &( !e&7a& &i&$"& p &!( de )is!a e& a1 e##a z(&a, E# c(&e/( &( !e&7a &ada de par!ic #ar0 & di2 /( a&imad(, La mirada descarada es!a2a m + #($rada0 5a27a 1 e admi!ir#(, S5ei#a e# s5imaHpi&$ )aci#% & se$ &d( para # e$( dar & par de pas(s ame&azad(res 5acia e# c(&e/(, HEs!4s ' era de # $ar, E# 2ic5( #e di( & m(rdisc( a #a za&a5(ria + m()i% #as (re/as, HUM 6 !e imp(r!a a !i0 d(c!(raV HN( s(+ d(c!(raE !(da)7a Hdi/( e# s5imaHpi&$, E# c(&e/( ri(, HE&!(&ces0 s e:as 1 e #( eres, Es!(+ a1 7 para rec(rdar(s 1 e es!a &(c5e &( s%#( c(m2a!7s )(s(!r(s + #(s de JaceF, Tam2i6& ac!"a& (!r(s p(deres s peri(res, HGri!% #a "#!ima pa#a2ra + #e)a&!% #a pa!a 2#a&ca c(& #a za&a5(ria, J +&5 HS T r&( de &(c5e9 TmsS Vam(s0 S5ei#a0 siempre 5a+ mir(&es,TWmsS Sma#e HS T r&( de &(c5e9 TmsS C(& parar&(s a1 7 s%#( c(&se$ im(s 1 e se resie&!a & es!ra rep !aci%&,TWmsS Per( S5ei#a 5iz( cas( (mis( de #as (2/eci(&es, Es1 i)% dies!rame&!e a# c(&e/( descarad( + se acerc% a# 5 ma&( prese&!e '7sicame&!e, A1 e# !ip(E era descaradame&!e &(rma#9 de &(s ci&c e&!a a:(s0 1 iz4s 5ispa&(0 )es!id( c(& $r esas pre&das de 'ae&a, Era #a ima$e& per'ec!a de & pr('es(r de #a UCSD0 a &1 e e3cesi)ame&!e a2ri$ad(, Ves!7a0 per( 5as!a c(!as m + 2a/as9 &i si1 iera e&se:a2a i&'(rmaci%& de c(r!es7a, S s (/(s si$ ier(& c(& !ra&1 i#idad a# s5imaH pi&$0 #( 1 e0 J +&5 se di( e&!(&ces c e&!a0 res #!a2a & p(c( desc(&cer!a&!e, L e$( J +&5 )i( #( 1 e S5ei#a )e7a, E# e3!ra:( pr(+ec!a2a &a ima$e&, Era m + s !i#0 de & !(&( #a)a&da 1 e casi &( se )e7a, U&a &e2#i&a s r$7a de #(s zapa!(s de# e3!ra:( + se )(#)7a 2ri##a&!e a medida 1 e '# 7a 5acia #(s 4r2(#es, Ja&s(& HS T r&( de &(c5e9 TmsS Pasad a #a )is!a de ma&!e&imie&!(,TWmsS L(s dia$&%s!ic(s de ma&!e&imie&!( de Ge&Ge& era& di'7ci#es de sar ' era de# #a2(ra!(ri(0 per( m c5( m4s s('is!icad(s 1 e #(s 1 e )e&7a& c(& #as pre&das Epi'a&7a, E& #a )is!a de ma&!e&imie&!(E e# !ip( es!a2a m + 2ie& e1 ipad(, E# c(#(r #a)a&da #( da2a a e&!e&der0 per( a5(ra J +&5 p(d7a )er e# ce&!e##e( de# e&#ace #4ser de a#!a capacidad 1 e s r$7a de #a r(pa de a1 e# i&di)id (, Si& #a pis!a de# #a)a&da0 !a# )ez /am4s se 5 2iese& dad( c e&!a, La m43ima e3presi%& de !ea!ra#idad c(&sis!7a e& 'i&$ir 5a2er 'i&$id( si& 63i!( ser i&(c (, Sma#e HS T r&( de &(c5e9 TmsSQE5R Es!e !ip(E es!4 c(&ec!ad( a #a $e&!e de G(#I+>((d desde a1 7 mism(0 e& e# camp s,TWmsS Se mirar(& c(& a#e$r7a, Te&7a 1 e ser & )erdader( ma$&a!e de G(##+>((d, L(s c7rc #(s de (pi&i%& era& e# c(m2 s!i2#e 1 e ma&!e&7a e& ' &ci(&amie&!( #a i&d s!ria de# ci&e,

Ja&s(& HS T r&( de &(c5e9 TmsS Os #( 5a27a dic5(0 e&'re&!4&d(&(s a #(s 5aceFea&(s &(s 5arem(s 'am(s(s,TWmsS Ec5ar a #(s 5aceFea&(s de #a 2i2#i(!eca era m4s imp(r!a&!e 1 e & &ca, HQAde#a&!eR H$ri!% Ja&s(&0 e& )(z a#!a + para !(d( e# m &d(H, QA2a/( JaceFR QA2a/( #a Ame&aza Gi2#i(!(maR L(s )ir! a#es + casi !(d( e# ! r&( de &(c5e si$ ier(& a)a&za&d( p(r e# 2(s1 e, J +&5 se re!ras% &(s se$ &d(s0 ase$ r4&d(se de 1 e &i&$"& 1 eep ( c5irp se 1 edara a!rapad( e& #as 5(/as + de 1 e #(s e#e)ad(res ! )iera& espaci( s 'icie&!e para pasar e&!re #(s 4r2(#es, Y # e$( !(d(s a)a&zar(&, HQM erem(s & es!r( espaci(R HQM erem(s & es!ra 2i2#i(!ecaR HY0 s(2re !(d(0 Q1 erem(s #i2r(s DE VERDADR J +&5 &( espera2a s(rpre&der a #(s r(2(!s ara:a, UM 6 se $ arda2a S5ei#a e& #a ma&$a de s5imaHpi&$V

-< CUANDO LOS C^RCULOS DE OPININ CJOCAN A#'red Vaz c(&!emp#% c%m( se i2a& #(s !ras!(r&ad(s, A s #ad(0 C(&e/( se a$i!a2a si$ ie&d( e# ri!m( de s s $ri!(s de 2a!a##a, P(r &a )ez0 e# 2ic5( parec7a impresi(&ad( p(r a#$ ie& 1 e &( ' era 6#, HOe Hdi/(0 sa# da&d( c(& #a za&a5(riaH, Me m er( p(r )er s s caras c a&d( desc 2ra& 1 i6& # c5a e& e# (!r( 2a&d(, Vaz mir% #as (re/as pe# das, HDesac!i)a ! prese&cia p"2#ica, HE# (2/e!i)( era &( ##amar #a a!e&ci%&, HTe pre(c pas demasiad(, HPer( e# c(&e/( di( & "#!im( 2(cad( + !ir% #as 5(/as0 1 e se e)ap(rar(& a&!es de ##e$ar a# s e#(, HVa#e0 )ie/(, S(+ s%#( para ! s (/(s, UA5(ra 1 6V Vaz $r :% + se p s( a cami&ar 5acia e# s r, E& rea#idad e# descar( de C(&e/( #e irri!a2a m4s 1 e #e pre(c pa2a, Si esa &(c5e #as c(sas sa#7a& c(m( de27a&0 #(s america&(s &( re#aci(&ar7a& #a (peraci%& c(& C(&e/( + me&(s a"& c(& #a A#ia&za I&d(e r(pea, Si #(s america&(s se p(&7a& a mirar de )erdad0 r4pidame&!e desc 2rir7a& e# pape# de A#'red e& !(d( a1 e##(E #e )iese& c(& C(&e/( ( &(, La $e&!e de PeiF( 5a27a desarr(##ad( & c(mp#e/( pr($rama de decisi%&0 & ?4r2(# de c(&!i&$e&cias@ 1 e i&dica2a #( 1 e p(dr7a se$ ir &e$a&d( + #( 1 e p(dr7a #($rar depe&die&d( de cier!(s 'a##(s, Vei&!e a:(s a&!es0 A#'red se 5a2r7a re7d( de seme/a&!e p#a&i'icaci%& a !(ma!izada0 per( +a &(, S s e1 ip(s secre!(s de a&a#is!as 5a27a& desarr(##ad( s pr(pi( 4r2(# de c(&!i&$e&cias, Crec7a a par!ir de# de PeiF( 5as!a #(s desas!res pe(resE c(m( e# dese&mascaramie&!( de s pr(+ec!( TMC, A#'red sa#i% de #a z(&a m4s de&sa de #a ar2(#eda de e ca#ip!(s, A s a#reded(r0 s s dimi& !(s r(2(!s se ma&!e&7a& discre!ame&!e a s a#! ra, Cada &( de e##(s )i(#a2a #as #e+es #(ca#es0 p es!( 1 e &( c(&!e&7a& &i & s(#( c5ip c(&!r(#ad( p(r Se$ ridad I&!eri(r, Mie&!ras Vaz se$ 7a i&!erpre!a&d( e& #a red p"2#ica e# pape# de e/ec !i)( de G(##+>((d0 es(s disp(si!i)(s #e ('rec7a& s pr(pia red + c(&!ramedidas, Ja27a p &!(s e& e# 4r2(# de c(&!i&$e&cia e& #(s 1 e p(dr7a& serie de m c5a !i#idad, Mie&!ras !a&!(0 & pe1 e:( aer(2(! i&)isi2#e #e se$ 7a0 acep!a&d( s !r4'ic( #(ca# de red + dispers4&d(#( e& & mi##ar de p &!(s 5acia e# cie#( (ccide&!a#, La e&er$7a de cada &( de #(s p #s(s ser7a i&de!ec!a2#e e3cep!( para a#$ ie& 1 e es! )iese s(2re a)is( + m + cerca0 per( e# c(&/ &!(0 c(& #a adec ada si&cr(&izaci%& !emp(ra#0 ser7a )isi2#e para #as a&!e&as de PeiF( e& e# Pac7'ic(, Era s pr(pia red mi#i!ar0 s mi#&e!, E& !e(r7a, E& rea#idad0 A#'red ##e)a2a desc(&ec!ad( casi !res mi& !(s, Sa27a 1 e A#ice G(&$ es!a2a de $ ardia a1 e##a

&(c5e0 pr(2a2#eme&!e c(m( a&a#is!a, Ja27a #a&zad( e# a!a1 e c(&!ra e##a / s!( a&!es de perder e# acces( mi#&e!, M + pr(&!(0 s s #a2(res de )i$i#a&cia #a ##e)ar7a& a & arc5i)( de #a2(ra!(ri( 1 e c(&!e&7a & pa!r%& i&(c (E s%#( 1 e para e##a e# pa!r%& &( ser7a !a& i&(c (, 3Ya ha pasado4 M iz4 #e c(&)i&iera 'is$(&ear e& #a red p"2#ica, HVam(s0 )ie/(0 )am(s0 )ie/(, HC(&e/( 2ai#% & p(c(, Ja2#a2a e& & !(&( 2 r#%& + ca&!ar7& 1 e A#'red 5a27a (7d( p(r primera )ez (c5e&!a a:(s a&!esH, UJa+ a#$"& pr(2#emaV HNi&$"& pr(2#ema, Hdi/( VazH, UT s a$e&!es es!4& si! ad(sV HDesde # e$(, T(d(s me&(s Ri)era + G es!4& e& e# p &!( de par!ida, Mie&!ras 5a2#am(s #(s )(+ $ ia&d( para 1 e e)i!e& #(s dis! r2i(s, Per(0 si 1 ieres 'is$ar e& #a 'i2ra0 ser4 me/(r 1 e !e des prisa, E# !erre&( era 'irme + ##a&(, Ja27a & cami&(, N( p(d7a& c(rrer m4s a##4 de# a#ca&ce de #(s meca&ism(s si#e&ci(s(s, Ja27a )ari(s $r p(s & mer(s(s0 per( casi !(d( e# m &d( cami&a2a 5acia #a 2i2#i(!eca, Vi( a Ri)era +a G , Y0 2re)eme&!e0 )i( a d(s &i:(s e& 2icic#e!a, UD%&de e&ca/a2a& c(& #(s 5aceFea&(s + #(s sc((c5isV Ja2r7a ma&dad( #a pre$ &!a a s $r p( de a&4#isisE de 5a2er !e&id( acces( a# e&#ace mi#&e!, E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( sac% a R(2er! de# se&der( + 2a/ar(& / &!( a #(s a&!i$ (s edi'ici(s de admi&is!raci%&, R(2er! ma&! )( &a # z )ir! a# s(2re e# accide&!ad( !erre&(, La )is!a es!a2a !(!a#me&!e ac! a#izada + era m4s c#ara 1 e #a 1 e da #a # z de &a #i&!er&a0 per( ma&!e&erse a# ri!m( de# E3!ra:( &( #e de/a2a !iemp( para mirar e& #a 2i2#i(!eca, HEs( de a57 s(& # ces de )erdad Hdi/(H, T(da)7a 5a+ m4s 1 e a&!es, UM eEV, HLa $e&!e de JaceF se 5a pasad( c(& e# e&! siasm(, Ja& des!r id( a#$ &as i&'raes!r c! ras de c4maras, 0ecesitan # z de )erdad, HRe7aH, N( !e pre(c pes, Nadie se 5ar4 da:( + es &a dis!racci%& 1 e res #!ar4E "!i#, E# E3!ra:( red /( e# pas(, R(2er! apar!% & m(me&!( #a )is!a de# s e#(, E& #a c(#i&a mir%0 p(r e&cima de #as c(pas de #(s 4r2(#es0 a #a $e&!e de# s e#(, E& #a )is!a rea# 5a27a es! dia&!es $ri!4&d(se0 a#$ &(s e&zarzad(s e& re'rie$as serias, Per(0 si !e a#e/a2as & p(c( de #a rea#idad es!ric!a0 #as im4$e&es era& #( 1 e & $r p( (!r( 1 er7a& 1 e )ieses, Ja27a Ca2a##er(s + Li2rer(s JaceF # c5a&d( c(&!ra 2ic5(s pe# d(s de c(#(res 1 e 5 2iese& p(did( ser mam7'er(s de $ra&des (/(s (E HQA5R E&!(&ces0 U#(s 'a&s de Sc((c5HaHm( ! )a& p(r #(s 5aceFea&(sV HLa ma+(r7a, HE# E3!ra:( parec7a es!ar pres!a&d( a!e&ci%& a a#$(, A#$ ie& 2a/a2a de #a c(#i&a para i&!ercep!ar#(s, U& Gi2#i(!ecari( Mi#i!a&!e, Car#(s Ri)era, E# 2i2#i(!ecari( re$(rde!e 5iz( & $es!( a S5ari'HE3!ra:( + a R(2er!, HM 6 desas!re, HPer( 1 6 desas!re !a& c(&)e&ie&!e Hdi/( e# E3!ra:(, HS7, HCar#(s re& &ci% a# dis'raz9 e# s(m2rer( de Gi2#i(!ecari( se )(#)i% a c(&)er!ir e& $(rra de 26is2(# + #a armad ra e& #as 2erm das + #a camise!a 5a2i! a#es de Ri)eraH, Esper( 1 e es!a 2a!a##a &( i&a $ re &a !radici%&,

E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( #es 5iz( & $es!( para 1 e se m()iese& p(r #(s ar2 s!(s, HUU&a !radici%&V Hdi/(H, Es( ser7a es! pe&d(, C(m( #( de r(2ar 2ra$as + p(&er a !(m%)i#es e& e# !errad( de #(s edi'ici(s de admi&is!raci%&, U&a de esas c(sas 1 e 5ace& 1 e #as &i)ersidades america&as sea& !a& $e&ia#es, Ri)era res(p#% !ras e##(s, HM iz4s, Jem(s !e&id( m c5a m4s ac!i)idad desde 1 e #a 2i2#i(!eca pas% a ser )ir! a#0 per(E R(2er! se$ 7a mira&d( #a m #!i! d 1 e 5a27a a# (!r( #ad( de #a c(#i&a, HPe&sa2a 1 e #( 2 e&( de #(s c7rc #(s de (pi&i%& era #a c(e3is!e&cia e& e# mism( espaci(, HE& pri&cipi( Hdi/( Ri)era, Dier(& & $ra& r(de( para e)i!ar &a z(&a (sc ra i&c# s( e& #a )is!a )ir! a#, La ima$e& de S5ari' parpade% + !em2#%, Ta& p(ca $e&!e cami&a2a p(r esa z(&a 1 e #a red a#ea!(ria era escasa + #(s )es!i2#es !e&7a& 1 e 5acer demasiadas i&'ere&cias, @Per( Hsi$ i% dicie&d( Ri)eraH e& #a 2i2#i(!eca 5a+ p(c( espaci(, E& pri&cipi( p(dem(s m(di'icar#a para dar ca2ida a m"#!ip#es cree&cias0 c(m( pasa e& P+ramid Ji## E& rea#idad0 & es!r( e&!(r&( a me& d( es!4 demasiad( cerca de# c(&'#ic!( 54p!ic(, As7 1 e #a admi&is!raci%& i&!e&!% c(&!e&!ar a #(s sc((c5is d4&d(#es a#$( de espaci( e& e# s%!a&(, HRi)era se de! )( + R(2er! es! )( a p &!( de c5(car c(& 6#H, Sa27as 1 e &( ' &ci(&ar7a0 U)erdadV HCar#(s mira2a a S5ari'H E3!ra:(0 ( a #( 1 e R(2er! )e7a c(m( S5ari'HE3!ra:(, E# E3!ra:( se )(#)i% + s(&ri%, HTe di e# me/(r c(&se/( 1 e p(d7a dar!e0 1 erid(, HS7, HRi)era parec7a amar$ad(, Mir% a R(2er! p(r e&cima de# 5(m2r(H, UM 6 p(der !ie&e s(2re s!ed0 pr('es(rV HY(E HQA50 a50 a5R HLe i&!err mpi% e# E3!ra:(HH, Cre( 1 e es!arem(s !(d(s m4s c%m(d(s si& esas re)e#aci(&es, HVa#e Hdi/er(& am2as )7c!imas, HE& c a#1 ier cas( Hdi/( e# E3!ra:(H0 es!(+ m + (r$ ##(s( de c%m( 5e !ra&s'(rmad( #a c(&!r()ersia Gi2#i(!(ma e& & c(&'#ic!( e&!re c7rc #(s de (pi&i%&, Es!e dis! r2i( dis!raer4 a $e&!e 1 e es!ar7a pres!a&d( a!e&ci%& a (!ras c(sasE c(m( #as 1 e 5acem(s &(s(!r(s, Se e&c(&!ra2a& m + a# s r de #a 2i2#i(!eca0 a# desc 2ier!( + 2a/a&d( &a c es!a empi&ada, O s!( de#a&!e es!a2a Gi#ma& Dri)e, Car#(s se i&c(rp(r% si& mirar a #a carre!era, L(s c(c5es ace#era2a&0 red c7a& #a )e#(cidad ( cam2ia2a& de carri# de !a# '(rma 1 e a s a#reded(r siempre 5a27a &a amp#ia 2 r2 /a de espaci( )ac7(, R(2er! )aci#%0 2 sca&d( & pas( de pea!(&es, >aldici+n. L e$( si$ i% a Car#(s e&!re e# !r4'ic(, Miri se de! )( e& #a cara &(r!e de Gi#ma& Dri)e, HUAd%&de )a&V Hdi/( O a&,

HVie&e& a Gi#ma& Dri)e, HL(s p &!(s de )is!a desde #(s e ca#ip!(s m(s!ra2a& a R(2er! + a# 2i2#i(!ecari(0 Car#(s Ri)era0 a!ra)esa&d( & espes( '(##a/e, Las im4$e&es era& 'ra$me&!arias0 p(r1 e &( 5a27a m c5as c4maras0 per( Miri es!a2a se$ ra de 1 e &adie #a e&$a:a2a, L(s d(s ##e$ar7a& a #a carre!era e& & par de mi& !(s, HPer( es( #( 5ace c a#1 iera 1 e )e&$a de# s r, Miri de! )( #a 2ici0 ap(+a&d( & pie e& e# s e#(, HQVa#eR M ieres 1 e di$a 1 e &( s6 ad%&de )a&0 Ues es(V Or(zc( de! )( #a >iFiGa+ a s #ad(, HN( era m4s 1 e &a pre$ &!a0 de )eras, Ii Iia&$ apareci% +0 & m(me&!( m4s !arde0 !am2i6& &a )ersi%& /()e& de Le&a G , S s im4$e&es era& r7$idas c(m( m :ecas Gar2ie0 per( i2a& me/(ra&d( d7a a d7a, P(r e/emp#(0 Le&a 5a27a d(mi&ad( #as e3presi(&es 'acia#esE + parec7a seria, HO a& &( es e# "&ic( 1 e se #( pre$ &!a0 damise#a, Si &( #( sa2es0 de2er7as admi!ir#(, A Ii #a a&siedad se #e &(!a2a s%#( e& #a )(z, HLe&a + +( )am(s e& c(c5e 5acia e# &(r!e de# camp s, M iz4 #as c(&c# si(&es de mi i&)es!i$aci%& ' ese& err%&eas p(r c(mp#e!(, UC%m( p(dem(s a+ dar si #a acci%& se pr(d ce e& e# s rV Miri se es'(rz% p(r 5a2#ar c(& sere&idad, HCre( 1 e acer!% s!ed0 d(c!(ra Iia&$, O a& + +( 5em(s es!ad( si$ ie&d( a R(2er! de cerca0 per( a5(raE s p(&$( 1 e &( s6 ad%&de )a, As7 1 e !(da)7a es m4s imp(r!a&!e 1 e &(s dispersem(s, P(r 'a)(r0 d(c!(ra Iia&$0 ser7a me/(r si s!ed + Le&a perma&ece& e& e# #ad( &(r!e, HD ra&!e #(s "#!im(s d7as0 Ii 5a27a sid( m + 2 e&a de!ec!i)eD era m + i&!e#i$e&!e c a&d( &( d da2a de s7 misma, Sa27a& 1 e J er!as c(&ser)a2a e# !r(cead( de Gi2#i(!(ma e& s s #a2(ra!(ri(s de# &(r!e, Si #(s ami$(s de R(2er! p#a&ea2a& &a ?pr(!es!a direc!a@0 ser7a #%$ic( 1 e e&!rase& a##7, 1or tanto, 3por ,u" 7obert ! los dems vienen hacia a,u4 Se i2a& '(rma&d( $ra&des masas de i&cer!id m2re, Per( #a d(c!(ra Iia&$ asi&!i%0 + &i si1 iera O a& Or(zc( p#a&!e% #as pre$ &!as )er$(&z(sas m4s e)ide&!es, A1 e##( se$ 7a sie&d( #a Ga&da de Miri, Para 2ie& ( para ma#, Las c4maras de #(s 4r2(#es 5a27a& perdid( a R(2er! + a# se:(r Ri)era, Miri de/% es(s p &!(s de )is!a + mir% #a #adera0 casi a simp#e )is!a, Se$ 7a si& )er#(s, P(d7a& sa#ir a Gi#ma& Dri)e e& casi c a#1 ier p &!(, Miri se 5 medeci% #(s #a2i(s, HL( 1 e imp(r!a es e)i!ar 1 eE HEes(s idi(!as descere2rad(s Hdi/( Le&a, H Ec(me!a& c a#1 ier ac!( e3cesi)ame&!e des!r c!i)(, HS7 Hasi&!i% O a&H, UM i6& cre6is 1 e es e# !ip( rem(!(0 e# 1 e cami&a c(& e##(sV HUM 6V HO a& &( s(#7a e&!erarse de &ada0 per( esp(r4dicame&!e dem(s!ra2a !e&er i&!e#i$e&cia, Miri repi!i% #as "#!imas im4$e&es de R(2er! + e# se:(r Ri)era,

Era& im4$e&es 'ra$me&!arias0 per( O a& !e&7a raz%&, L(s d(s mira2a& & p &!( c(&sis!e&!e 1 e se m()7a c(& e##(sE + #e de/a2a& cier!( espaci(, P(r !a&!(0 era &a prese&cia pri)ada, O a& di/(9 HAp es!( a 1 e )e& a _ #'i S5ari', HAp es!( a 1 e !ie&es raz%&, HN( p(r primera )ez esa &(c5e0 i&!e&!% c(&!r(#ar a S5ari', Se$ 7a si& 5a2er resp es!a, %6az algo)H Vam(s0 O a&, HL#e)% #a 2icic#e!a a Gi#ma& Dri)e0 cr za&d( #(s carri#es despaci( para 1 e &( #a m #!ase&, Ii + Le&a ' er(& c(& e##(s, HE# !r4'ic( es de&s( Hdi/( Le&a, HEs p(r e# c5(1 e de c7rc #(s de (pi&i%&, La $e&!e )ie&e e& pers(&a, HLa ##amada 5a27a s r$id( de #a &ada0 per( a Miri #e c(s!a2a ima$i&ar 1 e ' ese &a c(i&cide&cia, M(&!ar#( !(d( e3i$7a m c5a c((rdi&aci%&, A pesar de 1 e e# c5(1 e p(r e# m(me&!( se$ 7a sie&d( & r m(r0 ##e$a2a m c5a $e&!e, L(s c(c5es 1 e #(s r(dea2a& de/a2a& pasa/er(s, La $e&!e re7a0 $ri!a2a0 5a2#a2a + cami&a2a 5acia #a 2i2#i(!eca, La acera0 a# (!r( #ad( de Gi#ma& Dri)e0 es!a2a casi desier!a, Miri ##e$% a# 2(rdi##( + mir% a!r4s, HQVam(s0 O a&R E# cie#( s(2re #a 2i2#i(!eca era de & )i(#e!a re!(rcid(0 & 2(&i!( e'ec!( 'rac!a# de a#$ &a c((pera!i)a c5i&a, C(mpr(2% e# es!ad( de red, N( s%#( era de&s( e# !r4'ic( de a !(m%)i#es, Ve7a ramas de red i# mi&4&d(se p(r !(da Ca#i'(r&ia, E# camp s de #a UCSD es!a2a e3p(r!a&d( mi##(&es de p &!(s de )is!a, Ja27a cie&!(s de mi#es de par!icipa&!es )ir! a#es, C a&d( O a& #a a#ca&z%0 #e di/(9 HEs & rem(#i&(, C(m( e# primer d7a de & / e$( imp(r!a&!e, E# c5ic( asi&!i%0 per( &( pres!a2a a!e&ci%&, HMira #( 1 e 5e e&c(&!rad( e& #a ca##e, E# apara!( es!a2a medi( ap#as!ad(, De & #ad( c(#$a2a& 'i2ras me!4#icas, Miri #e 5iz( & $es!( para 1 e #( !irase, HU& cac5arr( ap#as!ad(0 U+V HSi & &(d( perd7a c(&ec!i)idad + # e$( se me!7a e& #a ca##eE 2ie&0 ap#as!a2a& a#$( !a& pe1 e:(, HCre( 1 e si$ e c(&ec!ad(0 per( &( #( e&c e&!r( e& e# ca!4#($(, Miri #( e3ami&% de cerca, Ja27a pic(s de parpade(0 per( &( da2a &i&$ &a resp es!a, HEs & res!( 1 e &( resp(&de0 O a&, O a& se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s para # e$( de/ar caer e# cac5arr( e& #a 2(#sa de #a 2ici, Te&7a &a e3presi%& impe&e!ra2#e, Se$ 7a 2 sca&d(, HParece & Cisc( ..0 per(E P(r s er!e0 Or(zc( &( 5a27a #($rad( dis!raer#(s a !(d(s, Le&a di/(9 HMiri, Je e&c(&!rad( a R(2er! + a# !a# Ri)era, HU&a pa sa mie&!ras Le&a ide&!i'ica2a #a c4mara, QYaR R(2er! + Ri)era cr za2a& #a carre!era a c a!r(cie&!(s me!r(s0 a# (es!e, HQL(s !e&em(s0 Le&aR

E& #a 6p(ca de R(2er!0 a1 e# #ad( de Gi#ma& Dri)e 5a27a es!ad( ##e&( de casas pre'a2ricadas, A:(s desp 6s0 #(s edi'ici(s de ceme&!( de #a U&i)ersidad de Ca#i'(r&ia 5a27a& a#2er$ad( #a Fac #!ad de Medici&a, L( ac! a# era Pi#c5&er Ja##0 1 e c(m( casi !(d( #( 1 e 5a27a e& e# camp s apare&!a2a ser !a& !emp(ra# c(m( #as )ie/as casas pre'a2ricadas, E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( $ i% a R(2er! + a Car#(s a# i&!eri(r de# edi'ici(, La # z rea# #(s si$ i% e& '(rma de c(&( c(&ce&!rad(0 mie&!ras 1 e a# '(&d( de# )es!72 #( #a )is!a era )ir! a#, Era p(si2#e 1 e 5 2iera (!ras pers(&as e& e# edi'ici(0 per( e# E3!ra:( #as e)i!%, Ga/% &as esca#eras para ##e$ar a &a c(&e/era de pe1 e:as 5a2i!aci(&es, E& a#$ &(s p &!(s e# s e#( es!a2a p(#)(rie&!(, E& (!r(s es!a2a c(mp#e!ame&!e #impi( ( ##e&( de se:a#es de 5a2er m()id( c(sas, HE5 Hdi/( e# E3!ra:(0 se:a#a&d( #as marcasH0 T(mmie 5a es!ad( !ra2a/a&d(, T(da es!a p#a&!a 5a sid( re(r$a&izada para es!a &(c5e, Y 5a+ a#$ &as z(&as 1 e &i si1 iera aparecer4& e& #(s p#a&(s de se$ ridad de #a &i)ersidad, T )ier(& 1 e a2rirse pas( p(r e# #a2eri&!(, Fi&a#me&!e0 e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( se de! )( 're&!e a &a p er!a cerrada, Jiz( &a pa sa + 5a2#% m + seri(, HC(m( sa26is0 e# pr('es(r ParFer &( es c(&scie&!e de !(d( #( 1 e es!4 pasa&d(, Si dese4is #($rar ) es!ras me!as respec!i)as0 (s s $ier( 1 e !e&$4is c idad( c(& #( 1 e #e dec7s, R(2er! + Car#(s asi&!ier(&, E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( se )(#)i% e imi!% e# $es!( de ##amar a #a p er!a de p#4s!ic(, S ma&( s(&% c(m( & mar!i##( $(#pea&d( madera d ra, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 #a p er!a se a2ri% + Xi&s!(& G#( &! #(s mir%, HJ(#a0 Car#(s, HS mirada rec(rri% me&(s ami$a2#eme&!e a R(2er! + a# E3!ra:(, Les 5iz( & $es!( para 1 e e&!rase&, La 5a2i!aci%& era &a c :a !ria&$ #ar a!rapada e&!re paredes i&c#i&adas, U& re2(rde de ceme&!( (c pa2a #a ma+(r par!e de# s e#(, T(mmie ParFer es!a2a se&!ad( e& e# s e#( / &!( a & carri!( ##e&( de 2(#sas de p#4s!ic( + m(c5i#as, HJ(#a0 !7(s, Ja26is ##e$ad( a !iemp(, HEc5% & )is!az( a# p(r!4!i#H, Os a#e$rar4 sa2er 1 e &i #a p(#ic7a &i #a pre&sa se 5a& e&!erad( de ) es!ra ##e$ada, E& es!e m(me&!( &(s e&c(&!ram(s e& &a 5a2i!aci%& 1 e &i si1 iera e3is!e, Es!(E HT(c% e# 2(rde de# p(z(H, Es!( si$ e sie&d( )isi2#e para #a &i)ersidad0 per( es!ar4 e&ca&!ad( de me&!ir s(2re #( 1 e 5acem(s, R(2er! di( &(s pas(s a#reded(r de #a es!r c! ra, HL( rec erd(, HE& #(s a:(s se!e&!a e# p(z( 5a27a es!ad( e& e# e3!eri(r0 c 2ier!( p(r &a !apa de madera, Se as(m% a# 2(rde, S70 i$ a# 1 e a&!es9 esca#(&es de 5ierr( desce&d7a& 5acia #a (sc ridad, T(mmie se p s( e& pie, L#e)a2a e# p(r!4!i# e& ca2es!ri##(0 de m(d( 1 e !e&7a a s a#ca&ce e# !ec#ad( + #a pa&!a##a0 per( p(d7a m()erse c%m(dame&!e, E& cier!a '(rma0 T(mmie ParFer 5a27a rei&)e&!ad( #a c(mp !aci%& )es!i2#e, T(mmie me!i% #a ma&( e& e# carri!( + sac% d(s 2(#sas de p#4s!ic(, HEs 5(ra de de/ar a!r4s ) es!ra Epi'a&7a, Te&$( r(pa & e)a para )(s(!r(s, HL( dices e& seri( Hdi/( Ri)era,

HS7, V es!ra r(pa me permi!ir4 me&!ir acerca de ) es!ra p(sici%&, Mie&!ras !a&!(0 )(s(!r(s )e&dr6is c(&mi$( sa&d( & e1 ip( m c5( me/(r, HEsper( 1 e &( sea& p(r!4!i#es Hdi/( Xi&&ie0 mira&d( d 2i!a!i)( e# ca2es!ri##( de ParFer, Per( 6# + #(s (!r(s se 1 i!ar(& camisa0 pa&!a#(&es + zapa!(s, T(da)7a ##e)a2a& #as #e&!i##as0 per( +a &ada #as 5ac7a ' &ci(&ar, La # z rea# era s 'icie&!e0 per(0 si& s(&id(s &i )isi%& e3!er&a0 #a 5a2i!aci%& parec7a & a!a"d, T(mmie parec7a si&cerame&!e a)er$(&zad( de )er !a&!a car&e '#4cida, E&se$ ida a2ri% &a de #as 2(#sas de p#4s!ic( + pas% pa&!a#(&es + camisas, Parec7a& de !e#a $ris0 r(pa de !ra2a/(, Car#(s s(s! )( #a camisa a c(&!ra# z + e3ami&% de cerca e# !e/id(, L( d(2#% + #( 'r(!% c(& #as ma&(s, HEs!a r(pa es !(&!a, HS7, Nada de micr(#4seres de i&'rarr(/(s0 &i de &(d(s de pr(cesad(res, S%#( a#$(d%& de ca#idad0 c(m( Di(s 1 er7a 1 e )is!i6sem(s, HPer(E HN( !e pre(c pes0 !e&$( pr(cesad(res, HGr(mea2a c(& #( de #(s p(r!4!i#es0 T(mmie, T(mmie &e$% c(& #a ca2eza, HN(0 &ada de p(r!4!i#es, Te&$( ca/as J rd, 3Eh4 Si& )es!ir0 R(2e& es!a2a para#izad(, Car#(s parec7a i$ a# de perdid(0 per( # e$( de2i% de ##e$ar#e a#$"& rec erd( de m(d( &a! ra#, HQO5R QJ rd OSR Per( U&( es!4& (2s(#e!asV T(mmie re2 sca2a e& #a se$ &da 2(#sa de p#4s!ic(, N( a#z% #a )is!a, HO2s(#e!as &(, S(& simp#eme&!e i#e$a#esE A50 a1 7 es!4&, Ge& i&as >ade in 1aragua!, HPas% &a ca/a de p#4s!ic( &e$r( de# !ama:( de & #i2r( de 2(#si##( a cada &( de #(s c(&spirad(res, A & #ad( 5a27a & !ec#ad( rea# + & c#ip me!4#ic( a# (!r(H, N( !e&6is m4s 1 e c(#$4r(s#as de #a ci&! ra, Te&6is 1 e ase$ rar(s de 1 e #a #e&$*e!a me!4#ica !(1 e #a pie#, L(s & e)(s pa&!a#(&es de R(2er! era& demasiad( c(r!(s + #a camisa #e 1 eda2a e&(rme, Se c(#(c% e# (rde&ad(r i#e$a# e& #a ci&! ra + si&!i% e# 'r7( de# me!a# s(2re #a pie#, P(d7a )er &a s perp(sici%& !e& e, Era #a ima$e& de & !ec#ad( +0 c a&d( c(#(c% #a ma&( s(2re #a ca/a0 )i( marcad(res c(rresp(&die&!es a #as +emas, Era &a i&!er'az pe&(sa, HN( #a !apes c(& #a camisa0 Car#(s, L#e)a !(d(s #(s p er!(s de c(m &icaci(&es, I&!er)i&( Xi&&ie9 HUM ieres decir 1 e es precis( (rie&!ar#a adec adame&!e para es!a2#ecer #a c(&e3i%&V HS7, Mie&!ras es!em(s a2a/(0 & es!ra "&ica c(&e3i%& e3!er&a ser7a a !ra)6s de mi p(r!4!i#, Y #a "&ica c(&e3i%& de mi p(r!4!i# pasar4 p(r a1 7, HT(mmie #e)a&!% a#$( 1 e parec7a &a r eda de (raci%&, La 5iz( $irar, J 2( & des!e##( e& e# aire0 1 e se des#iz% p(r & ca2#e demasiad( 'i&( para )er#( 5as!a & c(&ec!(r

1 e s(s!e&7a e& #a (!ra ma&(, Se )(#)i% + #( c(&ec!% a &a ca/a de# carr(H, Pr(2ad#(, R(2er! se #e)a&!% #(s 'a#d(&es de #a camisa + $ir% 5as!a 1 e #a ca/a es! )( direc!ame&!e e&carada a# p(r!4!i# de T(mmie, Nada, E&!r% &a (rde& simp#e0 QY p(d7a )(#)er a )er a !ra)6s de #as paredesR A# &(r!e de Gi#ma& Dri)e 5a27a !(da)7a m4s $e&!e diri$i6&d(se a #a 2i2#i(!eca, De&!r(E rec(rri% e# pasi##(, Se$ 7a desier!(, %0o) U& !ip( se acerca2a m + decidid( a #a 5a2i!aci%& ?secre!a@, L e$( perdi% e# p &!( de )is!a, HE50 T(mmieE HUM 6V La )(z de# E3!ra:( s(&% e& e# (7d( de R(2er!, E# a di( era !a& ma#( c(m( e& s )ie/a p4$i&a )is(r0 per( #( e&!e&di% si& di'ic #!ad, HN( 5as )is!( &ada0 ami$( m7(, HY(E HR(2er! !ra$%H, E# e&#ace de 'i2ra ' &ci(&a 2ie&0 T(mmie, HGie&0 2ie&, HParFer cami&% e&!re e##(s0 ase$ r4&d(se de 1 e !(d(s p diera& reci2ir + !ra&smi!irH, Va#e, Es!am(s !(d(s e1 ipad(s, Es!( 5a sid( #( di)er!id(, A5(ra )ie&e #( de ser m #as de car$a, HSe:a#% #as m(c5i#as de# carri!(, La m(c5i#a de R(2er! pesa2a c(m( &(s )ei&!e Fi#(s, La de Car#(s &( parec7a me&(s pesada, Las de T(mmie + Xi&&ie era& m4s pe1 e:as0 a pesar de #( c a# G#( &! !e&7a di'ic #!ades para s(p(r!ar #a car$a, ?innie es como un viejo, S70 e# camp( de mi&as ce#es!ia# de Reed Xe2er, R(2er! apar!% #a )is!a a&!es de 1 e Xi&&ie se ('e&diese, Se c(#(c% #a m(c5i#a para 1 e #e res #!ase m4s c%m(d( ##e)ar#a + se 1 e/%9 HPe&sa2a 1 e es!42am(s e& e# ' ! r(0 T(mmie, UD%&de es!4 #a mi&ia! rizaci%& (0 a# me&(s0 #(s p(r!ead(res a !(m4!ic(sV HE& e# # $ar a# 1 e )am(s0 R(2er!0 #a i&'raes!r c! ra &( es m + amis!(sa, HT(mmie mir% #a pa&!a##a de# p(r!4!i#H, J(#a0 se:(r S5ari'0 parece 1 e es!am(s #is!(s para par!ir, HI&dic% e# a$ /er( (sc r( e& medi( de #a 5a2i!aci%&H, Us!edes primer(0 ca2a##er(s,

-EL ATAMUE

DE LA GICICLETA

A#'red esper% & !iemp( pr de&cia# a&!es de e&!rar e& #a 5a2i!aci%&, N( !e&7a se&!id( 5acer r id(s 1 e #as )7c!imas de C(&e/( p diese& (7r, HUM 6 !e 5a27a dic5(0 )ie/(V QJem(s e&!rad(R QJem(s e&!rad(R HC(&e/( 2ai#% a#e$reme&!e a#reded(r de# p(z(, La 'i2ra %p!ica 1 e !a&!( a#e$ra2a a C(&e/( era i&)isi2#e de !a& de#$ada e3cep!( c a&d( #a # z i&cid7a s(2re e##a e& cier!( 4&$ #(, Vaz asi&!i%, Y# p(d7a ce#e2rar & 63i!( de c(m &icaci%& di'ere&!eD 5a27a rees!a2#ecid( s e&#ace mi#&e! a !ra)6s de# Pac7'ic(, Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS Se$ ridad I&!eri(r de Es!ad(s U&id(s parece !ra&1 i#a0 A#'red,TWmsS A#'red es! di% #as es!ad7s!icas 1 e e&!ra2a&, Pr()e&7a& de #(s ce&!r(s de esc c5a de #a A#ia&za, E# pa&(rama &aci(&a# es!a2a e'ec!i)ame&!e !ra&1 i#(0 i&c# s( a pesar de 1 e e# a#!ercad( e& #a 2i2#i(!eca 5a27a a!ra7d( m #!i! des a# camp s de #a UCSD, C(&e/( 5a27a cread( #a dis!racci%& parad%/ica per'ec!a, *asi per'ec!aD #a si! aci%& empeza2a a desc(&!r(#arse, Vaz se a$ac5% / &!( a #a ca/a 1 e marca2a e# p &!( d(&de aca2a2a e# e&#ace de 'i2ra de T5(mas ParFer, La ca/a era & p e&!e, P(r & #ad( e&!ra2a e# '# /( de da!(s si& cer!i'icar pr()e&ie&!e de #(s (rde&ad(res i#e$a#es de ParFer, P(r e# (!r( #ad(0 parec7a 1 e ?2 e& ci dada&(@ e/ec !a2a e# E&!(r&( de Jard>are Se$ r( e3i$id( p(r e# $(2ier&(, Oc #!a2a #(s da!(s de ParFer e& pa1 e!es i&(ce&!es rec 2ier!(s de !(das #as #ice&cias + permis(s re1 erid(s para s(2re)i)ir e& e# EJS, N( era m4s se$ r( 1 e #a mi#&e! de Vaz0 per( 2as!ar7a e& m c5(s de #(s p &!(s de# 4r2(# de c(&!i&$e&cias, A#'red !ras!e% c(& #a ca/a + e&se$ ida cap!% e& direc!( e# )7de( de ParFer, A# 'i& era rea#me&!e & Ca2eci##a L(ca#, E# )7de( pr()e&ie&!e de# p(r!4!i# de ParFer sa#!a2a 2as!a&!e0 per( Vaz rec(&(ci% e# e1 ip( de #as paredes + a#$ &as de #as se:a#es '7sicas, L(s !(&!(s de C(&e/( 5a27a& )i(#ad( #a se$ ridad de# 2i(#a2(ra!(ri( +0 #( 1 e res #!a2a !(da)7a m4s impresi(&a&!e0 e# / e$( de#icad( de ma&!e&er e&$a:ad( e# sis!ema a !(m4!ic( de se$ ridad de# #a2(ra!(ri( era & 63i!(, HUA c 4&!( es!4& de# O2/e!i)( AV H#e pre$ &!% A#'red a C(&e/(, E& rea#idad0 era #a sede de s pr($rama pri)ad( de i&)es!i$aci%&, Fi&$ir7a e3ami&ar#( c(& #(s dem4s, HYa casi 5a& ##e$ad(, HC(&e/( se a$i!% #i$er(H, De&!r( de me&(s de diez mi& !(s empezar4& a s(#!ar e1 ip(, N( !e pre(c pes, A#'red mir% p(r s s p &!(s de )is!a de #a s per'icie,

HLa ma+(r7a de mis m%)i#es es!4& a!rapad(s a# &(r!e de Gi#ma& Dri)e, HD ra&!e & c(m2a!e c(&)e&ci(&a#0 es(s r(2(!s se 5 2iese& #imi!ad( a !(mar e# c(&!r(# de #a i&'raes!r c! ra #(ca# + 5 2iera& cr zad( !(d(s / &!(s, E& # $ar de es(0 #(s re!e&7a e# !r4'ic( de c(c5es + 5 ma&(s de #a carre!era, A# me&(s &( 5a27a c5(cad( c(& & )e57c #(, C(&e/( a2ri% #as pa!as 'i&$ie&d( #4s!ima, A# me&(s &( sac% (!ra za&a5(ria, HN( se p ede !e&er !(d(, L(s 'a&s de JaceF + Sc((c5i 5a& 5ec5( !(d( #( 1 e 1 er7am(s9 e# pers(&a# 5 ma&( 5a sa#id( de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, E# a#!ercad( se es!4 !ra$a&d( #(s rec rs(s #(ca#es de c(m &icaci%&, Para c a&d( ##e$ e a# m43im(0 es!( ser4 & a$ /er( &e$r(, Y todo parece totalmente inocente. N( me di$as 1 e !" p(dr7as 5a2er (r$a&izad( &a (peraci%& me/(r( Vaz &( resp(&di%, Ja27a c(mpre&did( 1 e #a irri!aci%& era #a em(ci%& m4s p(si!i)a 1 e p(d7a se&!ir p(r C(&e/(, Se se&!% da&d( #a espa#da a# p(z( de ceme&!( + si$ i% #a si! aci%&, P(d7a )er 1 e #a $e&!e de# Depar!ame&!( de Se$ ridad I&!eri(r )i$i#a2a de cerca0 per( )i$i#a2a #( 1 e de27a, E# c(&se&s( de #(s a&a#is!as era 1 e C(&e/( #( 5a27a (r1 es!ad( !(d( para a/ s!arse a #a per'ecci%& a #a para&(ia de# DSI, UP(dr7a ser 1 e 5 2iese& re!irad( a A#ice G(&$ per( #(s m(&i!(res de #a A#ia&za &( #( 5 2iese& de!ec!ad(V E& e# s 2s e#(0 #(s !(&!(s de C(&e/( casi 5a27a& ##e$ad( a# O2/e!i)( A, La ?i&)es!i$aci%&@ de# # $ar c(me&zar7a a# ca2( de diez mi& !(s, Media 5(ra m4s !arde0 6# empezar7a a ('recer s s res #!ad(s ma&ip #ad(sE + desp 6s de es( s%#( ser7a c es!i%& de escapar + de/ar 1 e a!rapase& a #(s !(&!(s, Las c(sas i2a& s(2re r edas, P(dr7a 5a2erse 1 edad( e& M m2ai, Per( Q&( se 1 e/a2aR .andera roja de anlisis. A#$ ie& repasa&d( )7de(s a&!eri(res 5a27a cap!ad( a#$(, A#'red pidi% e# i&'(rme, Era& diez se$ &d(s de &( de #(s m%)i#es si! ad(s a# &(r!e de Gi#ma& Dri)e9 d(s &i:(s e& 2icic#e!a, Es!a2a& / &!( a #a carre!era + mira2a& a#$( 1 e p(d7a ser & meca&ism( ap#as!ad(, Son los dos ,ue he visto antes. P#a&!e% #as pre$ &!as9 U1 i6&es era& es(s &i:(sV UE# m%)i# era de A#'redV L#e$ar(& #as desa$rada2#es resp es!as, C(&e/( &( !e&7a acces( a #(s a&a#is!as i&d(e r(pe(s0 per( de pr(&!( #a cria! ra se p s( e& pie + s(#!% & si#2id( de admiraci%&, HGie&0 Q1 e me aspe&R Te&em(s c(mpa:7a0 )ie/(, Miri de/% s 2ici e& #a re/a e3!eri(r de Pi#c5&er Ja##, O a& i&sis!i% e& e&!rar c(& s a)a&zada 2ici p#e$a2#e, C a&d( Miri #e c(me&!% #( a2s rd( 1 e era es(0 se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, HMi 2ici es especia#, Le&a + Ii +a &( era& )isi2#es0 per( #a )(z de Le&a #(s si$ i% c a&d( cr zar(& #as p er!as a2ier!as de par e& par, HDe2er7a 5a2er m4s se$ ridad0 Miri, Es!( &( me $ s!a, HEs e# c(mp(r!amie&!( de s(2recar$a de# sis!ema0 Le&a, Las 5a2i!aci(&es e& #as 1 e &( 5a+ &adie si$ e& cerradas, Las (!ras es!4& a2ier!as, Le&a di/(9

HY +a &( (s )em(s, La s"2i!a ca7da de da!(s res #!a2a m + e3!ra:a0 per( Miri &( es!a2a disp es!a a decir#(, Rep s( e& cam2i(9 HAp es!( a 1 e e# redirecci(&amie&!( de a#!a !ra&s'ere&cia &( !ie&e a#ime&!aci%& m4s 1 e a#reded(r de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Ii di/(9 HS70 de a##7 !(da)7a !e&em(s &as )is!as espec!ac #ares, L(s pasi##(s pri&cipa#es de Pi#c5&er Ja## !e&7a& p &!(s de )is!a 1 e se p(d7a& e3ami&ar, Se )is# m2ra2a e# recie&!e pas( de R(2er!, Era s 'icie&!e para $ iar#(s esca#eras a2a/(, Per( e& a#$ &(s p &!(s O a& + Miri s%#( p(d7a& 5a2#ar e&!re s7, HEs c(m( &a casa e&ca&!ada, HO a& 5a2#a2a e& )(z 2a/a, A$arr% #a ma&( de MiriD e##a &( se s(#!%, Necesi!a2a a O a& para se$ ir !ra&1 i#a, Perder #a c(&ec!i)idad e& & edi'ici( de ('ici&as era si&ies!r(, D(2#ar(& &a es1 i&a + 5 2( & des!e##( de c(&ec!i)idad0 s 'icie&!e para #a me&sa/er7a si#e&ci(sa, Miri HS Ga&da de Miri9 TmsS Cre( 1 e &(s acercam(s,TWmsS Le&a HS Ga&da de Miri9 TmsS Primer( 5em(s perdid( e# )7de(, A5(ra ape&as p(dem(s 5a2#ar, Sa#id de a57,TWmsS Miri HS Ga&da de Miri9 TmsS Es !emp(ra# Es!(+ se$ ra de 1 e >iFiGe## es!4 rediri$ie&d( c(2er! ra e3!ra a es!a z(&a,TWmsS U& dis! r2i( p(r e&!re!e&imie&!( &( p(d7a ##e$ar m + #e/(s0 U&(V Miri s p s( 1 e Le&a ma&!e&7a &a disc si%& simi#ar c(& #a d(c!(ra Iia&$0 e& cier!( c(c5e 1 e se m()7a p(r #a z(&a &(r!e de# camp s, La a2 e#a parec7a a&si(sa, Ii HS Ga&da de Miri9 TmsS Es!(+ de ac erd( c(& Miri, Per( e&)iad a Le&a i&'(rmes re$ #ares,TWmsS Le&aHS Ga&da de Miri9 TmsS QS7R I&c# s( si es( si$&i'ica !e&er 1 e re!r(ceder, UD%&de es!4 a5(ra R(2er!VTWmsS Miri HS Ga&da de Miri9 TmsS M + cerca, P ed( 5acer#e & pi&$ direc!(,TWmsS E# pasi##( si& (s( es!a2a m + i# mi&ad(0 / s!( #( 1 e ca27a esperar d ra&!e & apa$%& parcia# de red, La 2ici de O a& se desp#aza2a casi e& si#e&ci(0 p#e$ada e& #a c(&'i$ raci%& de p(r!a2i#idad, N( !e&7a m4s 1 e dar#e & emp /%& de )ez e& c a&d(, L(s "&ic(s s(&id(s era& s s pisadas + e# d62i# s s rr( de #as r edas, D(2#ar(& (!ra es1 i&a, E# pasi##( se es!rec5a2a + se cr za2a c(& (!r(s 'rec e&!eme&!e, Era &a de esas rem(de#aci(&es !emp(ra#es 1 e !a&!( $ s!a2a& a #(s ar1 i!ec!(s a'ici(&ad(s # &4!ic(s, A #( #ar$( de a#$ &(s me!r(s disp sier(& de c(&ec!i)idad de a#!a capacidad, E& #as paredes aparecier(& a& &ci(s + &(!i'icaci(&esD a #a iz1 ierda0 & pr(+ec!( de i&)es!i$aci%& m6dica se a#za2a c(m( & m(&s!r (, Miri ('reci% a Le&a + Ii )7de( c(&!i& ( mie&!ras d(2#a2a& (!ra es1 i&aE + perdier(& !(da c(&ec!i)idad e3!er&a, O a& red /( e# pas(0 + Miri se de! )(,

HEs!( es!4 rea#me&!e m er!(, HS7 Hdi/( Miri, A)a&zar(& a#$ &(s pas(s m4s, E3cep! a&d( e# e&#ace c(& O a&0 2ie& p(dr7a& 5a2er es!ad( e& #a (!ra cara de #a L &a, Y de#a&!e !e&7a& (!ra es1 i&a, Miri (2#i$% a O a& a a)a&zar, M4s a##4 de a1 e##a es1 i&a e# pasi##( aca2a2a e& &a p er!a cerrada, HYa &( p ed( 5acer pi&$ a ! a2 e#(0 Miri, Miri es! di% e# mapa 1 e 5a27a $ ardad(, HTie&e& 1 e es!ar a1 70 O a&, Si &( p(dem(s pasar0 &(s #imi!arem(s a ##amar a #a p er!a, HDe pr(&!(0 +a &( #e imp(r!a2a &ada a)er$(&zar a R(2er! + s s ami$(s, T(d( a1 e##( era m + e3!ra:(, Per( #a p er!a se a2ri% + de e##a sa#i% & 5(m2re )es!id( c(& r(pa (sc ra, P(d7a ser & c(&ser/e ( & pr('es(r, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 &( parec7a m + amis!(s(, HUP ed( a+ dar(sV Hdi/(, HUC%m( &(s 5a& e&c(&!rad(V C(&e/( 5iz( & $es!( de ad)er!e&cia, HN( $ri!es0 )ie/(Hs s rr%H, Es p(si2#e 1 e p eda& (7r&(s, HC(&e/( mir% p(r e&cima de# 5(m2r( de A#'redH, Y( dir7a 1 e si$ e& a# a2 e#( de #a c5ica, Vaz se 'i/% e& #(s m(!(&es de r(pa 1 e 5a27a / &!( a# p(z(, E&)i% & me&sa/e si#e&ci(s( e& '(rma!( de )(z9 HEsa r(pa si$ e !ra&smi!ie&d(, HS70 c#ar(, Para e# e3!eri(r0 da #a impresi%& de 1 e #(s )ie/(s es!4& p(r a1 7 se&!ad(s0 1 iz4 / $a&d( a #as car!as, Y( #( es!(+ 'a#sea&d( !(d(0 i&c# s( s s c(&s!a&!es m6dicas, A#'red se di( c e&!a de 1 e #e rec5i&a2a& #(s die&!es, HEsa &i:a G es & i&c(rdi( Ha:adi% C(&e/(H, A )eces cre( 1 eE A#'red a$i!% &a ma&( + #a cria! ra desapareci%E / &!( c(& !(das #as c(m &icaci(&es de #a red p"2#ica, Ja27a & c(mp#e!( si#e&ci( #(ca#0 era &a z(&a c(mp#e!ame&!e m er!a, Per( s mi#&e! se$ 7a ac!i)a0 &a cade&a 'r4$i# 1 e pasa2a p(r s s m%)i#es0 ##e$a2a a# aer(2(! i&)isi2#e +0 de a570 a!ra)esa2a e# Pac7'ic(, E# $r p( de a&a#is!as de A#'red e& M m2ai es!ima2a 1 e 'a#!a2a& sese&!a se$ &d(s 5as!a 1 e #a z(&a m er!a ##amase #a a!e&ci%& de #a p(#ic7a de# camp s + #(s 2(m2er(s, Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS Es!( &( se p ede ma&!e&er0 A#'red,TWmsS Vaz HS Gra &0 Mi!s ri9 TmsS Re!irar6 #a z(&a m er!a de&!r( de &(s se$ &d(s,TWmsS Ysa era #a raz%& p(r #a 1 e #as misi(&es c(& 63i!( !e&7a& & Ca2eci##a L(ca#, C(mpr(2% #(s m%)i#es 1 e 5a27a& e&!rad( e& e# edi'ici(9 #(s &i:(s es!a2a& a &(s diez me!r(s de&!r( de #a z(&a m er!a0 + se$ 7a& a)a&za&d(, P(d7a (7r#(s a !ra)6s de #a pared de p#4s!ic(, Mir% #a p er!aD es!a2a a!ra&cada, M iz4 p diese

'i&$ir 1 e #a 5a2i!aci%& es!a2a )ac7a mie&!ras e##(s ##ama2a&, N(0 simp#eme&!e )(#)er7a& a!r4s + ##amar7a& a #a p(#ic7a, 9ale, es hora de actuar directamente. A#'red p s( e& m()imie&!( #(s d(s m%)i#es m4s cerca&(s, Era& r(2(!s de s peri(ridad de red si& capacidad para ac! ar c(&!ra #as pers(&as0 per( ser)ir7a& c(m( dis!racci%&, L e$( a2ri% #a p er!a + sa#i% a# pasi##( para e&'re&!arse a d(s &i:(s + &a 2icic#e!a p#e$ada, HUP ed( a+ dar(sV Miri i&!e&!% mirar a# )ie/( c(& ' ria, C es!a 'i&$ir i&di$&aci%& pe! #a&!e c a&d( 5as e&!rad( si& permis( e i&!e&!as 1 e se !e (c rra &a 2 e&a me&!ira, Y s c(&e3i%& c(& e# m &d( e3!eri(r se$ 7a !(!a#me&!e m er!a, O a& a)a&z% + se #imi!% a s(#!ar #a )erdad, HG scam(s a# a2 e#( de Miri, Le 5acem(s pi&$ e& & p &!( de!r4s de s!ed, E# c(&ser/eWpr('es(rSW#(H1 eH' ese se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, HA1 7 s%#( es!(+ +(, C(m( sa26is0 es!a &(c5e #a c(&e3i%& de red &( es m + 2 e&a, E# edi'ici( &( de2er7a 5a2er(s permi!id( 2a/ar, Te&$( 1 e pedir(s 1 e )(#)4is a #a z(&a p"2#ica, HJa27a de repe&!e &a se:a# e& #a p er!a0 &( de #(s s7m2(#(s de pe#i$r( 2i(#%$ic( 1 e ad(r&a2a& m c5as de #as a #as + #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de Pi#c5&er Ja##, Se 5 2iese dic5( 1 e #a red p"2#ica )(#)7a aE s%#( 1 e Miri se$ 7a si& )er m4s a##4 de #( 1 e !e&7a de#a&!e, O a& asi&!i%0 c(m( si #( 1 e dec7a e# )ie/( ' ese per'ec!ame&!e raz(&a2#e, A)a&z% &(s pas(s m4s0 e&)ia&d( sim #!4&eame&!e a Miri #( 1 e )e7a, A# (!r( #ad( de #a p er!a #a 5a2i!aci%& es!a2a m + i# mi&ada, Ja27a &a especie de a$ /er( e& e# s e#( + se )e7a #a par!e s peri(r de &a esca#era me!4#ica, HVa#e Hdi/( O a&0 c(&'(rme, O $ e!ea2a c(& a#$( de #a 2ici, Per(0 p &!( a p &!(0 s s pa#a2ras era& & !(rre&!e, O a& HS Miri9 TmsS QMira #a r(paR TWmsS Es!a2a api#ada e& e# s e#(0 / &!( a# p(z(, Miri HS O a&9 TmsS Es 5(ra de irse,TWmsS Sa#ir0 ##e$ar 5as!a d(&de p diese& ##amar a #a p(#ic7a, Se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s !(d( #( despre(c padame&!e 1 e p d( + di/(9 HE&!(&ces &(s irem(s, E# e3!ra:( se (p s(, HN(0 +a es demasiad( !arde, HA)a&z% 5acia e##(s, Miri (+% a s espa#da a#$( d r( 1 e cr /7a c(&!ra e# s e#( + )i( '(rmas (sc ras acerc4&d(se, N( p(d7a re!r(ceder &i a)a&zar, Y e&!(&ces O a& a)a&z%, La&z% #a 2ici c(&!ra e# e3!ra:(, Se (+% e# c5irrid( de #a $(ma, Las r edas $irar(& a !(da p(!e&cia + #a 2ici cr z% #a 5a2i!aci%& + derri2% a# e3!ra:( c(&!ra e# e1 ip( 1 e !e&7a de!r4s, Miri c(rri% 5acia e# p(z(, HQVam(s0 O a&R HSa27a d%&de es!ar7a R(2er! + c%m( e&)iar e# a)is( de #a a#arma, Pas% p(r e&cima de# 2(rde + )i( #(s !ra)esa:(s de me!a#, HQO a&R

E# se:(r C(&ser/eWPr('es(r )(#)7a a es!ar e& pie + a)a&za2a, Emp :a2a & (2/e!( p &!ia$ d(, Miri se 1 ed% pe!ri'icada & i&s!a&!e0 )ie&d( c%m( e# (2/e!( p &!ia$ d( se #e acerca2a, Or(zc( era !a& !(&!(E N( p(d7a de!e&er a a#$ ie& as70 per( #( i&!e&!%, E# !ip( ma#( re!r(cedi% + #a c(sa 1 e ##e)a2a e& #a ma&( emi!i% & des!e##( )i(#e!a, Miri si&!i% & pi&c5az( para#izad(r e& & c(s!ad(, Ca+% a# p(z( + #($r% a$arrar & !ra)esa:( c(& #a ma&( 1 e !(da)7a #e ' &ci(&a2a0 per( #(s pies #e c(#$a2a& e& e# )ac7(, I&!e&!% s /e!arse c(& #a ma&( e&! mecida0 'racas% + ca+% s(2re e# ceme&!( d r(, Ja27a perdid( !(das #as im4$e&esD 1 iz4 s Epi'a&7a es! )iese 'ri!a, Per( )e7a e# c7rc #( de # z de arri2a + p(d7a (7r, HQC(rre0 MiriR C(rreE HU& $(#pe s(rd( c(r!% e# $ri!( de O a&, Miri c(rri%,

-. EN LA CATEDRAL E# dis! r2i( de #a 2i2#i(!eca de #a UCSD era #a &(!icia de #a &(c5e, Si& d da0 d ra&!e #as pr%3imas sema&as #a repe!ir7a& &a + (!ra )ez p(r !(d( e# m &d(0 #a "#!ima &()edad de# e&!re!e&imie&!( p"2#ic(, Era !am2i6& & p &!( 2ri##a&!e e& e# !a2#er( de si! aci%& de G(2 G , Demasiad( 2ri##a&!e, G(2 (2ser)% 1 e #(s a&a#is!as0 i&c# s( pers(&as de especia#idades !a& p(c( c(&(cidas c(m( #a )ir(#($7a '(re&se0 se a$r pa2a& a#reded(r de ese "&ic( p &!( de# s r de Ca#i'(r&ia, Esta noche estn pasando otras cosas, chicos. E# asa#!( de #a DEA e& Per& 5a27a desa!ad( )i(#e&cia rea# e& e# &(r!e ca&adie&se, Es( 1 eda2a ' era de #a z(&a de )i$i#a&cia de G(2E per( p(d7a i&dicar 1 e se !ra!a2a de a#$( m4s 1 e de & as &!( de dr($as me/(rad(ras, De &( ser p(r e# dis! r2i( de #a 2i2#i(!eca0 5a2r7a es!ad( )ie&d( '#(!ar dece&as de !e(r7as9 1 iz4s e# as &!( de Per& C( &!+ ' ese &a !apadera para a!acar a i&mi$ra&!es, M iz4s 5 2iese de p(r medi( a#$( m4s #e!a# 1 e dr($as me/(rad(ras, A #(s a&a#is!as se #es da2a& es! pe&dame&!e esas c(&/e! ras !a& e3a$eradas0 + se #es da2a i$ a#me&!e 2ie& a#ime&!arse de e##as 5as!a de/ar#as red cidas a &adaE ( 5as!a e&c(&!rar pr e2as s%#idas + diri$ir #a p(!e&cia de ' e$( 2a/( e# c(&!r(# de G(2 G , Per( esa &(c5eE 2 e&(0 e# a#!ercad( de #a UCSD !e&7a #a aparie&cia de &a dis!racci%& !7pica para !apar a#$( $ra&de0 m + ma#( + 1 e s ced7a e& a#$"& (!r( p &!( de# s r(es!e de# !erri!(ri( c(&!i&e&!a# de Es!ad(s U&id(s, A#ice 5a27a d p#icad( e# !ama:( de# $r p( de a&4#isis, Ya '(rma2a& par!e de 6# especia#is!as de# Ce&!r( de C(&!r(# de E&'ermedades0 i&c# s( $e&!e de (!ras $ ardias, N(rma#me&!e0 A#ice 5 2iese c(&!r(#ad( s re)(#!(s( e&/am2re de especia#is!asD p(se7a #a capacidad0 #a pr(' &didad + e# carisma para ma&!e&er a ra+a i&c# s( a acad6mic(s ci)i#es, Per( a1 e##a &(c5e A#ice era par!e de# pr(2#ema, Cada )ez 1 e G(2 diri$7a a# $r p( para e3p#(rar (!ras si! aci(&es0 A#ice #( )(#)7a a c(&ce&!rar e& #( mism(, Era e##a #a 1 e 5a27a des)iad( a #(s )ir%#($(s, Ja27a & $r p( m + c(mpac!( de 2i(cie&!7'ic(s 1 e i2a ad1 irie&d( 2ri##( + se i2a acerca&d( m4s0 c(&s mie&d( cada )ez m4s a&c5( de 2a&da, A#ice &( es! dia2a e# dis! r2i( e& s70 si&( si !e&7a 1 e )er c(& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s 1 e r(dea2a& #a &i)ersidad, E3cep!( p(r #a dis!racci%& de# pers(&a# de &(c5e0 #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s es!a2a& e& )erde, + c a&d( m4s $(#pea2a A#ice #a red de se$ ridad de# #a2(ra!(ri(0 m4s #impia parec7a, Es el maldito ES7. A#ice aca2a2a de !ermi&ar s e&!re&amie&!( para #a a di!(r7a de# 2i(#a2(ra!(ri(, Ja27a sid( e# ESR m4s e3!e&s( p(r e# 1 e 5 2iese pasad( & &ca, G(2 s p(&7a 1 e e& a1 e# m(me&!( &( 5a27a &adie e& !(d( e#

m &d( 1 e s piese m4s s(2re a !(ma!izaci%& de #a2(ra!(ri(s e i&)es!i$aci%&, ebera hablar con ella directamente, nada de redirecciones corteses- % emonios, si no se echa atrs debera cesarla) + esas ideas se parec7a& e& e3ces( a #as recie&!es pe#eas e& casa, As7 1 e ' e G(2 e# 1 e se ec5% a!r4s, Se 1 ed% se&!ad( + c(&!emp#% #as c(rre#aci(&es0 #(s pic(s es!ad7s!ic(s, Desp#az% a #(s miem2r(s de s $r p( #e/(s de #(s as &!(s de Sa& Die$(, E##(s dar7a& #a )(z de a#arma si #( de #a UCSD res #!a2a ser &a dis!racci%&, E# 2ri##( de# e1 ip( de cie&cias 2i(#%$icas a me&!%, A#ice 5a27a re1 isad( #a di)isi%& $e&%mica de# Ce&!r( de C(&!r(# de E&'ermedades, G(2 !e&dr7a 1 e e&'re&!arse a #as c(&sec e&cias e& #a re &i%& p(s!eri(r, T )( & ma# prese&!imie&!(, Ysa ser7a #a &(c5e, S ceder7a #( 1 e m4s mied( #e da2a0 se 5ar7a rea#idad #a p(si2i#idad 1 e A#ice siempre &e$a2a, 3Ests empezando a hundirte, Alice4 UC%m( ser7a & c(#aps( ESR c(mp#e!( de a#$ ie& 1 e se 5a27a e&!re&ad( &a dece&a de )eces m4s 1 e e# pe(r cas( de ESR de & 5(spi!a# de )e!era&(sV HUJa26is (7d( a#$(V HUC(m( 1 60 T(mmieV HYa sa2es0 & $(#pe #e/a&(, Se de! )ier(& + mirar(& a!r4s, Xi&&ie res(p#%, Era i$ a# 1 e a&!a:(0 c a&d( T(mmie 5ac7a #( p(si2#e p(r i&creme&!ar e# s spe&se de s s e3pedici(&es i#7ci!as, T(mmie )aci#%, I2a de!r4s para 1 e #(s dem4s &( se e&redase& e& #a 'i2ra, Pres!% a!e&ci%& & m(me&!( m4s + # e$( se )(#)i% para a#ca&zar#(s, HM iz4 &( 5a+a sid( &adaE per( #a 'i2ra !am2i6& 5a es!ad( m er!a & m(me&!(, HMir% e# p(r!4!i#H A5(ra parece 1 e )a 2ie&, HJiz( & $es!( 5acia e# !"&e#0 5acia #a (sc ridad si! ada m4s a##4 de# pe1 e:( c5arc( de # zH, Se$ id ade#a&!e, La primera par!e de# !"&e# #es 5a27a res #!ad( m + 'ami#iar0 & pase( si&ies!r( p(r #a a)e&ida de #(s rec erd(s, Jada m4s de ci&c e&!a a:(s 1 e !(d(s e##(s0 me&(s Car#(s0 5a27a& e3p#(rad( #(s !"&e#es, T(mmie 5a27a sid( & es! dia&!e #is!i##( de primer( 1 e se pa)(&ea2a a&!e d(s $rad ad(s 1 e se pre$ &!a2a& m4s de &a )ez c%m( 5a27a& aca2ad( me!id(s e& esas e3pedici(&es deme&cia#es, A# se$ ir a)a&za&d(0 +a &( es!a2a& e& !erre&( c(&(cid(, Las paredes es!a2a& ##e&as de ! 2(s de )idri(, R(2er! )i( se:a#es pi&!adas0 cr7p!ic(s ap(+(s '7sic(s para &(d(s 1 e &( resp(&d7a& a s ca/a c(mp !erizada, Xas. A#$( 2#a&c( de# !ama:( de &a pe#(!a de 2a#(&)(#ea c(rri% p(r &( de #(s ! 2(s, Xas, zas, Tr4'ic( simi#ar e& direcci%& (p es!a, T 2(s &e m4!ic(s0 1 e e& s 6p(ca 5a27a& sid( ' ! ris!as, Sie&d( &i:(0 R(2er! #(s 5a27a )is!( e& ce&!r(s c(mercia#es m(ri2 &d(s, HUP(r 1 6 ! 2(s &e m4!ic(s0 T(mmieV

HGie&0 a57 es d(&de #a !e(r7a c5(ca c(& #a rea#idad, Pr(!e%mica0 $e&%mica0 re$ #%micaE &(m2ra &a ?%mica@ + a1 7 #a !ie&e&, Es!(s #a2(ra!(ri(s s(& e&(rmes, E# !r4'ic( #(ca# de da!(s es & mi##%& de )eces s peri(r a# de &a rama p"2#ica0 c(& #a #a!e&cia de &a red d(m6s!ica, Per( a & as7 &ecesi!a& mirar m es!ras 2i(#%$icas rea#es + a )eces !ie&e& 1 e !ra&sp(r!ar#as, Usa& 2a&de/as de !ra&sp(r!e para #(s desp#azamie&!(s c(&(s0 ! 2(s &e m4!ic(s para #(s #ar$(s, Ge&Ge& p(see i&c# s( s pr(pi( #a&zad(r UPWE3press para e&)iar pa1 e!es a (!r(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de !(d( e# m &d(, R(2er! (7a s(&id(s 1 e pr()e&7a& de #a (sc ridad0 )(ces 1 e &( pr(& &cia2a& pa#a2ras rec(&(ci2#es0 c5as1 id(s parecid(s a #(s de m41 i&as de escri2ir a&!i$ as, Esto es ciencia4 Car#(s di/(9 HC a&d( i&!e&!( s(&dear #a red #(ca# s%#( )e( #as paredes des& das, HYa (s #( 5e dic5(, Ja2#ar c(& #a red de# #a2(ra!(ri( c(mp#icar7a demasiad( es!a (peraci%&, HE# !"&e# de2e sa2er 1 e es!am(s a1 7, HL#e$ar(& a &a pe1 e:a z(&a i# mi&ada, De!r4s + p(r de#a&!e e# !"&e# es!a2a (sc r(, HS7, Sa2e 1 e es!am(s a1 7, Per( p(dr7am(s decir 1 e s%#( a &i)e# i&c(&scie&!e, R(2er! i2a a #a ca2eza + se:a#% 5acia #a pared0 / s!( de#a&!e de #a # z, HUM 6 5a+ de es!as i&dicaci(&esV HLas #e!ras es!a2a& rea#me&!e pi&!adas e& e# m r(9
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T(mmie se ade#a&!%, HQM iz4 sea e# rama# pri&cipa# de Ge&era# Ge&(micsR HLe)a&!% m c5( #a r eda de (raci%&0 a#e/a&d( #a 'i2ra de #(s (!r(s, E# E3!ra:( era )isi2#e de!r4s de T(mmie0 per( a57 a2a/( e# m(&s!r ( &( p(d7a si! arse c(& precisi%&, S s pies '#(!a2a& s(2re e# s e#( + s mirada se des)ia2a &()e&!a $rad(s, T(mmie si! % e# p(r!4!i# de '(rma 1 e #a c4mara e&'(case #as #e!ras, HDe2( admi!ir 1 e es!e e&#ace de 'i2ra )a 2ie&, P ede e&)iar )7de( a mi c(&s #!(r, HSi& 1 e T(mmie #e )iese0 e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( se se:a#% c(& e# p #$ar + s(&ri%, T(mmie e3ami&% 2re)eme&!e #a pa&!a##a de# p(r!4!i#H, QS7R Jem(s ##e$ad( a# rama# %p!ic( de Ge&Ge& Hse:a#% e# !"&e# #a!era#H, A1 7 es d(&de se c(mp#ica, A #(s ci&c( me!r(s0 e# !"&e# #a!era# se a2r7a a &a z(&a m c5( m4s $ra&deE ca)er&(sa, E& #as s(m2ras0 a#$( se i&c#i&a2a 5acia #as a#! ras, HUVeis esa !(rreV Hdi/( T(mmieH, Es e# #a&zad(r pri)ad( de Ge&Ge&, Es!(s !ip(s &( se m(#es!a& e& rec rrir a #(s #a&zad(res de Eas! C( &!+, L(s c5as1 id(s #(s r(dea2a& p(r c(mp#e!(, Pr()e&7a& de #a par!e s peri(r de #(s armari(s de e1 ip(D se$ 7a& & pa!r%&0 c(m( p(es7a !ec#eada simp#eme&!e para a#i)iar e# es!r6s, A# 'i&a# de &a es!r('a0 #as c(sas se m()ier(&, La # z

des!e##% desde #( m4s pr(' &d( de cris!a#es e&mara:ad(s, A#$ &(s de #(s armari(s !e&7a& e!i1 e!a '7sica9 ?M s MC($@, E# E3!ra:( 2ai#% e&!re e##(s0 &a 'a&!as7a pr(d cida p(r e# p(r!4!i# de T(mmie + #a 'i2ra 1 e arras!ra2a, Per( #a 'a&!as7a #(s (2ser)a2a a !ra)6s de #a c4mara de# p(r!4!i# + 5a2#a2aE a# me&(s #e 5a2#a2a a R(2er!, E# E3!ra:( se:a#% m4s ( me&(s 5acia #(s cris!a#es, HLas mara)i##as de #(s &a&('# id(s, U&a d6cada de #a a&!i$ a cie&cia 2i(#%$ica c(mp#e!ada c(& cada cam2i( de # ces, UC%m( represe&!as & 2i##%& de m es!ras + mi# mi##(&es de 2i##(&es de a&4#isisV UC%m( p ede represe&!ar#( e# ar!eV HVaci#%0 c(m( si rea#me&!e esperase a&si(same&!e #a resp es!a0 + # e$( )(#)i% a desaparecer, Per( de/% a!r4s s s pr(pias e!i1 e!as + e3p#icaci(&es, R(2er! mir% #as 'i#as de m41 i&as0 #a !(rre 1 e casi se perd7a e& #a dis!a&!e (sc ridad, A1 e# # $ar era &a ca!edra# mec4&ica, Per( Uc%m( represe&!ar#( c a&d( a 6# #e ##e)ar7a a:(s c(mpre&der#( si1 iera m7&imame&!eV La mara:a de cris!a# &( es!a2a demasiad( c(#(readaD 2 e&a par!e de #(s carri#es de '# id(s era& micr(sc%pic(s + es!a2a& (c #!(s e& apara!(s 1 e 5 2iese& p(did( ser re'ri$erad(res e&(rmes, Las e!i1 e!as de# E3!ra:( '#(!a2a& a#ea!(riame&!e0 s 2!7! #(s 'a&!asma#es para & pr(ces( !rasce&de&!e, Y0 si& em2ar$(0 #e rec(rda2a #( 1 e 5a27a perdid(D #as pa#a2ras 2 r2 /ea2a& e& s ima$i&aci%&0 pa#a2ras c(& #as 1 e i&!e&!a2a cap! rar e# as(m2r( 1 e se&!7a, Rec(rrier(& es!rec5(s c(rred(res0 $ira&d( s%#( c a&d( T(mmie #es dec7a 1 e $irase&, M4s ( me&(s cada mi& !( se de!e&7a + saca2a a#$ &(s apara!(s m4s de #a m(c5i#a, HJa+ 1 e i&s!a#ar#(s c(rrec!ame&!e0 c5ic(s, Perma&ecer i&)isi2#es a1 7 es m c5( m4s di'7ci# 1 e e& e# !"&e#, H T(mmie 1 er7a 1 e si! ase& #(s disp(si!i)(s cerca de #(s &(d(s de c(m &icaci%&0 1 e res #!ar(& es!ar de!r4s de #(s cris!a#es de '# id(s0 m + a# '(&d(, R(2er! rea#iz% #a ma+(r7a de #as ?i&s!a#aci(&es@, Car#(s #( s 27a a & armar7a, R(2er! se re!(rc7a0 acerc4&d(se !a&!( a# cris!a# 1 e (7a c5as1 id(s apa$ad(s + e# '# id( s s rra&d( !a& d62i#me&!e c(m( &a 'i#!raci%&, Repe!id( mi##(&es de )eces0 a1 e# s(&id( '(rma2a #a a!m%s'era de #a sa#a, E& & cas(0 R(2er! esper% + se di( c e&!a de 1 e e# pr(pi( apara!( se (c pa2a de #a i&s!a#aci%& 'i&a#0 a#e/4&d(se de 6# para s mer$irse e&!re e# )idri(E como si debajo tuviese una bandeja de transporte en miniatura. HUDe 1 6 !e r7es0 G V Hdi/( desde a2a/( #a )(z de G#( &!, HQDe &adaR HR(2er! se arras!r% p(r e# armari( + 2a/%H, Aca2( de e&!e&der & pe1 e:( mis!eri(, Si$ ier(& a)a&za&d(, E& #a ma+(r par!e de #(s armari(s dec7a ?Dr(s MC($@, A)a&za2a& m4s r4pidame&!e0 m4s 1 e &ada p(r1 e Car#(s + R(2er! #e 5a27a& pi##ad( e# !r c( a #a $im&asia de #a (peraci%&, HQYse 5a sid( e# "#!im(0 c5ic(sR H T(mmie apar!% #a )is!a de# p(r!4!i# + mir% #(s cris!a#es de '# id(sH, USa26isV0 es rea#me&!e c ri(s( 1 e !(d(s es(s &(d(s es!6& si! ad(s de!r4s de# e1 ip( de #a2(ra!(ri(0 !a& a# '(&d( Hdi/(,

E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( se si! % de#a&!e de T(mmie + a$i!% #(s ded(s )erd(s(s e& direcci%& a R(2er!0 Car#(s + Xi&&ie G#( &!, HN( es & mis!eri( 1 e imp(r!e, UP(r 1 6 &( s $iere a#$ ie& se$ ir c(& e# $ra& p#a& de T(mmieV P(r & m(me&!( &adie di/( &ada0 per( R(2er! ded /( d(s c(sas s(2re #( 1 e aca2a2a& de 5acer9 era rea#me&!e a es( a #( 1 e 5a27a& id( a##7, Era as7 c(m( e# E3!ra:( p(dr7a c mp#ir s pr(mesa, M iz4 Car#(s + Xi&&ie 5 2iese& ##e$ad( a #a misma c(&c# si%&0 p(r1 e de pr(&!( !(d(s 5a2#a2a&, G#( &! 5iz( & $es!( para 1 e #(s (!r(s se ca##ase& + se )(#)i% 5acia ParFer, HQM i6& sa2e0 T(mmieR Di/is!e 1 e es!e # $ar es!a2a ##e&( de s !i#ezas, P(dr7a ##e)ar&(s sema&as c(mpre&der c%m( e&ca/a !(d(, HS70 s7, H T(mmie asi&!i%0 si& )er #a e3presi%& de sa!is'acci%& de# E3!ra:(H, QM4s !arde 5a2r4 !iemp( para e# a&4#isisR HMir% e# p(r!4!i#H, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 es!( 5a sid( #( di'7ci#, A5(ra !e&em(s )7a #i2re 5as!a d(&de J er!as a#mace&a e# !r(cead(, N( i&s!a#ar(& m4s apara!(s, E# p(r!4!i# de T(mmie ac(&se/% darse prisa + T(mmie se apres r%, L( 1 e ' ese 1 e e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( es! )iese p#a&ea&d( para Ge&Ge&0 e##(s +a &( #e 5ac7a& 'a#!a, R(2er! mir% a!r4s, Xi&&ie es!a2a si& a#ie&!(0 i2a casi !r(!a&d(, E# E3!ra:( de27a de 5a2er#e dad( 4&im(s especia#es0 + de!r4s de Car#(s0 T(mmie $ira2a s r eda de (raci(&es0 !e/ie&d( e# 5i#( de ara:a, De pr(&!( e# s e#( de ceme&!( di( pas( a a#$( 2#a&d( + e# s(&id( de s s pas(s ' e c(m( #(s $(#pes de #as 2a1 e!as s(2re & e&(rme !am2(r, HUC 4&d( ) e#a & !"&e#V Hdi/( T(mmieH, QC a&d( es rea#me&!e & !"&e# e& e# cie#(R De pr(&!( R(2er! c(mpre&di% d%&de se e&c(&!ra2a&, E& &( de #(s pas(s cerrad(s 1 e s r$7a& de & #ad( de R(se Ca&+(&0 a# &(r!e de# camp s, E& a1 e# m(me&!( es!a2a& de pie e& & !"&e# si! ad( )ei&!e me!r(s p(r e&cima de #a #adera c 2ier!a de ma#eza + $a+ 2as, L e$( pisar(& de & e)( ceme&!(, De#a&!e !e&7a& (!ra ca)er&a0 casi )ac7a, Terri!(ri( J er!as, Miri c(rri%0 per( & p &!( de # z #a si$ i%, N(0 era #a i# mi&aci%& &(rma# de# !"&e#, Red /( e# pas(0 se de! )(0 se ap(+% c(&!ra #a paredE + mir% a!r4s, N( #a se$ 7a &i&$"& 5 ma&(, E# a$ /er( de e&!rada era #a "&ica (!ra # z + es!a2a a cier!a dis!a&cia, %Juan) L( mir% + pres!% a!e&ci%&, Nadie i2a !ras e##a0 #( 1 e p(d7a si$&i'icar 1 e a##7 a2a/( se$ 7a ' &ci(&a&d( #a se$ ridad de #a UCSD, I&!e&!% s(&dear #as paredes, L#am% a# &"mer( de emer$e&cia, O!ra )ez, Nada, M iz4s e# Tip(ma#( 5 2iese 're7d( perma&e&!eme&!e s Epi'a&7a, Jiz( & $es!( para ac!i)ar a#$ &as r !i&as de c(mpr(2aci%&, N(0 &( es!a2a m er!a, P(d7a c(&s #!ar s s pr(pi(s arc5i)(s per( #(s &(d(s #(ca#es pasa2a& de e##a, L e$( se di( c e&!a de# c5ispaz( r(sa e& e# #7mi!e de# dia$&%s!ic(0 &a

resp es!a i&a#4m2rica 1 e s Epi'a&7a &(rma#me&!e 5a2r7a rec5azad( p(r demasiad( rem(!a0 demasiad( err4!ica, Pas% & se$ &d(0 Di(s sa2e c 4&!(s rei&!e&!(s0 + (2! )( &a ide&!i'icaci%&, Era O a&0 s )es!i2#e, Miri HS O a&9 TmsSQP(r 'a)(r0 resp(&deRTWmsS N( ! )( resp es!a + &( p(d7a c(mpr(2ar e# es!ad( de sa# d de O a& si& !e&er m4s derec5(s de acces(, A2r p!ame&!e #a # z de O a& a me&!% de 2ri##( + m ri%, Miri c(&! )( e# a#ie&!(, E# se:(r C(&ser/eWPr('es(r se$ 7a a##4 arri2a, Ja27a ) e#!( a pe$ar a# p(2re O a&, N(0 para ser precis(s9 5a27a ) e#!( a pe$ar a# 5ard>are de O a&0 1 iz4 para impedir 1 e Miri #( sara para c(m &icarse, P(r & m(me&!(0 Miri d d% de s7 misma, N( era m + 2 e& res #!ad( 1 e !(da s p#a&i'icaci%& + s #ideraz$( 5 2iese& aca2ad( as7, A#ice &( !e&7a /am4s es(s pr(2#emas, Siempre sa27a 1 6 5acer a c(&!i& aci%&, G(2E a )eces G(2 c(me!7a err(res, A 6# era a 1 ie& siempre parec7a 'a#!ar#e se$ ridad, 3:u" pensara .ob de todo esto4 >e pregunto ,u" hara Juan. Miri e&car% e# !"&e# 1 e se a#e/a2a de #a e&!rada, Es!a2a (sc r(0 per( e# si#e&ci( &( era a2s(# !(, Le pareci% (7r )(ces c5ar#a&d(0 si& ##e$ar a e&!e&der #as pa#a2ras, R(2er! + s s ami$(s de #a 2i2#i(!eca es!a2a& a##7 a2a/(0 se$ r( 1 e perse$ id(s p(r e# se:(r C(&ser/eWPr('es(r, 3*+mo puedo detener los planes del malo4 Miri c(rri% c(& c idad( p(r e# !"&e#0 !(da)7a a!rapada e& s pr(pi( c(&( de # z, N( 5a27a &i ras!r( de R(2er! + &i&$ &a de #as )(ces apa$adas s(&a2a 2ie&, Pas% p(r a#$ &(s cr ces, C(sas dimi& !as c(rr7a& a !(da )e#(cidad p(r #(s ! 2(s !ra&spare&!es, A#$ &(s mi& !(s m4s !arde se$ 7a si& )er &i ras!r( de R(2er!, Miri #e7a mie&!ras c(rr7aD 5a27a $ ardad( m c5( ma!eria# s(2re #a UCSD + #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de 2i(!ec&(#($7a9 ma!eria# de se$ ridad + pri)ad( 1 e e##a &( p(d7a !e&er0 per(E L(s !"&e#es #a!era#es ##e)a2a& a #a2(ra!(ri(s c(&cre!(s, QU& mi##%& d(scie&!(s mi# me!r(s c adrad(s repar!id(s e& diecisie!e c4maras dis!i&!asR Miri de/% de c(rrer + se p s( a cami&ar 5as!a de!e&erse0 re&dida, R(2er! p(d7a es!ar e& c a#1 ier par!e, UC 4&!( c(&!r(# !e&7a e# Tip(ma#( a##7 a2a/(V :uiz debera ponerme a gritar. M + #e/a&(0 a s espa#da0 (+% & s(&id( di'ere&!e, Mar!i##(s 2#a&d(s $(#pea&d( & !am2(r de me!a#, Per( #a cade&cia era c(m( de pas(s, Y de pr(&!( ! )( &a idea 2as!a&!e c#ara de d%&de es!a2a& #(s (!r(s, S%#( !e&7a 1 e sa2er d%&de es!a2a e##a, Miri )(#)i% s(2re s s pas(s,

-L LA GIGLIOTECA ESCOGE E# ! r&( de &(c5e de S5ei#a Ja&s(& sa#i% de# 2(s1 eci##( si$ ie&d( e# cami&( de #a $ra& serpie&!e de# c(&(cimie&!(0 a# es!e de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Las ara:as JaceF +a es!a2a& a##7 + (c pa2a& e# !erre&( e#e)ad(, Tim J +&5 se m()i% e 5iz( a)a&zar s e/6rci!( r(2%!ic( direc!ame&!e 5as!a #as ' erzas e&emi$as, J +&5 HS T r&( de &(c5e9 TmsS Va+a, QS(& de )erdadRTWmsS Es decir0 #as ara:as, La ma+(r7a de #(s 5 ma&(s !am2i6& era& de )erdad, L(s Ca2a##er(s + Gi2#i(!ecari(s 5aceFea&(s (c pa2a& m c5( espaci( de!r4s de s s r(2(!s, De# #ad( &(r!e de #a 2i2#i(!eca ##e$a2a& m4s re' erz(s sc((c5is0 desde #a 2i2#i(!eca (cea&($r4'ica + e# i&s!i! !( Scripps, Per( #(s 5aceFea&(s disp(&7a& !am2i6& de re' erz(s, P(r #as c4maras 1 e )(#a2a& s(2re #a 2i2#i(!eca0 J +&5 )e7a a &(s reci6& ##e$ad(s persi$ ie&d( a #(s de Scripps, De m(me&!( &( se 5a27a& pr(d cid( demasiad(s da:(s a #a pr(piedad, L(s mecas !e&7a& & aspec!( m + si&ies!r(0 + #(s 5 ma&(s0 s(2re !(d(0 se dedica2a& a / &!arse +a $ri!ar, A S5ei#a #e i2a m + 2ie& c(& s ?QM erem(s #i2r(s DE VERDAD R@, A#$( e&(rme + )ir! a# s r$i% e& !r(m2a de# 2a&d( 5accFea&( + ##e$% a #a !ierra de &adie r(2%!ica, Med7a casi c a!r( me!r(s de a#! ra + era e# me/(r C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( 1 e Tim(!5+ J +&5 5 2iese )is!( & &ca, Medi( Gi2#i(!ecari(0 medi( Ca2a##er( G ardi4&0 #a cria! ra represe&!a2a #a parad(/a ce&!ra# de JaceF, Se apr(3im% casi 5as!a e# #7mi!e de #as #7&eas sc((c5is + ad(p!% &a e3presi%& $r(!esca0 c(& &a #e&$ a #ar$a + e& p &!a c(m( #a de & dem(&i( ma(r7, Y c a&d( $ri!%0 !(d(s #(s sc((c5is #e (+er(&0 per( e# me&sa/e i2a adap!ad( a# recep!(r, HE50 Tim(!5+ J +&50 !e crees Pe1 e:( Sc((c5HaHm( !, QP es pe1 e:( s7 1 e eresR QV es!ras mari(&e!as sc((c5is s%#( s(& 2as ra i&'a&!i#0 s per'icia#es e i&di$&as e& c(mparaci%& c(& & es!ra pr(' &didadR HC(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( sa# d% a #as cria! ras JaceF, Yse era e# i&s #!( 5a2i! a# c(&!ra #a mi!(#($7a Sc((c5HaHm( !0 + siempre e&' rec7a a #(s sc((c5is p(r1 e #a a'irmaci%& p(d7a e&$a:ar a# p"2#ic( i&$e& (, L(s sc((c5is #a&zar(& s desa'7( e& resp es!a, HQJaceF &( es m4s 1 e & Pra!c5e!! de imi!aci%&R HEs( p s( ' ri(s(s a #(s JaceF0 +a 1 e e)ide&!eme&!e era #a p ra )erdad, J +&5 de/% a!r4s a S5ei#a0 a Sma#e + a# res!( de# ! r&( de &(c5e para si! arse a# 're&!e de !(d(s, De cerca0 a1 e# C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( era !(da)7a m4s espec!ac #arme&!e de!a##ad(, S s 2(!as c(& !a#(&es se 5 &d7a& ar!7s!icame&!e

e& e# #(d( / &!( a# se&der( de #a serpie&!e, L(s r(2(!s ara:a z m2a2a& + sa#!a2a& a#reded(r de s pa!r%&, L(s r(2(!s ara:a era& rea#es, UDe d%&de 5a27a& sacad( #(s 5aceFea&(s (2/e!(s !a& i&$e&i(s(s + e& !a& p(c( !iemp(V Les 5iz( & pi&$D &( se s(rpre&di% a# &( !e&er resp es!a, P(se7a& casi &a a$i#idad )i!a# e& s '(rma de m()erse0 #a&z4&d(se + re!r(cedie&d(, L(s disp(si!i)(s parec7a& ' si(&es pers(&a#izadas de #(s "#!im(s m(de#(s de #&!e# + Le$e&d, La re$ #%mica de Ge&Ge& se ac! a#iza2a a a#$( parecid(, V(#)i% a 5acer & pi&$0 e& es!a (casi%& c(& #a a !(ridad de !6c&ic( de Ge&Ge&, QP(r #( m4s sa$rad(R HQE5R H$ri!% J +&5H, QL(s ca2r(&es de JaceF 5a& r(2ad( e1 ip( de Ge&Ge&R HA5(ra 1 e pres!a2a a!e&ci%& a# (!r( 2a&d(0 Qrec(&(ci% a c(mpa:er(s de !ra2a/(R A##7 es!a2a Pa!ie R(se&2a m, La m /er 2#a&di% e# 5ac5a de 2a!a##a + #e mir% 2 r#(&a, R(se&2a m HS J +&59 TmsSQS%#( #( 5e !(mad( pres!ad(0 cari:(RTWmsS E# d7a a&!eri(r 5a27a a#m(rzad( c(& Pa!ie + s s ami$(s, Sa27a 1 e e& re$ #%mica 5a27a simpa!iza&!es JaceF0 as7 1 e 6# se 5a27a ca##ad( s s p#a&es, Y c#ar(0 Q#(s !raid(res 5aceFea&(s 5a27a& 5ec5( #( mism(R C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( se$ 7a 2ai#a&d( a#e$reme&!e e&!re e# e&/am2re de ara:as0 2 r#4&d(se de #a s(rpresa 1 e se 5a27a& ##e)ad( #(s sc((c5is, Gri!%9 HUI&di$&ad(s (s se&!7s0 J +&5V UP(si2#e ser4 1 e 5icieseis !rampa si& sar demasiada ima$i&aci%&V QL( 1 e 5a26is !ra7d( es a&!i$ ( + #e&!(0 per'ec!( para #a mez1 i&dad de ) es!ras im4$e&esR E# ar!e emp#ead( e& C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( era as(m2r(same&!e 2 e&(0 si& prec rs(res, Per( 1 ie& ' ese 1 e es!a2a ma&e/a&d( #(s 5i#(s era !(da)7a m4s impresi(&a&!e0 & ac!(r de #(s me/(res de# m &d(0 si& d da, P(r & m(me&!( #(s sc((c5is )aci#ar(& + s m #!i! d de ap(+( )ir! a# c(me&z% a e)ap(rarse, E& #a )is!a desde arri2a0 J +&5 )i( !(da)7a a m4s 5aceFea&(s c(&$re$4&d(se e& #(s (!r(s #ad(s de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Si e# e1 i#i2r( se desp#aza2a demasiad(0 #(s sc((c5is aca2ar7a& 5 mi##ad(s + derr(!ad(s, E&!(&ces #a )(z de S5ei#a Ja&s(& s(&% c#ara + p(!e&!e e& e# espaci( p"2#ic(0 a di2#e e& !(d( e# m &d( par!icipa!i)(, HQC(&!emp#adR QGra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( !R De!r4s de J +&50 &( de #(s e#e)ad(res c(2r% )ida, Te&dr7a 1 e 5a26rse#e (c rrid( a 6#, QA5R Gracias a# cie#(0 S5ei#a es!a2a a# 1 i!e, E# e#e)ad(r a)a&z% c(& !(da #a de#icadeza 1 e se #e p(d7a a!ri2 ir a &a m41 i&a de !res me!r(s + medi( de a#! ra c(& e# ce&!r( de $ra)edad a casi d(s, Desde # e$( &( se m()7a a !%&(mame&!e0 per( &( se #e 5a27a (c rrid( 1 e S5ei#a p diese c(&d cir#a !a& 2ie&, S s $ra&des pa!as desce&dier(& despaci(0 da&d( a 5 ma&(s0 c5irps + sa#sip eds !iemp( de s(2ra para a5 ecar e# a#a, Impresi(&a&!e0 per( &( era m4s 1 e & e#e)ad(r, E&!(&ces J +&5 se di( c e&!a de 1 e se$ 7a )i6&d(#( c(& s )is!a de c(&d c!(r, A# mezc#arse c(& #a )is!a de# c7rc #( de (pi&i%&0 eraE

S5ei#a 5a27a !ra&s'(rmad( e# i(&iped az # e& a#$( !(da)7a m4s espec!ac #ar 1 e C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s(, A5(ra era Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( !0 e# m4s p(p #ar de #(s sc((c5is, E& s c(r!a carrera0 Gra&di(s( Sc((c5 5a27a sid( (2/e!( de re&()aci(&es0 deri)aci(&es0 amp#i'icaci(&es0 ' si(&es e i&!e&!(s $ 2er&ame&!a#es de !(mar e# c(&!r(#, Para mi##(&es de esc(#ares era e# 56r(e m43im(0 e& #as !ierras m4s p(2res de 8'rica + S ram6rica0 e# campe%& de #(s desamparad(s 1 e i&!e&!a& me/(rar s p(sici%& e& e# m &d(, + s aparici%& esa &(c5e #( s pera2a !(d(, M4s !(da)7a0 s aparici%& esa &(c5e disp(&7a de c a!r( !(&e#adas de )erdad 54p!ica e&!rec5(ca&d( e& s i&!eri(r, Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! ##e$% a# 'i&a# de #as #7&eas sc((c5is + se ade&!r% e& !erri!(ri( de #as ara:as, Se m()7a rpido0 !a& r4pid( c(m( p(d7a& s s m(!(res + es!a2i#izad(res, &uau, 3,ui"n lo est conduciendo4 Gai#% e&!re #(s r(2(!s JaceF + a ##% i&s #!(s a C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s(, Ca2a##er(s + Gi2#i(!ecari(s0 p(' H#(&$s0 de>#2s + 2a2a ##a$asE e& am2(s 2a&d(s !(d(s se )(#)ier(& #(c(s, E& e# aire0 s(2re s s ca2ezas0 ' er(& es!a##a&d( #(s e'ec!(s especia#es, Y # e$( #(s $ri!(s $a&ar(& e& i&!e&sidad, L(s r(2(!s se #a&zar(& a# c(m2a!e, J +&5 c(&!emp#% e# ! m #!( de e'ec!(s especia#es r(2%!ic(s, De #(s ar2 s!(s s r$7a& me$am &c5es + 3(r(s5(>sD S5ei#a #a&za2a #as reser)as a# c(raz%& de #a 2a!a##a, QEsa 2a!a##a mec4&ica era rea#R C a&d( Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! pis(!ea2a #(s #(m(s de #(s r(2(!s ara:a0 'ra$me&!(s de caparaz%& + pa!as )(#a2a& p(r e# aire, E& #a )is!a !6c&ica p(d7a c(&s #!ar #(s i&'(rmes de da:(s, E& #a #is!a e& !iemp( rea# de# #a2(ra!(ri(0 )ei&!e ara:as de re$ #%mica aparec7a& c(m( ?&( resp(&de@, Ja27a& des!r(zad( dece&as de r(2(!s pre&si#es, Tres de #(s !ra&sp(r!es de m es!ras 5a27a& perdid( #a m()i#idad, J +&5 HS Ja&s(&9 TmsS T(mar r(2(!s pres!ad(s es &a c(sa0 S5ei#a, Per( m c5(s )a& a )(#)er e& '(rma de c5a!arra,TWmsS S5ei#a es!a2a a# (!r( #ad( de# 're&!e, Da2a #a impresi%& de 1 e i&!e&!a2a #($rar 1 e #(s r(2(!s a)a&zase& c(&!ra #(s Ca2a##er(s + Gi2#i(!ecari(s, A# #ad( de Tim0 Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! +a 5a27a sa#)ad( par!e de #a dis!a&cia 2ai#a&d( 5acia #a #7&ea de 5 ma&(s rea#es, Ja&s(& HS J +&59 TmsS QN( !e pre(c pesR QL(s de admi&is!raci%& es!4& e&ca&!ad(sR Ec5a & )is!az( a #a p 2#icidad #($rada0 Tim,TWmsS S s c(mpa:er(s de !ra2a/( + mi#es de )ir! a#es a)a&zar(&, E& #a )is!a de redE )a+a0 Ge&Ge& es!a2a reci2ie&d( &a a!e&ci%& 1 e &( se p(d7a c(mprar c(& di&er(0 m4s 1 e #a p(si2#e e& e# si$#( II c a&d( mi##(&es de pers(&as es!a2a& (2#i$adas a )er #( 1 e &(s p(c(s 5a27a& c(&siderad( imp(r!a&!e, QJa27a e&r !ad(res e&(rmes e& #a z(&a de #a UCSD 1 e 5a27a& a$(!ad( #a capacidadR La si! aci%& &( d rar7a demasiad(0 +a 1 e 5a27a i&!ermi&a2#es e&r !ad(res + 'i2ra (sc ra ad 5(c p(r !(das par!es, Per( es!a &(c5e e# m &d( e&!er( es!a2a a##7, Pas( a pas(0 #(s sc((c5is a)a&zar(&,

HQM erem(s & es!r( espaci(R HQM erem(s & es!ra 2i2#i(!ecaR HY s(2re !(d(0 Q1 erem(s #i2r(s DE VERDADR N(rma#me&!e #(s c7rc #(s de (pi&i%& c(mpe!7a& i&!er&ame&!e p(r s pr(pia p(p #aridad, A1 e##a &(c5e0 era &a e3cepci%&9 #(s c7rc #(s de (pi&i%& # c5a2a& e&!re s7 p(r #a a!e&ci%& + e# respe!(, E& &(s mi& !(s ser7a& capaces de 1 emar meses de crea!i)idad + !e&er & p"2#ic( m4s & !rid( de #( 1 e /am4s 5 2iese& p(did( s(:ar, Y 1 ie& ' ese 1 e $ ia2a a Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! 5a2#% c(& J +&5 direc!ame&!e, Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! HS Pe1 e:( Sc((c5HaHm( !9 TmsS QT s mecas s(& decisi)(s0 ami$( m7(R QM e a)a&ce&RTWmsS QVa#eR J +&5 ac!i)% e# (!r( e#e)ad(r, A me& d( s(:a2a c(& pa!ear c #(s c(& &( de es(s m(&s!r (s, Cr z% c(& preca ci%& #as #7&eas ami$as0 ##e)a&d( c(&si$( #(s r(2(!s pe1 e:(s, Desde a#$"& # $ar de# m &d(0 #(s ar!is!as sc((c5is )is!ier(& e# e#e)ad(r !a& espec!ac #arme&!e c(m( Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( !, Per( #a )isi%& res #!a2a !a& merc ria# c(m( e# 5 m(9 e# e#e)ad(r de J +&5 era Mi&d S m0 e# esp7ri! am2i$ ( 1 e e& (casi(&es a+ da2a a Sc((c5HaHm( ! c a&d( #(s e&emi$(s se m(s!ra2a& m4s as! !(s, S s )ap(res 1 eda2a& a!r4s + se ade#a&!a2a& a# disp(si!i)( rea#, Dece&as de a+ da&!es + pr($ramas de asis!e&cia se ase$ rar(& de 1 e #(s e'ec!(s siempre es! )iese& d(&de de27a&, La carr(cer7a de# e#e)ad(r era de & p#4s!ic( (sc r(, A me&(s 1 e &( mirase c(& m c5a a!e&ci%& #a )is!a rea#0 &( sa27a c(& cer!eza d%&de es!a2a e# r(2(!, Tim J +&5 se apr()ec5% de es(0 pis(!ea&d( c(m( &a &e2#i&a de acer( #a z(&a de 2a!a##a r(2%!ica0 a#a2a&d( a Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( !E + a)a&za&d( am2i$ ( c(&!ra #(s Ca2a##er(s + Gi2#i(!ecari(s, E# c4&!ic( de #(s sc((c5is era e&s(rdeced(r e& #(s a#!a)(ces de# e#e)ad(r, HQM erem(s & es!r( espaci(R HQM erem(s & es!ra 2i2#i(!ecaR HY s(2re !(d(0 Q1 erem(s #i2r(s DE VERDADR E# a)a&ce ' e &a c(m2i&aci%& de 2e##eza0 s(rpresa e i&!imidaci%& '7sica, Las ' erzas JaceF se re!irar(& + #(s c5irps + sa#sip eds de J +&5 a)a&zar(& para rec#amar & e)(s !erri!(ri(s, Per( #(s 2ic5(s de Pa!ie R(se&2a m !(da)7a #(s s pera2a& e& &"mer( + era& m c5( m4s 4$i#es, L(s r(2(!s ara:a re!r(cedier(&0 ma&!e&ie&d( &a z(&a de 2a!a##a e&!re #as ' erzas 5 ma&as e&'re&!adas, Sma#e HS T r&( de &(c5e9 TmsSQVam(s p(r e##(sRTWmsS Mie&!ras J +&5 a)a&za2a !ras s e#e)ad(r Mi&d S m0 !am2i6& mira2a desde arri2a + se$ 7a #(s c(me&!ari(s e3!er&(s, Ja27a m4s de cie& mi##(&es de pers(&as mira&d( #( 1 e #(s d(s c7rc #(s de (pi&i%& 5a27a& cread(, N( era e3ac!ame&!e & / e$(0 &i e3ac!ame&!e &a (2ra de ar!e0 era & e&'re&!amie&!( e& e# 1 e se $a&a2a a ' erza de ima$i&aci%&0 c4#c #( e i&s(#e&cia, De m(me&!(0 e# m &d( cre7a 1 e #(s d(s 2a&d(s es!a2a& i$ a#ad(s e& ima$i&aci%&0 per( #(s

sc((c5is i2a& m + p(r de#a&!e e& c4#c #( e i&s(#e&cia, Ja27a& cread( des!r cci%& '7sica rea#E Qa !(d( s a#reded(r + e&!re 5 ma&(s rea#esR Me!r( a me!r(0 #a 2a!a##a se desp#az% a#reded(r de #a 2i2#i(!eca, L(s sc((c5is (c pa2a& +a par!e de #a e3p#a&ada s r0 e# e/e pri&cipa# de# camp s, L(s c(c5es !ra7a& p(r carre!era a# camp s $e&!e de !(da #a ci dad0 #a c(&!rapar!ida '7sica a# &"mer( m c5( ma+(r de )ir! a#es, U& c are&!a p(r cie&!( de #(s e&r !ad(res pri&cipa#es es!a2a& sa! rad(s, Se 5a27a& s perad( #(s d(scie&!(s mi##(&es de espec!ad(res, Cie&!(s de mi#es era& par!icipa&!es !ra&s'(rmad(s c(& im4$e&es sacadas de #as pr(' &didades de# dise:( de JaceF + Sc((c5i, L(s par!icipa&!es0 rea#es + )ir! a#es0 se desparrama2a& a par!ir de# ce&!r(0 1 e era #a 2i2#i(!eca &i)ersi!aria, Vis!( desde e# p &!( de )is!a de & peri(dis!a0 a cie&!(s de me!r(s de a#! ra0 e# c(&'#ic!( !e&7a e# aspec!( de &a e3!ra:a $a#a3ia e& espira#0 c(& 2raz(s 1 e re# c7a& c(& m4s i&!e&sidad a##7 d(&de #a 2a!a##a era m4s cr e&!a, Ja27a (!r(s par!icipa&!es0 i&)isi2#es e3cep!( para #(s peri(dis!as dedicad(s a #a i&d s!ria de# e&!re!e&imie&!(9 #a $e&!e de# ci&e + #(s / e$(s0 1 iz4s &(s cie& mi# pr('esi(&a#es, A#$ &(s mira2a& a #(s mir(&es0 m es!rea&d( + e&c es!a&d(, O!r(s #a 2a!a##a r(2%!ica0 rec(pi#a&d( dise:(s, Vi( e# ras!r( de Spie#2er$H R(>#i&$0 GameHJappe&i&$0 Ri( Ma$ic + #(s $ra&des es! di(s de G(##+>((d, Tim J +&5 )e7a m4s 1 e es(, Desp 6s de !(d(0 ##e)a2a e1 ip( de Ge&Ge&, Ve7a redes ' &didas c(& e# !ras'(&d(0 rec(pi#a&d( + rec(pi#a&d(E para # e$( ac! ar c(& s !i#eza, De27a& de per!e&ecer a# Gremi( de Fa&!asis!as0 #a m4s rica de #as c((pera!i)as ar!7s!icas de# m &d(, S #ema9 ?QN( &(s 5ace 'a#!a &i&$"& ma#di!( i&!ermediari(R@ Y p(r s p es!(0 !am2i6& es!a2a prese&!e #a p(#ic7a0 &a media d(ce&a de c erp(s 1 e i2a& desde #a p(#ic7a de# camp s 5as!a e# FGI, Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( !HS Pe1 e:( Sc((c5HaHm( !9 TmsSQE50 ami$( m7(R N(s 1 eda& diez mi& !(s para $a&ar (pi&i%& + res(# ci%&, L e$( empezar4& a 2#(1 ear&(s,TWmsS A#'red #( )e7a !(d( desde e# s%!a&( de Pi#c5&er Ja##, E# dis! r2i( de C(&e/( 5a27a )aciad( #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s, E# e1 ip( de i&specci%& i&d(e r(pe( es!a2a c(#(cad( + +a e&)ia2a res #!ad(s Bres #!ad(s 'a#s(s0 per( es( era (2ra de A#'redC, L(s !(&!(s 1 e 5a27a& i&s!a#ad( e# e1 ip( +a es!a2a& m + #e/(s de #a z(&a Ge&Ge& + 5a27a& ##e$ad( a##7 d(&de s arres!( pr()(car7a s(spec5as 1 e des)iar7a& #a a!e&ci%&, Per(E HN(s 5ace& 'a#!a a# me&(s 1 i&ce mi& !(s m4s Hdi/( A#'red, E# '# /( de da!(s 'a#s(s de #a i&)es!i$aci%& se c(mp#e!ar7a m c5( a&!es0 per( #impiar + sa#ir ##e)ar7a s !iemp(, C(&e/( se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, HN( !e pre(c pes0 )ie/( ami$(, Le di/e diez mi& !(s a J +&5 para ma&!e&er#e e& !e&si%&, I&c# s( desp 6s de 1 e #a p(#ic7a de# camp s a!a1 e0 !(da)7a pasar4 media 5(ra a&!es de 1 e e# pers(&a# de Ge&Ge& ) e#)a a #(s s%!a&(s,

Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS Cre( 1 e C(&e/( !ie&e raz%& c(& e# !iemp( 1 e &(s 1 eda, S (peraci%& e& #a 2i2#i(!eca es &a (2ra maes!ra, N(s(!r(s 5a2r7am(s sid( i&capaces de m(&!ar &a dis!racci%& seme/a&!e si& p #sar sim #!4&eame&!e !(d(s #(s 2(!(&es de# apara!( de se$ ridad america&(,TWmsS Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS E# dis! r2i( 5a crecid( e& e3ces(,TWmsS E# !r4'ic( se$ 7a 2#(1 ea&d( s s r(2(!s m%)i#es, C(m( &( !e&7a& disp(&i2#es #(s meca&ism(s s 'icie&!es0 &( 5a27a& #($rad( !(mar p(r c(mp#e!( e# c(&!r(# de Pi#c5&er Ja##E + d(s &i:(s i&desead(s 5a27a& cread( e# primer )erdader( pr(2#ema de #a )e#ada, E& a1 e##(s m(me&!(s &( de es(s &i:(s es!a2a !e&did(0 i&c(&scie&!e0 / &!( a# p(z(0 / s!( d(&de A#'red #e 5a27a derri2ad(, Vaz ec5% & )is!az( a C(&e/(0 se&!ad( e& e# 2(rde de# p(z( c(& #(s pies pe# d(s c(#$a&d( e& #a (sc ridad, HUM 6 5a+ de #a c5ica0 C(&e/(V Es!4 da&d( ) e#!as p(r #(s !"&e#es0 si& c(&!r(#, C(&e/( s(&ri% de (re/a a (re/a, HAs7 1 e ##4mame $ra& di(s de #as c(&sec e&cias i&esperadas, C a&d( #as c(sas se c(mp#ica&0 siempre 5a+ c(&sec e&cias + Miri G es simp#eme&!e &a de e##as, 8 eres e# Ca2eci##a L(ca#, UP(r 1 6 &( )as !ras e##aV Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS N(, Es( !e si! ar7a ' era de c a#1 iera de & es!r(s p#a&es de c(&!i&$e&cia,TWmsS E& rea#idad0 A#'red se se&!7a !e&!ad(0 per( ma&d% & m%)i# a 2 scar a #a c5ica, Ta# )ez ' ese s 'icie&!e para ma&!e&er#a (c pada, Y si #a &i:a da2a c(& #(s !(&!(sE 2ie&0 e&!(&ces !e&dr7a (!ra (pci%& a s a#ca&ce 1 e pi##ar7a a C(&e/( p(r s(rpresa, E& )(z a#!a0 Vaz di/(9 HN( cre(, UTie&es a#$ &a (!ra pr(p es!aV HL( e)ide&!e0 )ie/( ami$(9 de2es ser '#e3i2#e0 c(m( +(, UM i6& sa2e 1 6 p(si2i#idades ir4& prese&!4&d(seV N( p edes #(ca#izar a Miri G 0 per( 1 6 m4s da, Es( si$&i'ica 1 e #a c5ica &( es!4 e& &i&$"& p &!( de #(s 1 e !e i&!eresa&0 U&(V HA$i!% #as (re/as i&1 isi!i)ame&!e, Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Va&9 TmsS M ier( a# se:(r C(&e/( ' era de es!(, Es!4 i&!e&!a&d( c(&!r(#ar&(s0 mie&!ras &(s dis!rae c(& s i&s(#e&cia,TWmsS I&s(#e&cia 1 e p(d7a ser m + m(#es!a, C(&e/( se 5a27a p es!( a c(mer (!ra za&a5(ria, La cria! ra s(&re7a e&se:a&d( s s $ra&des i&cisi)(s mie&!ras m(rdis1 ea2a0 c(m( dicie&d(9 ?QN( (s pre(c p6is p(r m7D dedica(s a #(s me&sa/es si#e&ci(s(s !(d( #( 1 e 1 er4isR@ M c5( m4s a##4 de #as paredes0 A#'red p(d7a (7r #(s r id(s de #a ma&i(2ra de dis!racci%& de C(&e/(, L(s a&a#is!as de c(&!r(# & c#ear i&'(rma2a& de 1 e Se$ ridad I&!eri(r es!a2a si$ ie&d( c(& m c5( i&!er6s #( 1 e pasa2a e& #a UCSD0 per( 1 e p(r #( dem4s !(d( es!a2a !ra&1 i#(, G*&2erF + PeiF( se #( !(mar(& c(m( &a 2 e&a &(!icia, 1ero 3signi2ica eso ,ue Alice &ong sigue trabajando4 Para A#'red0 6sa era #a pre$ &!a m4s imp(r!a&!e0 m c5( m4s 1 e e# e&c e&!r( c(& #(s d(s &i:(s, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 era 5(ra de ec5ar de a##7 a# c(&e/( i&1 isi!i)(, Ja27a 1 e 5acer#( si& 1 e G*&2erF + PeiF( s(spec5ase&, P(r s er!e0 G*&2erF +a es!a2a

!ra2a/a&d( e& #a direcci%& c(&)e&ie&!e, Gra & 5iz( '#(!ar e& #a )is!a &a ma!riz de &ecesidades + me!as e& c(#(res dis!i&!(s depe&die&d( de s $rad( de pr(2a2i#idad0 per( era as(m2r(same&!e c#ara9 e& e# cas( de# dis! r2i( de #a 2i2#i(!eca0 #(s !6rmi&(s re#aci(&ad(s c(& C(&e/( re# c7a& de & r(/( )i)(0 5a27a & ce&!e&ar de !areas 1 e s%#( 6# p(d7a e/ec !ar si se ma&!e&7a #a dis!racci%&, E& e# cas( de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s s 2!err4&e(s0 5a27a &a d(ce&a de e#eme&!(s depe&die&!es de C(&e/(0 e& $e&era# re#aci(&ad(s c(& 5acer 1 e #(s !(&!(s 2a/ase&0 $ iar#(s + sacar#(s de #a z(&a de (peraci(&es0 !(d(s e##(s e& )erde, Vaz HS Gra &0 Mi!s ri9 TmsS G e& ap &!e0 G*&2erF,TWmsS Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS Va#e, S e#!a a C(&e/(0 per( c(& c(r!es7a, Pr(p(&$( 1 e ec5es #a c #pa a ! s m(#es!(s c(#e$as rem(!(s T$ri&WS, TWmsS A#'red s(&ri% a C(&e/(, HTie&es raz%&0 se:(r C(&e/(, A#$ &(s s(m(s m + i&'#e3i2#es, HE50 &( pasa &ada, HC(&e/( 5iz( & $es!( ma$&4&im(, HDe 5ec5(0 5as #($rad( 1 e a1 7 a2a/( #as c(sas sea& !a& se$ ras 1 e mis /e'es 1 iere& 1 e !e c(&ce&!res e& #a (peraci%& de #a s per'icie, HUM 6 5acesEV QE5R Vaz a#ar$% #a ma&( + s(#!% #a #7&ea de 'i2ra %p!ica de# p e&!e, P(r & m(me&!( #a ima$e& de C(&e/( 1 ed% c(&$e#ada0 c(m( & $r4'ic( 1 e 5 2iese perdid( #a ' e&!e rem(!a, C#ar( es!40 C(&e/( !(da)7a !e&7a c(&e3i%& de I&!er&e! 5as!a a##7D #a pa sa &( ' e m4s 1 e & m(me&!( de as(m2r(, C a&d( pas%0 #a cria! ra se p s( e& pie de & sa#!(, HUP(r 1 6 #( 5as 5ec5(V HS )(z + s e3presi%& 'acia# carec7a& casi p(r c(mp#e!( de )ida, Apare&!eme&!e0 C(&e/( /am4s 5a27a !e&id( e& c e&!a #a p(si2i#idad de !e&er 1 e e&'re&!arse a s(rpresas + )er$*e&zas reales. E# c(&ec!(r de 'i2ra %p!ica c(#$a2a de #a ma&( de A#'red, T )( 1 e 5acer & es' erz( e&(rme de )(# &!ad para &( s(&re7r#e /ac!4&d(se, E&c5 '% #a #7&ea a & !ra&scep!(r 1 e ##e)a2a e& e# ci&! r%&, L( 1 e e&!ra2a + sa#7a p(r #a 'i2ra pasar7a desde a1 e# m(me&!( p(r s mi#&e! pri)ada, Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS QGra)(0 A#'redRTWmsS Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS QS6 ama2#eR T(da)7a #e &ecesi!am(s para e# dis! r2i(,TWmsS C(&e/( cami&% p(r e# 2(rde de# a$ /er( a$i!a&d( #as pa!as c(m( p :(s, HEs!4s 'a#!a&d( a & es!r( ac erd(, HLa )(z se$ 7a si& i&'#e3i%&, A#'red s(&ri% ama2#eme&!e + #e 5a2#% si& e# m4s m7&im( ras!r( de !ri &'a#ism(, HP(r 'a)(r0 se:(r C(&e/(0 repasa & es!r( ac erd(, L(s d(s &(s &ecesi!am(s m ! ame&!e para 2e&e'iciar&(sE + cada &( es e3per!( e& s pr(pi( camp(, E# e1 ip( +a es!4 i&ser!ad( e& e# #a2(ra!(ri(, Si ma&!ie&es e# dis! r2i( &(s mi& !(s m4s0 !e&dr4s !(d( #( 1 e !e pr(me!im(s, C(&e/( #e mir% si& e3presi%&, HMe &ecesi!as e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, Se$ r( 1 eE %0o es omnisciente)

HEs p(si2#e, Te ma&!e&dr6 i&'(rmad( de #a si! aci%&, UM 6 me dicesV P(r e# r(s!r( de C(&e/( cr z% &a s"2i!a (#eada de e3presi(&es9 ' ria0 # e$( &a mirada de s 'icie&cia !apada de i&media!( c(m( si e# (perad(r &( 5 2iese 1 erid( 1 e ' ese )isi2#e +0 p(r "#!im(0 & s spir( m + e3a$erad( de pacie&cia e3!rema, S70 c%m( s 'r7a e# p(2re C(&e/(, HA50 !ri &'a #a para&(ia, M + 2ie&0 me d(2#e$ar6 a ! s dese(sE HL( 1 e 5iz( c(& apara!(sidad0 2ai#a&d( a#reded(r de# p(z(H, Me ir6 a pr(!e$er!e de #as ame&azas de #a s per'icie, HE&se:% 2re)eme&!e &(s die&!es m + p(c( de 5er27)(r(sH, Per( esper( !(d(s #(s pa$(s ac(rdad(s, Ya c(&(ces mis capacidades, HLas c(&(zc(, Y c(mpre&d( 1 e es p(si2#e 1 e !(da)7a 5a+a c(mp#icaci(&es, HE intentos por tu parte de crear complicacionesH, A#$ ie& de mi pers(&a# se p(&dr4 e& c(&!ac!( c(&!i$( e& #a s per'icie, Vaz HS Gra &0 Mi!s ri9 TmsS UPeiF(VTWmsS Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS E& marc5a,TWmsS C(&e/( #e dedic% & "#!im( sa# d( 'r7)(#(0 + de pr(&!( e& #a pe1 e:a 5a2i!aci%&0 c(& s s paredes de p#4s!ic( + e# s e#( de ceme&!(0 &( 5 2( ras!r( de C(&e/(, A#'red desac!i)% #as res!a&!es c(&e3i(&es a I&!er&e!, Ya s%#( 1 eda2a& e# m(&!%& de r(pa )ie/a0 e# carri!(0 e# a$ /er( e& e# s e#(E + #a 2a/a 5 ma&a, L(s r id(s rec(&'(r!a&!es de# /a#e( si$ ier(& 'i#!r4&d(se desde #a 2i2#i(!eca, Vaz HS Gra &9 TmsSUM 6 !a# #(s da!(s de# #a2(ra!(ri(VTWmsS E# e1 ip( de i&specci%& ##e)a2a )ari(s mi& !(s !ra&smi!ie&d(, USe cre7a& #as me&!irasV UP(dr7a G*&2erF re& &ciar a s preci(sa !e(r7aV Gra & HS Vaz9 TmsS Es!4& c(mp#e!(s a# se!e&!a p(r cie&!(, Te&drem(s 1 e rea#izar m c5(s a&4#isis p(s!eri(res0 per( a primera )is!a parece 1 e #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s s(& i&(ce&!es,TWmsS %S) Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! HS Pe1 e:( Sc((c5HaHm( !9 TmsS QA)a&za a5(ra0 ami$( m7(R QL(s ca2r(&es JaceF es!4& cedie&d(R TWmsS Y e'ec!i)ame&!e #(s 5aceFea&(s se re!ira2a&0 a# me&(s e& #a z(&a si! ada direc!ame&!e p(r de#a&!e de Tim(!5+ J +&5, L#e)% e# e#e)ad(r 5as!a ese 5 ec(0 ap#as!a&d( a !(d(s #(s r(2(!s ara:a 1 e se #e cr zar(& p(r de#a&!e, E# 're&!e de 2a!a##a se 5a27a desp#azad( 5as!a casi e# s r de #a e&!rada pri&cipa# de #a 2i2#i(!eca, A##7 e# e&emi$( se re!ira2a, L(s sc((c5is !e&7a& m4s pers(&as rea#es s(2re e# !erre&( +es( imp#ica2a m4s ap(+( para #(s e'ec!(s )is a#es, Per( #(s 5aceFea&(s !e&7a& a &(s d(scie&!(s mi# i&di)id (s rem(!(s0 1 e e& e# cas( de #(s sc((c5is )ir! a#es era& #a mi!ad, A# (!r( #ad( de #a 2i2#i(!eca0 e& #a c(#i&a0 / &!( a #a z(&a de car$a0 &( 5a27a espaci( para &a m #!i! d de 5 ma&(s rea#es, A##70 JaceF0 #a (pi&i%& m &dia#0 crec7a, C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( es!a2a a##70 m4s espec!ac #ar 1 e & &ca0 (r1 es!a&d( & espec!4c #( ce#es!e 1 e res(&a2a s(2re e# )a##e, S s re' erz(s desce&d7a& ca2a#$a&d( s(2re #a&zas de # z, Tim 5ac7a #( p(si2#e p(r se$ ir #a acci%& $#(2a#0 a &1 e e& a1 e##(s m(me&!(s es!a2a m + (c pad( ap#as!a&d( !(d(s #(s r(2(!s ara:a 1 e p(d7a

pi##ar, Esa &(c5e 5a27a prese&ciad( mara)i##as de am2(s 2a&d(s0 c(sas c(& #as 1 e s c7rc #( de (pi&i%& se p(dr7a de#ei!ar d ra&!e a# me&(s & a:(, Y0 si& em2ar$(0 se$ 7a 5a2ie&d( mar$e& para &a )ic!(ria c#ara, Esa &(c5e0 Sc((c5HaH m( ! p(dr7a !rasce&der #( 1 e 5a27a sid( & mercad( mar$i&a# + a#ca&zar #a misma e3!e&si%& m &dia# 1 e JaceF0 Pra!c5e!! + #(s imperi(s de G(##+>((d, Les 5ac7a 'a#!a a#$( as(m2r(s(0 a#$( 1 e a2riese #(s cie#(s e&!re e##(s + #(s 5aceFea&(s, Jiz( a)a&zar s Mi&d S m0 s ser de &ie2#a + acer(0 de & #ad( a (!r( de# 're&!e0 ap#as!a&d( #(s r(2(!s ara:a 1 e 1 eda2a&, N( se #e (c rr7a &ada m4s espec!ac #ar, >aldici+n. Per( a57 ' era 5a27a & m &d( de sc((c5is e i&!e#i$e&cia a ra da#es, Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( !HS Pe1 e:( Sc((c5HaHm( !9 TmsS Li2era #(s c(&!r(#es a !(m4!ic(s de mi e#e)ad(r,TWmsS J +&5 #( 5iz(, La 'i$ ra de Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! perma&eci% i&m%)i# & m(me&!(0 per(0 e& #a )is!a de !6c&ic(0 J +&5 )e7a 1 e c6# #as de e&er$7a car$a2a& #(s c(&de&sad(res 5as!a #a z(&a cr7!ica, Y # e$( Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! c(rri% c(m( & a!#e!a 5 ma&( +E p(r Di(s0 sa#!% & e)e me!r(s 5as!a e# c6sped 1 e 5a27a / &!( a# cami&( de #a serpie&!e, Mir% 5acia e# )a##e + #e $ri!% a C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( c(& &a )(z sim #!4&eame&!e )ir! a# + rea#, Y #a rea# era &a mezc#a de r id( + d(#(r, HQO+e0 pe1 e:( c(&(cimie&!( m(#es!(R Es!am(s i$ a#ad(s0 U&( !e pareceV Desde e# )a##e0 / &!( a #a z(&a de car$a0 C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( a$i!% e# p :( 5acia e# e#e)ad(r !am2a#ea&!e, HQDemasiad( i$ a#ad(sR HPer( &( de &(s(!r(s de2er7a $a&ar c#arame&!e0 U&(V HQC#ar(R Y ser6 +(0 c(m( sa2e !(d( e# m &d(, HC(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( sa# d% a s s se$ id(resE Qmi##(&esR Per( Tim )e7a c#arame&!e 1 e e& 2 e&a par!e era& im4$e&es 'a#sas, HM iz4, HGra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm(##! )(#)i% a dar & sa#!(0 e& es!a (casi%& 5as!a e# 2(rde de# des&i)e# si! ad( s(2re #a z(&a de car$a, La ma&i(2ra res #!a2a impresi(&a&!e0 s(2re !(d( sa2ie&d( 1 e de!r4s 5a27a &a m41 i&a rea#H, Per( Ude 1 6 )a !(d( es!e c(&'#ic!(V HA$i!% #(s 2raz(s0 & di(s a&im4&d(#(s0 + #(s sc((c5is $ri!ar(& c(& !(da #a amp#i'icaci%& disp(&i2#e, HQM erem(s & es!r( espaci(R HQM erem(s & es!ra 2i2#i(!ecaR HY s(2re !(d(0 Q1 erem(s #i2r(s DE VERDADR HQS7R Hdi/( Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( !H, T(d(s # c5am(s p(r #a 2i2#i(!eca, QLa 2i2#i(!eca de2er7a decidirR Tras esa dec#araci%&0 !(d(s #(s e'ec!(s de s(&id( de #(s sc((c5is se apa$ar(&, U& si#e&ci( de d da rec(rri% a #(s sc((c5is, J +&5 mir% de & #ad( a (!r(0 )a#(ra&d( #a reacci%& pr()(cada p(r Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( !, S(&a2a 2ie& a1 e##( de rec rrir a #a 2i2#i(!eca e& s70 per( U1 6 implicabaV

E& e# )a##e se (+er(& risas, E# e&emi$( 5a27a ##e$ad( a #a misma c(&c# si%&, Estamos jodidos, pe&s% J +&5, Per( # e$( se di( c e&!a de 1 e C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( &( se re7a, La cria! ra s 2i% #a mi!ad de #a c es!a mira&d( a Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! a #(s (/(s, Y e# si#e&ci( se )(#)i% irrea# He& am2(s 2a&d(s, De a#$ &a '(rma0 C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( sa27a a 1 6 se re'er7a Sc((c5HaH m( !, HGie& Hdi/( a# 'i& e# di(seci##( JaceF0 + s )(z !e&7a &a !(&a#idad sed(sa a pesar de re'#e/arse e& #a 2i2#i(!eca + pe&e!rar pr(' &dame&!e e& #a me&!e de !(d(s #(s 1 e mira2a&H, UM er6is 1 e #a 2i2#i(!eca misma decida 1 i6& se (c par4 de e##a + m(rar4 e& s s espaci(sV HY 5as!a 1 6 p &!( de2e& ser rea#es #(s #i2r(s Hdi/( Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( !0 c(& &a s(&risa casi amis!(saH, Pr(p(&$( 1 e c(&s #!em(s a #a 2i2#i(!ecaE + 1 e e##a e#i/a 1 i6& ser4 e# &$id(, HQA5R HC(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( !am2i6& s(&re7a0 per( #a s(&risa era &a ra& ra 'er(z e& s cara, La cria! ra re!r(cedi%0 per( crec7a a cada pas( 1 e da2a para se$ ir ma&!e&ie&d( #(s (/(s a# mism( &i)e# 1 e #(s de Sc((c5HaHm( !, Ja2i! a#me&!e0 & !r c( )is a# !a& !(&!( &( #e 5 2iese )a#id( &i&$"& respe!(0 per( e# m()imie&!( parec7a a/ s!arse 2ie& a #a si! aci%&, Adem4s0 1 ie& ' ese resp(&sa2#e de# dise:( de #a cria! ra se 5a27a reser)ad( &a mara)i##(sa armad ra 'rac!a# precisame&!e para esa e3!e&si%& de a#! ra, C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( se )(#)i% para e&'re&!arse a #(s mi##(&es )ir! a#es 1 e !e&7a de!r4s, HE# desa'7( es / s!(, Os di$( a !(d(s0 Se$ id(res de# C(&(cimie&!(9 &7(s a m7 e& & c(m2a!e 'i&a# c(&!ra e# e&emi$(, Dem(s!rem(s a #a 2i2#i(!eca 1 e s(m(s s ' ! r( + s s me/(res de'e&s(res, QY de/em(s 1 e #a 2i2#i(!eca c(m &i1 e s e#ecci%& a# m &d(R E# si#e&ci( c(&c# +% !a& pr(&!( c(m( #(s mi##(&es e&c(&!rar(& & e)(s amp#i'icad(res e& e# camp sE ( a#$ ie& rec per% + re !i#iz% a1 e##(s de #(s 1 e e# Sc((c5HaHm( ! se 5a27a apr(piad(, La $a#a3ia de par!icipa&!es Hr(2(!s + 5 ma&(s0 rea#es + )ir! a#esH c(2r% )ida e& & c(&'#ic!( re&()ad(, Ca2a##er(s + Gi2#i(!ecari(s arr(/ar(& ' e$( s(2re e# 2a&d( sc((c5i, E# Mi&d S m de J +&5 )(#)7a a ap#as!ar + pa!a#ear, V(#)i% a p(&erse e& m()imie&!( #a espira# a#reded(r de #a 2i2#i(!eca &i)ersi!aria0 + #(s 2raz(s de# 're&!e de 2a!a##a se i# mi&ar(& !(da)7a m4s 1 e a&!es, Per( #(s $ri!(s i2a& diri$id(s a #a pr(pia 2i2#i(!eca, Y #a 2i2#i(!eca re# c7a c(& &a # z 1 e parec7a pr()e&ir de &a a#! ra i&'i&i!a, La # z era p rame&!e )ir! a#0 per( se (2ser)a2a e& !(das #as )is!as, Mie&!ras J +&5 ap#as!a2a c(& #a m #!i! d a ##a&!e0 1 ed% casi !(!a#me&!e i&mers( e& e# m(me&!(, Casi, Ja27a ##e$ad( m4s #e/(s + m4s a#!( de #( 1 e p(d7a ima$i&ar, Par!e de# 63i!( era de2id( a# p"2#ic(0 &a par!e imp(r!a&!e de# m &d( despier!(, E& par!e se de27a a #a a1 iesce&cia i&esperada de Ge&Ge& + #(s admi&is!rad(res de #a UCSD + a #a as(m2r(sa p(si2i#idad de ' ! r(s

i&$res(s 1 e p(dr7a& ##e$ar e& !(rre&!e desde #(s dis!i&!(s pr(d c!(res de e&!re!e&imie&!( 1 e acec5a2a& e& #(s a#reded(res, + &ada de es( 5a2r7a pasad( de &( ser p(r e# c(&!e&id( 1 e 5a27a aparecid( s"2i!ame&!e a# e&!rar e& 2a!a##a, C(&!e&id( de am2(s 2a&d(s0 c(&!e&id( sim #!4&eame&!e ar!7s!ic( + de &()ed(s( dise:( + !a& '7sic( c(m( p(d7a #($rarse c(& s s #e$i(&es r(2%!icas, Per( a5(ra #as espera&zas de !(d(s0 de 5aceFea&(s + sc((c5is0 era& prisi(&eras de &a 1 imera, Si #a 2i2#i(!eca &( ?resp(&d7a@0 ( si #a resp es!a se #imi!a2a a m4s im4$e&es0 e&!(&ces e& &(s !rei&!a se$ &d(s e# imp #s( c(me&zar7a a decaer + $ra& ca&!idad de $e&!e0 Tim(!5+ J +&5 i&c# id(0 empezar7a a se&!irse m + !(&!a, Yse era e# des!i&( de m c5as m #!i! des esp(&!4&eas0 s(2re !(d( de #as 1 e a# pri&cipi( parece& !e&er 63i!(, Las $ra&des pr(mesas se $a&a& $ra&des ape$(s0 5as!a e# m(me&!( de c mp#ir#as, 3:u" tendra en mente &randioso Scooch;a;mout4 J +&5 emp#e% s s )is!as de !6c&ic( + ar!is!a, Mir% desde c4maras sc((c5is0 desde #(s aer(2(!s0 i&c# s( desde e# ma&!e&imie&!( de Ge&Ge&, L( me/(r 1 e 6# p(d7a c(&ce2ir era &a s(rpresa des)a7da0 a#$( para dis!raer#(s de #as pr(mesas 1 e &( se p(d7a& c mp#ir, A medida 1 e e# 're&!e de 2a!a##a se cerra2a a#reded(r de #a 2i2#i(!eca0 #(s e/6rci!(s e&'re&!ad(s !e/7a& & c(&!rap &!(, L(s $ri!(s se mezc#ar(& c(& m"sica, A# ca2( de &(s m(me&!(s0 !(das #as )(ces #(ca#es es!a2a& si&cr(&izadas c(& e# s(&id( + !(d(s se a$i!a2a& si$ ie&d( e# ri!m(, Era cada )ez m4s a#!( + J +&5 se di( c e&!a de 1 e e&!re #(s amp#i'icad(res 5a27a e1 ip( de #a p(#ic7a + #(s 2(m2er(s, A#$ ie& 5a27a c(me!id( )a&da#ism( e& seri( para #($rar 1 e ' ese m4s rea#, N( ser)ir7a de &ada a me&(s 1 e (2! )iese& res #!ad(s de'i&i!i)(s, De 5ec5(0 e# c4&!ic( se s(s! )( s%#( &(s se$ &d(s, L e$( se apa$% + &( s cedi% &ada m4s0 + &adie ima$i&a2a 1 e p diese pasar &ada m4s, Per(E 5a27a (!r( s(&id(0 &a )i2raci%& es!remeced(ra 1 e pr()e&7a de# s e#(, Diez a:(s a&!es0 Tim(!5+ J +&5 5a27a se&!id( a#$( simi#ar, E# !errem(!( de R(se Ca&+(&, J +&5 se as s!% + de/% caer !(das #as s perp(sici(&es 'a&!4s!icas, Mir% a!err(rizad( c(& s s pr(pi(s (/(s des& d(s, L ces rea#es se m()7a& de & #ad( a (!r(0 parpadea&d( s(2re #(s r(s!r(s de mi#es de ma&i'es!a&!es rea#es0 5acie&d( resa#!ar #(s c erp(s a&$ #(s(s de #(s $ra&des r(2(!s, Ja27a &a c(# m&a de # z de# cie#(, La 2i2#i(!eca 1 eda2a i# mi&ada de )ez e& c a&d(0 per( era s(2re !(d( &a si# e!a rec(r!ada c(&!ra #a # z 1 e 5a27a a# (!r( #ad(, E# !em2#(r de #a !ierra a me&!% de i&!e&sidad, Las paredes + #(s pis(s sa#ie&!es de #a 2i2#i(!eca se es!remec7a&, La esp#6&dida pir4mide d(2#e 1 e 5a27a s(2re)i)id( d ra&!e d6cadas0 1 e 5a27a s(2re)i)id( a# !errem(!( de R(se Ca&+(&E a$i!a2a s s mi#es de !(&e#adas de ceme&!( rea#, Al ritmo de la msica. J 2( $ri!(s, M c5a $e&!e rec(rda2a R(se Ca&+(&, Per( m c5(s (!r(s es!a2a& 5ip&(!izad(s p(r e# espec!4c #(E + e# c4&!ic( se rei&ici%0 #( repi!i% #a )isi%& de #a &(c5e + se e3!e&di% p(r e# m &d(,

La 2i2#i(!eca se 2a#a&cea2a, U&as par!es 2a/ar(&D (!ras se a#e/ar(&, M4s 1 e !em2#ar0 2ai#a2a, N( era & 2ai#e a sa#!(s, E# edi'ici( 2ai#a2a c(m( & 5(m2re 1 e ! )iese #(s pies 'irmeme&!e p#a&!ad(s e& e# s e#(, + J +&5 se di( c e&!a de 1 e &( era de2id( a & !errem(!(D a#$ ie& 5a27a !(mad( e# c(&!r(# de# sis!ema de es!a2i#izaci%& de# edi'ici(, E& &a (casi%& 5a27a #e7d( 1 e & edi'ici( c(& e&er$7a p(d7a s(2re)i)ir casi a c a#1 ier !errem(!(0 a me&(s 1 e se a2riese &a $rie!a / s!( de2a/(, Per( e& a1 e# cas( #a e&er$7a e#6c!rica se )(#)7a c(&!ra e# pr(pi( edi'ici(, E# 2a#a&ce( r7!mic( se 5iz( m4s pr(& &ciad(0 c a!r( me!r(s a #a iz1 ierda +a #a derec5a0 + arri2a + a2a/(0 c(& a#$ &as par!es de# edi'ici( a#e/4&d(se + (!ras acerc4&d(se, E# 2ai#e #e&!( + r7!mic( de #(s pis(s sa#ie&!es se !ras#ad% a #(s pi#ares e3!eri(res, Se (7a & s(&id( 1 e p(d7a ser rea# ( &a i&$e&i(sa i&)e&ci%&, P(d7a ser am2as c(sas, Era e# s(&id( de m(&!a:as arra&cadas de ra7z, L(s pi#ares se m()ier(& + #a 2i2#i(!ecaE cami&%, N( era !a& espec!ac #ar c(m( p(d7a& ser#( #as im4$e&es 'a#sas0 per( J +&5 #( )e7a a simp#e )is!a, C(& &a cade&cia e&!rec(r!ada0 primer( &( de #(s ci&c e&!a + d(s pi#ares + # e$( (!r(s se a#zar(& c#arame&!e de# s e#(0 se desp#azar(& )ari(s me!r(s 5acia Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! + desce&dier(& c(& e# es!r e&d( de #a piedra pe&e!ra&d( e& #a piedra, E# res!( de# edi'ici( se m()i% c(& e##(s0 $ira&d( s(2re #a z(&a de ma&!e&imie&!( 1 e c(&s!i! 7a e# e/e ce&!ra# de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! a)a&z% + a2raz% &a es1 i&a de# pi#ar m4s cerca&(, La m"sica se )(#)i% !ri &'a#, T(d(s es!a##ar(& e& )7!(res0 s(rpre&did(s + !(da)7a & p(c( as s!ad(s, Ja&s(& HS T r&( de &(c5e9 TmsS UEs!( es !(d( & ac(&!ecimie&!( ( es !(d( & ac(&!ecimie&!(VTWmsS La 2i2#i(!eca 5a27a esc($id(,

-] YA NO PUEDES PREGUNT8RSELO A ALICE Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS QMa#dici%&R Se$ ridad I&!eri(r resp(&der4 a es!(, UE# se:(r C(&e/( se 5a ) e#!( #(c(VTWmsS Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS A'irma 1 e e# ?2ai#e de #a 2i2#i(!eca@ s%#( pr()(car4 #a i&!er)e&ci%& de# FGI Y 1 e es( &(s dar4 m4s !iemp(, TWmsS Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS Va#e, Te&$( & )(#cad( c(mp#e!( pr()e&ie&!e de# e1 ip( de i&specci%&, C(& a+ da de Di(s0 c(&!e&dr4 !(d( #( 1 e &(s 5ace 'a#!a para dem(s!rar #( 1 e pasa e& es(s #a2(ra!(ri(s,TWmsS A#'red +a es!a2a rec(rrie&d( #a #is!a de !areas de sa#ida, Ja27a e&$a:ad( a s s ami$(s0 per(E U1 6 pasa2a c(& s a!a1 e a A#ice G(&$V Si e##a se$ 7a ' &ci(&a&d(0 !a# )ez &( imp(r!ara #( 1 e 6# 5iciese, HE# FGI pide permis( para (c parse de #a z(&a de# dis! r2i(, HUE& 1 6 se 2asa&V HG(2 G 5a2#% si& apar!ar #a )is!a de #a 2i2#i(!eca, I&c# s( e# )7de( si& m(di'icar era as(m2r(s(, Era & c(#(s( de ceme&!( de# si$#( II0 e& pri&cipi( !a& es!"pid( c(m( & c(c(, Y a & as7 se 5a27a m()id( si& desm(r(&arse, HN(s 2asam(s es &a e)ide&!e )i(#aci%& de #a #e+ 'edera#0 a sa2erE HU& '# /( de re'ere&cias #e$a#es pas% p(r #a )isi%& de G(2H, E# FGI ar$ me&!a 1 e a !(d(s #(s e'ec!(s 5a sid( & a!a1 e c(&!ra & edi'ici( 'edera#, G(2 )aci#%, Se 5a27a& pr(d cid( ac!(s crimi&a#es0 cier!(0 a &1 e #a UCSD &( 5a27a prese&!ad( '(rma#me&!e &i&$ &a 1 e/a, E& a1 e# m(me&!( &( 5a27a &i&$"& ser)ici( de )i$i#a&cia 1 e e# FGI p diese ('recerD simp#eme&!e se #imi!ar7a& a 5acer c mp#ir #a #e+, La pri(ridad de #a )i$i#a&cia0 #a de G(20 era 'is$arH+Ha2a#a&zarse, Fis$ar0 # e$( a2a#a&zarse, UM 6 es!ar7a !apa&d( a1 e# des(rde&V Ec5% & )is!az( a #as es!ad7s!icas de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s, T(da)7a )erdes, Fi&a#me&!e resp(&di%9 HPe!ici%& de&e$ada, Es!4 e& marc5a &a i&)es!i$aci%& de Se$ ridad I&!eri(r, Si& em2ar$(0 e&!re$ad #a primera capa de & es!r( a&4#isis a P(#ic7a + Resca!e de Sa& Die$( + !am2i6& a #a p(#ic7a de #a UCSD, Es!ad preparad(s para dar ap(+( a c(&e3i(&es de emer$e&cia, HPrimera capa a #a p(#ic7a de Sa& Die$( + #a de# camp s, S70 se:(r, L(s (/(s de G(2 re$resar(& a #a 2i2#i(!eca, Se$ 7a e& pie0 per( era &a es! pidez m + pe#i$r(sa, S e1 ip( de a&a#is!as desde # e$( #( cre7a, E& #(s "#!im(s !rei&!a se$ &d(s0 #a es!r c! ra de &(d(s 5a27a es!ad( a p &!( de )(#)erse de# re)6s, P(r e# m(me&!(0 A#ice de/a2a 1 e #(s i&$e&ier(s d(mi&ase&, Las & 2es de !e3!( es!a2a& ##e&as de c(me&!ari(s i&i&!e#i$i2#es s(2re c%m( s6 5a27a #($rad( e#

?pase(@ de #a 2i2#i(!eca + #(s pe#i$r(s 1 e represe&!a2a para #a $e&!e 1 e 5a27a a s a#reded(r, L(s &(d(s de# C erp( de Mari&es es!a2a& pr(' &dame&!e imp#icad(s e& #a disc si%&0 p(r1 e s pr(pia $e&!e se 5a27a e&! siasmad(, N( era & c(mp(r!amie&!( acep!a2#e, G(2 se i&c#i&% 5acia de#a&!e + 5a2#%, HQT(d(s #(s pe#(!(&esR QPasad a a#er!a de #a&zamie&!(R Las p(si2i#idades de & #a&zamie&!( rea# se$ 7a& sie&d( pr4c!icame&!e & #as0 per( es( (2#i$ar7a a #(s s +(s a me!erse e& #as &a)es de asa#!(, M4s imp(r!a&!e a"&0 acaparar7a s a!e&ci%&, L(s &(d(s de #(s mari&es se a#e/ar(& de #as e# c 2raci(&es + se p sier(& a c((rdi&ar #a preparaci%& de #a&zamie&!(, G(2 mir% & m(me&!( m4s a# c(&/ &!( de a&a#is!as dis!ra7d(s, A#ice +a #(s es!a2a apar!a&d( de #a 2i2#i(!eca, L(s i&$e&ier(s de es!r c! ra +a &( era& e# ce&!r( de #a masa, La 2i2#i(!eca 5a27a cami&ad(, P(r !a&!(0 U1 6 se es!a2a !apa&d(V E# de2er de s s mari&es era pr(!e$er de #as $ra&des s(rpresas m4s !emi2#es, P(r e/emp#(9 U#(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s se$ 7a& sie&d( se$ r(sV UM 6 s ced7a e& e# res!( de# s r(es!e de# !erri!(ri( c(&!i&e&!a# de Es!ad(s U&id(sV Se )(#)i% + sa#i% c(rrie&d( de# 2"&Fer 5acia e# es!rec5( !"&e# 1 e #e ##e)a2a a s pr(pi( #a&zad(r, La represe&!aci%& de a&4#isis #e si$ i%0 c(#$a&d( a #a derec5a, A#ice 5a27a pi##ad( a (!r(s mi# 1 i&ie&!(s a&a#is!as0 m4s pers(&as dedicadas a #as cie&cias 2i(#%$icas + #a i&)es!i$aci%& 'armac6 !ica, A# 'i&a# de# !"&e#0 e# !ec5( se c r)a2a 5acia a2a/(, La &a)e de asa#!( era & )e57c #( dimi& !(0 c(& & dise:( res #!ad( de & c(mpr(mis( e&!re e# !iemp( de rec(rrid( 5as!a e# 2#a&c( + e# dese( de 5acer 1 e e# c((rdi&ad(r #(ca# de c(m2a!e ' ese i&)isi2#e, Desde e# !"&e# de acces( s%#( era& )isi2#es #a esc(!i##a a2ier!a + par!e de# ' se#a/e &e$r( (sc r(, Oc p% s p es!(0 per( &( cerr%, 3:u" hace Alice4 Vi( 1 e e# e1 ip( de a&a#is!as i2a crecie&d(, Ya era m4s $ra&de 1 e para #a ma+(r7a de #as (peraci(&es de 4m2i!( m &dia#, Per( c(&ce&!ra2a !(da s a!e&ci%& e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s 1 e 5a27a a#reded(r de #a UCSD, Cier!(0 #a si! aci%& era m + e3!ra:a, A &1 e #a se$ ridad de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s es!a2a e& )erde0 e# pers(&a# '(rma2a par!e de# dis! r2i(, Es( de p(r s7 / s!i'ica2a pres!ar a!e&ci%&0 per( !am2i6& 5ac7a 1 e #a )i$i#a&cia de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s ' ese !(da)7a m4s '4ci#, %>aldici+n) A#ice es!a2a 1 ed4&d(se c(& a&a#is!as e&car$ad(s de# se$ imie&!( de car$as p(r !(d( e# s r(es!e de# !erri!(ri( c(&!i&e&!a# de Es!ad(s U&id(s, M e a#$ ie& 'is$ara a s pri&cipa# a&a#is!a era &a ma&c5a para c a#1 iera0 per( &( 5a27a '(rma de e)i!ar#(, I&c# s( e& c(m2a!e0 seme/a&!e m(&(ma&7a 5a2r7a res #!ad( rid7c #a, A#ice ac! % primer(0 si& em2ar$(, E& !(das #as )is!as sa#!ar(& #as 2a&deras de emer$e&cia, La esc(!i##a de #a &a)e de asa#!( se cerr% + s pr(!ecci%& de ace#eraci%& se a2r(c5% p(r s7 s(#a, LAN_AMIENTO LAN_AMIENTO LAN_AMIENTO pas% 're&!e a s s (/(s + apareci% & re#(/ 1 e marca2a &a c e&!a a!r4s de !rei&!a se$ &d(s, Se !ra!a2a de &a !(ma de c(&!r(# p(r par!e de #a a&a#is!a0 #a si! aci%& dram4!ica 1 e se pr(d ce c a&d( #(s a&a#is!as decide& 1 e s s

pr(pias ' erzas )a& a s 'rir & a!a1 e a!%mic( e& e# 2"&Fer, T(d( s ceder7a a #a )ez + se res(#)er7a e& p#e&( ) e#(, Per( e# e1 ip( de a&4#isis &( i&dica2a !a# ame&aza, E# 2#a&c( de# #a&zamie&!( era #a UCSD, La pr(!ecci%& de ace#eraci%& se i&'#a2a a s a#reded(r, E# re#(/ es!a2a e& )ei&!ici&c( se$ &d(s, I&)(c% &a )is!a de #a a&a#is!a /e'e, HQA#iceR E3p#ica #a raz%& para e# #a&zamie&!(, L(s (/(s de A#ice es!a2a& a2ier!(s c(m( p#a!(s, HEs m + simp#e, A# pri&cipi( 5a sid( #e&!(0 per( a5(ra #as ideas se 5a& sa! rad(, Ys!e es!4 s 'rie&d( &a i&!e$raci%& a#arma&!e, L(s se&der(s &e r(m(d #ad(res Ga!== 5a& sid( s 2)er!id(s, La cascada de se:a#es !ie&e demasiad(s p &!(s de c(&!r(# para e# a&4#isis MC($0 per( #a re'ere&cia B & p &!er( a arIi)C dem es!ra #a pr($resi%&, HFr &ci% e# ce:( + de pr(&!( se p s( a $ri!arH, UN( #( c(mpre&desV QYs!e es!4 'a##a&d(R QL(s cam2i(s c(&'(rmaci(&a#es es!4& impidie&d( #a resp es!a adap!a!i)aR Ys!eE Diez se$ &d(s para e# #a&zamie&!(, Las c(&s!a&!es )i!a#es de A#ice G se sa#7a& de #as $r4'icas, Oc5( se$ &d(s para e# #a&zamie&!(, G(2 c(&!ra(rde&% e# #a&zamie&!( + re#e)% a #a a&a#is!a /e'e9 ALTO ALTO ALTO, La pr(!ecci%& de ace#eraci%& se re#a/% a s a#reded(r, Ape&as se di( c e&!a, A#ice 5a27a a$ac5ad( #a ca2eza per( se$ 7a 5a2#a&d(0 desesperada, La 2a2a #e ca7a s(2re #a 2# sa, Y 6# !amp(c( se di( c e&!a de es(, Asce&di% a #a se$ &da a# ma&d(0 &a esp7a de #a CIA 1 e esa &(c5e 5a27a es!ad( demasiad( pasi)a, Per(0 c#ar( es!40 U1 6 p(d7a 5a2er 5ec5( c a&d( &a es!re##a c(m( A#ice se desm(r(&a2aV La esp7a 5ac7a #( p(si2#e, HEs!arem(s preparad(s de&!r( de d(s mi& !(s0 se:(r, Mie&!ras !a&!(0 G(2 G 1 ed% ce$ad( + #a $ ardia &( ' e m4s 1 e & $r p( re# cie&!e de $e&!e c(&!emp#a&d( & mi##%& de ' e&!es de da!(s, U&a de esas ' e&!es era m6dica9 A#ice 5a2r7a s 'rid( & a!a1 e de ESR0 e# m4s )i(#e&!( + s"2i!( de s carrera, A pesar de !(da s desesperaci%& p(r c(m &icarse0 es!a2a a!rapada e& #a 2i(#($7a m(#ec #ar, La a&a#is!a de #a CIA )(#)i% a 5a2#ar, HSe:(r0 Ues!4 2ie&V HY(E es!(+ 2ie&, HG(2 c(&!emp#% #a represe&!aci%& de# a&4#isis, La esp7a 5a27a separad( #a (peraci%& de# res!( de $ ardias de# !erri!(ri( c(&!i&e&!a# de Es!ad(s U&id(s, G sca2a& respa#d(s, Gra&des 'ra$me&!(s de #a red de A#ice &( es!a2a& c(&ec!ad(s adec adame&!e0 per( #a esp7a #( i2a c(rri$ie&d(0 '(rza&d( c(&e3i(&es + p(si2#es c(rre#aci(&es, M iz4s es! )iese !(da)7a demasiad( ce&!rada e& #a UCSD, Parec7a creer 1 e #as "#!imas pa#a2ras de A#ice i&dica2a& &a acci%& e&emi$a e& #a &i)ersidad, Va#e0 desp 6s de !(d( #( s cedid( a1 e##a &(c5e0 5a2r7a 1 e i&)es!i$ar#(H, Es!(+ 2ie&, D ra&!e #as "#!imas d(ce sema&as0 C(&e/( 5a27a apre&did( & m(&!%&D 5a27a crecid(0 p(d7a decirse, Esa &(c5e0 !(d( 5a27a e&ca/ad(, E& #a s per'icie0 e#

dis! r2i( es!a2a e& s ap($e(E me/(r 1 e e# me/(r se3(0 de es( C(&e/( es!a2a se$ r(, %So! el brazo de realidad del crculo de opini+n scoochi, s) Tam2i6& se 5a27a ##e)ad( s(rpresas, E# ac(&!ecimie&!( 5a27a dad( )ida0 a# me&(s era #a primera )ez 1 e &(!a2a s prese&cia0 a &a cria! ra 1 e p(d7a ser s i$ a#, A#$ ie& m + crea!i)( c(&!r(#a2a a C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s(0 a#$ ie& 1 e esa &(c5e se di)er!7a !a&!( c(m( e# pr(pi( C(&e/(, As7 1 e !e&7a mi##(&es de & e)(s a'i#iad(s0 a#$ &(s !(d( #( capaces 1 e p(d7a ser & 5 ma&(, Y e&cima 5a27a e&c(&!rad( a & & e)( ami$ i!( especia#, S dis! r2i( era m c57sim( m4s e#e$a&!e 1 e #a (peraci%& !(&!a de espi(&a/e 1 e de27a pr(!e$er, Res #!a2a di)er!id( 1 e0 a pesar de #as 5(/as de za&a5(ria + !(das #as dem4s pis!as $e&er(sas ('recidas p(r C(&e/(0 A#'red + c(mpa:7a &( 5 2iese& c(mpre&did( e# (ri$e& de s s p(deres ( #( )as!(s 1 e era&, Per( a#$( #e dec7a a C(&e/( 1 e #( 1 e s ced7a e& e# s 2s e#( !am2i6& ser7a imp(r!a&!e a #a #ar$a, A#'red / $a2a a##4 a2a/( a s / e$( mis!eri(s(, A1 6# era e# m(me&!( 1 e C(&e/( 5a27a p#a&ead( para desc 2rir 1 6 pre!e&d7a A#'redE e5E + 1 iz4 sacar !a/ada, A1 6# era e# m(me&!(0 per( C(&e/( es!a2a des!errad(, >aldito Al2red. E# e&#ace de 'i2ra es!a2a / s!( de!r4s de #a mi#&e! de A#'red, A me&(s 1 e ##amase a# Depar!ame&!( de Se$ ridad I&!eri(r0 + des!r +era #a mara)i##(sa 2r(ma 1 e 5a27a p#a&i'icad( !a& c idad(same&!e0 C(&e/( !e&7a #as ma&(s a!adas, QOeR Per( Ua 1 6 5a2#a2a #a mi#&e! de A#'redV QP es a &(s c a&!(s mi#es de i&!e#i$e&!7sim(s a&a#is!as i&d(e r(pe(sR + &( se )(#)7a& !a& #is!(s (c #!4&d(se e& a$ /er(s $ 2er&ame&!a#es, Cada &( de e##(s !e&7a s pr(pia )ida crea!i)a, C(&e/( sa#!% de Gr se#as a Niza0 de M m2ai a T(Fi( +0 &a! ra#me&!e0 esc c5% s pr(pi( +( i&!eri(r, O2#i$ad( a re'#e3i(&ar acerca de e##(0 c(mpre&di% c%m( sar #(s !r c(s 1 e 5a27a emp#ead( c(&!ra #a se$ ridad america&a, C(&e/( m(di'ic% mi# a'i#iaci(&es + esc c5% m4s de & mi##%& de c(&)ersaci(&es 1 e &( !e&7a i&!e&ci%& de repasar c(&scie&!eme&!e, U&a "#!ima pieza de ma$ia EJS + voila9 QC(&e/( 5a27a e&!rad( e& #a mi#&e!R Desce&di% a !ra)6s de# aer(2(! i&)isi2#e de A#'red +E &a )ez m4s se e&c(&!ra2a e& e# $#(ri(s( ce&!r( de c(&!r(# de Vaz e& Pi#c5&er Ja##, C(&e/( ec5% & )is!az( a #as c(&s!a&!es )i!a#es de Or(zc(, Se$ 7a )i)(, E# )ie/( A#'red &( era & m(&s!r (0 e3cep!( c a&d( #( e3i$7a& #(s pri&cipi(s, UM 6 2 sca2aV 31uedo pillar una parte4 C(&e/( e&!r% de p &!i##as e& #as c(&e3i(&es de A#'red c(& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, N( 5a27a s(rpresas, A#'red Vaz es!a2a da&d( & 2 e& s( a #(s disp(si!i)(s 1 e #(s ami$ i!(s de C(&e/( 5a27a& p#a&!ad( e& #a z(&a Ge&Ge&0 e&)ia&d( m(&!(&es de da!(s a s s c(#e$as e& Oap%& + #a UE, C(&e/( (2ser)% e& si#e&ci(D &( 5aces pre$ &!as c a&d( i&!e&!as ser i&)isi2#e, Cap! r% e# ci'rad( e& 2r !( + mir% 1 i6& 5a2#a2a c(& 1 i6& de&!r( de# d(mi&i( Ge&Ge& de A#'red, A pesar de !(d(E &( !e&7a se&!id(, L(s da!(s e3p(r!ad(s &( se c(rresp(&d7a& c(& #(s da!(s #(ca#es (2ser)ad(s, + de pr(&!( e& #a me&!e de C(&e/( se e&ce&di% &a e&(rme 2(m2i##a, QA#'red &( 2 sca2a &adaR QSe es!a2a ase$ ra&d( 1 e s s ami$(s de #a A#ia&za &( )iese& #( 1 e +a 5a27a a##7R Al2red,

diablillo, ejecutando tu propio programa con e,uipo americano ! guardando el secreto al mundo. UY 1 6 p(d7a c(mpe&sar !a&!( secre!( + !a&!( e&c 2rimie&!( desesperad(V Desc 2rir#( '(rma2a par!e de# / e$( de #as adi)i&a&zasE per( C(&e/( era e# $ra& maes!r( de #as adi)i&a&zas0 me/(r 1 e c a#1 ier $r p( de a&a#is!as i&d(e r(pe(s0 me/(r i&c# s( 1 e A#ice G + !(d(s sus a&a#is!as, QU+R A#$( #e dec7a 1 e A#ice !e&7a m c5(s pr(2#emas, C(&e/( 5a27a sid( e# me&sa/er( 'ie# e& e# mis!eri(s( espi(&a/e de A#'red s(2re A#ice, Es( de27a de 5a2er sid( #a preparaci%& para #a ca7da de A#ice, Per( Uc%m( #( 5a27a 5ec5(V De pr(&!(0 e# m &d( s 2!err4&e( res #!a2a m4s i&!ri$a&!e 1 e & &ca, E# c(raz%& de# imperi( de i&)es!i$aci%& de A#'red es!a2a e& &a es1 i&a de #a z(&a de Gi(#($7a M(#ec #ar de #a C($&ici%&, L(s da!(s de !(d(s #(s dem4s # $ares i&'(rma2a& si&cerame&!e s(2re i&)es!i$aci(&es m4s 1 e i&(ce&!es, C(&e/( pres!% m4s a!e&ci%& a #as me&!iras 1 e s r$7a& de #a z(&a MC($, La 'rase ?m(de#( a&ima#@ se 'i#!r% p(r #(s 5 ec(s de# ci'rad(, >odelo animal, modelo animal, N(rma#me&!e se re'er7a a a&ima#es 1 e p(se7a& e# e1 i)a#e&!e de a#$ &a a'ecci%& 5 ma&aE 5a2i! a#me&!e &a e&'ermedad 1 e se pre!e&d7a c rar, P(r a#$ &a raz%&0 C(&e/( s(spec5a2a 1 e A#'red &( i&!e&!a2a c rar &ada, Y 5a27a & 2 e& m(&!%& de a&ima#es e& #a z(&a MC($, C#ar( es!a2a 1 e #a ma+(r7a era& i&sec!(s, Pi#(s de m(scas de #a 'r !a + 5as!a #a "#!ima de e##as e!i1 e!ada + s(&deada, C(&e/( se s mer$i% e& #as 2ases de da!(s #(ca#es, Da2a #a impresi%& de 1 e A#'red !ras!ea2a c(& TMC0 per( &( era '4ci# c(mpre&der#( de!a##adame&!e, C(&e/( &( siempre era r4pid(, Para #(s pr(2#emas di'7ci#es0 era c(m( #(s seres i&'eri(res9 !e&7a 1 e d(rmirse c(& #as pre$ &!as, L e$(0 p(r #a ma:a&a0 #a )ie/a i&! ici%& #e e&!re$a2a resp es!as as(m2r(sas, E& a1 e# cas(0 a# d7a si$ ie&!e ser7a demasiad( !arde, Ta# )ez a# ca2( de ci&c( mi& !(s +a ' ese demasiad( !arde, E# espec!4c #( de A#'red casi 5a27a c(&c# id( + c(& 6# aca2ar7a !am2i6& e# acces( a #(s &(d(s esp7aD dem(&i(s0 #(s cac5arr(s pr(2a2#eme&!e se a !(des!r +era&, C(&e/( )aci#% + pres!% a!e&ci%& a s +( i&!eri(r, Te&7a &a c(raz(&ada, L(s ser)ici(s de i&!e#i$e&cia m(der&(s e3is!7a& para e)i!ar e# !err(rism(, Per( A#'redE c(& #( 1 e p(d7a es!ar 'a2ric4&d(se a##7 ser7a capaz de ir ms all de# Gra& Terr(r + pe&e!rar e& !erri!(ri(s s p es!ame&!e )edad(s a# 5(m2re, As ,ue ,uiz debera limitarme a llamar al SY. I&c# s( si& A#ice G 0 p(dr7a& aca2ar c(& A#'red e& ci&c( mi& !(s, C(&e/( s(pes% #a p(si2i#idad c(& #a seriedad 1 e merec7aE &(s d(s se$ &d(s, Y # e$( &a e&(rme s(&risa cr z% s c(&cep!( de cara, C(&e/( es!a2a rep#e!( de ideas, + 5a27a &a 1 e #e a$ i/(&ea2a desde 1 e se 5a27a i&!r(d cid( e& #a mi#&e! de A#'red, %Adems de poseer un intelecto superior, ahora tengo la ventaja 2sica) A#'red es!a2a a##7 mism(0 c(& m + p(ca #a!e&cia0 c(& &a !asa de da!(s m + a#!a + m4s da!(s c(&cre!(s, Si& em2ar$(0 es!a2a a!rapad( e& s pe1 e:a 5a2i!aci%& + !(d(s s s r(2(!s me&(s &( se e&c(&!ra2a& e& #a s per'icie, Per( e# C(&ci#i42 #( de A&cia&(s se$ 7a e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, N( es!a2a& e& #a z(&a Ge&Ge&0 cier!(0 per( se$ 7a& es!a&d( a# 'i&a# de# e&#ace de

'i2ra, Y va!a, 3,u" es esto4 La pri&cesa &i&/a c5i&a $(rdi!a, De'i&i!i)ame&!e &( '(rma2a par!e de# p#a& (ri$i&a#0 per(0 2e&di!a ' era0 a##7 es!a2a, M 6 &i:a !a& e3!ra:a + mara)i##(sa, De ) e#!a a #a acci%&, Ya es!a2a prepara&d( p#a&es de c(&!i&$e&cia0 d(c me&!(s de c(&!i&$e&cia, Y si tengo mucho cuidadito ! vo! en completo silencio, podra deslizarme por la 2ibra ! contarles a 7obert, ?innie, *arlos ! 8ommie las historias convenientes. Y as tendr" mis propias manos 2sicas. Ta# )ez #( 1 e A#'red es!a2a p#a&ea&d( s perase e# Gra& Terr(r, 1ero ese mismo poder en mis manos- bueno, %podramos divertirnos como nunca)

-Z CMOHSOGREVIVIRHAHLOSHPRIIMOSHTEINTAHMINUTOS,PDF HQOS di/e 1 e mi p#a& dar7a res #!ad(R UN( (s #( di/eV HT(mmie ParFer es!a2a de pie0 5 &did( 5as!a #as r(di##as e& #(s res!(s de #a c(#ecci%& de #i2r(s de #a 2i2#i(!eca, E# !r(cead( se a#za2a de!r4s de 6# c(m( &ie)e s cia0 de c(p(s !a& $ra&des c(m( &a ma&(, Ja27a& e&c(&!rad( e# a#mac6& de Gi2#i(!(ma a# '(&d( de #a ca)er&a de Ma3 J er!as0 / s!( d(&de T(mmie 5a27a dic5( 1 e es!ar7a, Es!a2a a#mace&ad( e& 5i#eras de resis!e&!es c(&!e&ed(res de car$a e!i1 e!ad(s c(m( ?da!(s resca!ad(s@, L(s c(&!e&ed(res &( se 5a27a& resis!id( a# c(r!ad(r de T(mmie, Ja27a ##e&ad( e# s e#( c(& e# c(&!e&id( de ?AHGI@, G e&a par!e de #( 1 e 5a27a& sid( #(s es!a&!es de# 1 i&!( pis(, espedazado parece mucho menos0 pe&s% R(2er!, T(mmie 5iz( & $es!( 5acia #(s m(&!(&es de pape# ras$ad(, HUEs!4is #is!(s para ap#icar #a c(#aV Es( i&!err mpir4 #(s p#a&es de J er!as de ra7z, UY d%&de es!4 e# !es!i$(V Jace ra!( 1 e &( )e( a S5ari', HF e &( a &(0 e&!re$4&d(#es #a!as de p #)erizad(r, A# 'i&0 pareci% &(!ar e# si#e&ci( de s s c(#e$as, HE& rea#idad &( &ecesi!am(s a S5ari'0 U)erdadV Es decir0 !e&em(s & es!r(s pr(pi(s re$is!r(s, HLe)a&!% e# p(r!4!i#, R(2er! mir% a Car#(s + a Xi&s!(&, Xi&&ie ca2ece%, As7 1 e &i&$ &( sa27a &ada de# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(, HC#ar(0 T(mmie Hdi/( R(2er!H, Es( esE HEs( es!ar4 2ie&0 pr('es(r ParFer Hdi/( #a )(z de S5ari' desde e# p(r!4!i# de T(mmieH, M iz4s e# pr('es(r G 1 iera 5acer de c4mara, Sacar(& e# p(r!4!i# de# ca2es!ri##( + #a )(z pidi% a R(2er! 1 e se c(#(cara a & #ad(, La )(z era m + precisa s(2re ad%&de 1 er7a 1 e ap &!ara e# p(r!4!i#0 si$ ie&d( e# 2(rde de# !r(cead(0 pr4c!icame&!e a#i&ead( c(& s cami&( p(r e# pasi##( )ac7(, L e$( R(2e& )i( #e!ras m()i6&d(se e& si#e&ci( p(r s camp( de )isi%&, Era me&sa/er7a si#e&ci(saE + #as #e!ras era& )erdes, E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( HS R(2er!9 TmsSQJ(#a0 ami$( m7(RTWmsS HY(E E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( HS R(2e&9 TmsSQA50 a50 a5R Seam(s discre!(s, N( 1 erem(s 1 e A#'red sepa 1 e 5e )e&id( a a+ dar(s,TWmsS 3Al2red40 pe&s% R(2er!0 per( $ ard% si#e&ci(, Nadie m4s pareci% &(!ar #a ##e$ada de# e3!ra:(, T(mmie )(#)i% a #(s m(&!(&es de pape#0 #a&z4&d(#(s a# aire0 r(ci4&d(#(s c(& e# p #)erizad(r, HUL( es!4s $ra2a&d(0 R(2e&V

R(2er! mir% #a pa&!a##a, HS7, E& c a#1 ier (!r( m(me&!(0 e# e'ec!( de #a c(#a e& aer(s(# de T(mmie 5a2r7a sid( & espec!4c #( de primera, A)e&!% (!r( 2 e& m(&!%& de !r(cead( + p #)eriz% &a &e2#i&a de c(#a, A##7 d(&de c(i&cid7a& &e2#i&a + pape#0 #(s 'ra$me&!(s se &7a& e&!re s7 + ca7a&, La ma+(r7a de #(s 'ra$me&!(s &( ##e$a2a& a !(car e# s e#(0 si&( 1 e c(#$a2a& perma&e&!eme&!e e& e# aire, T(mmie ri( + emp /% #a masa &e2#i&(sa, L(s pape#es se m()ier(& de & #ad( a (!r(0 c(m( !r(ci!(s de 'r !a e& $e#a!i&a i&)isi2#e, T(mmie $ri!% de a#e$r7a, HPr(2ad, Per( &( (s r(ci6is #(s &(s a #(s (!r(s, HA)e&!% (!r( m(&!%& + (!r( m4s, A s a#reded(r crecier(& arc(s de pape# + &e2#i&a, R(2e& se #imi!% a 5acer de c4mara, E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( HS R(2e&9 TmsS Mira 5acia d(&de !e 5ace e&'(car A#'red #a c4mara, UVes #a # zV UM e s r$e de #a (sc ridadVTWmsS Ja27a &a pe1 e:a z(&a i# mi&ada, A#$ ie& 2a/a2a #(s esca#(&es 5acia #a ca)er&a J er!as, Era Miri, La c5ica c(rri% a !(da prisa0 $ri!a&d(9 HQR(2er!R QR(2er!R T(mmie + #(s dem4s se )(#)ier(& a mirar0 c(& #a 2(ca a2ier!a, Miri ##e$% 5as!a e# !r(cead(, Es!a2a si& a#ie&!(, Xi&s!(& #a mir% de arri2a a2a/( + # e$( mir% a R(2er!, HO!ra G 0 U&(V HMi &ie!a, HQCre7a 1 e 5a27am(s ac(rdad( 1 e ser7a & secre!(R HLa mirada de Xi&&ie era !a& e'ec!i)a c(m( & me&sa/e de a#!a !ec&(#($7a9 8 solito vas a arruinar la operaci+n. Per( T(mmie era e# m4s as(m2rad(, HUC%m( 5a p(did( 2 r#ar #a se$ ridadV De2er7a 5a2er p(#ic7as p(r !(das par!es, HN(0 &(, HMiri #($r( 5a2#ar e&!re res e##(sH, QJa+ 1 e llamar a #a p(#ic7aR E# p(r!4!i# !am2i6& !e&7a s (pi&i%&, HN( pres!6is a!e&ci%& a #a &i:a, Rec(rdad para 1 6 es!4is a1 7, R(2er! #e pas% e# p(r!4!i# a Xi&&ie + se acerc% a Miri, HUC%m( 5as dad( c(& &(s(!r(s0 cari:(V Miri se 5a27a a2razad( a s ci&! ra, HJem(s sid( O a& + +(0 +E HVaci#%0 #e mir% c(& #(s (/(s m + a2ier!(s, S ap#(m( 5a2i! a# 5a27a desaparecid(, L( mira2a a!err(rizadaH, A#$ ie& !e es!4 !i#iza&d(0 R(2er!, Cre( 1 e 1 iz4s0 Q1 iz4s 5a+a& ma!ad( a O a&R HN( es as7, Hdi/( e# p(r!4!i#H, E5E HLa )(z )aci#%, E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( HS R(2er!9 TmsS Oe, A#'red p s( $as O#)7da#( e& ) es!ras ca/as de# ci&! r%& + a5(ra se pre$ &!a p(r 1 6 se$ 7s e& pie,TWmsS

HCa2a##er(s Hdi/( #a )(zH0 #es ac(&se/( 1 e rec erde& p(r 1 6 es!4& realmente a1 7, T(mmie 5a27a sa#id( de #(s m(&!(&es de pape#, La #a!a #e c(#$a2a0 (#)idada0 e&!re #(s ded(s, Mir% a Car#(s0 Xi&s!(& + R(2er!, HS7, UM 6 se s p(&e 1 e de2em(s rec(rdarV UP(r 1 6 es!am(s realmente a1 7V Car#(s + Xi&&ie &( #e mira2a& a #(s (/(s, Car#(s m rm r% a#$( e& ma&dar7&, HJem(s 5ec5( #( 1 e cre7am(s c(rrec!( Hdi/( Xi&s!(&, S, cada uno tena su propia idea de lo ,ue era correcto, pero- 3Juan asesinado4 Mir% a T(mmie, HTe e&$a:am(s0 T(mmie, Ja+ a#$ ie& m4s de!r4s de !(d( es!(, T(mmie re$res% a# m(&!%&, Di( &a pa!ada si& $a&as a s (2ra maes!ra, HPer(E cre7a 5a2er rec perad( e# !a#e&!(, HSe 'i/% e& Miri + a!% ca2(s, J &di% #(s 5(m2r(sH, Va#e, Je sid( & )ie/( !(&!(, UM i6& me ma&e/a0 R(2er!V HN( #( s6, E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( HS R(2er!9 TmsS P(dr7a dec7r!e#(, M iz4 #( 5a$a a#$"& d7a,TWmsS Apare&!eme&!e0 Xi&&ie + Car#(s &( )e7a& #(s me&sa/es si#e&ci(s(s, Miri #e)a&!% #a 2ar2i##a, HJa+ 1 e c(&!ar#(, Y e# p(r!4!i# di/(9 HM()erse &( es se$ r(, M eda(s d(&de es!4is, E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( HS R(2er!9 TmsS La )erdad es 1 e +( 5ar7a #a misma rec(me&daci%&, Per( a5(ra mism( es!(+ m + e&'adad( c(& A#'red, Jaz #( 1 e 1 ieras0 ami$( m7(,TWmsS T(mmie ParFer mir% a# )ac7( de #a ca)er&a de J er!as, A$i!a2a #a #a!a de c(#a casi si& $a&as, HL(s disp(si!i)(s 1 e p#a&!am(s e& Ge&Ge&0 cre7a 1 e +( #(s 5a27a cread(, Y(0 e# $ra& $e&i(, P(dr7a& ser c a#1 ier c(saE G(m2as0 )e&e&(0 a#$"& !ip( de 5ard>are de c(&!r(#, Per( &(s e&c(&!ram(s e& e# e3!rem( &(r!e de# c(mp#e/(, HI&dic% #a pared 1 e se a#za2a e& #a (sc ridad0 m4s a##4 de #(s c(&!e&ed(res de !r(cead(H, Ysa da a S(rre&!( Va##e+, Ja+ &a a&!i$ a e&!rada, P(dr7am(s 5a2er#a sad(0 per( 2as4&d(me e& mis da!(s cre7 1 e ser7a m4s di'7ci# desac!i)ar #as a#armasE QYa &( me imp(r!a si pasar p(r e##a dispara !(das #as a#armasR HM eda(s d(&de es!4is Hdi/( e# p(r!4!i#H, QEs!4is r(dead(s p(r armas m(r!a#esR A#$( pe1 e:( + &e$r( sa#i% de #a (sc ridad, HVi &( e& Gi#ma& Dri)e, HMiri di( & pas( 5acia e# m%)i#, E# r(2(! se )(#)i% 5acia e##a, Emi!i% & c5as1 id( me!4#ic( 1 e se parec7a m c5( a# s(&id( de car$ar & arma, HMiriE HR(2er! #a a$arr% de# 2raz(0 per( T(mmie se acerca2a p(r e# (!r( #ad( + e# r(2(! se )(#)i% 5acia 6#, ParFer se de! )( a &(s d(s me!r(s, Ja27a rec perad( par!e de s pe! #a&cia,

HAp es!( a 1 e &( es m4s 1 e & r(2(! para !e&er s peri(ridad de red, Gra& par!e de s car$a s(& meca&ism(s de c(m &icaci(&es + a&!i&(d(s, E& s7 mism( &( )a#e &ada, HL(s 5a+a cie&!(s p(r a1 7 Hdi/( e# p(r!4!i#H, N( &(s (2#i$ 6is a ac! ar, Miri se s(#!% de R(2er!, HN( 5e )is!( &i&$ &( m4s Hdi/(0 acerc4&d(se a# r(2(!, E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( HS R(2er!9 TmsS S%#( 5a+ &(0 per(E TWmsS Y a c(&!i& aci%& pasar(& )arias c(sas sim #!4&eame&!e9 R(2er! pr(!e$i% c(& s c erp( a MiriD T(mmie a)a&z% c(& &a p(s! ra de espadac57& + si! % #a #a!a de c(#a a !rei&!a ce&!7me!r(s de# r(2(!D 6s!e di( & sa#!( c(m( &a ra!a a!rapadaD T(mmie $ri!% + ca+% de 2r ces, R(2er! c(rri% 5acia e# r(2(! + a!rap%E aire d r(, La esp ma e&d recida era ape&as )isi2#e0 per( re!e&7a a# r(2(! #e/(s de s a#ca&ce, La r(de%0 2 sca&d( a#$"& p &!( m4s cerca&( a# e&emi$(, QA57R G(#pe% e# caparaz%& c(&!ra e# s e#( de ceme&!(, O!ra )ez, N( 1 edar(& de 6# m4s 1 e pedaz(s0 !(da)7a e&ca/ad(s e& #a &e2#i&a, Se (7a& s(&id(s de m(!(res dimi& !(s0 # c5a&d( p(r #i2erarse, A c(&!i& aci%& ' er(& Miri + Car#(s #(s 1 e pis(!ear(& #(s res!(s, De #a &e2#i&a sa#!ar(& c5ispas + R(2er! si&!i% & 5(rmi$ e( 1 e #e eriz% e# )e##( de #(s 2raz(s, E# r(2(! &( !ard% e& ser (!ra c(sa 1 e piezas 1 e c(#$a2a& i&m%)i#es e& 2#(1 es de pe# sa i&)isi2#e, S%#( se (7a e# /ade( de T(mmie, Xi&&ie 5a27a c(#(cad( a# 5(m2reci!( de #ad(, E# r(s!r( de T(mmie es!a2a az #ad(0 c(&!ra7d( e& & ric! s de d(#(r, HUM 6 pasa0 T(mmieV ParFer ar1 e% #a espa#da, HE# ca2r%&E 5a 're7d(E mi marcapas(s, Car#(s es!a2a de r(di##as, T(c% a T(mmie e& e# 5(m2r(, H?men shs le ngZ j,Sr"n. Jem(s ma!ad( a# r(2(!0 d(c!(r ParFer, T(mmie $r :% e& resp es!a mie&!ras se$ 7a re!(rci6&d(se, HTe sacarem(s de a1 70 T(mmie Hdi/( G#( &!, Mir% a R(2er!H, Gas!a de / e$(s, E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( HS R(2er!9 TmsS O50 ma#di!a sea, ParFer era & aspira&!e m + i&!eresa&!e, Va#e0 (s a+ dar6 a sacar#e de a1 7, Y si me a+ das desp 6s0 !(da)7a p(dr6 c mp#ir c(& mi par!e de# ac erd(, UM 6 !e pareceVTWmsS R(2er! mir% m4s a##4 de #as #e!ras )erd(sas + asi&!i% e& direcci%& a Xi&s!(& G#( &!, HGas!a de / e$(s, T(mmie se$ 7a !e&did(, Ja2#% e&!re espasm(s de d(#(r, HLa !ar/e!a ##a)eE e& e# 2(#si##(, E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( HS R(2er!9 TmsS Oe, Mi !r c( de ma$ia0 esa a&!i$ a !ar/e!a ##a)e !(da)7a ' &ci(&a, Mi re$a#i!( s(rpresa para A#'red,TWmsS La )(z de# p(r!4!i# BUera A#'redVC $ arda2a si#e&ci(, Car#(s mir% e# p(r!4!i# c(#(cad( e& e# s e#( de ceme&!(, HDe2er7am(s r(mper#(, Es e# (/( de# e&emi$(, Miri se acerc% a# a&!i$ ( (rde&ad(r,

HCre( 1 e0 si !iram(s de #a 'i2ra0 #(s ma#(s se ir4&, H/S7E !iraR E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( HS R(2e&9 TmsS E50 & m(me&!i!(, QDe d%&de crees 1 e salgo !oR UM 6 m4s da si A#'red p ede se$ ir 'is$a&d(V Me &ecesi!4is, Si me c(r!4is e&!(&ces &( !e&dr6 m4s remedi( 1 eE TWmsS Miri $ir% e# p(r!4!i#, E3ami&% #(s c(&ec!(res '7sic(s 1 e #e res #!a2a& !a& desc(&(cid(s0 a$arr% &( c(& #a ma&(E E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( HS R(2er!9 TmsS Odi( a Miri,TWmsS E + desc(&ec!% #a 'i2ra %p!ica, Se s(&rier(& &(s a (!r(s c(m( idi(!as, T(mmie #($r% re7r d62i#me&!e, HN(s 5em(sE s(#!ad( de #a c(rrea, HL c5% &(s se$ &d(s p(r respirarH, Te&6is 1 e ##e)arme0 c5ic(sE L( sie&!(, OsE m(s!rar6 #a sa#ida, Xi&&ie mir% a T(mmie, HTe sacarem(s de a1 70 T(mmie, Te rec perar4s, HLe)a&!% a ParFer pas4&d(#e & 2raz( p(r de2a/( de #(s 5(m2r(s + # e$( i&!e&!% a$arrar#( p(r #as r(di##as, ParFer &( pesa2a m c5(0 per( G#( &! se !am2a#ea2a, R(2e& a)a&z%, HY( p ed( ##e)ar#e0 Xi&&ie, G#( &! #e mir% ' ri(s(0 + R(2er! cerr% e# pic(, A c(&!i& aci%& #as ma&(s de Xi&&ie 'a##ar(& + T(mmie es! )( a p &!( de caer a# s e#(, HQLe !e&$(0 #e !e&$(R Miri c(rri% a#reded(r de G#( &! + pas% #as ma&(s de2a/( de# 2raz( iz1 ierd( de T(mmie, Xi&&ie &( p s( (2/eci%&D 1 iz4 p(r1 e e##a &( 5a27a pre$ &!ad(, R(2er! a$arr% #as d(s pier&as + a)a&zar(& a #( #ar$( de #a pared, Car#(s #(s se$ 7a0 car$ad( c(& e# c(r!ad(r + e# res!( de# ma!eria# 1 e p(d7a ser#es "!i#, N( #(s se$ 7a &ada m4s0 &ada 1 e p diese& )er, La ca/i!a !(&!a 1 e R(2er! ##e)a2a e& #a ci&! ra s%#( m(s!ra2a des!e##(s de ma&!e&imie&!( e& #a ca)er&a )ac7a, La respiraci%& de T(mmie era & res e##( r(&c(, Se re!(rc7a cada p(c(s pas(s, HA &(s cie& me!r(s m4sE HSe es!remeci% + 1 ed% '#4cid(, HUT(mmieV HXi&s!(& )aci#%0 5acie&d( 1 e casi se de! )iese&, HSe$ idE se$ id, H+ a# ca2( de & m(me&!(H, As7 1 e & es!ra pr(!es!a p(r Gi2#i(!(ma eraE & 'ra de desde e# pri&cipi(0 Ue5V HN( #( s60 T(mmie, Y( sa27a 1 e era &a !(&!er7a0 per( parec7a 1 e )a#7a #a pe&a, HG#( &! mir% a R(2er!H, Pe&s6 1 e &(s c(&d cir7a a a#$( 1 e desea2a de )eras, HY( !am2i6& Hdi/( Car#(s c(& )(z apa$adaH, A# 'i&a#0 S5ari' a#$ ie& &(s a!rap% a !(d(s0 U&(V HA !(d(s me&(s a T(mmie, Miri esc c5a2a e& si#e&ci( #a c(&)ersaci%&0 per( !e&7a #(s (/(s m + a2ier!(s, G e&(0 se 5a27a $a&ad( e# derec5( a esc c5ar, R(2er! di/(9 HU M 6 !e pr(me!i% a !i0 Xi&s!(&V Xi&&ie e&se:% #(s die&!es,

HC(m( 1 e !e #( )(+ a decir a !i, HVaci#%0 + e# $r :id( se c(&)ir!i% e& &a s(&risa re!(rcidaH, Per( ap es!( a 1 6 s6 c 4# era ! !ra!( c(& e# dia2#(, HVie&d( 1 e R(2er! &( resp(&d7a0 G#( &! s(&ri% a"& m4s + si$ i% 5a2#a&d(H, I&!e&!a2as (c #!ar#(0 G , D ra&!e !(d(s #(s ra!(s 1 e pasas!e e& #a 2i2#i(!eca0 &i &a )ez 5icis!e &( de ! s !r c(s de a&!a:(, A# pri&cipi( pe&sa2a 1 e !e prepara2as para &a de ! s !rampas, C a&d( me e&!er6 de #( de S5ari'0 pe&s6 1 e 1 iz4 t #e c(&!r(#a2as a "l, HXi&&ie r7(H, Per( # e$( c(me&c6 a s(spec5ar #a )erdad, Jas perdid( ! i&s!i&!( s4dic(0 ! capacidad para )er e& e# i&!eri(r de #a $e&!e + desc 2rir #( 1 e p(dr7a d(#er#e m4s + # e$( 5acer#(, L( 5as perdid(0 U&( es cier!(0 R(2er!V R(2er! a$ac5% #a ca2eza, HS7, HLa )(z s(&% m + 2a/a0 si& ' ria0 casi c(m( & s spir(, HY ap es!( a 1 e !amp(c( p edes escri2ir p(es7a, HL( 1 e 1 ier( rec perar es #a p(es7a0 Xi&&ie, HO5, T(mmie se re!(rci% i&!e&!a&d( respirar, HCa##a(sE La p er!a &(r!e de2er7a es!ar aE !rei&!a me!r(s, Cami&ar(& e& si#e&ci(0 2 sca&d( desesperadame&!e a#$ &a se:a# e& #a pared des& da, Y p es!( 1 e R(2er! mira2a0 )i( a#$( m4s, N( era& #e!ras )erdes0 si&( e# ic(&( parpadea&!e 1 e i&dica2a 1 e !e&7a c(rre( pe&die&!e, U& "#!im( me&sa/e a&!es de 1 e Miri c(r!ase e# e&#ace de 'i2ra, Casi si& pe&sar0 m()i% #a ma&( 1 e s(s!e&7a #a pier&a de T(mmie + !ec#e% & ade#a&!e e& #a ca/a de #a ci&! ra, Fn pd2, por ios, N( )e7a &( desde s s d7as de pr('es(r, E# ^&dice '#(!% e& e# aire 're&!e a 6#, E# cr7!ic( 1 e ##e)a2a de&!r( &( p d( e)i!ar repasar#(, Es!a2a impeca2#eme&!e '(rma!ead(0 c(& &a (r!($ra'7a per'ec!a Ba# me&(s si se i$&(ra2a e# c(&!e3!(C, L(s p &!(s era& & 2a!i2 rri##( desi$ a# de ma#a $ram4!ica, Parec7a 1 e &a pa&da de paraa#'a2e!izad(s #( 5 2iese redac!ad( a !(da prisa, Per( #( 1 e dec7a eraE imp(r!a&!e,
Mie&!ras Es!am(s Desc(&ec!ad(s ( C%m( S(2re)i)ir + Pr(sperar d ra&!e #(s Pr%3im(s Trei&!a Mi& !(s De T Ami$(0 e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( Dedicad( aD L(s idi(!as 1 e c(r!ar(& e# e&#ace de 'i2ra, A5(ra A#'red &( (s p ede )er0 per( a m7 !am2i6& me 5a26is e3p #sad(, P(r !a&!(0 )a+a 5acer sa#!ar mi i&)isi2i#idad + e&)iar es!e 2(#( de 2i!s a&!es de 1 e Miri !ire de# c(&ec!(r,

Res me& [&( 5a+\ C(&!e&id( I&!r(d cci%&Ep4$i&a IV c C%m( emp#ear es!e d(c me&!( Cap7! #( <, Sa#)ar a T(mmie ParFerEp4$i&a < c La p er!a !rasera de J er!as c La !ar/e!a ##a)e 1 e &( de2er7a ' &ci(&ar0 per( Q' &ci(&aR Cap7! #( -, V es!r(s !e&e2r(s(s )es!i2#esEp4$i&a . c Rea#me&!e &( s(& made in 1aragua!0 des$raciadame&!e para )(s(!r(s c E# $as para (#)idarE a50 per( es( +a (s #( 5e c(&!ad( c E& 1 6 c(&'iar + e& 1 6 &( c(&'iar de es(s cac5arr(s Cap7! #( ., M 6 !rama A#'redE p4$i&a ] c P(r 1 60 en serio0 &( 1 er6is 1 e A#'red !e&$a 63i!( E# m(de#( a&ima#E ( e# d(mi&i( de# m &d( s r$e de #as pe1 e:as m(scas de #a 'r !a c P(r 1 6 ##amar a se$ ridad &( es #( s 'icie&!eme&!e r4pid( c Si &( me crees0 Qm 6s!ra#e e# arc5i)( a MiriR Cap7! #( L, M 6 p(d6is 5acer para a+ darEp4$i&a <. c Mapa de# !erri!(ri( J er!as c Mapa de #as ma!rices MC($ e& Ge&Ge&, A#'red c(&!r(#a ese !erri!(ri(0 e& #( 1 e a red se re'iereE per( +( !am2i6& es!(+ a##7 c C%m( re$resar a #as ma!rices MC($ c M 6 p(d6is 5acer para derr(!ar a A#'red c QSed mis ma&(s e& es!a # c5a $#(ri(saR Cap7! #( ], UM 6 $a&4is )(s(!r(sVEp4$i&a -< c Pr(mesas 5ec5as + pr(mesas c mp#idas c C(& ) es!ra a+ da0 !(da)7a p ed( c mp#ir Ap6&dice AEp4$i&a -. c G e& ma!eria# para impresi(&ar a# depar!ame&!( de Se$ ridad I&!eri(r + 1 e p(dr7a 'aci#i!ar(s #a )ida !ras ) es!r( arres!( Ap6&dice G p4$i&a <<= c P(r 1 6 Sc((c5HaHm( ! de2er7a ser se:(r + masc(!a de #a 2i2#i(!eca

R(2er! mir% de re(/( a Miri, Es!a2a c(&ce&!rada e& s(s!e&er e# 5(m2r( de T(mmie, E& a1 e# m(me&!( &( pe&sa2a e& &i&$ &( de s s i&!ereses idi(!as, 1ero necesitamos a esa idiota ms ,ue nunca. T(mmie 5iz( #( p(si2#e p(r c(&!ar #(s pas(s de Xi&&ie, Per( 5a27a dis!racci(&es, E& e# pec5( de T(mmie es!a2a& i&!erpre!a&d( & c(&cier!( de r(cF + cada )ariaci%& de# ri!m( #a&za2a ' e$( p(r s s 5(m2r(s + 2raz(s, N( era & )erdader( a!a1 e a# c(raz%&, Era simp#eme&!e e# marcapas(s0 1 e 5a27a ca7d( e& e# ca(s, E& #(s "#!im(s a:(s0 T(mmie &( 5a27a e&)idiad( demasiad( #(s 'a#s(s mi#a$r(s m6dic(s de #(s dem4s, UM 6 m4s da2a 1 e s sis!ema )asc #ar se es! )iese desm(r(&a&d(V E# marcapas(s #e ma&!e&dr7a e& marc5a 5as!a 1 e ##e$ase #a i&m(r!a#idad c#4sica de #a cie&cia 'icci%&, Per( e& a1 e# m(me&!( !e&7a & 2 e& pr(2#ema c(& s s p#a&es de )i)ir para siempre, %*uenta los pasos, cuenta los pasos) Ja27a i&s!a&!es e& #(s 1 e e# d(#(r remi!7a + s c(raz%& era &a marip(sa a$i!a&d( #as a#as e& s pec5(, D ra&!e &(s se$ &d(s se #e ac#ara2a& #as ideas + # e$( se desma+a2aE Se$ 7a& car$a&d( c(& 6#0 a &1 e e# pase( era & p(c( accide&!ad(, E# )ie/( R(2er! se m()7a c(m( si ! )iese as &!(s pe&die&!es c(& #a ca/a de s ci&! r%&, HVa#e, A#!( Hs s rr%, Ja2r7a 1 erid( $ri!ar0 per( &( #e 1 eda2a& ' erzas, Le (+er(&, + e&se$ ida es! )( !e&did( s(2re e# 'r7( + d r( ceme&!(, La )(z de Xi&s!(& #e ##e$% de arri2a, HGie&0 Ud%&de es!4 #a p er!aV QYa )e(R E# r id( de Xi&s!(& !ras!ea&d( c(& #a !ar/e!a ##a)e, A#$( $ra&de se apar!% + apareci% & m r( de # z !e& e0 1 iz4s e# cie#( &(c! r&(, Si&!i% #a 2risa 'r7a e& #a cara, E# s(&id( de #a a !(pis!a era c(m( #as (#as #e/a&as, HN( 5a+ a#armas Hdi/( Xi&s!(&, HM iz4E sea& si#e&ci(sas H#($r% decir, A1 e##a sa#ida 5a27a sid( e& e# p#a& (ri$i&a# &a )7a de escape de emer$e&cia, Xi&s!(& era &a s(m2ra rec(r!ada c(&!ra e# cie#(, Tec#ea2a, HQTe&$( a #a p(#ic7a0 T(mmieR HJa2#a2a c(& a#$ ie& a 1 ie& T(mmie &( (7a0 c(&!4&d(#e 1 e & 5(m2re 5a27a !e&id( & a!a1 e a# c(raz%&, HQEs!4& de cami&(0 T(mmieR M iere& ! s re$is!r(s m6dic(s, E# c(&cier!( de r(cF 5a27a empezad( &a & e)a ca&ci%& e& s pec5(, HAp es!( a 1 eE e# re$is!r( m6dic(E es!4 'ri!(, HSe es'(rz% para ap(+arse e& #(s c(d(s, Ja27a c(sas m4s imp(r!a&!esH, QC 6&!a#es #( de# #a2(ra!(ri(0 Xi&R HSe #( 5e c(&!ad(, Y( misma 5e ##amad( a #a p(#ic7a, HEra #a &ie!a de R(2er!, Te&7a #(s pies / &!( a s ca2eza, Se a#e/%0 se c(&)ir!i% e& &a se$ &da s(m2ra0 / &!( a Xi&s!(&, Se )(#)i% de & #ad( a (!r(0 c(m( 5ace& #(s c5ic(s c a&d( / e$a& c(& s s )es!i2#esH, Es!( &( me $ s!a Hdi/( a# ca2( de & m(me&!(, HYa 5as (7d( a #a p(#ic7a de a !(pis!as0 &i:a, HLa )(z de Xi&s!(& era !e&sa0 c(m( si es! )iese pr(' &dame&!e pre(c pad(H E&)7a& & c(c5e, N( !e&em(s m4s 1 e esperar &(s m(me&!(s,

E# marcapas(s de T(mmie se diri$7a a# si$ ie&!e crescendo, Va#e0 &(s se$ &d(s m4s + e# d(#(r remi!ir7aE ( se #e parar7a e# c(raz%&, O7a i&!ermi!e&!eme&!e #as pa#a2ras de #a &i:a, HE es &a emer$e&cia, De2er7a& ##e)4rse#( p(r aire, Y #a red ' &ci(&a ma#, N p ed( ##e$ar 5as!a misE ami$(s0 &i si1 iera c(& me&sa/er7a si#e&ci(sa, Cre( 1 e a#$ ie& se 5a 5ec5( c(& e# c(&!r(# de #(s &(d(s #(ca#es +E T(mmie se ec5% de #ad( + e# d(#(r #e impidi% esc c5ar e# res!( de #a 'rase, A#$ ie& #e s(s!e&7a p(r #(s 5(m2r(s, UCar#(sV HT(d( ir4 2ie&0 pr('es(r ParFer, HLa )(z se apar!% de 6#H, Y( !am2i6& !e&$( pr(2#emas de acces(, Per( #(s me&sa/es de err(r !ie&e& se&!id(, Cre( 1 e e# dis! r2i( de #a 2i2#i(!eca es!4 c(&s mie&d( demasiad(s rec rs(s, La &i:a #e pre$ &!% c(& desd6&9 HUTa&!(s 1 e &i si1 iera p ed( e&)iar & me&sa/e si#e&ci(s(V HUM 6 !a# & e&#ace #4ser direc!( a #a a !(pis!aV HYse era R(2er!, La s(m2ra de #a &i:a repi!i% e# e3!ra:( 2ai#e, HN( #a a#ca&z( 2ie& desde a1 7, HG ard% si#e&ci( & m(me&!(H, Es!am(s 5acie&d( #( 1 e #(s ma#(s 1 iere&, T(mad, Mirad es!e pd', Xi&s!(& i&sis!i%9 HQVe&dr4 un c(c5eR Si &( aparece de&!r( de ci&c( mi& !(s0 &(s(!r(sE &(s(!r(s ##e)arem(s a T(mmie c(#i&a a2a/(, E# c(raz%& de T(mmie se 5a27a de!e&id(, N(0 )(#)7a a es!ar e& m(d( marip(sa, Te&dr7a &(s se$ &d(s de c#aridad, Pr(2a2#eme&!e #a &i:a ! )iese raz%&0 per( de &i&$ &a '(rma #($rar7a 2a/ar esa c(#i&a, L(s (!r(s de27a& irse0 )er si p(d7a& a#e/arse #( s 'icie&!e para disparar a#$ &a a#arma de )erdad, O 1 iz4 de2iera& )(#)er a #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s + s(rpre&der a# e&emi$(, E& e# i&!eri(r de s c erp( se e#e)a2a #a (sc ridad, Pr(&!( +a &( ser7a pr(2#ema s +(, Y s s ami$(s era& demasiad( es!"pid(s para a2a&d(&ar#e a##7, M iz4 p diese #i2erar a a#$ &(s de e##(s, %Escuchadme) Per( #a )(z de T(mmie ape&as s per% e# s spir(, HC5ic(sE !e&er&(s 1 e separar&(s, HY #a (sc ridad #e a&e$%,

-= EL ATAMUE

DE REVOCACIN

Ii Iia&$ mir% #as c(#i&as (sc ras, HMe sie&!( m + i&"!i#0 Le&a, HU8 !e sie&!es i&"!i#V HLe&a G se re2 ##% irri!ada e& #a si##a de r edas, E# p#a& c(&sis!7a e& ser #a prese&cia m%)i# e& c a#1 ier # $ar d(&de p diera aparecer R(2er!, Esa &(c5e es!ar7a& sobre el terreno + &adie p(dr7a imped7rse#(, Per( #a acci%& es!a2a e& (!ra par!e, Ni si1 iera e# !ra&sp(r!e c((pera2a0 p(r1 e (2edec7a #as ?re$#as de si! aci(&es especia#es@ e& !(das #as z(&as cerca&as a #a UCSD, E# c(c5e se m()7a !a& despaci( c(m( p(d7a& 5acer#( ir0 per( 'a#!a2a& s%#( !rei&!a se$ &d(s para 1 e a#ca&zara e# e3!rem( s r de a1 e# a&!i$ ( pedaz( de as'a#!(0 m(me&!( e& e# 1 e0 p(r m c5( 1 e pr(!es!ase&0 $irar7a a #a iz1 ierda e& e# cr ce e& T a#e/4&d(se de #a c(#i&a para ##e)ar#as de ) e#!a a #a a !(pis!a, L e$(0 si e##as #( desea2a&0 ir7a a# &(r!e 5acia #a a !(pis!a Ted Xi##iams0 $irar7a + )(#)er7a de & e)( a# mism( p &!(, Ii mir% #as #aderas (sc ras, Y &( )i( &ada, HTa&!( c(m( 5e prac!icad( + &( c(&si$( 1 e #as #e&!i##as ' &ci(&e& 2ie&, Le&a di/(9 HLa )erdad es 1 e &( 5a+ m c5( 1 e )er, Esas #aderas de2e& de ser e# !erre&( p"2#ic( me&(s i&!e#i$e&!e cerca&( a# camp s, Ja27a a#$ &as # ces de )erdad, Per'i#a2a& #as c(#i&as e i# mi&a2a& #as & 2es 2a/asD !(da)7a rei&a2a #a #(c ra a#reded(r de #a 2i2#i(!eca, U&(s mi& !(s a&!es0 Le&a 5a27a $ iad( a Ii p(r a#$ &as de #as )is!as, Ce#e2raci%& ( dis! r2i(0 ' ese #( 1 e ' ese0 #as es!ad7s!icas de red era& impresi(&a&!es, Ii +a &( p(d7a )er &ada, 9ale, admito la derrota, Me!i% #a ma&( e& #a m(c5i#a 1 e !e&7a / &!( a #(s pies, C(&!e&7a s s pr(+ec!(s de !a##er, Se 5a27a dic5( 1 e esa &(c5e p(dr7a& ser#e de !i#idad, L( cier!( era 1 e &( ima$i&a2a de 1 6 m(d(0 per( es(s cac5arr(s era& #a pr e2a de 1 e Ii Iia&$ !(da)7a p(d7a crear, E& #a m(c5i#a 5a27a a#$( "!i#0 a &1 e &( ' ese &( de s s cac5arr(s, Sac% #a p4$i&a )is(r + dis'r !% de #a apara!(sa c(m(didad de #a i&!er'az a&!i$ a, Rec rrir a e##a era c(m( 5a2er perdid( e# 'a)(r de #(s di(sesE per( e& a1 e# m(me&!( es!a2a demasiad( &er)i(sa para sar Epi'a&7a, De pr(&!( Le&a di/(9 HQTe&er&(s m4s a di( de O a&R La )(z de# c5ic( era casi & s s rr(, HSe$ im(s e& Pi#c5&er Ja##, Es!am(s espera&d( a 1 e e# a2 e#( de Miri ) e#)a de# s%!a&(,

La )(z de Miri ##e$% #e/a&a a# micr%'(&(, HN( 5ace& nada, HD6/ame 5a2#ar c(& Miri Hdi/( Le&a, Ii pres!% a!e&ci%& & m(me&!(, N( p(d7a reci2ir )7de( + #a Epi'a&7a de Miri 5a27a s 'rid( & err(r .;.;, BIi #( 5a27a c(&s #!ad(D e# ?.;.;@ era & c%di$( $e&6ric( para & p &!( m er!( de# sis!ema pr(d cid( p(r & c(&'#ic!( de #ice&cias,C As7 1 e de m(me&!( s%#( reci27a& me&sa/es de )(z m + 2re)es de O a&, HTe&$( 1 e irme Hs s rr% O a&0 + #a sesi%& !ermi&%, Le&a $ ard% si#e&ci(0 #imi!4&d(se a mirar e# +a 'ami#iar paisa/e (sc r( 1 e pasa2a, HM ier( )er a #(s c5ic(s, Les 5ace 'a#!a & 2 e& i&!err($a!(ri(E UJa+ a#$ &a pr(2a2i#idad de 1 e e# e&#ace ' ese 'a#s(V HO a& es & c5ic( c idad(s(, Ser7a casi imp(si2#e 'a#si'icar s cer!i'icad( de Epi'a&7aE Le&a se ac#ar% #a $ar$a&!a, HMe parece 1 e era& s s )(ces0 per( 5a2#a2a& e& s s rr(s + &( dec7a& m c5( apar!e de 1 e !(d( es a2 rridame&!e se$ r(, Era rar( 1 e si #(s &i:(s &ecesi!a2a& pasar desaperci2id(s + sar &a !asa de !ra&s'ere&cia 2a/a &( !i#izara& #a me&sa/er7a si#e&ci(sa, A #( me/(r a#$ ie& cre7a 1 e p(d7a e&$a:ar a & par de a&cia&as, M4s !(da)7a0 teniendo el vestible de Juan, %!o podra 2alsi2icar sesiones como "sta)0 pe&s% Ii , Mir% a Le&a, HM iz4 de2er7as ##amar a #(s mari&es, HSe re'er7a a G(2 +a A#ice, HS70 per(0 si se !ra!a de & pe1 e:( c(&!ra!iemp(0 e##(s &( p ede& 5acer m4s 1 e !" ( 1 e +(, Y si se !ra!a de &a )erdadera emer$e&ciaE 2 e&(0 p(dr7a& )erse (2#i$ad(s a 5acer a#$( !erri2#e, HLe&a !arare% &er)i(sa a#$ &as &(!as de &a me#(d7aH, Y Miri 5a dic5( 1 e !(d( i2a 2ie&, Verdaderame&!e 2ie&, HM iz4 de2er7am(s ##amar a #a p(#ic7a, HQOaR J(+ e& d7a &( 5ace 'a#!a ##amar a #a p(#ic7aD #a p(#ic7a !e cae e&cima, HLe&a mira2a #as #aderas c(& #(s ded(s !em2#(r(s(s s(2re #(s #a2i(s, D ra&!e #(s "#!im(s meses0 Le&a G 5a27a sid( &a ' e&!e c(&s!a&!e de se$ ridad, 3Y si las dos nos acobardamos4, pe&s% Ii , Es( s7 1 e era &a idea a!errad(ra, I&!e&!% pe&sar e& a#$( c(&! &de&!e 1 e decir, HT e3 ##e)a ?si& 5acer &ada@ casi media 5(ra, UN( !e parece 1 e es demasiad( !iemp(V Le&a a$ac5% #a ca2eza + 5a2#% e& )(z m + 2a/a0 casi c(m( para s7 misma, HO50 R(2er!, Es!4s !rama&d( a#$( !reme&dame&!e es!"pid(0 U&( es as7V HMir% 5acia #a (sc ridadH, Vam(s a dar#e ci&c( mi& !(s m4s a Miri, L e$( ##amarem(s a# ser)ici( de emer$e&cia, HVa#e, Rec(rrier(& e# )a##e0 !a& despaci( 1 e p(d7a& 2a/ar #as )e&!a&i##as, Pe&e!r% e# (#(r resi&(s( de #a $a+ 2a, A #a iz1 ierda !e&7a& #a A !(pis!a ] direcci%& s r0 & !(rre&!e (sc r( de )e57c #(s r4pid(s0 2(rdead( p(r e# resp#a&d(r de #(s

carri#es ma& a#es, A #a derec5a !e&7a& c(#i&as (sc ras0 e& c +as c m2res parpadea2a #a # z )i(#e!a, Iia&$ i&)(c% &a )is!a #(ca# de red0 mira&d( a#!er&a!i)ame&!e #a )is!a + e# m &d( rea#, E# pe1 e:( a !(m%)i# )(#)7a a ace#erar, U&a a$rada2#e )(z masc #i&a #es 5a2#%, HEs!a z(&a de a !(pis!a ' &ci(&a ma#, P ede& re$resar a par!ir de #as diez de ma:a&a, HUM 6V QA5(ra &i si1 iera p(der&(s )(#)er e& c7rc #(R Tie&e 1 e 5a2er a#$ &a '(rma de a& #ar es!(0 Ii , Iia&$ &e$% c(& #a ca2eza, Ysa ser7a #a "#!ima )ez 1 e pasar7a& p(r a##7 esa &(c5e, Ii 5a27a a+ dad( a dise:ar #a capa de se$ ridad de 5ard>are, Res(#)7a m c5(s pr(2#emas, C(&)er!7a I&!er&e! e& & sis!ema se$ r( + pr(d c!i)(, Y e##a se 5a27a c(&)er!id( e& s )7c!imaE Pe&s% & e)ame&!e e& #a 2(#sa de !r c(s c(#(cada e&!re s s pies, Ja27a i&)er!id( !(d( e# semes!re e& c(&s!r ir a1 e##(s disp(si!i)(s0 s s s e:(s mec4&ic(s, M iz4E HQIi R QTr4'ic(R HLe&a se:a#a2a #a #adera, Ii se i&c#i&% + mir% p(r e# #ad( de Le&a, Vi( d(s ra+(s de # z 1 e se apar!a2a& de e##as, HParece & c(c5e e& m(d( ma& a#, HM iz4s es! )iese e& a !(m4!ic(0 per( s(2re &a carre!era si& me/(rar, HDe2e de es!ar e& &a )7a de ser)ici(, HLe&a 5iz( &a pa sa +e& #a p4$i&a )is(r de Ii apareci% & mapa c(& #a carre!era a #a 1 e &( 5a27a& p(did( ir0 #a 1 e ##e)a2a a #a )ie/a e&!rada !rasera de J er!as, Las # ces )(#)ier(& 5acia e##as para desaparecer !ras & sa#ie&!e, E& #a p4$i&a )is(r de Ii &i si1 iera sa#7a & marcad(r de &a)e$aci%& para e# (!r( )e57c #(, HUM 6 pre!e&de&V Hdi/( Le&a, S c(c5e +a casi 5a27a ##e$ad( a# cr ce, HQC(c5eR He3c#am% Le&aH, Gira a #a derec5a, HL( sie&!(, Esa carre!era &( e3is!e, E# "&ic( $ir( #e$a# es a #a iz1 ierda, HQGira a #a derec5aR QGira a #a derec5aR HL( sie&!(, Las ##e)ar6 a# !r4'ic( se$ r( e& me&(s de ci&c( mi& !(s, P(r 'a)(r0 Up ede& darme & des!i&( 'i&a#V HIi ap(s!% a 1 e #a empresa 5a27a decidid( p(r #%$ica 1 e se !ra!a2a de & c#ie&!e 2(rrac5(, Si &( se #es (c rr7a &ada raz(&a2#e0 e# )e57c #( #as ##e)ar7a de ) e#!a a A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris, Le&a !(m% a#ie&!(, HEs!am(s !a& cercaE Esper(, Te&$( &a resp es!a a# pi&$( Es de# !ra/e de T5(mas ParFer, QEs!4& a57R HL e$( di/(0 e& )(z m c5( m4s a#!aH9 E50 c(c5e0 1 ier( 5a2#ar c(& ! s per)is(rE Q+ me re'ier( a & ser 5 ma&(R HP(r s p es!(0 espere )ei&!e se$ &d(s0 p(r 'a)(r, HA# ca2( de )ei&!e se$ &d(s +a 5a2r7a& pasad( e# cr ce, Le&a G pareci% 5 &dirse e& #a si##a de r edas, S s (/(s i2a& a#!er&a!i)ame&!e de #as #aderas a# cr ce 1 e se apr(3ima2a, HDe2em(s de!e&er#(s0 Ii , Ap es!( a 1 e p(dr7a& decir&(s 1 6 es!4 pasa&d(,

HUTe desc 2rir4sV UDe/ar4s 1 e YaHSa2esHM i6& !e )eaV HMe 1 edar6 e& se$ &d( p#a&(, Per( #a pre$ &!a era re!%rica, E# cr ce es!a2a a ci&c e&!a me!r(s, E& &(s se$ &d(s $irar7a& a #a iz1 ierda + e# c(c5e se #as ##e)ar7a #e/(s i$&(mi&i(same&!e, OE 1 iz4 &(, Ii #e)a&!% #a m(c5i#a para c(#(car#a e& e# asie&!(0 a s #ad(, T(m% e# ! 2( c r)( + #a #a!a de c(p(s de diama&!eD 5a27a me/(rad( !a&!( s primer pr(+ec!( de !a##er 1 e +a &( se parec7a &ada a #a 2a&de/a de !ra&sp(r!e (ri$i&a#, E# & e)( m(de#( es!a2a dise:ad( e3p#7ci!ame&!e para #a des!r cci%&D a )eces &a !e&7a 1 e ##amar #a a!e&ci%& de #as m41 i&as, Se arr(di##% e& e# asie&!( e&carad( 5acia #a par!e p(s!eri(r de# )e57c #( + ap(+% e# e3!rem( de# c(r!ad(r e& e# sa#picader(, Gracias a# e/emp#( de R(2er! G 0 se 5ac7a &a idea 2as!a&!e acer!ada de 1 6 ca27a esperar, HLe&a0 Qa$4c5a!eR Le&a mir% e# ! 2( 1 e Ii !e&7a e& #as ma&(s, HQS7R HSe re7a mie&!ras i&!e&!a2a ap#as!arse para 1 i!arse de e& medi(, Ii #e di( a# 2(!%& BQ & 2(!%& '7sic( de )erdadRC + & r $id( a!ra)es% #a ca2i&a, S 2a&de/a de !ra&sp(r!e0 a5(ra & e3ce#e&!e ace#erad(r0 #a&z% !res mi# m(!as de diama&!e p(r se$ &d( c(&!ra e# sa#picader(, E# re!r(ces( &( era m4s 1 e & #i$er( emp /%& c(&!i& (, Era '4ci# ma&!e&er #a p &!er7a, A#$ &(s diama&!es re2(!ar(& + se c#a)ar(& e& e# !ec5(0 per( #a ma+(r7a pe&e!rar(& direc!ame&!e e& e# sa#picader(, M()i% e# e3!rem( de# ! 2( + e# a$ /er( se e&sa&c5%, Ya des!r 7a #(s e#eme&!(s i&!er&(s, E# c(c5e 're&% p(c( a p(c( 5as!a de!e&erse0 aparca&d( casi e& e# cr ce, HFa##( de sis!ema Hdi/(H, Ac!i)ad( sis!ema de emer$e&cia, P(r 'a)(r0 sa#$a& de# )e57c #( + espere& #a a+ da de emer$e&cia, T(das #as p er!as se a2rier(&, HQOaR Hdi/( Le&aH, Te&7a #a espera&za de 1 e c5(c4sem(s + ! )i6sem(s 1 e c(r!ar #as p er!as, HPer( +a sa#7a de# c(c5e, Ii se 5a27a 1 edad( si& 5a2#a, 3 e verdad lo he hecho !o4 35a timidita W. Wiang4 Le&a emp /% #a si##a para p(&erse de#a&!e de# c(c5e, HTe&em(s 1 e s 2irHdi/(, Para A#'red Vaz0 )arias &(!icias era& 2 e&as, Ja27a !ermi&ad( #a i&)es!i$aci%& 'a#sa de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s Ge&Ge& + s mi&is!rad( a #(s i&!e#i$e&!es a&a#is!as de G*&2erF pr e2as 1 e c(& e# !iemp( #(s des)iar7a& m c5(, Y al 2in A#ice G se 5a27a desm(r(&ad(0 m + !arde0 per( de & m(d( m4s espec!ac #ar de #( 1 e A#'red 5a27a esperad(D #a $e&!e de PeiF( a'irma2a 1 e #a )i$i#a&cia de# DSI es!a2a ce$ada0 e& & ca(s, Dic5( ca(s era & $(#pe de s er!e i&esperad( para e##a + G*&2erF, Para A#'red0 si$&i'ica2a e# !ri &'( c(mp#e!(, U&(s mi& !(s m4s + s pr($rama pri)ad( de i&)es!i$aci%& es!ar7a a sa#)( &( s%#( de G*&2erF + PeiF(0 si&( !am2i6& de #a i&e)i!a2#e i&)es!i$aci%& &(r!eamerica&a, Y e&!(&ces #as c(sas se !(rcier(&,

Miri G 5a27a e&c(&!rad( a #(s !(&!(s, Y# 5a27a perdid( a s "&ic( r(2(! e& e# #a2(ra!(ri( + !am2i6& #a c(&e3i%& de 'i2ra c(& #(s !(&!(s, Y a5(raE Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS E# se:(r C(&e/( 5a e&!rad( e& & es!ra mi#&e!,TWmsS Era &a a'irmaci%& 'a&!4s!icaE + cier!a, D ra&!e #(s "#!im(s diez mi& !(s se 5a27a& pr(d cid( pe1 e:(s 'a##(s de c(m &icaci%&0 rei&!e&!(s de e&)iar pa1 e!es de2id( a err(res 1 e se s ced7a& & p(c( demasiad( a me& d(, Las es!ad7s!icas es!a2a& m + p(r de2a/( de# &i)e# para desper!ar s(spec5as c a&d(0 e& & $es!( $ra&di#(c e&!e de !7pica me$a#(ma&7a0 C(&e/( 5a27a e&)iad( & / m2($rama de d(s me$a2+!es direc!ame&!e p(r #a mi#&e! a# e3!rem( de #a 'i2ra, Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS O s!( a&!es de 1 e c(r!ase& #a 'i2ra p(r #( )is!( #(s !(&!(s #(ca#es pre!e&d7a& escapar, UC 4&!( !iemp( &(s 1 edaVTWmsS Aparecier(& ci'ras es!imadas para ?Tiemp( para 1 e #(s !(&!(s p eda& ##amar a #a p(#ic7a@ + ?Tiemp( para 1 e resp(&da e# DSI@, Per( #a $e&!e de PeiF( ! )( &a idea, Mi!s riHS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS P(r a5(ra0 e# DSI es!4 (c pad( c(& (!ra c(sa, P ed( ser !(d( #( 2 rda 1 e 1 iera, P ed( e&$a:ar a #(s !(&!(s para 1 e crea& 1 e !o so! #a p(#ic7a #(ca#,TWmsS Seme/a&!e mascarada imp#icar7a sec es!rar &a 2 e&a par!e de #a red #(ca#, Te&ie&d( e& c e&!a #a &a! ra#eza a#!ame&!e re$ #ada de #as redes de# m &d( m(der&(0 esa acci%& era !a& s !i# c(r&( & asa#!( de i&'a&!er7a, E# DSI es!a2a rea#me&!e s mid( e& e# ca(s, D ra&!e )ari(s mi& !(s &( 5 2( !r4'ic( admi&is!ra!i)(, A#'red era c(&scie&!e de 1 e PeiF( se 5ac7a pasar p(r #a pa!r ##a de a !(pis!as de Ca#i'(r&ia, Y# pres!a2a a!e&ci%& a )arias !areas 1 e &( se 5a27a a!re)id( a e/ec !ar mie&!ras A#ice G(&$ es! )iese p(r a##7, L(s a&a#is!as de G*&2erF )a#(ra2a& 5as!a d%&de ##e$a2a e# e&!r(me!imie&!( de C(&e/(, S s c(&c# si(&es )e&7a& marcadas c(& & )erde !ra&1 i#izad(r, Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS UM 6 es!ar7a 5acie&d( C(&e/(VTWmsS Ja27a '(rmas m4s '4ci#es de sa2(!ear #a (peraci%&, P(r #( 1 e p(d7a& de!ermi&ar #(s a&a#is!as de red0 C(&e/( 5a27a #($rad( p(c( m4s 1 e sac dir e# p(m( me!a'%ric( de s mi#&e!, L(s psic%#($(s !e&7a& &a e3p#icaci%&9 C(&e/( era 'am(s( p(r s e$( i&'a&!i#, Simp#eme&!e &( p(d7a de/ar pasar #a (p(r! &idad de dem(s!rar de #( 1 e era capazE de a57 e# / m2($rama, A#$( as7 &( se p(d7a c(&siderar rea#me&!e c(m( & ac!( de !raici%&, Desp 6s de !(d(0 C(&e/( se$ 7a 5acie&d( &a ma$&7'ica #a2(r c(& e# dis! r2i( de #a 2i2#i(!eca, A#$ &(s a&a#is!as pr(p(&7a& !e(r7as m4s para&(icas, La 'a)(ri!a era 1 e C(&e/( era C5i&aD de ser cier!( esa &(c5e ser7a #a per'ec!a c(media de #(s Pe+s!(&e P(ps0 c(& !(das #as Gra&des P(!e&cias persi$ i6&d(se m ! ame&!e, Per( !am2i6& 5ac7a& e# c 2raci(&es de pesadi##a9 1 iz4 C(&e/( 5 2iese e&$a:ad( a #(s a&a#is!as de red + a #(s me&(s para&(ic(s, Desp 6s de !(d(0 e# / m2($rama se 5a27a e&)iad( / s!( a&!es de 1 e se i&!err mpiese e# e&#ace de

'i2ra, M iz4 C(&e/( ' ese & Gra& Terr(ris!a 1 e 5a27a ma&ip #ad( a #a A#ia&za para 1 e ' era& s s !(&!(s e i&!r(d cid( a #(s s +(s e& e# #a2(ra!(ri( para c(&)er!ir r4pidame&!e e# es!a2#ecimie&!( e& &a '42rica de m er!e, Y 1 eda2a e# #a&zad(r UPWE3press e& #a z(&a de Ge&Ge&0 1 e a !(d(s #(s e'ec!(s era & sis!ema para #a&zar c a#1 ier arma, A#'red s spir%, A #a #ar$a0 !em7a a C(&e/( !a&!( c(r&( #e !em7a& #(s para&(ic(s m4s e3!rem(s0 per( esa &(c5eE G e&(0 si pres!a2a& demasiada a!e&ci%& )er7a& #a (peraci%& de A#'red acec5a&d( e& #a s(m2ra, Era me/(r ca#mar #as c(sas, Vaz HS Gra &0 Mi!s ri9 TmsS Es!(+ c(& #(s )erdes, S70 C(&e/( 5a s perad( & es!ras es!imaci(&es m4s pesimis!as, Ja e&!rad( e& #a mi#&e! de #a (peraci%&0 per( !e&em(s #7mi!es es!ric!(s e& e# a&c5( de 2a&da + mi $e&!e !(da)7a c(&!r(#a #(s cam2i(s, N( !e&6is m4s 1 e mirar #as c(mpr(2aci(&es de c(&sis!e&cia, Apar!e de &( !e&er !r(pas '7sicas s(2re e# !erre&(0 &(s(!r(s controlamos #a z(&a MC($,TWmsS Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS Tam2i6& !e&em(s & 2 e& c(&!r(# de #a (peraci%& e& #a s per'icie, N( 5a+ &i ras!r( de &ada rar( p(r par!e de C(&e/(, L( imp(r!a&!eTWr&sS T>ai!H(&Hmessa$eHpa seWS E& e# e1 ip( de a&a#is!as 5a27a &a 5em(rra$ia r(/a 1 e par!7a de# $r p( de a&4#isis es!ad7s!ic( e& M(sc"HCi dad de# Ca2(, Era& #(s mism(s 1 e 5a27a& !e&id( raz%& s(2re #a !rama de# mercad( de ' ! r(s de s(/a, Te&7a& credi2i#idadE + a'irma2a& 1 e #as )is!as de# #ad( &(&e de #a z(&a Ge&Ge& 5a27a& sid( ma&ip #adas, N( era& #as )is!as 1 e A#'red 5a27a ma&ip #ad(, Para 2ie& ( para ma#0 s s c(#e$as 5a27a& desc 2ier!( (!r( e&$a:(, Te&7a& pri(ridad #(s e&car$ad(s de se:a#es + es!ad7s!ica de !(d(s #(s e1 ip(s de a&a#is!as, U& mi##ar de especia#is!as0 1 e & se$ &d( a&!es p(dr7a& 5a2er es!ad( e3ami&a&d( &a d(ce&a de pr(2#emas di'ere&!es0 a&a#iza2a& de pr(&!( #(s mism(s da!(s, U&a e&(rme ca&!idad de !areas m(&%!(&as ' er(& a2a&d(&adas para c(rre#aci(&ar da!(s pr(cede&!es de #(s se&s(res accesi2#es de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, Era c(r&( si #a i&!e#i$e&cia i&d(e r(pea ' ese & $a!( i&me&s( e& a#er!a0 esc c5a&d( + (2ser)a&d( para a!rapar &a presa, S%#( &a de #as c4maras de #a z(&a es!a2a desac!i)ada0 per( #as (!ras es!a2a& s !i#me&!e ma# re$is!radas, Las i&c(&sis!e&cias es!a2a& dispersas p(r !(da #a z(&a 1 e #a A#ia&za c(&!r(#a2a0 per( e# a&4#isis 5ac7a 1 e #a s p(sici%& de M(sc"HCi dad de# Ca2( ' ese cada )ez m4s & 5ec5(, U&a masa de e&$a:( se m()7a p(r #a z(&a Ge& Ge& a !(da prisa, %Ah) U&a )isi%& r4pida de Miri G , L(s a&a#is!as a!acar(& esa p(sici%&0 e3!ra+e&d( d(s c(&/ &!(s de pas(s de# si#e&ci( 'ra d #e&!(, As7 1 e C(&e/( s7 1 e !e&7a !r(pas s(2re e# !erre&(, Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS Ma#di!( c(&e/(, N( p(dem(s de!e&er#e, N( 5ace m4s 1 e )(#)er0 )(#)er + volver,TWmsS U& si#e&ci(, L e$(9

Gra ##HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS Y( p ed( de!e&er#e, P ed( cerrar #a Cr6di! S isse,TWmsS O!ra #ar$a pa sa, S7, G*&2erF 5a27a desc 2ier!( 1 e C(&e/( depe&d7a de &a "&ica a !(ridad cer!i'icad(ra de a#!( &i)e#, T(d( e& e# m &d( m(der&(0 desde pi#(!ar & a)i%& $ra&de 5as!a m()er 2+!es e&!re c(mp(&e&!es de & mism( pr(cesad(r0 se red c7a e& e# '(&d( a# i&!ercam2i( de #(s marcad(res de c(&'ia&za adec ad(s0 c(m( e3i$7a e# E&!(r&( de Jard>are Se$ r(, Y m + p(r e&cima de #as (peraci(&es de C(&e/(0 p(r medi( de mi#es de mi##(&es de cami&(s di'ere&!es0 5a27a &a "&ica ' e&!e0 #a Cr6di! S isse AC, Re)(car esa a !(ridad desarmar7a a C(&e/(, Pr(2a2#eme&!e des!r ir7a e# acces( de# !ip( a s s arc5i)(s m4s pers(&a#es0 de/4&d(#e s%#( #( 1 e #a cria! ra p diese a#mace&ar e& s cere2r( &a! ra# Ba me&(s 1 e C(&e/( ' ese rea#me&!e &a IA0 e& c +( cas( &( 1 edar7a &adaC, Per( #(s da:(s c(#a!era#es ser7a& e&(rmes, Cerrar &a e&!idad cer!i'icad(ra de a#!( &i)e# era & arma me!a'%rica de des!r cci%& masi)a, Y e& a1 e# m(me&!( era #a "&ica (pci%& 1 e #es 1 eda2a, Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS Ja+ 1 e de!e&er a# se:(r C(&e/(E 5e i&iciad( e# pr(cedimie&!(, De&!r( de 1 i&ce se$ &d(s #a Cr6di! S isse c(me&zar4 a emi!ir re)(caci(&es,TWmsS Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS L( sie&!(0 G*&2erF,TWmsS D ra&!e #a media 5(ra si$ ie&!e e# diez p(r cie&!( de# apara!( de c(&'ia&za de E r(pa se s mir7a e& e# ca(s, Las reperc si(&es sac dir7a& e# m &d(, I&depe&die&!eme&!e de# res #!ad( 'i&a# de #a misi%&0 para G*&2erF Gra & era & 'racas( 1 e aca2ar7a c(& s carrera, A A#'red Vaz #e ame&aza2a (!r( !ip( de 'racas(, Aca2ar c(& C(&e/( 5a27a sid( &a de s s ma+(res espera&zas0 per( %no en a,uel mismo momento) A#'red re$res% a #(s p &!(s de )is!a de Ge&Ge&, A5($ar a C(&e/( 5a27a c(&s mid( !(d( e# mar$e& de !iemp(, Y me haca 2alta ese tiempo para cubrirme. Es!a2a #imi!ad( a #as medidas de emer$e&cia9 A#'red p s( (&#i&e a (!r(s d(s e1 ip(s secre!(s, U&( emp#ear7a e# !r c( de #a m(sca de #a 'r !a para dis!raer a #( 1 e 1 edase de C(&e/(, E# (!r( des!r ir7a e# #a2(ra!(ri( de&!r( de# #a2(ra!(ri(0 des!r ir7a e# !ra2a/( de a:(s de A#'red, Per( !am2i6& e&)iar7a e# $ra& premi( de# #a2(ra!(ri( a !ra)6s de# #a&zad(r UPWE3 de Ge&Ge&, Para A#'red Vaz0 !(da)7a era p(si2#e #($rar a#$ &(s 63i!(s, G e# Ma+(r + G #a M4s O()e& sa#ier(& de #a ca)er&a de J er!as e& direcci%& s r, Tras e##(s0 #a (sc ridad se !ra$a2a #a e&!rada &(r!e + #(s c(&!e&ed(res de !r(cead(, La # z 1 e )ia/a2a s(2re e##(s 2ri##a2a &(s p(c(s me!r(s e& !(das direcci(&es, HUC 4&!( 'a#!a para e&!rar e& !erri!(ri( e&emi$(V Hpre$ &!% R(2er!, Miri se ##e)% & ded( a #(s #a2i(s, Jiz( & $es!( + & me&sa/e si#e&ci(s( c(rri% p(r #a )isi%& de R(2er!,

Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS T pd' dice 1 e #(s ma#(s s%#( c(&!r(#a& &a pe1 e:a par!e de Ge&Ge&, Per( ap es!( a 1 e p ede& (7r&(s, Ci:4m(&(s a #(s me&sa/es si#e&ci(s(s,TWmsS R(2er! / $ e!e% c(& #a ca/a de# ci&! r%&, La )is a#izaci%& de# !ec#ad( a+ da2a0 per( !ec#ear res #!a2a !edi(s(, Si& Epi'a&7a0 casi !(d(s #(s !r c(s 1 e #e 5a27a e&se:ad( O a& era& pr4c!icame&!e i&"!i#es, R(2er! HS Miri9 TmsS OF,TWmsS Miri cami&a2a e& casi a2s(# !( si#e&ci( + R(2er! i&!e&!% imi!ar#a, De 5ec5(0 si& Xi&s!(& + #(s (!r(s0 e& e# !erri!(ri( de J er!as !(d( es!a2a m + si#e&ci(s(, M iz4s es! )iese& !a& s(#(s c(m( 5a27a a'irmad( e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(0 ais#ad(s !a&!( de #(s ami$(s c(m( de #(s e&emi$(s, Miri #e7a mie&!ras cami&a2a&, Aparecier(& m4s me&sa/es si#e&ci(s(s, Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS N( sa27a &ada de ?A#'red@,TWmsS Era c ri(s( 1 e &( pre$ &!ase p(r e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(, R(2er! !ec#e% a#$ &as pa#a2ras c(mprimidas, R(2er! HS Miri9 TmsSU Pe pdms 5crVTWmsS Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS Gie&0 !e&er&(s #a #is!a de# se:(r Lis!i##(,TWmsS A$i!% &a ma&( e& e# aire + apareci% '#(!a&d( &a p4$i&a de# pd' de# E3!ra:(,
P4$i&a <= M 6 5acer para derr(!ar a A#'red Primer(0 i&c# s( +(0 ) es!r( mis!eri(s( ami$(0 &( es!(+ e3ac!ame&!e se$ r( de 1 6 !rama A#'red Bper( me c(&s me #a c ri(sidadC, Ys!as s(& a#$ &as p(si2i#idades9 B<C V(#ar #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s0 e# !err(rism( c#4sic( de !(da #a )ida, Per( U&( (s parece 1 e se 5a !(mad( m c5as m(#es!ias si es( era #( "&ic( 1 e pre!e&d7aV Ser7a &a '(rma 2as!a&!e !(&!a de ma#$as!ar & es!r(s !a#e&!(s, Si 6sa es #a si! aci%&0 )(s(!r(s ser6is #(s 56r(es de #a )e#ada0 mis ma&(s para desac!i)ar esas ca/i!as 1 e i&s!a#as!eisE per( #( m4s pr(2a2#e es 1 e ) es!ra 'ama sea p%s! ma, QMis c(&d(#e&ciasR B-C Sa2(!ear a#$"& c(mp(&e&!e de# #a2(ra!(ri(0 1 iz4 de &a '(rma 1 e &( se 5ar4 e)ide&!e 5as!a 1 e se pr(d zca& desas!res m + p(s!eri(rme&!e, U& p#a& casi !a& es!"pid( c(m( e# B<C, B.C I&s!a#ar B( e&mascararC a#$"& dia2%#ic( s('!>are I&!ermediari( 1 e a A#'red pr(pie!ari( de 5ec5( de #a i&)es!i$aci%& rea#izada e& #a z(&a de# #a2(ra!(ri( 1 e !"0 R(2er!0 i&'es!as!e para 6#, Ser7a 'a&!4s!ic( + es pers(&a#me&!e mi !e(r7a 'a)(ri!a B)ed mi pr(p(sici%& s(2re #as m(scas de #a 'r !a e& e# cap7! #( .C, P(r des$racia para A#'red0 es!a 2r(ma se 5a desmadrad( de !a# '(rma 1 e d d( de 1 e s(2re)i)a a #as a di!(r7as 1 e0 c(& !(da se$ ridad0 #e ##()er4& e&cima, E& ese cas(0 #(s d(s p(d6is a+ dar pi##a&d( #( 1 e A#'red &( 5a+a (c #!ad( !(da)7a,

BLC E& cas( de 'a##( de# p#a& B.C0 ( 1 iz4 sea 6s!e e# p#a& (ri$i&a#0 A#'red p(dr7a apr()ec5arse de #(s es' erz(s de ) es!r( c(&ci#i42 #( para enviar 2uera de# #a2(ra!(ri( ma!eria# 2i(#%$icame&!e i&!eresa&!e, [Dia$rama de# sis!ema de ! 2(s de !ra&sp(r!e &e m4!ic(\ [Ima$e& de# #a&zad(r UPWE3 de Ge&Ge&\

UC(& 1 6 'i&V O50 e# 5a2i! a# de #(s a!a1 es !err(ris!asE (0 #( m4s pr(2a2#e0 p ede 1 e se !ra!e de a#$( e3!ra:( e i&!eresa&!e, Me cre( capaz de ide&!i'icar esa ac!i)idad, V(s(!r(s0 mis #ea#es ma&(s0 p(dr6is e)i!ar '7sicame&!e #a car$a + e# e&)7(, De m(me&!(0 &( sa2em(s m c5(, Per( &a )ez 1 e e&!r6is e& #a z(&a Ge& Ge& a#!erada +( de2er7a p(der rec perar e# c(&!ac!(, Te&ed c idad(0 $ ardad si#e&ci( + Q2 scadme e& e# cie#(R

Las pa#a2ras de Miri s(2rescri27a& e# !e3!( i&c# s( a&!es de 1 e R(2er! 5 2iese !ermi&ad( de #eer#(, Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS Es!e !ip( es siempre m + m(des!(,TWmsS R(2er! s(&ri%, L e$( #e+% e# me&sa/e p(r se$ &da )ez, Y pe&s% e& !(das s s c(&)ersaci(&es c(& S5ari'0 e& e# mis!eri( de S5ari' Rea#0 S5ari' E3!ra:( +E S5ari' Cie&cia 'icci%&, Bh, ios mo, R(2er! HS Miri9 TmsSUC 4&!( de S5ari' eres !"VTWmsS E##a #e mir% de re(/( + p(r & i&s!a&!e s seriedad se !ra&s'(rm% e& &a s(&risa des# m2ra&!e, Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS N( es!(+ se$ ra, E& (casi(&es es!42am(s !(d(s mezc#ad(s c(& e# )erdader( _ #F Res #!a2a di)er!id( (7r #( 1 e pre$ &!a2a& #(s (!r(s + #( 1 e !" resp(&d7as, Per( #( m4s 5a2i! a# es 1 e +( es! )iese c(&$e#ada + s%#( ' ese e# se:(r Lis!i##(,TWmsS R(2er! HS Miri9 TmsS E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(,TWmsS Miri HS R(2e&9 TmsS UE& seri( #e ##amas as7V UP(r 1 6VTWmsS R(2er! HS Miri9 TmsS S7,TWmsS 1or la magia ,ue me prometi+. Per( es( &( #( !ec#e%, Miri HS R(2e&9 TmsS Gie&0 cre( 1 e &( es &ada si& &(s(!r(s,TWmsS M4s a##4 de# pe1 e:( c5arc( de # z !(d( se$ 7a (sc r(0 per( #as paredes es!a2a& m4s cerca, Casi es!a2a& +a e& e# !"&e# e#e)ad(, R(2er! HS Miri9 TmsS UC"a&d( ##e$ar4& pp + mmVTWmsS Ni:(s espia&d( a s s 'ami#iares e i&'(rma&d( a# G(2ier&(E A1 e# aspec!( de #a !ira&7a era 'ra&came&!e m c5( me&(s c(mp#icad( si casi !(da #a 'ami#ia es!a2a '(rmada p(r a$e&!es $ 2er&ame&!a#es, Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS N( #( s6, N( #es 5e dic5( &ada,TWmsS

3 +nde est la tirana cuando hace 2alta4 P(r & m(me&!( a R(2er! &( se #e (c rri% &ada 1 e decir, R(2er! HS Miri9 TmsS Per( Up(r 1 6VTWmsS Miri se de! )( & se$ &d(0 #e mir% c(& s !er1 edad pa!e&!ada, Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS P(r1 e eres mi a2 e#(, Sa27a 1 e &( 5a27as !e&id( i&!e&ci%& de 5acerme da:(, Sa27a 1 e s 'r7as i&!eri(rme&!e, Sa27a 1 e G(2 se e1 i)(ca2a c(&!i$(, Pe&s6 1 e si p(d7a a+ dar!e e& (!ras c(sas me/(rar7as, Y 5as me/(rad(0 U&(VTWmsS R(2er! #($r% ase&!ir, Miri se )(#)i% + si$ i% a)a&za&d(, Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS Per( #a 5e 'as!idiad(, Cre7a 1 e s%#( !e&7a 1 e pre(c parme de Lis!i##(, A##7 d(&de e&!rases i#e$a#me&!e0 se$ r( 1 e #as a#armas sa#!ar7a& a# i&s!a&!eE + #a prese&cia de O a& + m7a me/(rar7a& #a si! aci%& para !i, A5(ra O a& es!4ETWmsS Miri )aci#% + # e$( #e a$arr% #a ma&(, Miri HS R(2e&9 TmsS O a& es!4 ma#5erid(, TWmsS Le !e&7a #(s ded(s a!rapad(s, N( imp(r!a2a, R(2er! &( p(d7a resp(&der m4s 1 e apre!4&d(#e #a ma&(, Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS Per( #a d(c!(ra Iia&$ a&da p(r a57 ' era, Pedir4 a+ da, Y a es!as a#! ras e# se:(r G#( &! es!ar4 5a2#a&d( c(& #a p(#ic7a de )erdad, Mie&!ras !a&!(0 !(d( depe&de de &(s(!r(s d(s a1 7 a2a/(,TWmsS Casi cada &a de #as 'rases de Miri era &a s(rpresa0 + si 5 2iese p(did( 5a2#ar ( !ec#ear #i2reme&!e #e 5a2r7a p#a&!ead( mi# pre$ &!as, UO a&V UIi Iia&$V UMiriV UTa&!(s ami$(s 5acie&d( #( p(si2#e p(r a+ dar a & )ie/( !(&!( + a s s c(mpa:er(s es!"pid(sV E# s e#( resp(&d7a e#4s!icame&!e 2a/( #(s pies, Es!a2a& a!ra)esa&d( e# !"&e# e#e)ad( 5acia !erri!(ri( Ge&Ge&,

-A UEL MODELO ANIMALV I&c# s( e& & d7a !ra&1 i#( se re)(ca2a& mi#es de cer!i'icad(s cada 5(ra, Se !ra!a2a de & pr(ces( desa$rada2#e0 per( &a c(&sec e&cia &ecesaria de #a de!ecci%& de 'ra des0 #a e/ec ci%& de res(# ci(&es / dicia#es + #a de&e$aci%& de cr6di!(s, T(das e3cep!( & p :ad( de re)(caci(&es era& cascadas c(r!as de !ra&sacci(&es de&e$adas re#aci(&adas c(& & "&ic( i&di)id ( + s a !(ridad cer!i'icad(ra i&media!a0 ( &a pe1 e:a empresa + s AC, M iz4s &a )ez a# a:( se pr(d c7a &a cascada imp(r!a&!e0 5a2i! a#me&!e c a&d( &a $ra& empresa !(pa2a c(& de d(res i&'#e3i2#es + &a (rde& / dicia# se e&)ia2a a &a AC de &i)e# medi(, A"& me&(s 5a2i! a# era 1 e &a re)(caci%& '(rmara par!e de &a i&!er)e&ci%& mi#i!ar0 c(m( e& e# cas( de #a ca7da de Ose!ia de# S r, E& !e(r7a0 #(s pr(!(c(#(s de re)(caci%& ser)7a& i$ a# para a !(ridades cer!i'icad(ras !reme&dame&!e $ra&desE per( 5as!a esa &(c5e &i&$ &a a !(ridad cer!i'icad(ra pri&cipa# 5a27a emi!id( re)(caci(&es $#(2a#es, Y #a Cr6di! S isse era &a de #as diez a !(ridades cer!i'icad(ras m4s $ra&des de# m &d(, Jac7a &e$(ci(s s(2re !(d( e& E r(pa0 per( s s cer!i'icad(s !e/7a& redes !reme&dame&!e c(mp#e/as p(r !(d( e# p#a&e!a + a'ec!a2a& a i&!eracci(&es de pers(&as 1 e &( 5a2#a2a& &i&$ &a #e&$ a e r(pea, Esa &(c5e0 !(d(s a1 e##(s c#ie&!es i$&(ra&!es desc 2rir7a& s s i&!erc(&e3i(&es, La 1 ie2ra se e3!e&di% da&d( p(r cad cad(s #(s cer!i'icad(s de a !(ridades cer!i'icad(ras de &i)e# i&!ermedi( +0 si e# !iemp( era & 'ac!(r de c(&'ia&za imp(r!a&!e0 media&!e &(!i'icaci(&es direc!as, E& E r(pa0 #(s a)i(&es + !re&es se de! )ier(& #e&!ame&!e0 si& pr()(car &i & s(#( accide&!e, Se re$is!rar(& mi# mi##(&es de 'a##(s + #(s ser)ici(s de emer$e&cia e&!rar(&0 c(& dis!i&!( 63i!(0 e& acci%&, E# Depar!ame&!( de Se$ ridad I&!eri(r &(!% #(s 'a##(s + #(s crecie&!es da:(s c(#a!era#es, L(s e1 ip(s de a&a#is!as de Es!ad(s U&id(s se c(m &icar(& c(& #as (!ras Gra&des P(!e&cias + c(&'ere&ciar(& si$ ie&d( #(s pr(!(c(#(s para emer$e&cias es!a2#ecid(s a:(s a&!es, Se$ ridad P"2#ica C5i&a0 #(s ser)ici(s de i&!e#i$e&cia i&d(e r(pe(s0 e# DSI de Es!ad(s U&id(sE !(d(s es!a2a& de ac erd( e& 1 e se es!a2a pr(d cie&d( & desas!re de primera ca!e$(r7a0 1 e 5a27a & 'a##( de s('!>are rea#me&!e 2atal ( & a!a1 e !err(ris!a (ri$i&a#, E& cier!(s c7rc #(s de #a i&!e#i$e&cia i&d(e r(pea0 #a )isi%& de #a si! aci%& era m4s precisa, C(&sidera2#eme&!e m4s precisa, Gra &HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS Ya #( 5e 5ec5(, UJa ca sad( e'ec!( e& C(&e/(VTWmsS

P(r e# m(me&!( s%#( se pr(d c7a& pe1 e:(s 'a##(s e& #a UCSD c(& a#$ &(s cer!i'icad(s, Gas!a2a para rea#izar a#$ &as pr(+ecci(&es9 #a m #!i! d &( 5a27a &(!ad( c(&scie&!eme&!e e# cam2i(0 per( e# dis! r2i( de #a 2i2#i(!eca es!a2a des!i&ad( a & 'i&a# a2r p!( e i$&(mi&i(s(, C(&e/( 5a27a es!ad( de!r4s de !(d( #( 1 e 5a27a& )is!( esa &(c5e0 m c5( m4s de #( 1 e 5a27a& s p es!( #(s a&a#is!as0 + e# ap(+( se i2a desm(r(&a&d(, A2a/(0 e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s0 C(&e/( 5a27a sid( & i&!r s( casi i&)isi2#e, N( era '4ci# c(&'irmar #a ausencia de &a i&!r si%&0 per( #(s a&a#is!as de A#'red 5a27a& ##e$ad( a & c(&se&s(9 Vaz HS Gra &0 Mi!s ri9 TmsS Ja& a me&!ad( #(s 'a##(s de c(m &icaci%&0 per( &( e& e# &"c#e( de & es!ra (peraci%&, C(&e/( si$ e a1 70 per( 5a perdid( '#e3i2i#idad,TWmsS Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS UPerdid( '#e3i2i#idadV Ma#di!a sea0 &ecesi!am(s m4s 1 e es(, UM 6 5a+ de s s d(s a$e&!esV UM 6 5ace&VTWmsS Vaz HS Gra &0 Mi!s ri9 TmsS Ja& sa#id( de & es!ra z(&a,TWmsS N( era de# !(d( cier!(0 per( #(s G + #( 1 e 1 eda2a de C(&e/( 5a27a& sid( adec adame&!e dis!ra7d(s, Ahora s+lo necesito algunos minutos. C(&e/( es!a2a 2a/( presi%&, Siempre se dec7a 1 e ac! a2a me/(r 2a/( presi%&E a &1 e 5a2i! a#me&!e #a presi%& &( era !a& i&media!a0 &i s s (p(&e&!es !a& p(der(s(s + c(& !a& p(c( se&!id( de# 5 m(r, E3cep! a&d( a a#$ &(s a&a#is!as de 2a/( &i)e#0 C(&e/( &( c(&(c7a a &adie e& !(d( e# 2a&d( i&d(e r(pe( capaz de apreciar &a 2r(ma, C(&e/( mir% a !ra)6s de dece&as de c4maras !(d( #( 1 e A#'red 5a27a s(2(r&ad( e& #a z(&a MC($, S s ?ma&(s@ 5a27a& e&!rad( e& #a z(&a &(s m(me&!(s a&!esD 1 iz4 ' ese es( #( 1 e 5a27a pr()(cad( e# p4&ic( de s s e&emi$(s + p(r es( 5a27a& i&iciad( e# a!a1 e de re)(caci%&, Pres!% &a par!e pe1 e:a + decrecie&!e de s a!e&ci%& a# esp#6&did( dis! r2i( 1 e pr(se$ 7a a#reded(r de #a 2i2#i(!eca, L4s!ima, A#'red + c(mpa:7a &( 5a27a& s(spec5ad( 1 e ! )iera a#$( 1 e )er c(& Sc((c5aHm( !0 +0 si& em2ar$(E UC%m( se #e i2a a (c rrir 1 e de!ec!ar7a& s re#aci%& c(& #a AC Cr6di! S isse ( 1 e #a UE !e&7a !a&!( p(der s(2re #a a !(ridad cer!i'icad(ra de & pa7s s(2era&(V O 1 e s pr(pia depe&de&cia era !a&!a c(m( es!a2a desc 2rie&d(, C(&e/( disp(&7a de (!ras a !(ridades cer!i'icad(ras de a#!( &i)e#0 per( &i&$ &a !a& "!i# c(m( #a Cr6di! S isse, Le 2as!ar7a& d ra&!e &(s mi& !(s m4s, C a&d( &( #e sir)iese&0 !e&7a pr($ramas #e$a#es prese&!a&d( ape#aci(&es c(&!ra #as re)(caci(&es m4s des!r c!i)as, >ientras tanto, concentr"monos en la diversi+nE U1 6 i&!e&!a2a 5acer A#'redV UDes!r cci%& p raV UR(2( i&!e#ec! a#V C(&e/( empeza2a a se&!ir re&c(r, Ja27a es!ad( disp es!( a c(&'(rmarse c(& &a p er!a secre!a a #as (peraci(&es de A#'red, G e&(0 p es0 a5(ra !e&7a i&!e&ci%& de 1 ed4rse#a e&!era, Empeza&d( p(r #as m(scas de #a 'r !a, C(&e/( se p s( e& c(&!ac!( c(& s s ma&(s,

R(2er! rec(rda2a esa z(&a, V(#)7a& a es!ar e& e# c(raz%& de Ge&Ge&0 e&!re i&!ermi&a2#es 'i#as de armari(s $rises0 e& e# 2(s1 e de cris!a# 1 e #(s c(&ec!a2a0 / &!( a #(s ! 2(s &e m4!ic(s, Per( m4s ade#a&!e se (7a & r id( c(m( de ap#as!ar ca/as de car!%&, E# pd' de# E3!ra:( c(&!e&7a e3p#icaci(&es de #as a2re)ia! ras de #(s #a!era#es de #(s armari(s, ros >*og. R(2er! HS Miri9 TmsSUM(scas de #a 'r !aVTWmsS A##7 5a27a i&s!a#ad( c(r&( & !erci( de #as ca/i!as0 s 2i6&d(se a #(s armari(s + e&ca/4&d(se e&!re e##(s, MiriHS R(2er!9 TmsS S7, UJas #e7d( #( 1 e a'irma Lis!i##(V N( me #( cre(,TWmsS HQE50 e50 ami$( m7(R HA##7 es!a2a e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(0 e# se:(r Lis!i##( de Miri, S pie# pr4c!icame&!e re# c7a de !a& )erde0 i&c# s( e& #a (sc ridad, Te&7a #a cara de S5ari'0 per( #a s(&risa era i&5 ma&ame&!e a&c5aH, Ja2#ad c a&!( 1 er4is, A#'red &(s 5a desc 2ier!( 5ace &(s mi& !(s, HE# E3!ra:( mir% a s a#reded(r c(m( si esperase & e&emi$( )isi2#eH, As7 1 e +a &( me imp(r!a si (s (+e, QNi si me (+e a m7R UM 6 p edes 5acer0 A#'redV Me es!4s desc(&ec!a&d(0 per( ap es!( a 1 e d rar6 & par de mi& !(s m4s, O50 s p(&$( 1 e !am2i6& p(dr7as dar p(r cerrada ! pr(pia (peraci%&, E&!(&ces +( desaparecer7a a# i&s!a&!e, HO2ser)% a Miri + a R(2er!0 + si$ i% 5a2#a&d( e& )(z 2a/aH, Si #( 5ace0 es 1 e es!4 rea#me&!e desesperad( + +a &( #e ser)ir4 a2s(# !ame&!e de &ada 1 e !(da)7a !e&$4is mi pd', 8odava es!ar6is a1 7 para aca2ar c(& s s p#a&es ma#)ad(s, E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( #es i&dic% 1 e #e si$ iese&, HUJa26is c(mpre&did( es!a par!e de #a e3p#icaci%&V HSe:a#% #(s armari(sH Gi(#($7a m(#ec #ar de #a c($&ici%&, MC($, + #a $e&!e de A#'red 5a cread( e# m(de#( a&ima# idea# para s i&)es!i$aci%&, HUM(scas de #a 'r !aV Hdi/( R(2er!, HN( me #( cre( Hdi/( MiriH, Las m(scas de #a 'r !a &( pie&sa&, UM 6 p(dr7a 5acer ! ?A#'red@0 ( 1 e p(dr7as 5acer !" c(& e##asV E# E3!ra:( s(#!% &a risi!a 2 r#(&a + R(2er! )i( 1 e e# r(s!r( de Miri se c(&!ra7a, Ta# )ez a e##a #e ' ese me/(r c(& a1 e# ma&ip #ad(r 1 e a R(2er!, A# 'i& + a# ca2(0 Miri &( desea2a desesperadame&!e s a+ da, HA50 Miri0 #ees per( &( c(mpre&des, Si a5(ra mism( ! )ieses acces( a #a red $#(2a#0 + disp sieses de a#$ &(s cie&!(s de 5(ras para i&)es!i$ar0 1 iz4 c(mpre&dieses 1 e #a 2i(#($7a m(#ec #ar depe&de m4s de #(s da!(s + e# a&4#isis 1 e de# !ip( c(&cre!( de (r$a&ism(, E& s rosophila melanogaster al2redii0 U#a ##amas as70 A#'redV0 !e&em(s #(s se&der(s me!a2%#ic(s 1 e c(&s!i! +e& #a 2ase de #a c($&ici%& 5 ma&a, Apar!e de #(s c(me&!ari(s edi!(ria#es0 es( mism( dec7a e# pd', D(2#ar(& &a es1 i&a + )ier(& #a ' e&!e de# s(&id(, H 9oil, Las !rescie&!as mi# m(scas de #a 'r !a de A#'red es!a2a& sie&d( $ ardadas e& car! c5(s adec ad(s para s e&)7(, HA cada m(me&!( e# c erp( +

e# r(s!r( de# E3!ra:( se parec7a& me&(s a# S5ari' (ri$i&a#H, Per( de2( c(&'esar &a c(sa9 s6 1 6 s(& es(s 2ic5(s0 per( #a )erdad es 1 e &( s6 1 6 !ie&e p#a&ead( A#'red para e##(s, Se$ rame&!e 5a+ e&'ermedades mara)i##(sas0 Ue&'ermedades c($&i!i)asV0 1 e p ede& 5a2er sa#id( de es!a i&)es!i$aci%&, O 1 iz4 1 iera ade#a&!arse a !(d(s #(s pr(d c!(res de dr($as me/(rad(ras, O 1 iz4 se dedi1 e a# TMC, Per( &( #( s6E Empa1 e!a2a& #as m(scas de #a 'r !a e& &a $ra& mesa de !ra&sp(r!e0 m c5( m4s $ra&de 1 e c a#1 iera de #as 1 e 5a27a e& e# !a##er de R(& Xi##iams, L(s ci#i&dr(s de e&)7( r(da2a& p(r #a mesa0 a!ra)esa&d( e# c erp( de# E3!ra:(, La cria! ra se di( c e&!a medi( se$ &d( demasiad( !arde0 per( di( & c(&)i&ce&!e sa#!( para a#e/arse, HL( 1 e s6 es 1 e es!4 i&!e&!a&d( sacar#as de a1 7 Hc(&c# +% e# E3!ra:(, HEs( a'irmas, HE50 c(&'7a e& m70 se:(ri!a Miri, Jas conocido a A#'red, Es e# !ip( 1 e i&!e&!% ma!ar a O a& Or(zc(, Es & #(c( ma#)ad(, Si &( me crees0 5az pi&$ e& #as e!i1 e!as de es!(s pa1 e!es, S, E!i1 e!as UPWE3 c(& des!i&( ci'rad(, E# primer( de #(s ci#i&dr(s ca7a de #a mesa cami&( de# ! 2( &e m4!ic( m4s cerca&(, E# E3!ra:( da2a sa#!(s cam2ia&d( de & pie a# (!r(, HQS%#( )(s(!r(s p(d6is sa#)ar a #a 5 ma&idadR Simp#eme&!e0 ec5ad #(s ci#i&dr(s e& #a 2a&de/a i&'eri(r, QN( de/6is 1 e A#'red $a&eR P(r #( )is!( es( c(&)e&ci% a Miri, C(rri% a #a mesa0 sac% e# pa1 e!e de #a e&!rada de# ! 2( &e m4!ic( + se #( #a&z% a R(2er!0 1 e #( a!rap%, L( mism( 5iz( c(& e# si$ ie&!e0 + e# si$ ie&!e0 + e# si$ ie&!e0 5as!a !e&er #(s 2raz(s ##e&(s, L(s ci#i&dr(s 2#a&c(s era& !a& #i$er(s c(m( #a esp ma, La ima$e& de# E3!ra:( se 1 ed% c(&$e#ada & se$ &d(, La a&imaci%& re$res% a2r p!ame&!e, HQOeR E3ce#e&!e, HJiz( & $es!( m4s ( me&(s 5acia #as paredesH, UVes0 A#'redV QN( c(mpe&sa !raici(&ar a C(&e/(R ;3*onejo4 La cria! ra )(#)i% a mirar m4s ( me&(s 5acia e##(sD p(r Di(s0 s7 1 e se parec7a & p(c( a & c(&e/(H, P(r #(s pe#(s0 per( Q5e $a&ad(R M ier( decir0 5em(s sa#)ad( a #a 5 ma&idad, HSe e&)ar%0 per( !(d( s c erp( es!a2a #adead(H, Ma#di!( A#'red, Me es!4 cerra&d( p(c( a p(c(, De2er7a irme 5acie&d( mi me/(r imi!aci%& de #a Ma#)ada Gr /a de# Oes!e, M ier( decir0 m rie&d(, La cria! ra se di( #a ) e#!a e&!re $emid(s me#(dram4!ic(s mie&!ras s c erp( se dis(#)7a, Vaci#% + #e di/( despre(c padame&!e a R(2er!9 HO50 &( de/6is si& !ra!ar #(s ci#i&dr(s, De/ad#(s e& #a 2a&de/a de a2a/(, R(2er! &( se m()i%, HQL( di$( e& seri(R Hdi/( e# E3!ra:(0 c(& #a )(z !e:ida de a#$( 1 e parec7a seriedad, Se sac di%E Um4s drama!ism( ( 2 sca2a &a e3p#icaci%&VH, Si #(s 2ic5(s s(& )ec!(res de &a e&'ermedad0 Qes!4is e& #a z(&a cer(R La 2a&de/a de a2a/( #(s e&)iar4 a# i&ci&erad(r, T(d( es!ar4 se$ r( + e& (rde&, Miri &e$% c(& #a ca2eza,

HN(, Se !ra!a de & cami&( a#!er&a!i)( a# #a&zad(r UPWE3, HMira mi pd'0 !(&!a, E# p#a&(, HJe mirad( mi p#a&(0 e# 1 e 5e $ ardad( es!a !arde e& e# cac56, HLa s(&risa de Miri era !ri &'a#, J 2( & re!ras( de d(s se$ &d(s, L e$( #a cria! ra se )(#)i% + mir% casi direc!ame&!e a Miri, HTe (di(0 Miri G , Gic5( ma#)ad(, T(d( i2a per'ec!ame&!e 5as!a 1 e !e e&!r(me!is!e, Te pi##ar6 p(r es!(, HL e$( $ri!%H9 QDe m(me&!(0 )a+a pi##ar!e a ti0 A#'redR QSi +( &( p ed( 5acer &ada0 !" !amp(c(R V(+ a c5i)arme de !i, Y( s(+E La 'i$ ra de/% de m()erse, U& si#e&ci(D # e$( R(2er! (+% &a "&ica pa#a2ra0 d62i# + #e/a&a9 HEa+ da, Y #a cria! ra se des)a&eci%, Miri + R(2er! se mirar(&, S%#( 1 eda2a& e##(s d(s0 + #as 'i#as de armari(s, HUCrees 1 e se 5a id( de verdad0 MiriV HN(E &( s6, Miri HS R(2er! TmsS Per(0 si Lis!i##( &( &(s me&!7a !(!a#me&!e0 e&!(&ces ese Al2red si$ e p(r a1 7,TWmsS Las pa#a2ras 1 e pr(& &ci% ' er(& !7midas, HA #( me/(r de2er7am(s 1 edar&(s a1 7 + esperar a #a p(#ic7a, HVa#e, Miri se de/% caer e& e# s e#(, Perma&eci% e& si#e&ci( & m(me&!(0 !a&!( p"2#ica c(m( pri)adame&!e, R(2er! de/% #(s pa1 e!es + mir% 5acia #a (sc ridad, Apare&!eme&!e &( 5a27a m4s r(2(!s e&emi$(s, UM 6 p(dr7a 5acer ?A#'red@ c(& #as m(scas de #a 'r !aV UM 6 p(dr7a 5acer#es a Miri + a R(2er!V Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS A#$( s e&a di'ere&!e,TWmsS R(2er! #a mir% i&1 isi!i)(, Miri di2 /% &a '#ec5a d(rada e& 4&$ #( rec!( a# pasi##( p(r e# 1 e 5a27a& )e&id(, Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS Je re$is!rad( !(d( c a&!( (7a mie&!ras (s se$ 7a, Ja+ a#$( & e)( e& ' &ci(&amie&!(0 m + pr(2a2#eme&!e e& #as c(#ecci(&es de ra!(&es, UJicis!eis a#$( p(r esa z(&aVTWmsS Se p s( si#e&ci(same&!e e& pie, R(2er! !ec#e%9 R(2er! HS Miri9 TmsS A57 p sms #a ma+(r7a de# e1p(,TWmsS Miri #e)a&!% #a 2ar2i##a, Miri HS R(2er!9 TmsS S(& s(&id(s c(m( #(s 1 e (7am(s a,u. A#$ ie& prepara (!r( e&)7(,TWmsS

-K LA DOCTORA IIANG TOMA EL MANDO G*&2erF0 PeiF( + A#'red disp(&7a& de s s pr(pi(s e1 ip(s de a&a#is!as, Diez se$ &d(s a&!es0 es(s a&a#is!as se 5a27a& p es!( de ac erd(9 c(m( ame&aza ac!i)a0 C(&e/( 5a27a desaparecid(0 !a&!( e& #a s per'icie c(m( e& #a mi#&e!, A#reded(r de esa (pi&i%& '#(!a2a& c"m #(s c(&!rari(s a e##a0 per( es!a2a& re#aci(&ad(s c(& #a predicci%& de da:(s c(#a!era#es, Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS Gracias a Di(s0 5em(s de!e&id( a# m(&s!r (,TWmsS Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS Y !e&em(s #(s da!(s de i&specci%& 1 e 2 sc42am(s, QEs 5(ra de sa#ir pi!a&d(RTWmsS M(s!r% &a ima$e& amp#iada de# 4r2(# de c(&!i&$e&cia, Es!a2a& casi a# 'i&a# de &a rama 1 e c(&d c7a a &a p6rdida !(!a# de #a p(si2i#idad de &e$ar #a (peraci%&, Y0 si& em2ar$(0 5as!a 1 e c(&(ciese& c(& se$ ridad e# res #!ad( de #a i&)es!i$aci%&0 &ecesi!a2a& 1 e #(s &(r!eamerica&(s si$ iese& i$&(r4&d(#( !(d(, A#'red prese&!% s m4s recie&!e es!imaci%& de e3!racci%&0 c(& e# !iemp( a/ s!ad( para (c #!ar s s e&)7(s desde e# #a2(ra!(ri(, Mi!s riHS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsSQOc5( mi& !(sR UTa&!(VTWmsS PeiF( !(da)7a #( !e&7a !(d( c 2ier!( e& e# #ad( &(r!e de# #a2(ra!(ri( + #as )is!as de# dis! r2i( se$ 7a& e&se:a&d( a# e1 ip( de G(##+>((d e& #a 2i2#i(!ecaE per( e# dis! r2i( se es!a2a c(&)ir!ie&d( e& a#$arada de #as 1 e pr()(ca& &a resp es!a direc!a de #a p(#ic7a, V(#)er a i&!e$rar a A#'red e& e# $r p( de G(##+>((d !(da)7a era '4ci#D per( &( !ardar7a e& res #!ar imp(si2#e, Vaz HS Gra &0 Mi!s ri9 TmsS Rec(r!ar6 !(d(s #(s se$ &d(s 1 e p eda0 PeiF(,TWmsS Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsSQSer4 me/(r 1 e #( 5a$asR L( m43im( 1 e p ed( $ara&!izar s(& ci&c( mi& !(s,TWmsS A#'red s(&ri% a# )er e# p4&ic( desa!ad( de PeiF(, E##a + G*&2erF #( dar7a& !(d(, Y e& cier!a '(rma0 a1 e# ca(s #e a+ da2a, E&$a:ar a PeiF( + G*&2erF siempre 5a27a sid( e# ma+(r pr(2#ema de A#'red, E# e&)7( 5a2r7a sid( imp(si2#e de &( es!ar a1 e##(s d(s !a& dis!ra7d(s c(& (!ras c(sas, Pasar(& d(s mi& !(s, Tres, S e1 ip( secre!( 5a27a 5ec5( #a ma+(r par!e de #as 'a#si'icaci(&es, Ja27a& ac! a#izad( #(s re$is!r(s para sa!is'acer !a&!( a #a A#ia&za c(r&( a ' ! r(s i&)es!i$ad(res de Es!ad(s U&id(s, Es!a2a& !ra2a/a&d( c(& &a pe1 e:a par!e de #a se#ecci%& de >us musculus, s )erdader( m(de#( a&ima#, A#'red sa#!a2a de & p &!( de )is!a a (!r(0 pasa&d( s(2re armari(s 1 e parec7a& 2#(1 es de ('ici&as de &a ci dad a2 rrida + !i#i!aria, N( p(d7a ##e)arse m4s 1 e &(s c a&!(s ra!(&es0 s%#( &(s p(c(s de #(s c(&ce2id(s desde

#a "#!ima ac! a#izaci%&, S e1 ip( +a 5a27a a2(r!ad( #(s e3perime&!(s e& c rs( e i&iciad( #a des!r cci%& de #as (peraci(&es, Es!a2a& re!ira&d( #(s espec7me&es se#ecci(&ad(s + prepar4&d(#(s para e# #a&zamie&!(, O!r(s miem2r(s de# e1 ip( +a ma&da2a& car! c5(s de e&)7( a# p er!( &e m4!ic( de e&cima de# armari(, P(d7a e&ca/ar & m%d #( de )ei&!e p(r !rei&!a0 seiscie&!(s ra!(&es0 e& cada car! c5(, Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsSQA#'redR La red p"2#ica es!4 'a##a&d(,TWmsS Vaz s(#!% & / rame&!( + mir% e& a&4#isis de #a s per'icie, Ni si1 iera es!a2a& !(da)7a cerca de #a 5(ra #7mi!e de PeiF(, Gra & HS Mi!s ri0 Vaz9 TmsS Es & 'a##( c(mp#e!( de# sis!ema, E# se:(r C(&e/( &(s 5a /(did(,TWmsS L(s a&a#is!as era& & 5er)ider( de (pi&i(&es c(&!rarias, E& a#$"& # $ar de m &d( se pr(d c7a& 'a##(s c(r&( a1 6# & par de )eces a# a:(9 era e# preci( 1 e #a ci)i#izaci%& pa$a2a p(r #a c(mp#e/idad, Per( s(spec5a2a& a#$( m4s si&ies!r(9 1 e a,uel 'a##( era & da:( c(#a!era# de #a re)(caci%&, M iz4 #a ma$ia de# dis! r2i( de C(&e/( depe&diese de s c(&!r(# de #(s sis!emas i&'(rm4!ic(s emp(!rad(s e& e# e&!(r&( p"2#ic(, A5(ra 1 e s s cer!i'icad(s es!a2a& re)(cad(s0 &a cascada de 'a##(s #( rec(rr7a !(d( a medida 1 e #(s cer!i'icad(s i2a& 'a##a&d( e& cade&a, Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS QA#'redR QRec($e + sa# de a57RTWmsS E& & m(me&!( es!ar7a& preparad(s #(s car! c5(s d(s + !res, A#'red mir% e# es!ad( de# UPWE3press, E# #a&zad(r es!a2a cerca de #a z(&a MC($, E# c(&!r(# era #(ca#0 p(r #( 1 e &( #e a'ec!a2a e# 'a##( e3!eri(r, E&!r% &a direcci%& de G a!ema#aE + se#ecci(&% & )e57c #( de #a&zamie&!( 1 e 5a27a si! ad( &as sema&as a&!es, Era #( s 'icie&!eme&!e i&)isi2#e c(m( para sa#ir de# espaci( a6re( de Es!ad(s U&id(s, VazHS Gra &0 Mi!s ri9 TmsS U& mi& !(, UMe #( p edes darVTWmsS Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS L( i&!e&!ar6,TWmsS L(s a&a#is!as de #a s per'icie es!a2a& e&'rascad(s e& #a p#a&i'icaci%& de c(&!i&$e&cias + #a es!imaci%& de pr(2a2i#idades, U& mi##ar de pe1 e:(s cam2i(s se pr(d c7a& e& e# paisa/e de #a UCSD0 a##7 d(&de #a (peraci%& i&d(e r(pea !e&7a i&'# e&cia, La asis!e&cia de G(##+>((d d rar7a m4s 1 e &i&$ &a, A#'red se (2#i$% a pres!ar a!e&ci%& a #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, E# se$ &d( car! c5( se es!a2a car$a&d(, E# primer( rec(rr7a #(s ! 2(s &e m4!ic(s0 ##e)a&d( a #(s pe1 e:(s pasa/er(s 5as!a e# #a&zad(r, A#'red se 1 ed% 5e#ad(, L(s G 5a27a& a2a&d(&ad( #a z(&a de #a m(sca de #a 'r !a, Ja27a m()imie&!( e& (!ra )e&!a&a0 cerca de #(s ra!(&es, U&a &i:a + & 5(m2re c(rr7a& 5acia #a c4mara, Las m(scas de #a 'r !a &( #(s 5a27a& e&$a:ad(, A#'red se i&c#i&% 5acia de#a&!e, U& mi& !(, UM 6 p(d7a& 5acer e& ese !iemp(V La si##a de r edas de Le&a &( era &a m41 i&a para ir p(r e# camp(, F &ci(&a2a 2as!a&!e 2ie& s(2re e# as'a#!(0 i&c# s( c es!a arri2aD Ii !e&7a 1 e

apre!ar e# pas( para &( 1 edar reza$ada, Per( si e# as'a#!( es!a2a ##e&( de $rie!as #a si##a !e&7a 1 e ir despaci(, E# a)a&ce se 're&a2a m c5(, HUA# me&(s p edes )er #a carre!era0 Le&aV HLa p4$i&a )is(r de Ii es!a2a !a& (sc ra c(m( #a )is!a &a! ra#, HN(, Cre( 1 e a#$ ie& 5a apa$ad( #as #aderas, S p(&$( 1 e es & e'ec!( sec &dari( de# dis! r2i(, HSe c(#(c% e& e# ce&!r( de #a carre!eraH, QSi#e&ci(R T(da)7a se acerca&, HLe 5iz( & $es!( a Ii para 1 e se acercaseH, UC%m( p(dem(s de!e&er#(sV De &a '(rma (!ra de2em(s desc 2rir 1 6 pasa, HR(2e& !e )er4, HQMa#di!a seaR HLe&a d da2a0 a!rapada e& & di#ema, HP(&!e a & #ad( de #a carre!era, La )erdad es 1 e +( p ed( de!e&er#(s me/(r, Le&a re' &' :%0 per( se apar!%, Ii se 1 ed% i&m%)i# & m(me&!(, Se (7a e# r id( dis!a&!e de #a a !(pis!a, A# (!r( #ad( de #as c(#i&as s(&a2a #( 1 e p(d7a& ser c4&!ic(s, Per( cerca s%#( se (7a& #(s i&sec!(s0 se !e&7a #a se&saci%& de# aire e&'ri4&d(se e& #a &(c5e0 se )e7a #a es!rec5a carre!era ##e&a de 2ac5es, Vi( #a # z 1 e rec(rr7a #(s sa#ie&!es, HP ed( (7r#(s0 Ii , Ii !am2i6& p(d7a, Esc c5% e# cr /id( de #as r edas + e# $emid( dis!a&!e de #(s m(!(res e#6c!ric(s, E# c(c5e mis!eri(s( apareci% a# 'i&0 sa#ie&d( de #a "#!ima c r)a0 + Ii se !e&s% para apar!arse de & sa#!(, Per( e& esa carre!era #(s c(c5es &( p(d7a& ace#erar, L(s 'ar(s #a i# mi&ar(& #e&!ame&!e, HAp4r!ese0 ap4r!ese, HLas pa#a2ras s(&a2a& c(& ' erza + #a p4$i&a )is(r se i# mi&% c(& ad)er!e&cias s(2re #as c(&sec e&cias de e&!(rpecer #a #a2(r de #a p(#ic7a de carre!eras de Ca#i'(r&ia, Ii se disp(&7a a apar!arse c a&d( pe&s%D 1ero si ,uiero hablar con la polica. Jiz( & $es!( para de!e&er e# c(c5e, E# )e57c #( red /( !(da)7a m4s #a )e#(cidad0 para # e$( desp#azarse e i&!e&!ar pasar p(r s iz1 ierda, HAp4r!ese0 ap4r!ese, HQN(R H$ri!%0 + sa#!% para p(&erse 're&!e a# c(c5eH, QParaR E# c(c5e se m()i% !(da)7a m4s despaci(, HAp4r!ese0 ap4r!ese, HI&!e&!% pasar p(r e# (!r( #ad(, Ii )(#)i% a si! arse de#a&!e0 e& esa (casi%& 2#a&die&d( #a m(c5i#a c(m( & arma, E# a !( re!r(cedi% & par de me!r(s + se di( #a ) e#!a ' r!i)ame&!e0 c(m( si se es! )iese prepara&d( para sa#ir disparad(, Ii se pre$ &!% si rea#me&!e 1 er7a sa#!ar de#a&!e de #( 1 e s cedi% a c(&!i& aci%&, C(& cada #a!id(0 e# d(#(r rec(rr7a a T(mmie, Desp 6s de & m(me&!( c(mpre&di% 1 e era &a buena &(!icia, Le)a&!% #a ca2eza0 )i( 1 e es!a2a !e&did( e& e# asie&!( !raser( de & c(c5e de pasa/er(s, E& #(s asie&!(s de#a&!er(s i2a& Xi&s!(& + Car#(s, HUD%&de es!4& R(2er! + #a &i:aV Xi&s!(& G#( &! 5iz( & $es!( c(& #a ca2eza,

HSe 5a& 1 edad( a##7, HN(s 5em(s separad(0 pr('es(r ParFer, L(s rec erd(s 5(rri2#es )(#)7a&, HO5E s7, UD%&de es!4 mi p(r!4!i#V De2em(s ##amar a #a p(#ic7a, HYa #a 5em(s ##amad(0 T(mmie, T(d( )a 2ie&0 es!( es & )e57c #( de #a p(#ic7a de carre!eras, Es!a2a & p(c( maread(0 per( a1 e##( &( !e&7a se&!id(, HLa )erdad es 1 e &( #( parece, HL#e)a !(das #as i&si$&ias0 T(mmie, HPer( 5a27a & p(c( de i&cer!id m2re e& #a )(z de Xi&s!(&, T(mmie 2a/% #as pier&as de# asie&!( + se se&!%, E# d(#(r #e a'erra2a e# pec5(0 rec(rri6&d(#e !am2i6& #(s 2raz(s, Es! )( a p &!( de )(#)er a desma+arse0 + se 5a2r7a ca7d( 5acia de#a&!e de &( 5a2er sid( p(r Car#(s, HQS(s!e&meE s(s!e&meR HT(mmie mir% a# 're&!e, E# c(c5e !e&7a #(s 'ar(s e&ce&did(s, De #a carre!era0 empi&ada + es!rec5a0 s(2resa#7a& res!(s dispers(s de as'a#!(D era &a de esas carre!eras !a& c(m &es e& Eas! C( &!+ ( e& !ram(s c(r!(s de #a c(s!a9 res!(s desc(&ec!ad(s de as'a#!(, Red /er(& #a marc5a, L(s ar2 s!(s pasa2a& cerca, Y a# 're&!e )i( a a#$ ie& de pie e& medi( de #a carre!era, E# c(c5e se arras!r% a ci&c( me!r(s deE &a /()e&, HAp4r!ese0 ap4r!ese Hdi/( e# c(c5e &a + (!ra )ez0 i&!e&!a&d( pasar#e p(r & #ad( + # e$( p(r e# (!r(, La m /er sa#!% de derec5a a iz1 ierda0 2#(1 e4&d(#es e# pas(, Gri!a2a + a$i!a2a &a m(c5i#a de 2 e& !ama:(, E# c(c5e re!r(cedi% & p(c( + T(mmie (+% e# $emid( de & capaci!(r prepar4&d(se para &a acci%& dr4s!ica, Las r edas $irar(& &(s $rad(sE + #a m /er )(#)i% a sa#!ar de#a&!e de# )e57c #(, S r(s!r( 1 ed% 2ie& i# mi&ad( p(r #(s 'ar(s, Era & 2(&i!( r(s!r( asi4!ic(E E# de #a "#!ima pers(&a 1 e 5 2iese esperad( )er / $a&d( a ?2#(1 ear #(s !a&1 es e& #a p#aza de Tia&a&me&@, L(s 'ar(s se apa$ar(&, E# c(c5e di( &a sac dida, L e$( #(s 're&(s se ac!i)ar(& + se e&ca/% e& #a c &e!a, Se (+% &a e3p#(si%& apa$ada0 1 e p(dr7a 5a2er sid( e# capaci!ar 1 em4&d(se, Las p er!as de am2(s #ad(s se a2rier(& + e# c erp( de T(mmie se des#iz% a medias 5acia #a 'r7a &(c5e, HUEs!4s 2ie&0 pr('es(r ParFerV HEra #a )(z de Car#(s0 cerca, HT(da)7a &( es!(+ m er!(, HO+% pisadas e& #a carre!era, U&a # z des!e##% e& &a ma&( pe1 e:a + #a m /er di/( e& )(z a#!a9 HS(& Xi&s!(& G#( &! + Car#(s Ri)eraE H# e$(0 a:adi% e& !(&( c(#(1 ia#H9 + T5(mas ParFer, Us!ed pr(2a2#eme&!e &( me c(&(zca0 d(c!(r ParFer0 per( admir( s !ra2a/(, T(mmie &( s p( 1 6 decir, HD6/a&(s pasarHdi/( Xi&s!(&H, Es &a emer$e&cia, Le i&!err mpi% e# s(&id( de r edasE per( &( era& de & c(c5e, U&a )(z 5a2#% desde #a (sc ridad, HUD%&de es!4 MiriV UD%&de es!4 R(2er!V

Car#(s di/(9 HSi$ e& de&!r(, I&!e&!a& de!e&er e#E N(s !emer&(s 1 e a#$ ie& i&!e&!a 5acerse c(& e# c(&!r(# de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, Gimier(& #(s m(!(res, Era &a si##a de r edas, E# c erp( de s (c pa&!e es!a2a e&c(r)ad(0 per( 5a2#a2a ' er!e0 c(& irri!aci%&, HMa#di!a sea, La se$ ridad de# #a2(ra!(ri( #( impedir7a, HM iz4 &(, HParec7a 1 e Xi&&ie es! )iese mas!ica&d( )idri(s r(!(sH, Creem(s 1 e a#$ ie& 5aE 2 r#ad( #a se$ ridad, Jem(s ##amad( a #a p(#ic7a, Es e& es( e& #( 1 e es!4is i&!er'irie&d(, HSe:a#% a# c(c5e aparcad( e& #a c &e!a, T(mmie mir% e# espaci( (sc recid( para pasa/er(s, HN( Hdi/(H, Es & e&$a:(, P(r 'a)(r, L#ama a #a p(#ic7a, La si##a de r edas se #es acerc%, HQL( i&!e&!(R Per( es!am(s e& &a especie de z(&a m er!a, De2er7am(s 2a/ar #a c(#i&a + e&c(&!rar a#$( a #( 1 e a'errar&(s, H uS) Hdi/( Car#(s, Mira2a 5acia !(d(s #ad(s0 c(m( 5ace& #(s c5ic(s c a&d( #es 'a##a& #as #e&!i##as, La !emi2#e d(c!(ra Iia&$ a$i!% #a #i&!er&i!a0 m()ie&d( # z + s(m2ra a s a#reded(r, Era e3!ra:(, La m /er )aci#a2a c(&!i& ame&!e, I, Iia&$ era &a de #as $ra&des Ma#)adas de #a era m(der&a0 a# me&(s &a de #as pers(&as 1 e 5a27a& 5ec5( p(si2#es #(s re$7me&es de #(s Ma#(s, Nadie #( 5 2iese dic5( )i6&d(#a, Apa$% #a # z + perma&eci% e& si#e&ci( & m(me&!(, HN( cre( 1 e es!em(s e& &a z(&a m er!a #(ca#, HQC#ar( 1 e s7R Hdi/( Xi&&ieH, Y( )is!( + &( )e( m4s 1 e #a )is!a rea#, Te&em(s 1 e ##e$ar a #a a !(pis!a ( a# me&(s d(&de p(dam(s )er#a, + e&!(&ces T(mmie rec(rd% #( 1 e 5a27a dic5( #a &ie!a de G , M iz4s 5 2iese& !(mad( !(d(s #(s &(d(s #(ca#es, Iia&$ !e&7a (!ra 5ip%!esis, HM ier( decir 1 e #a z(&a m er!a &( es s%#( 6s!a, Esc c5ad, HN( (i$( &adaE (5, Ja27a a#$ &(s s(&id(s d62i#es0 1 iz4 de i&sec!(s, A# (!r( #ad( de #as c(#i&as se (7a& $ri!(s, Se$ rame&!e era #a dis!racci%& de# c7rc #( de (pi&i%&, UM 6 m4sV E# r id( de #a a !(pis!a eraE e3!ra:(9 &( era e# pa#pi!ar c(&s!a&!e de r edas s(2re e# as'a#!(, S%#( se (7a & s(&id( m + d62i#0 & "#!im( s spir(, T(mmie & &ca 5a27a (7d( &ada parecid(0 per( sa27a c%m( ' &ci(&a2a& #as c(sas, HCierre p(r 'a##( Hdi/(, HUT(d(V 3 etenido4 HCar#(s es!a2a a!err(rizad(, HQS7R HE# d(#(r de# pec5( de T(mmie i2a e& a me&!(, 8ran,uilo, %me gustara vivir lo su2iciente para descubrir ,u" est pasando) La )(z de #a si##a de r edas di/(9 HI&c# s( si &( p(der&(s ##amar0 a#$ ie& se dar4 c e&!a, HM iz4 &(, H T(mmie se es'(rz% p(r respirar, Si e# apa$%& era e3!e&s( + desi$ a#0 c(& #a aparie&cia de & desas!re &a! ra#E 2ie&0 p(dr7a es!ar (c #!a&d( a#$( rea#me&!e imp(r!a&!e 1 e s ced7a 2a/( !ierra, HY &( p(dem(s 5acer &ada Hdi/( Xi&s!(&,

HM iz4 &(, H Iia&$ repe!7a #as pa#a2ras de T(mmie0 per( s )(z era pe&sa!i)a0 dis!a&!e, I# mi&% #a m(c5i#aH, Me #( 5e pasad( m + 2ie& e& #a c#ase de !a##er, J(+ e& d7a se p ede& 'a2ricar c(sas m + i&!eresa&!es, T(mmie #($r% decir9 HS7, Y !(das c mp#e& #a #e+, I, Iia&$ s(#!% &a risi!a, HJec5( 1 e p ede )(#)erse e& s c(&!ra0 s(2re !(d( si #as par!es desc(&(ce& #a si! aci%& de# !(d(, M c5(s de #(s )ie/(s ami$(s de T(mmie dec7a& #( mism(D s%#( s(#7a ser 5a2#ar p(r 5a2#ar, Per( #( es!a2a dicie&d( I, Iia&$, Sac% & apara!( de aspec!( !(sc(, Parec7a &a #a!a de ca'6 de a&!a:(0 a2ier!a p(r & #ad(, S(s! )( #a #a!a de ca'6 e&carada a #a p4$i&a )is(r, HM c5(s disp(si!i)(s si$ e& ' &ci(&a&d(0 per( &( e&c e&!ra& &(d(s s 'icie&!es para se$ ir &a r !a, Si& em2ar$(0 5a+ &a e&(rme 2ase mi#i!ar / s!( a# &(r!e de a1 7, Desde #a si##a de r edas0 Le&a i&!er)i&(9 HE# campame&!( Pe&d#e!(& es!4 a &(s ci&c e&!a Fi#%me!r(s de dis!a&cia e& esa direcci%&, HM iz4s 5a27a 5ec5( & $es!(0 per( T(mmie &( p d( )er#(, Iia&$ pas% #a #a!a de ca'6 p(r e# cie#( si& es!re##as, HEs!( es &a #(c ra Hdi/( Xi&s!(&H, UC%m( p edes sa2er 1 e 5a+ &(d(s e& ! #7&ea de )isi%&V HN( #( s6, Va+a #a&zar &a se:a# c(&!ra #a &e2#i&a de# cie#(, Es!(+ ##ama&d( a #(s mari&es, HL e$( #e 5a2#% a s p4$i&a )is(r, G(2 G + s s mari&es pasa2a& m4s !iemp( e&!re&4&d(se 1 e e& c(m2a!e ( de $ ardia, L(s direc!(res de e&!re&amie&!( era& 'am(s(s p(r idear emer$e&cias imp(si2#esE para # e$( s perar#as c(& a#$( !(da)7a m4s i&cre72#e, Esa &(c5e0 e# m &d( rea# era e# e&!re&ad(r m4s #(c(, A#ice 5a27a pasad( a c idad(s i&!e&si)(s, G(2 p(dr7a 5a2er id( c(& e##aE per( ' era #( 1 e ' ese 1 e #a 5a27a a'ec!ad( era &a acci%& e&emi$a0 + &( ser7a #a "#!ima, La pa&!a##a de a&4#isis 5a27a pr(d cid( &(d(s & e)(s + &a d(ce&a de as(ciaci(&es #e/a&as9 #a Cr6di! S isse AC aca2a2a de c(#apsarse0 & imp(r!a&!e desas!re para E r(pa, Las re)(caci(&es de cer!i'icad(s i&c# s( !e&dr7a& c(&sec e&cias e& Ca#i'(r&ia, G(2 pres!% m4s a!e&ci%&, E# c(#aps( de #a Cr6di! S isse 5a27a sid( !a& repe&!i&( 1 e !e&7a 1 e !ra!arse de & a!a1 e s('is!icad(, .ien, 3de ,u" se supona ,ue nos distraa4 La $ ardia !erres!re c(m2i&ada de# DDDWDSI 5a27a e&!rad( e& acci%&, La acci%& de esa &(c5e p(dr7a ser a#$( & e)(0 & Gra& Terr(r 1 e rec(rr7a sim #!4&eame&!e Es!ad(s U&id(s + #a A#ia&za I&d(e r(pea0 apr()ec5a&d( #(s 5 ec(s cread(s p(r #as s(2era&7as &aci(&a#es, Mira&d( e# a&4#isis0 G(2 s%#( )e7a #(s per'i#es m4s c#ar(s0 per( era e)ide&!e 1 e #as a$e&cias de i&!e#i$e&cia de

Es!ad(s U&id(s0 #a A#ia&za + C5i&a c(#a2(ra2a& para cazar #a ' e&!e de #a ame&aza, E& e# s r(es!e de# !erri!(ri( c(&!i&e&!a# de Es!ad(s U&id(s0 s & e)a /e'a de a&a#is!as 5ac7a #( 1 e p(d7a, S e1 ip( de a&a#is!as se$ 7a c(/(0 per( #(s c5ic(s 5a2#a2a& m c5(, Las es!r c! ras de c(&/e! ras + c(&c# si(&es crec7a&, La & e)a /e'a 5a2#%, HC(r(&e#0 #a !(rme&!a de re)(caci%& es m + i&!e&sa e& #a UCSD, La pa&!a##a de !r4'ic( m(s!ra2a 1 e #a ma&i'es!aci%& a#reded(r de #a 2i2#i(!eca se 5a27a de!e&id( p(r c(mp#e!(, L(s & e)(s 'a##(s &( se de27a& a #a sa! raci%& de #a r !a !r(&ca#, L(s par!icipa&!es perd7a& #a cer!i'icaci%& a mi##ares, Mi##(&es de pr($ramas de s(p(r!e 5a27a& sid( (2s!ac #izad(s, A &1 e s%#( ' ese p(r a1 e# 5ec5(0 1 eda2a dem(s!rad( 1 e #a masi)a imp#icaci%& e3!ra&/era e& #a 'ies!a de a1 e##a &(c5e &( 5a27a sid( & espe/ism( de #(s a&a#is!as, L( 1 e ' era 1 e 5 2iese $(#pead( E r(pa !e&7a m c5( 1 e )er c(& #( 1 e s ced7a e& e# camp s, Per( #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s !(da)7a aparec7a& e& )erde, I&c# s( #a par!icipaci%& de# ! r&( de &(c5e e& #a ma&i'es!aci%& de #a 2i2#i(!eca 5a27a sid( para me/(r, M iz4 #a pr(d c!i)idad + e# re&dimie&!( 2a/ase& d ra&!e a1 e# ! r&(0 per( es( &( era m4s 1 e & as &!( c(mercia#, L( cier!( era 1 e #a sa#ida de# pers(&a# 5 ma&( 5a27a simp#i'icad( #a si! aci%& de# #a2(ra!(ri(, A##7 s%#( 1 eda2a& sis!emas a !(m4!ic(sE + !(d( ' &ci(&a2a 2ie&, HE# FGI ) e#)e a s(#ici!ar permis( para (c parse de #a si! aci%&, G(2 ca2ece%0 irri!ad(, HDe&e$ad(, C(m( a&!es, >mm. Cada )ez m4s par!icipa&!es e& e# dis! r2i( perd7a& #a cer!i'icaci%&, Tres a&a#is!as de# ser)ici( de ma&!e&imie&!( de# s r de Ca#i'(r&ia i&'(rma2a& de 'a##(s de i&'raes!r c! ra e& #a z(&a de# camp s, UP(r 1 6 i2a #a i&'raes!r c! ra #(ca# a depe&der de cer!i'icad(s de #a Cr6di! S isseV HLa c(rre#aci%& de #(s 'a##(s de sis!emas c(& #a !(rme&!a de re)(caci%& es de# &()e&!a + ci&c( p(r cie&!(0 c(r(&e#, 0o me digas. I&c# s( si #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s es!a2a& #impi(s0 a##7 se es!a2a pr(d cie&d( &a i&!er'ere&cia m(r!a#, G(2 !ec#e% #a (rde& 1 e ##e)a2a s(pesa&d( desde 5ac7a )ari(s mi& !(s, ALERTA DE LAN_AMIENTO , HM e #(s a&a#is!as ac! a#ice& #a c(&!i&$e&cia & e)e + 1 e me de& & p &!( de #a&zamie&!( Hdi/(, J 2( &a pa sa mie&!ras #a $ ardia m &dia# c(m2i&ada DDDWDSI re)isa2a s pe!ici%&, Desde e# desm(r(&amie&!( de A#ice0 s $ ardia es!a2a sie&d( )i$i#ada m + de cerca, Per( ci&c( se$ &d(s desp 6s !e&7a e# permis(, G(2 ape&as se di( c e&!a de 1 e #a pr(!ecci%& a&!iace#eraci%& se i&'#a2a, Y# ser7a e# "#!im( e& sa#ir0 as7 1 e !e&dr7a m c5( 1 e mirar, LAN_AMIENTO LAN_AMIENTO LAN_AMIENTO , HLa&zad(s #(s )e57c #(s si& !rip #aci%&,

S )isi%& m(s!ra2a !rei&!a car$ad(res de m &ici%& de red disparad(s 5acia e# cie#( &(c! r&( de# s r de Ca#i'(r&ia, L(s )e57c #(s si& !rip #ar 5a27a& sa#id( de# #ad( &(r!e de #a 2ase0 a )ei&!e Fi#%me!r(s de dis!a&cia, M4s a# &(r!e0 desde MCAS Ed>ards0 armas m4s primi!i)as se a#zar(& a# cie#(, U& ca!4#($( de p(si2i#idades e3!remas9 #a&zas de resca!e B];;C0 &e2#i&as de s presi%& de da:(s B<;;C0 #4seres IRAE B<;C0 dard(s !6rmic(sW)aria&!es de ais#amie&!( B<;;CE + #as !res "#!imas0 #as pesadi##as9 dispe&sad(res de &e2#i&a es!eri#izad(ra B<; p(r <;C0 m &ici%& de 4rea RFAE B-; p(r -; p(r LC0 m &ici%& & c#ear es!ra!6$ica B<; p(r <; p(r -C, A los analistas se les paga para ,ue piensen lo peor- pero ios- L(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s era& #a "&ica e3c sa para !(d( a1 e##(, Per( #( cier!(0 a# mar$e& de &( !e&er e1 ip( de se$ imie&!(0 era 1 e se !ra!a2a de &a car$a raz(&a2#eme&!e c(&)e&ci(&a# para &a ' erza e3pedici(&aria m(der&a, D ra&!e #a carrera de G(20 e& !res (casi(&es es(s #a&zamie&!(s 5a27a& aca2ad( e& c(m2a!e rea#, Per( es(s c(m2a!es se 5a27a& pr(d cid( a medi( m &d( de dis!a&cia0 e& A#ma!+0 e& Ci dad Ge&era# Or!iz + e& As &ci%&, Las armas m4s !erri2#es &( se 5a27a& sad( & &ca0 a &1 e e& As &ci%& 5a27a& es!ad( m + cerca de 5acer#(, Esa &(c5e ap &!a2a c(& !(d( a s pr(pi( )eci&dari(0 a s%#( ci&c e&!a Fi#%me!r(s a# s r de# campame&!( Pe&d#e!(&, La ' erza !(!a# sada e& &a z(&a r2a&a era c(r&( cazar #as ra!as de #a c(ci&a sa&d( &a ame!ra##ad(ra, >ant"n la cabeza gacha, >iri. HE# FGI ) e#)e a pedir permis( para !(mar e# c(&!r(#, HDe&e$ad(, La si! aci%& 5a empe(rad(, HDe m(me&!(0 si !e&7a& s er!e s%#( de m(me&!(, Si #a p(#ic7a + #(s ser)ici(s de resca!e #($ra2a& c(&!r(#ar #a si! aci%&0 e&!(&ces !(d( e# ma!eria# 1 e G(2 5a27a #a&zad( s(2re e# s r de Ca#i'(r&ia ser7a simp#eme&!e par!e de & e/ercici( car(, Per( e# aspec!( p(si!i)( de e&!rar e& acci%& era 1 e p(d7a s(#ici!ar m c5(s m4s rec rs(s9 G re1 is% e1 ip(s de a&a#is!as de !(d(s #(s ! r&(s &aci(&a#es + #es ma&d% #(s da!(s 1 e !e&7a& 5as!a e# m(me&!(, Las pre$ &!as pri(ri!arias9 U#(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de Sa& Die$( es!4& se$ r(sV UC 4# es #a predicci%& para #(s 'a##(s ac! a#es de# sis!emaV Mie&!ras !a&!(0 #(s #a&zamie&!(s de G(2 5a27a& a#ca&zad( e# p &!( de i&'#e3i%& de s s !ra+ec!(rias, M(di'ic% #as de #as m &ici(&es de Ed>ards para 1 e ' ese& m4s a#!as + 1 edara& reza$adas0 c(& respec!( a# ma!eria# de Pe&d#e!(&, Si &( se res(#)7a &ada pr(&!(0 !e&dr7a 1 e e&ce&der #(s m(!(res de #(s )e57c #(s si& !rip #ar. %0ecesito respuestas, chicos) Per( #(s a&a#is!as se$ 7a& m + (c pada c(&ec!a&d( mi#es de mi##(&es de p &!(s0 2 sca&d( pa!r(&es + c(&spiraci(&es, L e$(0 &a s(#a (2ser)aci%& #( cam2i% !(d(, U&a e3per!a e& c#ima 1 e c mp#7a c(& s s (2#i$aci(&es me&s a#es c(& #a reser)a emi!i% &a pri(ridad m + a#!a, HJace )ei&!e se$ &d(s, Ve( &a se:a# impr()isada e& #a re!r(dispersi%& s(2re es!e p &!(, HTraz% &a e#ipse s(2re e# N(r!5 C( &!+ de Sa& Die$(0 c 2rie&d( $ra& par!e de# campame&!( Pe&d#e!(&, A#$ ie& se es!a2a m(&!a&d( s pr(pi( sis!ema de c(m &icaci%&0 Qsimp#eme&!e i# mi&a&d( e# cie#( &(c! r&(R

E# e/e #ar$( de #a e#ipse de dispersi%& ap &!a2a a #a UCSD, Las pa#a2ras de# me&sa/e i&!ercep!ad( pasar(& p(r #a )is!a de G(2, Ii Iia&$ HS A a#$ ie& c(& #a i&!e#i$e&cia s 'icie&!e para de!ec!arme e& #a re!r(dispersi%&9 TmsS L(s sis!emas a !(m4!ic(s de Ge&Ge& 5a& sid( ma&ip #ad(s, E# sis!ema a!aca a c a#1 iera 1 e se #e (p(&$a, Es!( &( es & / e$(, N( es &a 2r(ma, UM 6V S70 se #( dir6, T(da)7a 5a+ d(s pers(&as e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, QS(& de #(s 2 e&(sR I&!e&!a& a+ dar,TWmsS La a&a#is!a me!e(r(#%$ica 5a2#%, HE# me&sa/e es & p #s( de & se$ &d(0 re!ra&smi!id( d(ce )eces, L( 1 e )e es #a )ersi%& rec(&s!r ida + dep rada, Es!a2a m4s 1 e c#ar(, L(s ded(s de G(2 G !ec#ear(& e& #(s $ a&!es0 #a&za&d( a s s mari&es, A c(&!i& aci%& #a pr(!ecci%& de ace#eraci%& se !e&s% +E E + G(2 G de/% de pres!ar a!e&ci%&, M(me&!4&eame&!e0 no pudo pres!ar a!e&ci%&, Si$ ie&d( e# (rde& de 2a!a##a0 e# c(ma&da&!e de #a (peraci%& 1 eda2a si! ad( e& medi( de #a c(&!ie&da, E& a1 e# cas(0 e# #a&zamie&!( sac% s #a&zadera de a!erriza/e de Pe&d#e!(&, :uizs esto no sea una buena idea, pe&s% em2(!ad(, Per( siempre pe&sa2a #( mism( desp 6s de sa#ir disparad( p(r e# e3!rem( de & #a&zad(r de -; $, Te&7a 1 e )(#)er a pe&sar c(& c#aridad, S s 5(m2res + e# e1 ip( i2a& se$"& #( pre)is!(, L(s impe&sa2#es #!im(s Rec rs(s se$ 7a& e& #as a#! ras0 disp(&i2#es 5as!a e# 'i&a#, Las m &ici(&es de red +a es!a2a& e& #a UCSD, Y #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s seguan e& )erde0 se$ r(s + !ra&1 i#(s, S pr(pi( dard( de a!erriza/e se e&c(&!ra2a a p(c(s se$ &d(s de #a UCSD, Ja27a (!r( de!a##e imp(r!a&!e0 a#$( 1 e 5a27a s cedid( e& #(s "#!im(s se$ &d(s, UIi Iia&$V G(2 #($r% rec(rdar#( / s!( c a&d( #(s a&a#is!as de# DSI e3p(&7a& s s pr(pias ideas9 Ii Iia&$, N( era & &(m2re p(c( c(m"&, Per( e& !(d( e# s r de Ca#i'(r&ia pr(2a2#eme&!e &( 5 2iese m4s de !res ( c a!r( pers(&as c(& ese &(m2re, + &a )i)7a e& A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris c(& Le&a G , De pr(&!( ! )( &a idea m + precisa de 1 i6& es!a2a e& e# p &!( de mira de !(das #as armas 1 e c(ma&da2a,

.; CUANDO

LAS REDES PARAN

La Gi2#i(!eca 5a27a esc($id(, Tim(!5+ J +&5 + !(d( e# ! r&( de &(c5e $ ardar(& & i&s!a&!e de si#e&ci(, La m #!i! d de 5 ma&(s rea#es ca##a2a e i&c# s( #(s mi##(&es de )ir! a#es par!icipa2a& e& &a 1 ie! d c((rdi&ada, La Gi2#i(!eca 5a27a esc($id(E + 5a27a esc($id( a #(s sc((c5is, E& e# 2a&d( JaceF se &(!a2a 1 e #a derr(!a se i2a e3!e&die&d(, Era & )erdader( !ri &'(, UC%m( se #( !(mar7a& #(s 5aceFea&(sV E& #a se$ &da d6cada de# si$#( se 5a27a& pr(d cid( a#$ &as de2ac#es p(r1 e #(s c7rc #(s m4s imp(r!a&!es 5a27a& pr(d cid( ar!e de m + ma#a ca#idad, Ta& ma#( e& a#$ &(s cas(s 1 e #(s pr(pi(s c7rc #(s 5a27a& desaparecid(, UM i6& se ac(rda2a de #(s Ti&es ( de #as _(&as de Pe&samie&!(V Per( esa &(c5e #(s 5aceFea&(s 5a27a& perdid( a ma&(s de #(s (!r(sD de27a& 5acer algoE i&c# s( & $es!( de c(r!es7a, La 1 ie! d si#e&ci(sa de #a m #!i! d c(&!i& % & p(c( m4s, L e$( C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( se apar!% de pr(&!( de #a 2i2#i(!eca, S mirada rec(rri% a #(s prese&!es, Desp 6s de !(d(0 represe&!ar a# perded(r &( '(rma2a par!e de s pape#, Per( 1 ie& es! )iese de!r4s de s c(&sidera2#e crea!i)idad era m4s 1 e adap!a2#e0 pasad( & m(me&!(0 Pe#i$r(s( s(&ri% c(r!6s + se )(#)i% 5acia #a 2i2#i(!eca0 dicie&d( c(&desce&die&!e9 HN(s i&c#i&am(s a&!e #(s dese(s de #a Gi2#i(!eca, Jas $a&ad(0 (50 Sc((c5HaH m( !, L(s $emid(s s r$ier(& de# 2a&d( JaceF0 per( Pe#i$r(s( a#z% &a ma&( + si$ i% 5a2#a&d(, HRe& &ciam(s a & es!r(s derec5(s e& es!e # $ar, Es!arem(s a1 7 s%#( c(m( i&)i!ad(s, S5ei#a HS T r&( de &(c5e9 TmsS L(s JaceF ma&!ie&e& c(&)ersaci(&es c(& #a admi&is!raci%& de #a &i)ersidad, Es!4& pidie&d( c a#1 ier mi$a/a 1 e p eda& #($rar,TWmsS Y e# Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! se m(s!r% c(&ci#iad(r e& #a )ic!(ria0 a &1 e &( de/% de a2razar #a 2i2#i(!eca, HS(is 2ie&)e&id(s c(m( i&)i!ad(s a &a 2i2#i(!eca c(& #i2r(s de verdad. Ja&s(& HS T r&( de &(c5e9 TmsS La admi&is!raci%& se resis!e a ese ac erd(0 per( #a p 2#icidad c(mpe&sar4 e# espaci( e3!ra, QJem(s $a&ad(0 pa&di##aRTW msS D ra&!e &(s mi& !(s0 !(d( ' e $e&ia#, M e !ermi&ara & dis! r2i( si& & e&'re&!amie&!( c(& #a p(#ic7a ( &a pe#ea '7sica era & p(c( s(s(0 per( #(s dise:ad(res de# dis! r2i( !e&7a& !(da)7a m4s e'ec!(s especia#es para p(&er#e #a $ i&da, Pa!ie R(se&2a m re &i% a !(d(s #(s r(2(!s ara:a + # e$( #(s e&)i%

5acia #(s r(2(!s de J +&5 para 1 e e/ec !ara& &a e3!ra:a ?da&za de #a paz@ 1 e0 adem4s0 sir)i% para #impiar $ra& par!e de #a 2as ra de #a &(c5e, Tim prese&ci% #as &e$(ciaci(&es e&!re #(s d(s 2a&d(s0 #(s i&!ercam2i(s0 #as pr(mesas, C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( se re!ir% + am2(s 2a&d(s / $ar(& c(& e'ec!(s especia#es & e)(s, Per(0 precisame&!e c a&d( #as c(sas de27a& ir c(& m4s '# idez0 5a27a pr(2#emas de red, A1 7 + a##40 e# ser)ici( res #!a2a #e&!( + '# c! a&!e 5as!a e# p &!( de ser i& !i#iza2#e, Jac7a 1 e !(d(s ! )iese& ma# aspec!(, Sc((c5HaHm( ! !(da)7a se$ 7a / &!( a #a 2i2#i(!eca0 a2razad( a# pi#ar 1 e 5a27a ?cami&ad(@, Si ma&!ie&es &a p(s! ra 5er(ica !a&!( !iemp( aca2as parecie&d( & idi(!a, J +&5 c(mpr(2% #a si! aci%& de# r(2(!, Jac7a casi sie!e se$ &d(s 1 e &( se pr(d c7a &a ac! a#izaci%& Sc((c5i, Ysa &( era '(rma de c(&d cir & r(2(!, J +&5 HS Ja&s(&9 TmsS E50 S5ei#a, UM i6& c(&d ce a Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaH m( !VTWmsS Ja&s(& HS J +&59 TmsS Ni idea, L( 5a 5ec5( m + 2ie&0 per( a5(ra 5a perdid( e# &(r!e, Da i$ a#0 +a es!am(s aca2a&d(, Simp#eme&!e !(ma e# c(&!r(# + ##6)a!e#(, N( 5ace 'a#!a 1 e !e&$a & aspec!( es! pe&d(,TWmsS L e$( se p s( a ma&dar me&sa/es a !(d( e# ! r&( de &(c5e0 i&!e&!a&d( rec($er + ##e)ar a #a $e&!e + #as c(sas a s si!i(, J +&5 ##e)% s e#e)ad(r 5as!a e# r(2(! de Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( !, Se c(#(c% de!r4s e i&!e&!% pe&sar e& a#$ &a 2 e&a '(rma de sacar#( de a##7, Las &e2#i&as de s r(2(! Mi&d S m +a &( se a/ s!a2a&D 1 eda2a& 'a!a#, G e&(, T(mar7a e# c(&!r(# de Gra&di(s( Sc((c5HaHm( ! + 5ar7a 1 e #(s d(s r(2(!s se sa# dase& + # e$( se ir7a&, M edar7a 2ie&0 a &1 e &( ' ese per'ec!(, M iz4 &( imp(r!ase, L(s pr(2#emas de red es!a2a& empe(ra&d( mucho. Se pr(d c7a& #a!e&cias e3!ra:as0 i&c# s( 1 iz4 par!ici(&es rea#es, Par!es de #a a die&cia )ir! a# se e/ec !a2a& e& cac56, L(s sa#!(s &i!ari(s se$ 7a& ' &ci(&a&d( e& s ma+(r7a0 per( para #a c(m &icaci%& e&r !ada 5a27a pr(2#emas, J +&5 se desp#az% & me!r( a & #ad( + #($r% e&c(&!rar &a 2 e&a ' e&!e dia$&%s!ica, Se pr(d c7a& 'a##(s de cer!i'icad( a# m4s 2a/( &i)e#, 0unca 5a27a )is!( a#$( parecid(, Yncluso la red de localizadores est 2allando. C(m( a$ /er(s e& &a a#'(m2ra ra7da0 a s a#reded(r crecier(& #(s a$ /er(s de rea#idad &(rma#0 c(mi6&d(se #(s e'ec!(s + #a m #!i! d0 de/a&d( a# desc 2ier!( #(s e/6rci!(s pa!6!ic(s de r(2(!s de #a2(ra!(ri(, D(&de 5a27a 5a2id( cie&!(s de mi#es de / $ad(res 5a27a z(&as de 5ier2a (sc ra + 5 ma&(s rea#es0 de pie + c(&m(ci(&ad(s, HQTimR QT e#e)ad(rR HE# $ri!( era & s(&id( rea# de S5ei#a Ja&s(&0 1 e es!a2a a m + p(ca dis!a&cia de 6#, J +&5 )(#)i% a mirar #a 2i2#i(!eca, QJa27a perdid( e# c(&!ac!( c(& e# Mi&d S mR C(rri% 5acia e# r(2(!, E# e#e)ad(r 5a27a se$ id( a)a&za&d( a !%&(mame&!e & par de pas(s, Per( &( es!a2a s(2re e# s e#( p#a&( de# #a2(ra!(ri( + #a red de #(ca#izad(res 'a##a2a, E# r(2(! 5a27a derri2ad( &a de #as

piedras (r&ame&!a#es 1 e r(dea2a& #a !erraza, Dese1 i#i2rad(0 e&)ia2a pe!ici(&es de #(ca#izaci%& e& !(das direcci(&es, Per( #a red 5a27a ca7d( + e# e#e)ad(r !e&7a pr(2#emas, S s sis!emas de a 2(rd( es!a2a& dise:ad(s para c(mpe&sar #as i&es!a2i#idades9 e# m(d( de 'a##( c(&sis!7a e& de/arse caer 2a/a&d( e# ce&!r( de $ra)edad + pr(+ec!ar miem2r(s es!a2i#izad(res, Es( 5a2r7a sid( e'ec!i)( e& e# e&!(r&( di4'a&( de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, Per(0 a57 ' era0 s arreme!ida #e ##e)% a# 2(rde &(r!eE + &( 5a27a red de #(ca#izad(res para ad)er!ir#e de# des&i)e#, L(s miem2r(s es!a2i#izad(res 1 edar(& a# aire + e# e#e)ad(r se despe:% p(r e# 2(rde, J 2( $ri!(s, J +&5 c(rri% a# camp( de 2a!a##a r(2%!ica, T(das #as im4$e&es 6picas desaparecier(&0 per( #(s r(2(!s !(da)7a !e&7a& c((rdi&aci%& #(ca#, Se apar!ar(& de s cami&(, Y# ape&as se di( c e&!a, S%#( pres!a2a a!e&ci%& a# e#e)ad(r, E& a1 e# m(me&!( disp(&7a de c(&!ac!( direc!(, Repas% #as c4maras de# e#e)ad(rE + se mare%, Ja27a a#$ ie& a!rapad( de2a/(, Desce&di% + se arr(di##% a# #ad(, La m /er es!a2a a!rapada0 $ri!a&d(, E# e#e)ad(r #e 5a27a ap#as!ad( #a pier&a 5as!a #a r(di##a, A#$ ie& se #e si! % a# #ad(, S5ei#a, Se me!i% 2a/( #as pa#as de# e#e)ad(r + a$arr% #a ma&( de #a m /er, HTe sacarem(s de a1 7, N( !e pre(c pes, Te sacarem(s, HQS7R Hdi/( Tim, Ya !e&7a !(d( e# c(&!r(#, E&!re s pr(pia )isi%& + #a de #as c4maras )e7a c%m( 5a27a ca7d( + d%&de es!a2a a!rapada #a m /er, >ant"n la calma ! todo saldr bien. E# e#e)ad(r ap(+% e# pes( s(2re r(di##as 1 e &( !(ca2a& a #a m /er, Era& s(p(r!es s%#id(s0 &i&$ &a s(rpresa, Desde de2a/( de #as pa#as (7a a S5ei#a c(&s(#a&d( a #a m /er, 9ale, simplemente desplaza el peso, haz ,ue se siente. <cilSe (7a& (!r(s $ri!(s + e# s(&id( de $e&!e c(rrie&d(, Smi#e HS J +&59 TmsS QA+"da&(s0 TimR TWmsS J +&5 mir% p(r &a c4mara si! ada a# (!r( #ad( de# e#e)ad(r9 e# r(2(! 1 e 5a27a sid( Gra&di(s( Sc((c5iHaHm( ! se$ 7a de pie / &!( a #a 2i2#i(!eca0 per( s ce&!r( de $ra)edad es!a2a a2s rdame&!e a#!( + a#$ ie& 5a27a des5a2i#i!ad( !(d(s #(s meca&ism(s de se$ ridad para 5acer#e empujar e# pi#ar m4s cerca&(, Las pa!as de# r(2(! c5irria2a& c(&!ra e# ceme&!( de #a !erraza, Se (7a e# s(&id( de m(!(res e& m(d( de emer$e&cia0 per( si$ ie&d( & ri!m( de apa$ad( + e&ce&did( 1 e res #!a2a 5as!a m sica#, E# r(2(! parec7a & &i:( i&!e&!a&d( ma&!e&er derec5a &a es!a&!er7a, J +&5 $ir% #a c4mara para mirar m c5( m4s arri2aE a# sa#ie&!e de# se3!( pis(0 casi direc!ame&!e p(r e&cima de s ca2eza, Ja27a 5 ec(s e& e# ceme&!( + p &!(s d(&de #(s pis(s se #adea2a& + )i2ra2a&, Era & edi'ici( c(& capacidad para a !(es!a2i#izarse0 i&c# s( para m()erse & p(c(, Per( esa capacidad &( disp(&7a de i&'(rmaci%& de #(ca#izaci%&, A# i$ a# 1 e e# e#e)ad(r de Tim(!5+ J +&50 #a 2i2#i(!eca 5ac7a #( p(si2#e p(r se$ ir e& pieE +0 e& s e&(rme esca#a0 es!a2a ca+e&d(,

.< GOG ESTUDIA

UN ATAMUE NUCLEAR MASIVO

G(2 )(#% s(2re e# camp s de #a UCSD, S dard( de a!erriza/e i2a !a& despaci( + !a& e& si#e&ci( c(m( #as m &ici(&es de red 1 e ##()7a& de# cie#(, Se !ra!a2a de & asa#!( c#4sic( de s peri(ridad de red0 si& &i&$ &a de'e&sa si$&i'ica!i)a, Ja27a m c5as c(sas 1 e 5acer + s%#( se$ &d(s para 5acer#as0 per( d ra&!e es(s m(me&!(s dis'r !% de & parad%/ic( se&!id( de #a se$ ridad, Ja27a m + p(c(s # $ares e& e# m &d( m(der&( d(&de & 5 ma&( p diese se&!irse !a& a !(s 'icie&!e0 a &1 e ' ese !emp(ra#me&!e0 c(m( a# ma&d( de & asa#!( c(m( 6se, E# $r p( de G(2 disp(&7a de s pr(pia red0 de s s pr(pias ' e&!es e&er$6!icas0 de s s pr(pi(s se&s(res, A &1 e desapareciera& #(s a&a#is!as rem(!(s0 s s mari&es se$ ir7a& p die&d( ac! ar, P(r e# m(me&!(0 mi#es de &(d(s de asa#!( a&ida2a& e& 4r2(#es + ar2 s!(s0 se 'i/a2a& a )e57c #(s + se emp(!ra2a& e& #(s edi'ici(s, I&c# s( a&!es de a!errizar +a 5a27a& dec#arad( s primac7a s(2re !(d( e# 5ard>are ci)i# 1 e !(da)7a se$ 7a e& ' &ci(&amie&!(, La !(ma de c(&!r(# era casi c(mp#e!a, G(2 +a !e&7a acces( a casi !(d(s #(s c(&!r(#ad(res i&!e$rad(s de #a z(&a, E& c(m2a!e0 a me& d( es(s sis!emas #(ca#es era& irrec pera2#es, A##7 5 2( &(s c a&!(s se$ &d(s de i&!e&s( i&!err($a!(ri(0 #a a !(ridad de# DSI se )a#id% + 6# ! )( e# c(&!r(#, L(s c(c5es + #(s )es!i2#es0 #(s sis!emas m6dic(s0 #(s p &!(s de )is!a + sis!emas 'i&a&cier(s + p(#icia#es resp(&d7a& !(d(s, La p(#ic7a + #(s ser)ici(s de resca!e se rec(&ec!a2a& a !ra)6s de #a red de c(m2a!e, Ya p(d7a (7r s s )(ces re!(ma&d( #as (peraci(&es, C(& & p(c( de s er!e0 &( se perder7a& )idas + !(d( 1 edar7a e& & m + e3!ra:( + ca#ami!(s( apa$%& de red, De/ar7a& #a red de c(m2a!e e& e# # $ar0 i$ a# 1 e e& &a (peraci%& e& e# e3!ra&/er(, A #( #ar$( de #(s d7as si$ ie&!es #a ir7a& reemp#aza&d(E &( p(r medi( de %rde&es admi&is!ra!i)as si&( p(r rea'irmaci%& $rad a# de# sis!ema ci)i#, Nada de es( imp(r!a2a e& rea#idad, HL(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, UJa& resp(&did(V HS70 se:(r, HF e #a resp es!a de Pa!ricF Xes!i&, Es!a2a s(2re e# !erre&( c(& e# primer pe#(!%&0 cerca de #a e&!rada pri&cipa# de Ge&Ge&H, Te&em(s acces( a #a se$ ridad sec &daria de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, Es!4 de ac erd( c(& #a pri&cipa# e& a'irmar 1 e e# s 2s e#( es!4 pr(!e$id(0 1 e &( 5a+ ras!r( de a#!eracE A#arma ci)i#9 <allo de edi2icio. Las #e!ras pasar(& p(r & 2(rde de #a )isi%& de G(2, La 2i2#i(!eca de #a &i)ersidad ca7a, D ra&!e e# c(m2a!e pasa& m c5as c(sas &e$a!i)as0 per( esa &(c5e #a ca sa parec7a ser #a es! pidez c(m2i&a2a c(& #a ma#a s er!e, Primer( #(s ma&i'es!a&!es 5acie&d( 1 e #a 2i2#i(!eca ?2ai#ase@0

# e$( e# apa$%& de red 1 e 5a27a des!r id( #a i&!e#i$e&cia de# edi'ici(, I&depe&die&!eme&!e de #a raz%&0 #a $e&!e aca2ar7a m er!a i$ a#, G(2 c(m &ic% e# pr(2#ema a s pe#(!%& de reser)a0 1 e es!a2a a c a!r(cie&!(s me!r(s de a#! ra + desce&die&d( c(& 5ard>are )ariad(E i&c# idas #as #a&zas de resca!e, F e )a$ame&!e c(&scie&!e de #(s c(&!e&ed(res de #a&ce!as a2rie&d( s s a#e!as0 $ira&d( para ap &!ar 5acia #a 2i2#i(!eca, Se pr(d /( e# des!e##( de cie& c(5e!es dimi& !(s + (!r(s !a&!(s &(d(s se emp(!rar(& e& e# ceme&!( + e# acer( de# )ie/( edi'ici(, De&!r(0 #a acci%& ser7a m4s r4pida 1 e #a capacidad de percepci%& 5 ma&a, Las '#ec5as se a !($ iar7a& e&!re #as paredes0 5acie&d( #( p(si2#e p(r mi&imizar #(s da:(s a i&s!a#aci(&es a&!i$ as, U&a )ez si! adas0 a& #ar7a& #(s c%di$(s de c(&!r(# de# sis!ema m er!( de# edi'ici( e i&!e&!ar7a& c(&!ac!ar c(& #(s ser)(meca&ism(s de es!a2i#izaci%&, O#eadas de c(mp !aci%& + rec(mp !aci%& parpadear(& e& e# i&dicad(r de si! aci%& de# pe#(!%&, E# 63i!( depe&d7a de #( 1 e 5 2iese s(2re)i)id( + de a 1 6 )e#(cidad p(d7a ac(p#arse a #a red de #(ca#izad(res de #(s mari&es, Per( e# resca!e &( era #a misi%&, Se c(&ce&!r% e& Pa!ricF Xes!i&E HC(mpre&did( Hdi/( G H, D6/ase#( c#ar( a #(s sis!emas a !(m4!ic(s + de admi&is!raci%&9 de2e& re!irarse + se##ar #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, N( e&!ra &i sa#e &ada, HAd)er!e&cia + em2ar$(, S70 se:(r, M iz4 e# me&sa/e Iia&$ &( ' ese m4s 1 e & 'ra de desa$rada2#e, M iz4s0 s7, Le asi$&% (!r( pe#(!%& a Xes!i& + pidi% ap(+( p(#icia#, E& &(s !rei&!a mi& !(s ##e$ar7a& desde De&)er #(s i&spec!(res de# Ce&!r( de C(&!r(# de E&'ermedades + # e$( p(dr7a p#a&!earse e&!rar e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, G(2 se des#iz% e& & arc( si#e&ci(s( a#reded(r de# #a!era# s r de# camp s, Era 5(ra de a!errizar / &!( c(& e# !ercer pe#(!%&, UD%&deV Si se !ra!a2a de &a acci%& e&emi$a0 5a2r7a Ca2eci##as L(ca#es e& s 2a&d(, Pidi% &a #is!a de s(spec5(s(s, Se e&c(&!r% c(& #a p(2#aci%& 5a2i! a# de es! dia&!es e3!ra&/er(s, A# 'i&a# de #a &(c5e i&!err($ar7a& a #(s m4s i&!eresa&!es, Las 'es!i)idades de #a 2i2#i(!eca 5a27a& sid( &a s(rpresa casi !(!a# para #a pre&saE p(r !a&!(0 Up(r 1 6 da2a #a cas a#idad de 1 e 5a27a & c(&!i&$e&!e de G(##+>((d e& #a ci dad + e& es!e p &!(V C#ar( es!40 #a A#ia&za I&d(e r(pea &( i&!e&!ar7a &ada rea#me&!e des!r c!i)(, Per( e# c(#aps( de #a cer!i'icaci%& e r(pea parec7a e&c(&!rarse e& e# ce&!r( de #a des!r cci%& a1 7 e& Sa& Die$(, L(s a&a#is!as + #a i&! ici%& de G(2 si! a2a& a# e1 ip( de G(##+>((d e& #( a#!( de #a #is!a de i&!er6s, Y# c#a)% s dard( e& & c#ar( e&!re #(s e ca#ip!(s0 + pis% &a cama de ramas + 5(/as m er!as, E# !ercer pe#(!%& ca+% a i&!er)a#(s de )ei&!e me!r(s a# es!e + e# (es!e de s p(sici%&, J 2( $ri!(s + # ces de #( a#!( e& direcci%& a #a 2i2#i(!eca, E# edi'ici( se$ 7a des)iad(0 per( #(s ser)(s de es!a2i#idad se 5a27a& ac!i)ad( + Hsi &( 'a##a2a &ada m4s de27a ma&!e&erse e& pie, L(s )e57c #(s p(#icia#es 5a27a& rec perad( #a )idaD #(s a#!a)(ces direc!(s emi!7a& a& &ci(s de !ra&1 i#idad, Si #as c(sas sa#7a& 2ie&0 era i&c# s( p(si2#e 1 e p diese& (c #!ar e# 5ec5( de 1 e se 5 2iese pr(d cid( &a i&!er)e&ci%& mi#i!ar, Las ' erzas de se$ ridad p"2#ica

p(dr7a& darse pa#madi!as e& #a espa#da p(r 5a2er s perad( &( de es(s p(c( 5a2i! a#es per( i&e)i!a2#es 'a##(s de# sis!emaE O s!( de#a&!e !e&7a a# $r p( de $e&!e de / e$(s + pe#7c #as de G(##+>((d, Ya 5a27a& reci2id( &a &(!i'icaci%& de a#!(, Ni&$ &( de e##(s i&!e&!a2a irse, S+lo unas palabras con ustedes, damas ! caballeros, es todo lo ,ue ,ueremos. Ge&Ge& dec7a 1 e #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s es!a2a& !(!a#me&!e se##ad(s0 #is!(s para #as a !(ridades adec adasE Uc 4&d(V QOaR L(s i&spec!(res de# Ce&!r( de C(&!r(# de E&'ermedades i2a& ade#a&!ad(sD de a#$"& si!i( 5a27a& sacad( & !ra&sp(r!e s per2a#7s!ic(, L#e$ar7a& a# ca2( de diez mi& !(s, G(2 !e&7a e# ap(+( de #(s s peri(res de #a cade&a de ma&d(, Y !am2i6& de a2a/(, A#$ &(s $r p(s m + $ra&des + m + c(mpe!e&!es reca#c #a2a& #as pr(2a2i#idades de 1 e #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 5 2iese& sid( c(&)er!id(s e& 'ac!(r7as de #a m er!e, Es!a2a de ac erd( e& 1 e #a pr(2a2i#idad era i&'eri(r a# &( p(r cie&!(E es decir0 cie&cia 'icci%&, A5(ra s e1 ip( de a&a#is!as era m4s & mer(s( 1 e c a#1 iera 1 e G(2 G 5 2iese )is!(0 1 iz4s a$r pa2a & 1 i&ce p(r cie&!( de #a p(!e&cia de a&4#isis de !(da #a c(m &idad de i&!e#i$e&cia de Es!ad(s U&id(s, T(d( ese ap(+( de2er7a 5a2er#e dad( 4&im(s0 per( se$ 7a 5a2ie&d( p &!(s e& #(s 1 e #a c(&ec!i)idad era m4s 2ie& escasa, M iz4 ' ese as7 c(m( '# 7a& #as as(ciaci(&es c a&d( #a crisis era !(!a#me&!e $r(!esca, O!r(s !am2i6& #( c(&siderar(& e3!ra:(, Ve7a m(&!(&es de c(#(res para&(ic(s, Fi&a#me&!e0 a#$ ie& ma&i'es!% s desesperaci%&, Tp(i&!H('H(rderS Te&$( &a c(mpr(2aci%& de i&!e$ridad, Jem(s perdid( #a c(m &icaci%& c(& & ci&c( p(r cie&!( de & es!r(s a&a#is!as de ries$( (ri$i&a#es desde 1 e se i&ici% e# a!a1 e de re)(caci%&, Ta# c(sa de2er7a ser imp(si2#e,TWp(i&!H('H(rderS T(d(s #(s a&a#is!as per!e&ec7a& a #a c(m &idad de i&!e#i$e&cia de Es!ad(s U&id(s, Si #(s cer!i'icad(s de #a Cr6di! S isse era& &ecesari(s para 1 e c a#1 iera de es(s par!icipa&!es ma&! )iese s c(&ec!i)idad0 e&!(&ces c(m( m7&im( 5a27a & 'a##( de dise:(E + 1 iz4s e# e&emi$( 5 2iese '(rmad( par!e de# pr(pi( e1 ip( de ap(+( de G(2, De i&media!( ##e$% & ar$ me&!( e& c(&!ra, Tp(i&!H('H(rderS Es!4s c(&' &die&d( p6rdida de c(&ec!i)idad c(& p6rdida de 'ia2i#idad,TWp(i&!H('H(rderS A c(&!i& aci%&0 par!es de# c(&/ &!( de a&a#is!as se e&zarzar(& e& e# de2a!e, Era e# !7pic( p &!( m er!( 1 e s%#( a#$ ie& capaz de e/ec !ar mi#a$r(s p(d7a dese&redarE ! Alice est en la cama de un hospital. E& #a par!e i&'eri(r de s )isi%& apareci% (!ra a#arma, S red de c(m2a!e +a es!a2a repar!ida p(r !(d( e# camp s + 5ac7a a#$( m4s 1 e (c parse de #as c(m &icaci(&es, E& c(&/ &!(0 era &a 'is$(&a de d(s mi# me!r(s de a&c5 ra + dec7a9 El lanzador F1VE# de &en&en acaba de iniciarse, U& c(&!ad(r m(s!ra2a 1 e 'a#!a2a& sese&!a se$ &d(s para 1 e #a car$a a2a&d(&ase e# #a2(ra!(ri(,

I&c# s( mie&!ras #(s mari&es de!ec!a2a& #a car$a de# #a&zad(r0 #a pr(pia red de Ge&Ge& se$ 7a $ara&!iza&d( a# m &d( 1 e #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s es!a2a& c(mp#e!ame&!e se##ad(s, A#$( i&!e&!a2a escapar de Ge&Ge&, Esto se parece demasiado a lo de Asunci+n. G(2 ec5% &a 5(/eada a #as armas & c#eares, Dispe&sad(res de &e2#i&a m(r!a#0 RFAE e IRAE 1 e desce&d7a& '#(!a&d( desde <;,;;; me!r(s de a#! ra, A #(s peri(dis!as0 #as armas #es parecer7a& aer(2(!s c(m &esE per( a# !e&ie&!e c(r(&e# R(2er! G Or, #e dar7a& #a capacidad '7sica de a&i1 i#ar cual,uier ame&aza e& a1 e# # $ar de Es!ad(s U&id(s, P(r !a&!(0 Uc 4# era #a Resp es!a M7&ima S 'icie&!eV Trei&!a se$ &d(s 5as!a e# #a&zamie&!( de UPWE3, E& e# m &d( de #(s a&a#is!as se$ 7a rei&a&d( e# ca(s, Se 5a27a perdid( e# c(&!ac!( se$ r( c(& DDDWDSI, A )eces #as decisi(&es reca7a& e& e# p(2re dia2#( 1 e es!a2a s(2re e# !erre&(,

.LA RESPUESTA

M^NIMA SUFICIENTE

>us >*og. E# pd' de# E3!ra:( dec7a 1 e ?M s@ era p(r >us musculus, QRa!(&esR Las ma!rices de ra!(&es se e3!e&d7a& ade&!r4&d(se e& #a (sc ridad, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 a1 e# # $ar parec7a !(da)7a m4s $ra&de 1 e #a primera )ez 1 e R(2er! #( 5a27a )is!(, P(r !a&!(0 Uad%&de irV Miri s%#( )aci#% & se$ &d( a&!es de c(rrer 5acia e# r id( m4s ' er!e, Rec(rrier(& d(s pasi##(s + e&!rar(& e& (!r(, QS7R Ja27a & armari( a2ier!(, L(s sis!emas &e m4!ic(s e&)ia2a& ci#i&dr(s 2#a&c(s a# 2(s1 e de cris!a# 1 e !e&7a& e&cima, Miri se de! )( de $(#pe de#a&!e de #as p er!as a2ier!as, De&!r( de# armari( 5a27a es!a&!es de )idri(D era c(m( &a especie de e3pe&ded(r de c(mida de a&!a:(, Tras e# )idri( 5a27a & pa&a# p#a!ead(0 cie&!(s de ce#di##as 5e3a$(&a#es, Desde e# armari( #(s mira2a& cie&!(s de dimi& !(s r(s!r(s, R(s!r(s dimi& !(s de (/(s r(sad(s + ca2eci!a 2#a&ca, S s c5i##id(s a$ d(s se (7a& a !ra)6s de# )idri(, HN( se p ede& m()er0 ape&as ca2e& Hdi/( MiriH, De2e& de !e&er #a par!e p(s!eri(r c(&ec!ada a pe1 e:(sE HJiz( &a pa sa0 1 iz4 2 sca&d( da!(s e& s cac56 #(ca#H, A pe1 e:(s pa:a#es de a2s(rci%&, HPara !ra!arse de &a &i:a si& &i&$"& i&!er6s p(r #as masc(!as0 s )(z !raici(&% &a !ris!eza e3!ra:aH, E& rea#idad0 es #( 5a2i! a#, Miri apar!% #a mirada de #as cari!as c5i##(&as, HCada &( de es(s armari(s c(&!ie&e ce#di##as de ra!(&es disp es!as e& m%d #(s de )ei&!e p(r !rei&!a p(r diez, As7 1 e 5a+ m4s de!r4s de# 1 e es!am(s mira&d(, UO+es ese r id(V L(s ami$(s de Lis!i##( es!4& prepara&d( a#$ &(s para s e&)7(, HPer( Uad%&deV HNi&$"& m%d #( de ra!(&es se m()7a, HEs( 5a sid( a##7 de!r4sE Se 5a27a (7d( & s(&id( parecid( a# de &a c(pa a# r(mperse, U&a &e2#i&a de c(#(r sa#i% '#(!a&d( de# 2(s1 e de cris!a#, Ape&as #e m(/% #a cara, Per( Miri es!a2a de pie / s!( a# #ad( de# armari(, R(2er! #a a$arr% + #a apar!%, S(2re e##(s0 e# res!( de #a amp(##a se 5iz( !rizas, O#7a & p(c( a ca#ce!i&es s ci(s, R(2er! (2#i$% a Miri a re!r(ceder m4s0 pisa&d( cris!a#es r(!(s, HMiri0 es( p(dr7a ser $as &er)i(s(, Miri $ ard% si#e&ci( & se$ &d( + # e$( 5a2#% c(& c(&'ia&za,

HI&!e&!a& as s!ar&(s, Es!a z(&a de# #a2(ra!(ri( &( es!4 dise:ada para )e&e&(s simp#es, HPer( R(2er! rec(rd% #(s car! c5(s de e&)7( 1 e ##e$a2a& a##7, 0os han enga/ado para ,ue nos detuvi"semos delante de este armario. Miri sa#i% de de!r4s de R(2er! + c(rri% a#reded(r de# armari(, HQOaR A1 7 de!r4s ha! &a 2a&de/a de !ra&sp(r!e, HC a&d( R(2er! ##e$%0 Miri +a es!a2a c 2rie&d( #a 2a&de/a c(& #a c(#a e& aer(s(#, L(s pe1 e:(s m(!(res $imier(& i&capaces de sa#ir de# armari(, Miri !(c% e# 2(rde casi i&)isi2#e de# $e#, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 e# es!r e&d( de# i&!eri(r de# armari( se de! )(H, QDe a57 &( )a a sa#ir &ada m4sR Se 1 edar(& 1 ie!(s0 pres!a&d( a!e&ci%&E E# s(&id( 'ami#iar de #a preparaci%& de car$a )e&7a de !(da #a ca)er&a, HUC 4&!(s m%d #(s de ra!(&es 5a+0 MiriV HJa27a (c5(cie&!(s diecisie!e c a&d( $ ard6 #a descripci%& de# #a2(ra!(ri(, HLe mir%H, Per( es imp(si2#e 1 e #(s ami$(s de Lis!i##( es! )iese& sa&d( m4s 1 e &(s c a&!(s, A1 7 a2a/( 5a+ demasiada se$ ridad + demasiad(s pr(+ec!(s, HE# r id( de# empa1 e!ad( a me&!%, Dece&as de armari(s / $a2a& a ?)e& a pararme@, Miri re!r(cedi% para !e&er &a perspec!i)a me/(r, E# #a2(ra!(ri( era &a ci dad e& mi&ia! ra0 c(& ca##es disp es!as e& &a re/i##a rec!a&$ #ar 1 e se ade&!ra2a e& #a (sc ridad m4s a##4 de #a "&ica #4mpara 1 e #(s i# mi&a2aH, Te&$( & 2 e& mapa0 per(E U1 6 p(dem(s 5acer0 R(2er!V R(2er! c(&s #!% e# p#a&( de Miri, HPas6 p(r a1 7 c(& T(mmie, C(#(cam(s apara!(s / &!( a armari(s c(&cre!(s, HQS7R UC 4#esV R(2er! )(#)i% a mirar e# p#a&( 1 e '#(!a2a0 're&!e a s cara, Era & #a2eri&!( + e# c(&ci#i42 #( 5a27a ##e$ad( a##7 pr(cede&!e de (!ra direcci%&, HY(0 e5E HE& -;<;0 R(2er! se 5a27a perdid( e& a# aparcamie&!( de & ce&!r( c(mercia#, A# ca2( de &a 5(ra se$ 7a si& 5a2er e&c(&!rad( e# c(c5eD a# 'i&a# 5a27a !e&id( 1 e ac dir a# ser)ici( de se$ ridad de# ce&!r( c(mercia#, Ja27a sid( e# primer e&c e&!r( i&c es!i(&a2#e c(& e# dec#i)e me&!a#, 1ero %mi nuevo !o no debera tener problemas para recordar) HE# m4s cerca&( es!4 a d(s 'i#as e& esa direcci%&0 # e$( a #a derec5a, C(rrier(& p(r d(s pasi##(s0 # e$( a #a derec5a, Casi !(d(s #(s armari(s !e&7a& #as p er!as a2ier!as + #as 2a&de/as de !ra&sp(r!e prepara&d( #as car$as, Miri i&dic% #(s ! 2(s &e m4!ic(s 1 e se di)id7a& s(2re #(s armari(s, HPer(0 mira0 de a1 7 &( sa#e &ada, UC 4# es e# si$ ie&!eV Y )(#)ier(& a c(rrer 5acia #a me/(r s p(sici%& de R(2er!, P(r de#a&!e0 a#$( se a#za2a 5as!a e# !ec5(, E# #a&zad(r de Ge&Ge&, Miri se de! )( e& sec( + a$i!% #a #a!a, HUC 4#0 R(2er!V HA1 7 !(d(s #(s armari(s s(& s(spec5(s(s, HD(s 'i#as m4s ade#a&!e0 # e$( ci&c( armari(s m4s a# '(&d(, HPer( cre7a 1 e 5a27as dic5(E &( imp(r!a HMiri rec(rri% d(s 'i#as m4s, R(2e& #a si$ i%, E##a #e mir%,

HY(E &( es!(+ se$ r(, HMir% s(2re #(s armari(s0 i&!e&!a&d( (rie&!arse c(& respec!( a# #a&zad(r0 '(rzar #a mem(ria, Miri )aci#% + # e$( #e !(c% e# 2raz(, HN( !e pre(c pes0 R(2er!, A )eces es imp(si2#e rec(rdar a#$(, Per( me/(rar4s, HEspera Hdi/(H, Es!(+ se$ r( de 1 e 6s!e es &(, E# ! 2( &e m4!ic( 1 e 5a27a de!r4s de# armari( m4s cerca&( aca2a2a de reci2ir & car! c5( de e&)7(, Las ca/as de ra!(&es s 27a& a 2(rd(, HP(r !a&!(0 es( si$&i'icaE HLa ma&( de Miri #e s(#!% e# 2raz(, Mir% a s a#reded(r + # e$( a R(2e&H, UD%&de es!am(sV M iz4 &( ' ese $as &er)i(s(, M iz4 ' ese a#$( pe(r, Y >iri haba recibido la ma!or dosis. E&cima de# armari(0 #a e&!rada de# ! 2( +a se 5a27a cerrad(, Se (+% & $(#pe am(r!i$ ad( + e# car! c5( sa#i% disparad(, O!r( car! c5( (c p% s # $ar, Sa#i% (!r( $r p( de ra!(&es, N( p(d7a a#ca&zar#(, 1ero sigo comprendiendo lo ,ue ha! ,ue hacer. R(2er! mir% a s &ie!a e 5iz( #( p(si2#e p(r s(&re7r + me&!ir, HO50 es!am(s de )isi!a0 Miri, UTe $ s!ar7a s 2ir!e a# armari(V E##a &i #e mir%, HN( s(+ &a &i:a pe1 e:a0 R(2er!, N( me s 2( a #as c(sas de #(s dem4s, R(2er! asi&!i% e i&!e&!% &( perder #a s(&risa, HPer(0 Miri0 es!(E &( es m4s 1 e & / e$(, YE +0 si p(dem(s de!e&er e# (2/e!( 2#a&c( c(& ! pis!(#a de / $ e!e0 $a&am(s, M ieres $a&ar0 U&(V L( 1 e pr()(c% &a s(&risa re2(sa&!e de i&!e#i$e&cia pizpire!a, HC#ar( 1 e s7, De2er7as 5a2erme dic5( 1 e era & / e$(, E5, Parece & #a2(ra!(ri( 2i(#%$ic(, QEs! pe&d(R HMir% e# p &!( p(r d(&de e# !ra&sp(r!e i&!r(d c7a #as ca/as de ra!(&esH, UM 6 1 ieres 1 e 5a$aV Fna vez ,ue suba lo volver a olvidar todo. HTe #( dir6 c a&d( s 2as, HLa s /e!% p(r de2a/( de #(s 2raz(sH QArri2aR A$4rra!e a# 2(rde + !e emp /(, Miri ri(0 per( es!ir% #(s 2raz(s + R(2er! emp /%, Se des#iz% e& e# 5 ec( 2a/( #a )7a m er!a, Te&7a #a #a!a a p(c(s ce&!7me!r(s de #a 2a&de/a de !ra&sp(r!e, HUA5(ra 1 6V HLe ##e$% s )(z, S70 Ua5(ra 1 6V Te !(mas #as m(#es!ias de 5acer a#$( + # e$( (#)idas e# pr(p%si!(, S%#( 1 e e& a1 e##a (casi%& sa27a 1 e e# pr(p%si!( era m + imp(r!a&!e, R(2er! se de2a!i%0 empeza&d( a se&!ir mied(, HCara0 &( #( s6E HE50 &( me ##am( Cara, QMe ##am( MiriR 0o es mi hermana, es mi nieta. R(2er! se a#e/% de# armari( e i&!e&!% c(mpre&der, HDispara c(& #a #a!a a #as piezas m%)i#es0 Miri, HQVa#eR Es( es!4 5ec5(, U& s(&id( 1 e era d(#(r sa#!% e& s ca2eza, S(2re e# armari(0 e&!re)i% e# e3!ra:( a$ /er( 1 e a2r7a e# #a!era# de# #a&zad(r UPWE3, %0o tiene nada ,ue ver con >iri) Ape&as #( 5a27a pe&sad( c a&d( ca+% de espa#das,

QE# primer m%d #( +a es!a2a e& e# #a&zad(r Ge&Ge&R E# )e57c #( de #a&zamie&!( i&)isi2#e !e&7a m c5as (pci(&es de sa#ir de# c(rd%& de Es!ad(s U&id(s, UE# se$ &d( m%d #(V Las c4maras de A#'red m(s!ra2a& 1 e s es!ra!e$ia c(& #(s G es!a2a s r!ie&d( e'ec!(, De a#$ &a '(rma 5a27a& e&c(&!rad( e# armari( M s 1 e imp(r!a2a de )erdad0 per( s a!a1 e impr()isad( c(& $as es!a2a s r!ie&d( e'ec!(, Se m()7a& c(& &a especie de i&cer!id m2re si& se&!id(, Ja27a !e&id( !iemp( de preparar #a se$ &da car$aD Qp(dr7a sacar #as d(sR Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsSQ E# C erp( de Mari&es 5a de!ec!ad( #a ac!i)aci%& de# #a&zad(r de #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s para & e&)7( 2a#7s!ic(R UM 6 p ede ser0 A#'redVTWmsS Ma#di!(s mari&es, A #(s a&a#is!as de A#'red &( se #es 5a27a (c rrid( 1 e #a e#ec!r%&ica &(r!eamerica&a ' ese !a& se&si2#e, Vaz HS Gra &0 Mi!s ri9 TmsS Es s%#( ma#a s er!e, E# #a&zad(r Ge&Ge& es!4 e/ec !a&d( s ca#i2raci%& &(c! r&a,TWmsS U&a me&!ira0 per( A#'red #a !e&7a preparada de a&!ema&(, La&z% &a r4'a$a de a&4#isis 'a#s(s0 a&e$a&d( #(s e1 ip(s de PeiF( + G*&2erF c(& c(&c# si(&es, M4s ade#a&!e ac5acar7a e# #a&zamie&!( a & C(&e/( res ci!ad(, Mi!s ri HS Gra &0 Vaz9 TmsS Per( Use #( creer4& #(s america&(sV TWmsS PeiF( a2ri% a#$ &as )e&!a&as0 s me/(r es!imaci%& de c 4&d( + c%m( resp(&der7a& #(s mari&es, N( 5a27a !iemp( para & !ercer car! c5(, E# #a&zad(r Ge&Ge& es!a2a car$ad(0 e# c(&de&sad(r a c are&!a + ci&c( se$ &d(s de# #a&zamie&!(, Es( si #(s &(r!eamerica&(s )aci#a2a& & p(c(, Vaz HS Gra &0 Mi!s ri9 TmsS Je !ermi&ad( c(& #a #impieza, Me diri/( a# p &!( de e&c e&!r(,TWmsS A#'red di( & "#!im( )is!az( a s a#reded(r, De 5ec5(0 !(das #as c(mpr(2aci(&es es!a2a& 'i&a#me&!e e& )erde, A# (!r( #ad( de #a 5a2i!aci%&0 Or(zc( d(rm7a p#4cidame&!e, N( rec(rdar7a &ada de a1 e##a &(c5e + s arc5i)( pers(&a# 5a2r7a sid( m(di'icad( c(& 5a2i#idad, A#'red sa#i% + rec(rri% e# pasi##(, Ja27a m c5a i# mi&aci%& de z(&as0 #( 1 e ca27a esperar d ra&!e & 'a##( imp(r!a&!e de# sis!ema, %Ah) L(s mari&es 'i&a#me&!e 5a27a& de!ec!ad( s red, Ja27a& ma!ad( s aer(2(! i&)isi2#e, T(da)7a ma&!e&7a c(&!ac!( c(& media d(ce&a de r(2(!s m%)i#es dispers(s p(r e# &(r!e, Es!a2a& (c #!(s0 s(2re !(d( i&!e&!a&d( perma&ecer e& si#e&ci( per( se$ ir '(rma&d( &a red, La re/i##a de asa#!( de #(s &(r!eamerica&(s rec(rr7a #a z(&a0 des!r(z4&d(#(s &( a &(, L(s r(2(!s de #(s mari&es ca7a& c(m( &ie)e &e$ra si& 1 e #a m #!i! d se diese c e&!a + )isi2#es para s s r(2(!s s%#( e& #(s "#!im(s i&s!a&!es a&!es de s des!r cci%&, De/% #a esca#era e& #a p#a&!a 2a/a, E&'re&!e !e&7a #a p er!a pri&cipa#, QCi&c( se$ &d(s 5as!a e# #a&zamie&!( UPWE3R P(d7a ima$i&arse e# ca(s e& e# 2a&d( &(r!eamerica&( p(r 5a2er perdid( a s a&a#is!a m4s imp(r!a&!e e& p#e&a crisis,

Era $ erra de 'ra&c(!irad(res0 ac! a#izada a# m &d( m(der&(, Tres se$ &d(s m4s de di#aci%& +E S s #e&!i##as mi#&e! perdier(& !ra&spare&cia + si&!i% &a )a5arada de ca#(r e& #a cara, A#'red se ec5% a# s e#(, C a&d( ##e$% #a (&da de c5(1 e0 e# edi'ici( se es!remeci%0 ape&as es!a2#e e& s c(&'i$ raci%& &( c(m &ica!i)a, Se 1 ed% i&m%)i# & m(me&!(0 pres!a&d( a!e&ci%&, A1 e##( 5a27a sid( & #4ser I&'rarr(/( de A#!a E&er$7a a!ra)esa&d( direc!ame&!e e# !ec5( de# #a2(ra!(ri( Ge&Ge& desde d(s mi# me!r(s de dis!a&cia, S%#( disp(&7a de &a )is!a direc!a0 si# e!as de 4r2(#es c(&!ra e# resp#a&d(r per#ad(0 &a & 2e a#!a de )ap(r + &ie2#a, Par!e de #a &e2#i&a es!a2a '(rmada p(r )e$e!aci%& )ap(rizada, La ma+(r7a era &e2#i&a de s presi%& de da:(s0 dise:ada para red cir c(&sidera2#eme&!e #a e'ec!i)idad de #a m er!e re'#e/a2a, L(s &(r!eamerica&(s 5a27a& disparad( !rei&!a )eces e& me&(s de & se$ &d(, Des!e##(s de es(s dispar(s se 5a2r7a& dispersad( Fi#%me!r(s e& !(das direcci(&es0 i&)isi2#es a#(/( des& d(0 per( p(!e&cia#me&!e capaces de ce$ar + 1 emar es(s mism(s (/(s, Se ac!i)% & se$ &d( p &!( de )is!a, La #adera 1 e 5a27a sid( e# 2#a&c( parec7a & Ma &a L(a e& mi&ia! ra0 & r7( de r(ca ' &dida e& desce&s(, Des!e##(s de # z marca2a& e# !ra2a/( c(&!i& ( de #(s dard(s !6rmic(s, Se (7a e# !r e&(, As7 1 e #a resp es!a &(r!eamerica&a 5a27a sid( r4pida + decisi)a9 ca !erizar + se##ar #a z(&a de #a&zamie&!( c(& #(s m7&im(s da:(s c(#a!era#es, espu"s de todo, mis sue/os se han convertido en ceniza. S s #e&!i##as )(#)7a& a ser !ra&spare&!es, A#'red se p s( e& pie + sa#i% c(rrie&d( de Pi#c5&er Ja##, F era #a $e&!e da2a ) e#!as a!err(rizada0 c(&m(ci(&ada p(r e# 'a##( de red + des# m2rada p(r #(s des!e##(s de# #4ser IRAE, *on2ndete entre la multitud. A pesar de 1 e p(r primera )ez a1 e##a &(c5e se e&c(&!ra2a r(dead( de $e&!e0 A#'red se se&!7a m + s(#(, A#$ &as persia&as mira2a& a# cie#(D a#$ &as 5a27a& 1 edad( cie$as !emp(ra#me&!e, La $e&!e ##(ra2a, Ja27a 1 ie&es ac(&se/a2a& #( raz(&a2#e9 pr(!e$erse0 ma&!e&er #a )is!a 'i/a e& e# s e#( + apar!ada de #(s re'#e/(s, De2id( a# 'a##( de red0 a1 e##a $e&!e s%#( p(d7a ma&dar i&'(rmaci%& de 2(ca e& 2(ca, Per( #a i&'(rmaci%& se e3!e&d7a, Cada )ez m4s $e&!e c(mpre&d7a 1 e0 p(r !ercera ( c ar!a )ez e& #a 5is!(ria recie&!e0 s pr(pi( pa7s es!a2a s 'rie&d( & a!a1 e mi#i!ar, De m(me&!( &adie se 5a27a perca!ad( de 1 e 5a27a& sid( s s pr(pi(s mi#i!ares #(s a!aca&!es, A#'red ma&! )( #a ca2eza $ac5a para esc(&der #a cara, N( era &a p(s! ra s(spec5(saD cie&!(s de pers(&as 5ac7a& #( mism(, Red /( s s c(m &icaci(&es a &a es!4!ica di' mi&ada 1 e s%#( e&)ia2a a#$ &(s 2i!s p(r se$ &d( + #(s rediri$7a ca%!icame&!e a !ra)6s de s s r(2(!s, S s pre&das de (peraci(&es es!a2a& m + pr(!e$idasD #as s(&das de #(s mari&es s%#( #as )er7a& c(m( (!ra &idad Epi'a&7a i&!e&!ad( s(2rep(&erse a# 'a##( s"2i!( de #as redes p"2#icas,

De a1 e# m(d( espera2a (2!e&er &(s diez mi& !(s m4s, M c5( a&!es0 e# e1 ip( de a&a#is!as de# DSI se 5a2r7a rec perad( de# c(#aps( de A#ice + 5ar7a & a&4#isis retrospectivo de #as ' e&!es de da!(s #(ca#es, L(s a&a#is!as (2sesi(&ad(s a&!e & pe1 e:( c(&/ &!( de da!(s era& m(r!a#me&!e e'icie&!es, Se ima$i&a2a s a#e$re persec ci%&9 ?UVesV L(s r(2(!s e&emi$(s es!4& si! ad(s a#reded(r de Pi#c5&er Ja##, Re!r(cede 5as!a primera 5(ra de #a &(c5eD U1 i6& se 5a acercad( a# edi'ici(V Va+a0 a5(ra e&!ra #a 5i/a de G +0 &(s mi& !(s a&!es0 & !ip( de aspec!( i&di( 5a 5ec5( #( mism(, A)a&zaD &( 5a pasad( &ada 5as!a 5ace & mi& !(0 c a&d( e# mism( !ip( de aspec!( i&di( sa#e c(rrie&d(, Vam(s a se$ ir#e 5as!a e# prese&!eE +0 )a+a0 )a+a0 a57 es!40 5acie&d( #( p(si2#e p(r parecer & espec!ad(r i&(ce&!e,@ E& c a#1 ier cas(0 era a2s(# !ame&!e imp(si2#e &e$ar #a (peraci%& i&d(e r(pea de a1 e##a &(c5e, D ra&!e &(s se$ &d(s0 A#'red Vaz se de/% ##e)ar p(r &a desesperaci%& m + p(c( 5a2i! a# e& 6#, 3:u" ha! de mis a/os de preparaci+n4 3:u" ha! de salvar al mundo4 Ja27a (7d( #( s 'icie&!e para sa2er 1 e #as ac saci(&es de C(&e/( es!a2a& e& e# pd' de# p(r!4!i# de ParFer, A#'red /am4s !ermi&ar7a s pr($rama de i&)es!i$aci%&, M4s !(da)7a0 C(&e/( 5a27a sid( e# Si$ ie&!e Gra& Desas!re, Las 5(/as de za&a5(ria e& M m2ai #( 5a27a& de/ad( c#ar(0 per(E Yo deliberadamente ignor" las pruebas, de tantas ganas ,ue tena de llevar a cabo mi plan. Y0 si& em2ar$(0 U1 6 1 eda2a de C(&e/(V M + p(si2#eme&!e #a pr e2a sustantiva de s e3is!e&cia &( ' ese m4s 1 e 2as ra i&desci'ra2#e, Era c(&ce2i2#e 1 e #as me&!es 1 e 5a27a !ras C(&e/( 5 2iese& 1 edad( c(&de&adas a #a i$&(ra&cia, Si es as ,uiz, ,uiz con toda mi in2luencia en Ynteligencia E#terna, pueda sobrevivir para intentarlo de nuevo. A#'red se desp#az% 5as!a e# 2(rde de #a m #!i! d + ca !e#(same&!e c(&!ac!% c(& s red, Ja27a perdid( e# e&#ace c(& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, D ra&!e medi( mi& !( &( (2! )( &ada e3cep!( & ri!m( m(r!a# 1 e s%#( s(&a2a para s s (7d(s0 se:a#a&d( e# i&e)i!a2#e e3!ermi&i( de s pe1 e:( e/6rci!(, Ah, U&a r !a a !ra)6s de s s disp(si!i)(s s per)i)ie&!es0 de & e)( a Pi#c5&er Ja##, Aparecier(& )e&!a&i!asE + e&c(&!r% & p &!( de )is!a0 &a "&ica c4mara de #a2(ra!(ri( 1 e 5a27a s(2re)i)id( a# a!a1 e IRAE + e&'(ca2a e# armari( de >us, La c4mara 5a27a s 'rid( da:(s0 !e&7a 'ra&/as si& p73e#es0 per( cap!a2a #( s 'icie&!e, L(s da:(s c(#a!era#es p(d7a& ser 2e&e'ici(s(s, QM iz4 &( 1 edase &ada para dem(s!rar #as ac saci(&es de C(&e/(R E# impac!( de# a!a1 e &(r!eamerica&( c(&!ra e# #a&zad(r 5a27a derri2ad( s armari( m4s especia#, E# "#!im( $r p( de ra!(&es 5a27a ca7d( c(& 6#, L( me/(r de !(d(0 #as 2(m2as !6rmicas de #(s +a&1 is 5a27a& i& &dad( #a z(&a de# #a&zad(r c(& r(ca ' &dida, La #a)a 5a27a cerrad( e# a$ /er( cread( p(r e# a!a1 e0 c(m( se s p(&7a 1 e de27a ser0 per( &( se 5a27a de!e&id( a57, La 2ri##a&!e marea espesa se a2r7a pas( p(r #(s pasi##(s + a#ca&za2a e& a#$ &(s p &!(s #(s d(s me!r(s de pr(' &didad, Lam7a e# armari(

ca7d( + #e 'a#!a2a p(r c 2rir s%#( &a es1 i&a de# "#!im( $r p( de ca/as de ra!(&es, N( 5a27a &i ras!r( de #(s G , A&!es de# a!a1 e #4ser0 es!a2a& de pie ' era de #a z(&a de des!r cci%&, C(& m4s p &!(s de )is!a p(dr7a e&c(&!rar#(sE per( U1 6 m4s da2aV S s rec erd(s 'ra$me&!ari(s se$ 7a& sie&d( &a ame&aza0 per( es( &( #( p(d7a c(&!r(#ar, De pr(&!(0 A#'red se di( c e&!a de 1 e s(&re7a, Res #!a2a c ri(s( 1 e0 e& medi( de# desas!re0 p diese a#e$rarse de 1 e s s d(s a&!a$(&is!as m4s persis!e&!es pr(2a2#eme&!e 5 2iese& s(2re)i)id(, Eso sin contar a *onejo, ,ue ojala ,ue arda en el in2ierno. Ya es!a2a m4s cerca de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Ve7a a miem2r(s ci)i#es de #(s e1 ip(s de resca!e0 a &1 e pr(2a2#eme&!e ' ese& #(s mari&es 1 ie&es da2a& ap(+( de red, L(s e1 ip(s de i&!err($a!(ri( !(da)7a &( 5ac7a& &ada, /Y 5a27a e&c(&!rad( & aer(2(! de reser)a c(& e# 1 e !ra&smi!irR Reci2i% & me&sa/e & e)( a&!es de perder#(9 Mi!s ri HS Vaz9 TmsS E# a&4#isis de G*&2erF es!4 casi c(mp#e!(, P(r 'a)(r0 da&(s a#$ &(s mi& !(s m4s de c(2er! ra0 A#'red, L(s mari&es si$ e& c(&ce&!rad(s e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, Tie&es )7a #i2re para ##e$ar 5as!a e# e1 ip( de G(##+>((d,TWmsS I&dic% e& & mapa #a p(sici%& de# e1 ip( ci&ema!($r4'ic(0 a# &(r!e de #a m #!i! d0 e&!re #(s e ca#ip!(s, E# e1 ip( de G(##+>((d + s s sis!emas a !(m4!ic(s es!a2a& 2ie& preparad(s para #a (peraci%& de a1 e##a &(c5e0 a &1 e #a $e&!e prese&!e &( sa27a 1 e par!icipara e& e##a, A#'red rea#iz% &a "#!ima c(mpr(2aci%& a s a#reded(r, Cami&% &(s pas(s e&!re #(s 4r2(#esE + se e&c(&!r% e& medi( de# $r p( de G(##+>((d, HQSe:(r Ramac5a&dra&R Jem(s perdid( !(da #a c(&ec!i)idad, HLa !6c&ic( de )7de( !e&7a #(s (/(s a2ier!(s c(m( p#a!(sH, T(d( i2a 2ie&0 per( Qa5(ra es 5(rri2#eR HL(s !6c&ic(s era& e3per!(s e& #( espec!ac #ar0 per( &( e& #( rea#, A#'red ad(p!% e# pape# de e/ec !i)( ci&ema!($r4'ic( d ra&!e &a crisis, HTie&es e# )7de( e& cac560 U&(V Jas e&)iad( a casa #(s primer(s0 U&(V HS70 per(E M er7a& sa#ir de e&!re #(s 4r2(#es para a+ dar a #(s 5erid(s de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Era para me/(rD e&se$ ida Vaz )(#)er7a a ser &( m4s de# $r p(, M iz4 #(s a&a#is!as de# DSI si$ iese& s mid(s e& e# ca(s, Ser7a di)er!id( B+ !am2i6& as(m2r(s(C 1 e s !apadera #e permi!iese s perar e# c(rd%& de# C erp( de Mari&es + sa#ir de Ca#i'(r&ia, Mie&!ras se$ 7a a# e1 ip( a camp( a2ier!( ma&!e&7a & "&ic( e&#ace c(& #a mi#&e!, Era 5(ra de des5acerse de esa "#!ima pr e2a i&crimi&a!(ria, Per( !(da)7a #e ##e$a2a i&'(rmaci%&, Pa#a2ras !erri2#es + esca#('ria&!es c(& #as 1 e A#'red /am4s 5a2r7a !e&id( 1 e car$ar de &( 5a2er se$ id( c(&ec!ad(, HP(r 'a)(r, P(r 'a)(r0 &( #e 5a$as es!(, N( es m4s 1 e &a &i:a pe1 e:a, &u, A#'red 2 sc% a !(da prisa e& #a )is!a 1 e #e 1 eda2a, S pers(&a '7sica !r(pez%, La !6c&ic( de )7de( #e a$arr% p(r e# 5(m2r(0 es!a2i#iz4&d(#e,

HQSe:(r Ramac5a&dra&R UEs!4 2ie&V ULe 5a ce$ad( e# a!a1 eV A#'red ! )( #a prese&cia de 4&im( de &( despreciar s a+ da, HL( sie&!(0 es p(r !(da es!a des!r cci%&, De2em(s a+ dar a es!a p(2re $e&!e, HQS7R Per( s!ed de2e perma&ecer a sa#)(, HLa !6c&ic( #e $ i% 5as!a d(&de e# res!( de# e1 ip( de G(##+>((d +a es!a2a a+ da&d(, E# ap(+( de #a m /er #e di( #a (p(r! &idad de ec5ar &a (/eada a #a )is!a s 2!err4&ea, E# da:( de #a c4mara se 5a27a res e#!( parcia#me&!eD a#$ &(s de #(s p73e#es da:ad(s parpadea2a& + +a p(d7a )er & p(c( m4s a##4 de# armari( ca7d(E G 0 e# a&cia&(0 es!a2a a!rapad(, Di(s0 Ud%&de es!a2a #a &i:aV 0o pretenda ,ue esto pasase. N( !e&dr7a 1 e 5a2er dic5( &ada0 per( s c erp( #e !raici(&%, A&%&im( HS R(2er! G 9 TmsS UD%&de es!4 #a &i:aVTWmsS HUM i6& esV H$ri!% #a )(z e& s (7d(0 para # e$( 5a2#ar e& )(z m4s 2a/a0 c(& m4s desesperaci%&H, Es!4 a1 7, I&c(&scie&!e, Y no puedo apartarla. A&%&im( HS R(2er! G 9 TmsS L( sie&!(,TWmsS A A#'red &( se #e (c rr7a &ada m4s 1 e decir, M er!(s0 a1 e##(s d(s p(dr7a& me/(rar s s p(si2i#idades de escapar, F ri(s(0 se apar!% de# p &!( de )is!a, Ma#di!( sea mi &(m2re, Esa &(c5e &( 5a27a #($rad( &ada m4s 1 e des!r ir a 2 e&as pers(&as, Per( Uc%m( sa#)ar#(s si& p(&erse e& pe#i$r(V HP(r 'a)(r0 s%#( d7$ase#( a #a p(#ic7a, N( de/e 1 e se 1 eme, M4s p &zadas de presi%&0 e# s(&id( de mi# (2/e!(s 'r4$i#es r(mpi6&d(se0 de# p#4s!ic( d r( ras$4&d(se0 de #(s 5 es(s ap#as!ad(s, E& rea#idad R(2er! &( #( (7a !(d(, L( de #(s 5 es(s ap#as!ad(s #e ma&!e&7a dis!ra7d(, Ni si1 iera pres!% demasiada a!e&ci%& a #as e3p#(si(&es p(s!eri(res + a# ca#(r, R(2er! s r$i% de &a i&!r(specci%& 1 e 2ie& p(dr7a 5a2er sid( i&c(&scie&cia0 s%#( 1 e d(#7a m c5( m4s, Miri es!a2a ap(+ada s(2re ma&(s + r(di##as, Gri!a2a9 HQA2 e#(R QA2 e#(R Di a#$(0 por 2avor, QA2 e#(R Y# a$i!% #a ma&( + e##a se #a a$arr%, HL( sie&!( m c5( Hdi/( MiriH, N( pre!e&d7a !irar &ada, UEs!4s 5erid(V Era &a de esas pre$ &!as de resp es!a '4ci#, U&a a$(&7a de# !ama:( de & e#e'a&!e se se&!a2a s(2re s pier&a derec5a, HS7, HPer( e# d(#(r 2(rr% e# res!( de #a resp es!a i&$e&i(sa, Miri ##(ra2a si& a#ie&!(, Era & c(mp(r!amie&!( impr(pi( de #a &i:a, Se )(#)i% + emp /% e# armari( 1 e #e !e&7a a!rapad(, R(2er! respir% 5(&d(0 per( s%#( c(&si$ i% marearse, HE# armari( es demasiad( pesad(0 Miri, A#6/a!e de 6#, HUP(r 1 6 e# aire es!a2a !a& ca#ie&!eV La # z &(rma# se 5a27a id(, A#$( parecid( a & 5(r&( a2ier!( re# c7a m4s a##4 de# e1 ip( derri2ad(0 d(&de s%#( se (7a& es!a##id(s + s s rr(s, HCaraE %>iri0 &( )a+as a57R La &i:a )aci#%, Ga/( e# armari( es!a2a& #(s res!(s ap#as!ad(s de# car! c5( de ra!(&es 1 e 5a27a es!ad( a p &!( de par!ir, Ya &( ir7a a &i&$ &a par!e, Miri me!i% #a ma&( e&!re #(s cris!a#es, R(2er! m()i% e# c e##( !(d( #( p(si2#e + )i(

&a dimi& !a cari!a mir4&d(#e0 & ra!%& 1 e se 5a27a s(#!ad( de #a !rampa de s cci%& de# pa&e#, HO5, HLa )(z de Miri era & $emid(H, J(#a0 c5i1 i!7&, HU&a risa mezc#ada c(& s(##(z(sH, Y a !i !am2i6&, A5(ra s(is #i2res, HR(2er! )i( m4s caras dimi& !as a medida 1 e Miri #i2era2a ra!(&es, M()7a& #a ca2eza de iz1 ierda a derec5a, N( parec7a& )er#e +0 a# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 e&c(&!rar(& a#$( m c5( m4s imp(r!a&!e e& #a esca#a ra!(&i# de #as c(sas9 #a #i2er!ad, De/ar(& a!r4s #as ma&(s de #a &i:a + se a#e/ar(& de# ca#(r, R(2er! )e7a +a #a ca sa de a1 e# ca#(r, U&a re# cie&!e masa 2#a&ca $(!e% s(2re #(s res!(s0 pasa&d( a# r(/( a# caer p(r & #ad( de# armari(, Cara $ri!% de p4&ic( + se #e acerc%, HUM 6 es es(V U& si#2id( + sa#picad ras, Si p(d7a s perar #a 2arrera de armari(s !e&7a 2as!a&!e pr(' &didad, HN( #( s60 per( !ie&es 1 e ir!e, HQS7R QVam(sR HLa c5ica #e !ir% de #(s 5(m2r(s, Y# emp /% c(& e##a0 i$&(ra&d( e# d(#(r 5(rri2#e de #a pier&a, C(&si$ i% m()erse &(s ce&!7me!r(s + 1 edar m4s 'irmeme&!e a!rapad( 1 e a&!es, E# ca#(r +a era m4s i&s(p(r!a2#e 1 e #a pier&a ap#as!ada, La me&!e de R(2er! sa#!% de & 5(rr(r a (!r(0 i&!e&!a&d( c(&ser)ar #a c(rd ra, Mir% a s 5erma&a0 1 e ##(ra2a, HSie&!( 5a2er!e 5ec5( ##(rar0 Cara, HLa &i:a se p s( a ##(rar !(da)7a m4sH, A5(ra !ie&es 1 e sa#ir c(rrie&d(, N( resp(&di%0 per( de/% de ##(rar, Le mir% si& c(mpre&der0 para # e$( a#e/arse & p(c( m4s de# ca#(r, %9ete) %9ete) Per( e##a di/(9 HN( me e&c e&!r( 2ie&, HSe !e&di% d(&de 6# &( p(d7a ##e$ar, R(2er! mir% #a r(ca ' &dida, Ja27a c 2ier!( e# '(&d( de# armari(, U&(s ce&!7me!r(s m4s + c 2rir7a a s 5erma&i!a, Es!ir% e# 2raz(0 a$arr% & !r(z( $ra&de0 1 iz4 de cer4mica0 + #( s% c(&!ra #a marea re# cie&!e, Se pr(d /er(& m4s e3p#(si(&es0 per( &( !a& i&!e&sas, De cerca s%#( se perci27a& e# (#(r + e# s(&id( de c(sas c(ci&4&d(se, I&!e&!% rec(rdar c%m( 5a27a ##e$ad( a##7, A#$ ie& #es 5a27a 5ec5( a1 e##( a 6# + a Cara0 + se$ r( 1 e es!a2a esc c5a&d(, HP(r 'a)(r H#e di/( a #a (sc ridad re# cie&!eH, P(r 'a)(r0 &( #e 5a$as es!(, N( es m4s 1 e &a &i:a pe1 e:a, N( 5 2( resp es!a0 s%#( #(s s(&id(s 5(rri2#es + e# d(#(r, Y # e$( a#$( m + e3!ra:(0 #e!ras pasa&d( 're&!e a s mirada9 A&%&im( HS R(2er! G D TmsSUD%&de es!4 #a &i:aVTWmsS HUM i6& esV Es!4 a1 7, I&c(&scie&!e, Y no puedo apartarla, A&%&im( HS R(2er! G 9 TmsS L( sie&!(,TWmsS Esper%0 per( &( )i( &ada m4s, HP(r 'a)(r, Simp#eme&!e d7$ase#( a #a p(#ic7a, N( de/e 1 e se 1 eme,

Per( e# (2ser)ad(r si#e&ci(s( se 5a27a id(, Cara &( se m()7a, 30o nota el calor4 T )( 1 e 5acer ac(pi( de !(das s s ' erzas para ma&!e&er e# !r(z( de cer4mica e& s si!i(, L e$( esc c5%D HUPr('es(r G V UEs s!edV QEra &( de a1 e##(s es! dia&!es i&c(rdi(s(sR Ja27a !a&!as im4$e&es persis!e&!es 1 e &( p(d7a es!ar se$ r(0 per( a##7 5a27a a#$ ie&0 parcia#me&!e s mer$id( e& #a masa ' &dida, HS(+ +(0 _ #'i S5ari'0 se:(r, E# &(m2re #e resultaba 'ami#iar0 era & es! dia&!e arr($a&!e + c(2arde, Per( &( !e&7a #a pie# )erde, Es( era imp(r!a&!e0 U&(V HL#e)( 5(ras i&!e&!a&d( ##amar#e0 se:(r, N &ca me 5a27a c(s!ad( !a&!(, Me !em(E Me !em( 1 e me 5a& sec es!rad( de'i&i!i)ame&!e, L( sie&!(, HEs!a2a pr4c!icame&!e s mer$id( e& #a r(ca, U& 'a&!asmaH, QEs!4 5erid(R Hdi/( e# 'a&!asma, HL#ama a #a p(#ic7a Hdi/( R(2er!, HQS70 se:(rR Per( Ud%&de es!4V N( imp(r!a0 Q+a )e(R C(&se$ ir6 a+ da de i&meE La r(ca re# cie&!e sa#!% s(2re #a presa impr()isada de R(2er! + #e ##e$% a# 2raz(, Desce&di% a & p(z( de d(#(r a2s(# !(,

.. LIGERTAD CON UNA CORREA GIEN LARGA E# & e)( a&e3( de #a c#7&ica CricF !e&7a me&(s de ci&c( a:(s0 per( parec7a sacad( direc!ame&!e de# si$#( a&!eri(r0 c a&d( #(s 5(spi!a#es era& e&(rmes edi'ici(s imp(&e&!es d(&de ir a 2 scar &a p(si2i#idad de s per)i)e&cia, T(da)7a 5a27a cier!a &ecesidad de # $ares as79 #as &idades de c idad(s i&!e&si)(s m4s e3!rem(s &( era& a#$( 1 e se p diese empa1 e!ar e& &a ca/a de primer(s a 3i#i(s + )e&der a #(s s ari(s d(m6s!ic(s, Y0 c#ar(0 siempre 1 eda2a& #(s cas(s !r4$ic(s de e&'ermedades i&c ra2#es + de2i#i!a&!esD era p(si2#e 1 e &a pe1 e:a p(rci%& de #a 5 ma&idad siempre aca2ase e& a#$ &a i&s!a#aci%& de c idad(s a #ar$( p#az(, E# & e)( a&e3( sa!is'ac7a a#$ &as (!ras &ecesidades, E& e##as pe&sa2a e# !e&ie&!e c(r(&e# R(2er! G Or, cada d7a c a&d( ##e$a2a a# 5(spi!a#, Diariame&!e desde #a de2ac#e e& #a UCSD e&!ra2a e& #a r(!(&da de !r4'ic( de #a c#7&ica CricF0 se apea2a0 + c(&!emp#a2a #(s aca&!i#ad(s + #a p#a+a 5as!a La O(##a, La c#7&ica se e&c(&!ra2a a p(ca dis!a&cia c es!a arri2a desde a#$ &as de #as pr(piedades m4s # /(sas de# m &d(, A &(s Fi#%me!r(s se e&c(&!ra2a& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s de 2i(!ec&(#($7a 1 e r(dea2a& #a UCSD0 1 iz4 #a ' e&!e m4s pres!i$i(sa m &dia#me&!e de medici&a m4$ica, C#ar( es!a2a 1 e #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s p(dr7a& 5a2er es!ad( a# (!r( #ad( de# m &d( e& (pi&i%& de 1 ie&es &( da2a& imp(r!a&cia a d%&de es! )iera&, Per( psic(#%$ica + !radici(&a#me&!e0 #a c(m2i&aci%& de )i)ie&das de # /( + c ras m4$icas era & 2 e& ce2( para #(s m + ric(s de #(s m + e&'erm(s, La m /er de G(20 s 5i/a + s padre &( es!a2a& e&cerrad(s a##7 p(r1 e ' era& ric(s, U&a )ez cr zada #a imp(&e&!e0 + !(!a#me&!e rea#0 e&!rada pri&cipa#0 &( dis'r !a2a de i&!imidad, E& a1 e# cas(0 #a pri)acidad se de27a !a&!( a# dise:( 24sic( de #a c#7&ica c(m( a# 5ec5( de 1 e e# T7( Sam se i&!eresa2a especia#me&!e p(r cier!(s pacie&!es, UM 6 me/(r # $ar para ma&!e&er cas(s de#icad(s 2ie& apar!ad(s 1 e & 5(spi!a# de # /(V La pre&sa re)(#(!ea2a m4s a##4 de s s paredes + e# c 2ra2aE si& !e&er &i&$ &a 2ase para 5acer &a de& &cia p(r )i(#aci%& de #as #i2er!ades ci)i#es, Era &a !apadera m + 2 e&a, G(2 )aci#% / s!( a&!es de cr zar #a e&!rada pri&cipa#, %Bh, Alice) L#e)a2a a:(s !emie&d( 1 e e# ESR se #a ##e)ase, D ra&!e a:(s #(s d(s 5a27a& disc !id( s(2re #(s #7mi!es de# de2er + e# 5(&(r0 + e# se&!id( de C5ica$(, E# pe(r dese&#ace ima$i&ad( se 5a27a pr(d cid(E + desc 2r7a 1 e &( es!a2a preparad(, La )isi!a2a !(d(s #(s d7as, L(s d(c!(res &( era& m + (p!imis!as, A#ice G es!a2a pi##ada 2a/( m4s capas de ESR 1 e c a#1 ier

pacie&!e 1 e 5 2iese& )is!(, P(r !a&!(0 U1 6 sa27a& e##(sV A#ice es!a2a c(&scie&!e, Le 5a2#a2a e& &a /er$a i&i&!e#i$i2#e, Y# #a a2raza2a + #e r($a2a 1 e re$resase, P(r1 e a# c(&!rari( 1 e s padre + 1 e Miri0 A#ice &( era &a prisi(&era 'edera#9 era prisi(&era de s pr(pia me&!e, A1 e# d7a G(2 !e&7a &a misi%& ('icia# 1 e c mp#ir e& CricF, E# "#!im( de #(s i&!err($a!(ri(s a #(s de!e&id(s0 es decir0 #a "#!ima de #as ?e&!re)is!as@0 5a27a !ermi&ad(, Es!a2a pre)is!( 1 e s padre se desper!ase a# medi(d7a0 Miri &a 5(ra m4s !arde, G(2 p(dr7a pasar & p(c( de !iemp( c(& e##(s e& c(mpa:7a )ir! a# de E)e Ma##(r+0 &a ('icia# de# DSI 1 e era #a cara )isi2#e de #(s e1 ip(s de i&)es!i$aci%&, A #as d(ce e& p &!( G(2 se e&c(&!ra2a de#a&!e de &a p er!a de madera de es!i#( m + a&!i$ (, A esas a#! ras +a 5a27a apre&did( 1 e e& CricF !a#es c(sas &( era& 'a#sas, + 1 e !e&dr7a 1 e $irar #a ma&i##a si 1 er7a e&!rar, E)e HS G(29 TmsS Se&!im(s & i&!er6s m + especia# p(r es!a e&!re)is!a0 c(r(&e#, Per( 1 e sea 2re)e, C7:ase a #(s as &!(s descri!(s e& e# mem(ra&d(,TWmsS G(2 asi&!i%, T(da)7a &( sa27a c(&!ra 1 i6& es!a2a m4s ' ri(s(0 si c(&!ra s padre ( c(&!ra #(s im26ci#es de# DSI, Se c(&!e&!% c(& a2rir #a p er!a si& ##amar + e&!rar de pr(&!( e& #a 5a2i!aci%& de 5(spi!a#, R(2er! G padre cami&a2a de & #ad( a (!r( p(r #a 5a2i!aci%& si& )e&!a&as c(m( & ad(#esce&!e e&/a #ad(, Nadie 5 2iese dic5( 1 e 5ac7a p(c( !e&7a &a pier&a ap#as!ada + #a (!ra r(!aD a #(s m6dic(s se #es da2a& m + 2ie& esas c(sas, Y e& c a&!( a# res!(0 2ie&0 & pi/ama m6dic( (c #!a2a #as 1 emad ras, La mirada de# )ie/( se ce&!r% e& 6# e& c a&!( G(2 e&!r%0 per( #as pa#a2ras era& m4s de desesperaci%& 1 e de ' ria, HQJi/(R UMiri es!4 2ie&V E)e HS G(29 TmsS Ja2#e0 c(r(&e#, P ede c(&!ar#e #( 1 e 1 iera s(2re s 5i/a,TWmsS HMiri es!4 2ie&0 pap4, HSe:a#% #(s asie&!(s 2#a&d(s 1 e 5a27a / &!( a &a mesa0 e& & e3!rem( de #a suite. Per( e# )ie/( si$ i% da&d( sa#!(s p(r #a 5a2i!aci%&, HGracias a Di(s0 $racias a Di(s, L( "#!im( 1 e rec erd( es e# ca#(r + #a #a)a a)a&za&d( 5acia e##a, HSe mir% e# pi/ama + de pr(&!( pareci% m + dis!ra7d( p(r #( 1 e )e7a, HEs!4s e& #a c#7&ica CricF de La O(##a0 pap4, Miri &( s 'ri% &i&$"& da:( e& e# ' e$(, T 2raz( iz1 ierd( 1 ed% des!r(zad(, HE& a#$ &(s p &!(s #a car&e se 5a27a 1 emad( 5as!a e# 5 es(, E# a&!e2raz( se 5a27a 1 emad( p(r c(mp#e!(, R(2er! padre se !(c% #a ma&$a s e#!a, HS70 #(s m6dic(s me #( 5a& dic5(, HSe )(#)i% + se de/% caer e& &( de #(s asie&!(sH, Es( es pr4c!icame&!e !(d( #( 1 e me 5a& c(&!ad(, UEs!4s se$ r( de 1 e Miri es!4 2ie&V ULa 5as )is!(V

E# )ie/( /am4s se p(r!a2a as7, Ja27a !e&si%& a#reded(r de s s (/(s, B simplemente reacciona a mi e#presi+n, G(2 se se&!% 're&!e a s padre, HLa 5e )is!(, Es!a !arde 5a2#ar6 c(& e##a, S pe(r pr(2#ema es cier!a c(&' si%& me&!a# s(2re #( s cedid( e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, HO5, HL e$( repi!i% e& )(z m4s 2a/aH9 O5, HPr(ces% #a &(!icia + re$res% a# es!ad( de a$i!aci%&H, UC 4&!( !iemp( ##e)( ' eraV QJa+ !a&!as c(sas 1 e de2es sa2er0 G(2R M iz4 de2er7as ##amar a a#$ &(s de ! s ami$(s de #a p(#ic7a, E)e HS G(29 TmsSUN( rec erda #as e&!re)is!asV N( sa27a 1 e ' 6ram(s !a& 2 e&(s,TWmsS HN( 5ace 'a#!a0 pap4, P ede 1 e m4s !arde !e p#a&!ee& a#$ &as pre$ &!as s(2re p &!(s c(&cre!(s0 per( 5em(s e3!ra7d( !(d(s #(s secre!(s s ci(s, Se !e i&!err($a desde 5ace )ari(s d7as, S padre a2ri% #(s (/(s & p(c( m4s, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 asi&!i%, HS70 es(s s e:(s e3!ra:(s, USi$&i'ica es( 1 e sa2e&E 1 e sa2es #( de mi pr(2#emaV HS7, R(2er! apar!% #a )is!a, HJa+ ma#(s m + e3!ra:(s a57 ' era0 G(2, E# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(0 e# 1 e sec es!r% a _ #'i S5ari'0 es!a2a c(&!i& ame&!e e&cima de m7, N &ca 5e c(&(cid( a &adie 1 e p diese ma&ip #arme c(m( #( 5ac7a 6#, UTe ima$i&as !e&er a a#$ ie& s 2id( e& ! 5(m2r(0 dici6&d(!e c(&!i& ame&!e #( 1 e de2es 5acerV E)e HS G(29 TmsS Ser4 me/(r &( 5a2#ar de C(&e/(,TWmsS G(2 asi&!i%, C(&e/(0 e# &(m2re 1 e #es 5a27a& sacad( a #(s i&d(e r(pe(s0 p(d7a ser a#$( & e)( 2a/( e# s(#, C(&e/( 5a27a c(mpr(me!id( e# EJS, La creaci%& de esce&ari(s p(r par!e de# DSI + e# C erp( de Mari&es e& rea#idad 5a27a dad( ap(+( a C(&e/(, L(s i&di(s0 e r(pe(s + /ap(&eses !e&dr7a& 1 e resp(&der de m c5as c(sas0 per( era p(si2#e 1 e #(s p#a&es de C(&e/( /am4s 5 2iese& sid( de!ec!ad(s si e##(s &( 5 2iese& #a&zad( e# a!a1 e de re)(caci%& c(&!ra #a cria! ra, Per( Uc%m( 5a27a 5ec5( C(&e/( s s !r c(sV UM 6 m4s p(d7a 5acerV Era& pre$ &!as ca&de&!es0 per( &( pre$ &!as 1 e p diese c(me&!ar c(& e# !raid(r de s padre, HN(s es!am(s (c pa&d( de #(s ca2(s s e#!(s0 pap4, Mie&!ras !a&!(0 5a+ res #!ad(s + c(&sec e&cias s(2re #(s 1 e !ie&es 1 e p(&er!e a# d7a, HS7, C(&sec e&cias, HLa ma&( derec5a de R(2er! / $% &er)i(same&!e c(& e# e31 isi!( !apizad( de# asie&!(H, UC4rce#V HPr(& &ci% #a pa#a2ra c(& m + p(ca ' erza0 casi c(m( &a pe!ici%&, E)eHS G(29 TmsS Ni s(:ar#(, M erem(s 1 e es!6 #i2re,TWmsS HNada de c4rce#0 pap4, O'icia#me&!e0 !" + ! s ami$(s '(rma2ais par!e de &a pr(!es!a e& e# camp s 1 e se desmadr% e& e3ces(, E3!ra('icia#me&!eE 2ie&0 es!am(s di' &die&d( e# r m(r de 1 e a+ das!eis a impedir e# sa2(!a/e de #(s

#a2(ra!(ri(s p(r par!e de !err(ris!as, HO!r( !ra2a/( m4s para #(s siempre "!i#es Ami$(s de #a I&!imidad, R(2er! ca2ece%, HDe!e&er a #(s ma#(s ' e idea de Miri, HS70 #( ' e, HMir% a s padre c(& e3presi%& p6!reaH, Esa &(c5e +( era e# ('icia# de $ ardia, E)e HS G(29 TmsS C(& c idad(0 c(r(&e#,TWmsS Per( era &a ad)er!e&cia 5 era, L(s es!ra!e$as de i&!err($a!(ri( 5a27a& es!ad( de ac erd( e& 1 e R(2er! de27a c(&(cer es(s de!a##es, E# "&ic( pr(2#ema era dec7rse#( a s padre si& es!ampar#e e# p :( e& #a cara, HUA1 7V UE& Sa& Die$(V G(2 asi&!i%, HE& !(d( e# s r(es!e de# !erri!(ri( c(&!i&e&!a# de Es!ad(s U&id(s0 per( #a acci%& ! )( # $ar e3c# si)ame&!e a1 7, Esa &(c5e A#ice era mi /e'a de a&a#is!as, HVaci#%0 i&!e&!a&d( c(&!e&er #a ' riaH, UL#e$as!e a e&!erar!e de 1 e ' e A#ice #a 1 e me impidi% ec5ar!e de casaV HY(E HSe pas% #a ma&( p(r e# pe#( re2e#deH, Siempre parece m + dis!a&!e, HUSa2es #( 1 e es 1 edar pi##ad( p(r ESR0 pap4V U& ase&!imie&!( r4pid(, HS7, Ca#as Ri)era 1 eda pi##ad( e& c5i&(, UCar#(s es!4 2ie&V HE# )ie/( a#z% #a )is!a + s r(s!r( se p s( $risH, 3Alice4 HA#ice se derr m2% d ra&!e ) es!ra a)e&! ra, Te&em(s pr e2as s%#idas de 1 eE E)e HS G(29 TmsS Si& de!a##es0 p(r 'a)(r,TWmsS G(2 si$ i% 5a2#a&d( si& ape&as )aci#ar9 HSi$ e pi##ada, HG(2E &( pre!e&d7a 5acer#e da:(, Simp#eme&!e es!a2a desesperad(, Per( 1 iz40 1 iz4 +( #e !e&d7 #a !rampa, HMir% a #(s (/(s a G(2 + # e$( apar!% #a )is!a, HL( sa2em(s0 pap4, Sa#i% e& ! s e&!re)is!as, Y s70 t #a c(mpr(me!is!e, HE# DSI 5a27a i&)es!i$ad( e# 5($ar de #(s G + s s arc5i)(s pers(&a#es c(& !a&!( c idad( c(m( 5a27a es! diad( !(d( #( de #a UCSDD i&c# s( !e&7a& im4$e&es de# r(2(! 1 e s padre 5a27a sad( e& e# 2a:( de#a&!er(, 1ero seguimos sin saber ,u" haca e#actamente ese cacharro. I&dia0 Oap%& + E r(pa ec5a2a& #a c #pa a C(&e/(0 + C(&e/( 5a27a 1 edad( red cid( a r m(res + 'ra$me&!(s i#e$i2#es de cac56s a!rasad(s, E)e HS G(29 TmsS Oe, Ya #( desc 2rirem(s, U& a!a1 e de red s(2re &a )7c!ima 2i(preparadaE es &a !ec&(#($7a e#cesivamente i&!eresa&!e para i$&(rar#a,TWmsS S padre !e&7a #a ca2eza $ac5a, HL( sie&!(, L( sie&!(, G(2 se p s( e& pie a2r p!ame&!e, F e !(d( & #($r( 1 e s )(z s r$iese !ra&1 i#a + 'irme, HSa#dr4s 5(+a "#!ima 5(ra, Jas!a e&!(&ces0 2 sca a#$( 1 e )es!ir + p(&!e a# d7a c(& e# m &d( e3!eri(r, Se$ ir4s )i)ie&d( &a !emp(rada c(& &(s(!r(s e&

Fa##2r((F, M erem(s 1 e #( re!(mesE / s!( d(&de #( de/as!e, Se #( c(&!ar6 a Miri + a A#iceE HG(20 &( sa#dr4 2ie&, Miri /am4s me perd(&ar7aE HPr(2a2#eme&!e sea cier!(, Per( e##a (ir4 &a )ersi%& res mida, Desp 6s de !(d(0 ! par!icipaci%& e& e# a!a1 e a A#ice es circ &s!a&cia#, Y es!4 (c #!a !ras capas de se$ ridad 1 e &( es pr(2a2#e 1 e Miri G #($re a!ra)esar, Y(E !e rec(mie&d( e&carecidame&!e 1 e &( #e des de!a##es, Y de es!e m(d( e# !e&ie&!e c(r(&e# R(2er! G Or, c mp#i% c(& #as (2#i$aci(&es 1 e #e 5a27a& e&c(me&dad(, Ya p(d7a irse, A!ra)es% #a 5a2i!aci%&0 a#ar$% #a ma&( 5acia #a p er!a, A#$( #e 5iz( )(#)erse + mirar a!r4s, R(2er! G padre #( mira2a c(& #a a&$ s!ia re'#e/ada e& #(s (/(s, Era &a mirada 1 e G(2 5a27a )is!( e& (!ras caras, A #( #ar$( de #(s a:(s0 e& (casi(&es0 #(s /%)e&es a s ma&d( 5a27a& me!id( #a pa!a 5as!a e# '(&d(, L(s /%)e&es se desespera&, L(s /%)e&es 5ace& c(sas 5(rri2#es0 !(&!as + e$(7s!asE e& (casi(&es c(& c(&sec e&cias !erri2#es, Per( %hablamos de mi padre) Ni #a desesperaci%& &i #a i&e3perie&cia #e ser)7a& de e3c sa, Y0 si& em2ar$(0 G(2 5a27a )is!( e# )7de( de# e1 ip( de# Ce&!r( de C(&!r(# de E&'ermedades mie&!ras se$ 7a #as i&dicaci(&es de S5ari' para e&!rar e& #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s, Ja27a )is!( a s padre + a s 5i/a !e&did(s e& e# s e#(0 cerca de# empa1 e!ad(r de# UPWE3, Ja27a )is!( c%m( R(2er! !e&7a e# 2raz( e3!e&did(0 c%m( re!e&7a #a piedra c a/ada a p(c(s ce&!7me!r(s de #a cara de Miri, Y0 p(r !a&!(0 a pesar de #a m(&s!r (sa pi'ia de# )ie/(0 !(da)7a !e&7a 1 e decir &a c(sa9 HGracias p(r sa#)ar#a0 pap4, Re!(mar#( / s!( d(&de #( 5a27a de/ad(0 #e 5a27a dic5( G(2, E& Fairm(&! casi era p(si2#e, O a& + R(2er! +a 5a27a& apr(2ad( #(s e34me&es 'i&a#es escri!(s + 5a27a& !e&id( )acaci(&es de Na)idad + A:( N e)(, Es!a2a& de ) e#!a / s!( a !iemp( para pasar p(r #( 1 e #a ma+(r7a de #(s es! dia&!es c(&sidera2a& #a par!e m4s a!errad(ra de# semes!re9 #a prese&!aci%& de s s pr(+ec!(s d ra&!e #a N(c5e para Padres, L(s pr(2#emas s(2re #a )ida0 #a m er!e + #a espa&!(sa c #pa se red /er(& a #a pre(c paci%& p(r &( 1 edar c(m( & !(&!( de#a&!e de a#$ &(s &i:(s + s s padres, As(m2r(same&!e0 O a& Or(zc( !(da)7a #e 5a2#a2a, O a& &( sa27a e3ac!ame&!e 1 6 5a27a pasad( e& #a UCSD, S s rec erd(s 5a27a& sid( e#imi&ad(s !(da)7a m4s sis!em4!icame&!e 1 e #(s de Miri, Se dedica2a a re &ir 'ra$me&!(s de #as &(!icias i&!e&!a&d( dis!i&$ ir #a )erdad de #as me&!iras pr(pa#adas p(r #(s Ami$(s de #a I&!imidad, HN( rec erd( &ada de #( s cedid( desde 1 e Miri + +( ##e$am(s a# camp s, Y #a p(#ic7a !(da)7a re!ie&e m7 a! e&d(, QNi si1 iera p ed( )er #(s "#!im(s mi& !(s de mi diari(R HE# c5ic( a$i!% #(s 2raz(s c(& #a misma desesperaci%& 1 e e# primer d7a 1 e R(2er! #e 5a27a )is!(, R(2er! #e !(c% e# 5(m2r(,

HTam2i6& se 5a& 1 edad( c(& e# de Miri, HQL( s"R Se #( pre$ &!6, HL(s (/(s de# c5ic( se ##e&ar(& de #4$rimasH, E##a !amp(c( #( rec erda, Empez42am(s a ser ami$(s0 R(2er!, N( !e 5 2i6sem(s se$ id( / &!(s si e##a &( 5 2iera c(&'iad( e& m7, HC#ar(, HGie&0 a5(ra me !ra!a c(m( c a&d( &(s c(&(cim(sE me apar!a, Cree 1 e me e&!r% mied( + 1 e p(r es( ! )( 1 e ir a 2 scar!e e##a s(#a, + 1 iz4 s7 1 e me ac(2ard6, QN( #( recuerdoR Le&a HS O a&0 Ii 9 TmsS Da#e !iemp(0 O a&, Miri es!4 dis!ra7da p(r #( s cedid(0 especia#me&!e p(r #( de s madre, Cre( 1 e se c #pa0 + 1 iz4 &(s c #pa a !(d(s &(s(!r(s, Y( s6 1 e &( eres & c(2arde,TW msS Le&a HS Ii 9 TmsS Per( me res #!a i&c(mpre&si2#e 1 e es!6 2 sca&d( c(&s e#( e& e# 5i/( de p !a,TWmsS O a& apar!% #a )is!a de R(2er! & m(me&!(0 rec per4&d(se $rad a#me&!e, R(2er! #e di( &a pa#mada a#$( !(rpe e& #a espa#da, C(&s(#ar a #(s dem4s de'i&i!i)ame&!e &( '(rma2a par!e de s s 5a2i#idades, HAca2ar4 c(mpre&di6&d(#(0 O a&, N( !e ##am% c(2arde c a&d( es!42am(s a##4 a2a/(, Le pre(c pa2as m c5(, Da#e !iemp(, HG sc% a#$ &a dis!racci%&H, UM ieres 1 e ma#$as!em(s !(d( e# !ra2a/( de# semes!reV UM 6 5a+ de #(s c5ic(s de Gas!a& + e# s rV Te&em(s 1 e 5acer prepara!i)(s, Le&a HS Ii 9 TmsSUN( !e 'as!idia e# im26ci#V S%#( 1 iere 1 e e# c5ic( #e a+ de & p(c( m4s,TWmsS E# i&!e&!( de 2r(mear de R(2er! &( 5a27a sid( m + 2 e&(0 per( O a& #e s(&ri% si&cerame&!e, HS7, QJa+ 1 e dedicarse a #as c(sas imp(r!a&!esR G(2 + Miri &( ac dier(& a Fairm(&! para #as prese&!aci(&es de# cic#( '(rma!i)(, A# me&(s &( era& )isi2#es '7sicame&!eE + R(2e& )e7a 1 e O a& Or(zc( 2 sca2a a '(&d(, HEs!a &(c5e Miri es!4 e& #a c#7&ica CricF, S madre sa#e de# 5(spi!a#, HG(2 se 5a27a a#e$rad( m c5( de sa2er 1 e R(2er! !e&7a (!r( c(mpr(mis( para #a )e#ada, E# c5ic( se a#e$r%, HPer( 1 iz4s ec5e &a miradi!a0 U&(V A decir )erdad era & ac!( m + imp(r!a&!e para Fairm(&!0 per( &( p(r 2 e&as raz(&es, La pre&sa p(p #ar 5a27a ac m #ad( & m(&!%& de e# c 2raci(&es s(2re #(s ac(&!ecimie&!(s de #a UCSD0 + #as me&!iras de #(s Ami$(s de #a I&!imidad r(dea2a& + 5 &d7a& esas e# c 2raci(&es e& i&!ermi&a2#es c(&spiraci(&es, L(s r m(res c(&!ami&a2a& !(d( +a !(d(s #(s re#aci(&ad(s c(& esa &(c5e, R(2er! 5a27a c(&s #!ad( #(s arc5i)(s p"2#ic(sE primer( para i&!e&!ar desc 2rir 1 6 #e 5a27a pasad( a 6# esa &(c5e0 e& e# s%!a&( de #a UCSD0 + # e$( para )er 1 6 pensaba #a $e&!e 1 e 5a27a s cedid(, R(2er! + e# c(&ci#i42 #( '(rma2a& par!e de #a ma+(r7a de #as !e(r7as0 a me& d( c(m( #(s

56r(es picaresc(s 1 e G(2 #e 5a27a c(me&!ad(, Per( 5a27a (!ras !e(r7as, R(2er! & &ca 5a27a (7d( 5a2#ar de Tim(!5+ J +&5D si& em2ar$(0 a#$ &(s peri(dis!as a'irma2a& 1 e J +&5 + R(2er! 5a27a& p#a&ead( !(d( #( s cedid( e& e# dis! r2i( + e& e# s 2s e#(, R(2er! se 5a27a c(&)er!id( e& & e3per!( e& e# ar!e de 2#(1 ear e# c(rre( de peri(dis!as0 per( #a 'ama i2a me&$ a&d(D #(s 7&dices !e&7a& &a )ida media de &(s ci&c( d7as, F era c(m( ' ese0 pasa2a m c5( !iemp( e& Fairm(&!0 + e# i&s!i! !( pr(5i27a #(s )isi2#es m4s m(#es!(s, Esa &(c5e0 d ra&!e #as prese&!aci(&es0 #a pr(5i2ici%& es!a2a )i$e&!e, Las $radas es!a2a& a!es!adas de )isi!a&!es c(& e&!rada9 'ami#ias de #(s es! dia&!es + s s i&)i!ad(s0 i&c# idas prese&cias )ir! a#es, La ma+(r7a de #a $e&!e &( se&!7a i&!er6s p(r R(2er! G , Per(0 si &( c(&s #!a2a #as es!ad7s!icas de red0 5a27a muchsima $e&!e (2ser)a&d( de m(d( i&)isi2#e, E# pr($rama '(rma!i)( &( era #a /(+a de Fairm(&!, La ma+(r7a de #(s c5ic(s &( d(mi&a2a& #as ap#icaci(&es m4s m(der&as + a)a&zadas B+ #a ma+(r7a de #(s es! dia&!es reca c5 !ad(s era& !(da)7a me&(s c(mpe!e&!esC, P(r (!ra par!e0 C5 m#i$ 5a27a a'irmad( e& & m(me&!( de de2i#idad 1 e #(s padres pre'er7a& #as dem(s!raci(&es '(rma!i)as0 s(2re !(d( p(r1 e para e##(s !e&7a& m4s se&!id( 1 e #as c(sas 1 e 5ac7a& #(s (!r(s c5ic(s, L(s e1 ip(s era& de d(s ( !res0 per( se #es permi!7a emp#ear s(# ci(&es !(madas de !(d( e# m &d(, La &(c5e de #as prese&!aci(&es &( empeza2a 5as!a desp 6s de #a p es!a de s(#0 p(r #( 1 e c(m2i&ar #as s perp(sici(&es c(& #a rea#idad era re#a!i)ame&!e '4ci#, C5 m#i$ &( 5a2r7a ('recid( seme/a&!e m #e!a a #(s es! dia&!es &(rma#es, Las prese&!aci(&es &(rma#es d ra2a& d(s d7asE + &( empezar7a& 5as!a &a sema&a desp 6s de 1 e #(s a# m&(s de cic#( '(rma!i)( #( 5 2iese& 5ec5( #( me/(r p(si2#e, Era & i&!er)a#( de c(r!es7a0 &a sema&a para 1 e #(s a# m&(s de# cic#( '(rma!i)( dis'r !ara& de s s #($r(s, Esa &(c5e e# p"2#ic( es!a2a se&!ad( e& e# #ad( (es!e de# camp( de '"!2(# + 1 eda2a e# (p es!( #i2re para #as $ra&di(sas im4$e&es 1 e p diese& crearse, R(2er! es!a2a se&!ad( c(& O a& Or(zc( e& #a #7&ea de 2a&da c(& #(s dem4s a# m&(s, T(d(s c(&(c7a& e# (rde& de e/ec ci%&E e50 de represe&!aci%&, S s )is!as pri)adas i&c# 7a& pe1 e:as i&dicaci(&es s perp es!as a# camp( 1 e i&dica2a& e# !iemp( res!a&!e para #a prese&!aci%& e& c rs( + #a 1 e )e&7a a c(&!i& aci%&, E# (rde& de represe&!aci%& &( se 5a27a esc($id( dem(cr4!icame&!e, L( ise C5 m#i$ + #(s (!r(s pr('es(res !e&7a& ideas pr(pias0 + e##(s ma&da2a&, R(2er! s(&ri% para s7, E& a1 e# cas( s )ie/( c(&(cimie&!( de #a $e&!e &( #e 5a27a a2a&d(&ad(, I&c# s( si& c(&(cer #(s de!a##es de cada pr(+ec!( sa27a 1 i6& !e&7a &( 2 e&( + 1 i6& &(, Sa27a 1 i6& !em7a m4s prese&!arse a&!e e# p"2#ic( + e& pers(&aE Y !am2i6& #( sa27a C5 m#i$, E# (rde& es!a2a (r1 es!ad( para ##e)ar a cada c5ic( 5as!a s #7mi!e, As(m2r(same&!e0 ese (rde& !am2i6& di( c(m( res #!ad( & espec!4c #( 2as!a&!e 2 e&(,

Empezar(& #(s Rad&er, Para es(s d(s0 e# #ad( es!e de# camp s &( era s 'icie&!e, Prese&!ar(& &a especie de deme&cia# p e&!e c(#$a&!e0 parecid( a# de# 'err(carri# de Fir!5 (' F(r!50 per( a ma+(r esca#a0 1 e c#a)a2a s(p(r!es de acer( a am2(s #ad( de #as $radas + # e$( se i2a e#e)a&d( cada )ez m4s a# &(res!e 5as!a perderse e& e# crep"sc #(, Pasar(& #(s se$ &d(s + #a c(&s!r cci%& reapareci% p(r e# suroeste9 s (2ra maes!ra de# si$#( III 5a27a descri!( &a %r2i!a )ir! a# a#reded(r de #a Tierra, E# p &!( c #mi&a&!e ' e e# pas( a!r(&ad(r de e&(rmes !re&es a )ap(r a!ra)esa&d( e# cie#(, Las $radas se es!remecier(& c(& #a p(!e&cia apare&!e de #as #(c(m(!(ras, HQE5R Hdi/( O a&0 + #e di( & c(daz( a R(2er!H, Es( es & e)(, De2e& de 5a2er desci'rad( a#$ &(s de #(s pr(!(c(#(s de ma&!e&imie&!( de# edi'ici(, HSi 5as!a e&!(&ces #(s Rad&er &( 5a27a& sid( 2#a&c( de #a '42rica de r m(res s(2re e# Dis! r2i( de #a Gi2#i(!eca0 #( ser7a&, R(2er! s p s( 1 e #(s $eme#(s es!ar7a& e&ca&!ad(s, La ma+(r7a de #as prese&!aci(&es era& represe&!aci(&es ar!7s!icas + )is a#es, Per( !am2i6& 5a27a a# m&(s 1 e 5a27a& c(&s!r id( cac5arr(s, D(ris Sc5#e+ + Ma5m( d P >(& 5a27a& c(&s!r id( & )e57c #( de e'ec!( s e#( 1 e p(d7a s 2ir #(s esca#(&es de #as $radas, L( 5icier(& caer e& #a m4s a#!a0 5 2( &a e3p#(si%& de s(&id( + ##e$% a2a/( si& r(mperse &ada, O a& se p s( de pie para $irarse + mirar c(& s s pr(pi(s (/(s, Vi!(re% a Sc5#e+ + P>(& a&!es de se&!arse, HVa+a0 & paraca7das de e'ec!( s e#(, Per( ap es!( a 1 e #a se:(ra C5 m#i$ &( #e da m4s de & &(!a2#e, HImi!% a L( ise C5 m#i$H9 L( 1 e 5a26is 5ec5( ape&as s pera #( 1 e se p ede c(mprar p(r a57, HPer( s(&re7a, L( d(s sa27a& 1 e &(!a2#e era m4s de #( 1 e #a ma+(r7a de #as dem(s!raci(&es i2a& a c(&se$ ir, I&c# s( 5 2( c5ic(s 1 e se a!re)ier(& c(& a#$( m4s a)a&zad(0 e& pr(+ec!(s 1 e se parec7a& m4s a #( 1 e Miri dec7a 1 e 5ac7a& s s ami$(s, J 2( d(s prese&!aci(&es de & e)(s ma!eria#es9 &a ci&!a e#4s!ica e3!rema + &a especie de 'i#!r( de a$ a, E# e#4s!ic( &( era m + espec!ac #arE 5as!a 1 e &( se da2a c e&!a de 1 e &( c(&!e&7a &i &a s(#a ima$e& si&!6!ica, La dem(s!raci%& ' e (2ra de d(s c5ic(s 1 e R(2er! ape&as c(&(c7a, Se ma&!e&7a& a c a!r( me!r(s de dis!a&cia0 pas4&d(se & m :ec( $ra&de, E# ma&i1 7 es!a2a s spe&did( p(r &a 'i2ra de s ma!eria# m4$ic(, La 'i2ra &( era simp#eme&!e & ma!eria# ' er!e, L(s c5ic(s p(d7a& cam2iar s s carac!er7s!icas '7sicas apre!a&d( de '(rmas di'ere&!es #(s e3!rem(s, E& (casi(&es se c(mp(r!a2a c(m( & res(r!e $i$a&!esc( 1 e de)(#)7a e# m :ec( a# ce&!r(, E& (!ras (casi(&es se e3!e&d7a c(m( carame#( + e# m :ec( !raza2a $ra&des arc(s, La dem(s!raci%& (2! )( &a ()aci%& cerrada, P(r s par!e0 #a prese&!aci%& de# 'i#!r( de a$ a c(&sis!i% e& &a ima$e& amp#i'icada de &a ma&$ era de /ard7& ec5a&d( a$ a a# 'i#!r(, E&cima0 #as a# m&as 5ac7a& '#(!ar & e&(rme $r4'ic( 1 e m(s!ra2a c%m( s 'i#!r( pr($rama2#e p(d7a 2 scar imp rezas especi'icadas p(r e# s ari(, N( 5a27a e'ec!(s s(&(r(s + #(s $r4'ic(s era& #e&!(s + !(sc(s, R(2er! mir% a# cie#( + # e$( a #as c5icas,

HVa& a sacar s(2resa#ie&!e0 U&(V O a& se re2 ##7a ap(+ad( e& #(s c(d(s, S(&re7a0 per( c(& e&)idia, HS7, Es de #as c(sas 1 e #e $ s!a& a C5 m#i$, HL e$( s 5(&radez #e (2#i$% a a:adirH9 Lisa + Sa&di /am4s se m(#es!a& e& p #ir s s $r4'ic(s0 per( 5e (7d( 1 e !ie&e& & comprador para e# 'i#!r( de a$ a, Ap es!( a 1 e ser4& #as "&icas a# m&as de '(rmaci%& 1 e $a&ar4& di&er( c(& es!a dem(s!raci%&, HN(s !(ca0 c5ic( Hdi/( R(2er!, La "&ica i&dicaci%& de 1 e O a& #e 5a27a e&!e&did( era 1 e !e&7a #a )is!a c#a)ada e& e# re#(/ pri)ad(, Ii HS O a&9 TmsS Es!ar4s per'ec!(0 O a&,TWmsS O a& HS Ii 9 TmsS UMiri es!4 )i6&d(#(VTWmsS O a& + R(2er! era& #(s "#!im(s0 #a "&ica par!e de# p#a& 1 e C5 m#i$ &( 5a27a p(did( c(&!r(#ar, N( se de27a a &i&$ &a ar$ cia de O a& + R(2er!, Ja27a sid( &a c(&sec e&cia de# 5ec5( de 1 e e& s prese&!aci%& par!icipa2a& $r p(s e3!eri(res 1 e !e&7a& s s pr(pi(s pr(2#emas de 5(rari(, O a& )aci#% & se$ &d( m4s, A c(&!i& aci%& se p s( a c(rrer p(r e# camp( de '"!2(#0 c(&/ ra&d( & esce&ari( 'a&!asma para#e#( a #as $radas + (rie&!ad( 5acia e##as, L(s i&!6rpre!es s 2ier(& p(r am2(s #ad(s de# esce&ari(, La ima$e& era &(rma#0 si& imp(si2i#idades, Se !ra!a2a de pers(&as rea#es + de i&s!r me&!(s m sica#es de )erdad0 e3p#ic% a# p"2#ic( #a )(z amp#i'icada de O a&, HQJ(#a0 5(#a0 holaR HO a& 5a2#a2a c(& e# e&! siasm( de & )e&ded(r de 'eria +0 a #(s (7d(s de R(2er!0 c#arame&!e se m(r7a de mied(, R(2er! p(dr7a 5a2er 5ec5( de maes!r( de cerem(&ias0 ( O a& p(dr7a 5a2er $ra2ad( s )(z + # e$( p(&er#a e& p#a+2acFE per( 5a2r7a& perdid( p &!(s c(& C5 m#i$, As7 1 e O a& !e&7a 1 e 5acer#( e& )i)(0 c(& &a )(z r(!a + c(& pa#a2ras separadas p(r pa sas !(rpes + 2a#adr(&adas '(rzadasH, QDamas + ca2a##er(sR QLes prese&!( #a Or1 es!a de #as Am6ricas0 creada para s!edes es!a &(c5e a par!ir de #a (r1 es!a + e# c(r( de# i&s!i! !( C5ar#es Ri)er0 e& direc!( p(r red 2ara!a desde G(s!(& H5iz( & $es!( 5acia #a iz1 ierdaH + de# Gim&asi( C#4sic( de Ma$a##a&es0 !am2i6& e& direc!( p(r red 2ara!a desde P &!a Are&as0 C5i#eR Am2(s #ad(s de# esce&ari( +a es!a2a& ##e&(s9 d(scie&!(s ad(#esce&!es c(& &i'(rme esc(#ar0 r(/( a# &(r!e + de c adr(s )erdes a# s rD es! dia&!es 1 e !e&7a& 1 e c mp#ir c(& s s pr(pi(s re1 erimie&!(s de ?c((peraci%& #e/a&a@, E# c(&/ &!( c(mpre&d7a par!e de d(s c(r(s + d(s (r1 es!as0 separadas e&!re s7 p(r m4s de (&ce mi# Fi#%me!r(s0 c(& s%#( &a red 2ara!a de &i%&, C(&)e&cer#(s para i&!e&!ar a#$( as7 +a 5a27a sid( & mi#a$r(, E# 63i!( parecer7a &(rma# a #(s espec!ad(res e3!eri(res0 per( e# 'racas( era &a p(si2i#idad m + rea#, .ien, las cosas no salieron mu! mal en los ensa!os. HY a5(raE HO a& 5a2#% c(& e&! siasm( para dar 6&'asisH, A5(ra0 damas + ca2a##er(s0 #a Or1 es!a de #as Am6ricas i&!erpre!ar4 s adap!aci%& de# 5im&( de #a U&i%& E r(pea de Gee!5()e&0 c(& #e!ra de Or(zc( + G 0 QY si&cr(&izaci%& de

red de G + Or(zc(R HJiz( & sa# d( !ea!ra# + c(rri% a #a #7&ea de 2a&da para se&!arse c(& R(2er!, E# s d(r #e c(rr7a p(r #a cara + es!a2a p4#id(, HL( 5as 5ec5( 2ie&0 c5ic( Hdi/( R(2er!, O a& se #imi!% a ase&!ir0 !em2#a&d(, La (r1 es!a 572rida se p s( a !(car, T(d( es!a2a e& ma&(s de a1 e##(s c5ic(s + de# a#$(ri!m( de '# c! aci%& de R(2er!, L(s s(&id(s de )i(#(&c5e#(s + 2a/(s s r$ier(& de #(s /%)e&es m"sic(s de G(s!(& + de# (!r( e3!rem( de# m &d(, E# ri!m( de #a adap!aci%& era m4s r4pid( 1 e e# 5a2i! a# de# 5im&( de #a U&i%& E r(pea, Y cada &(!a ##e$ada desp 6s de cie&!(s de sa#!(s s(2re redes 1 e cam2ia2a& a#ea!(riame&!e0 c(& re!ras(s 1 e p(d7a& '# c! ar )ari(s cie&!(s de mi#ise$ &d(s, Era e# mism( pr(2#ema de si&cr(&izaci%& 1 e 5a27a 5ec5( 1 e e# c(r( de Xi&&ie de #a 2i2#i(!eca ' ese !a& cac('%&ic(, La #e!ra de O a& c(me&z%, E# c(r( de# &(r!e ca&!a2a e& i&$#6s + e# c(r( de# s r e& espa:(#, S s es! dia&!es c(#a2(rad(res 5a27a& cread( &a (2ra '#e3i2#e c(& s pr(pia i&!er'az de direcci%&D #( 1 e a+ da2a & p(c(, Adem4s0 era& m"sic(s + ca&!a&!es s(rpre&de&!eme&!e 2 e&(s, Per( #a i&!erpre!aci%& se$ 7a e3i$ie&d( #a ma$ia de #(s re!ras(s adap!a!i)(s 1 e e# a#$(ri!m( de R(2er! i&+ec!a2a e& #as !ra&smisi(&es, G e&(0 de ac erd(0 + !am2i6& 1 iz4 de #a ma$ia !(da)7a m4s pr(' &da de Gee!5()e&, R(2er! pres!% a!e&ci%&, S c(&!ri2 ci%& &( era per'ec!a, I2a pe(r 1 e e& #(s e&sa+(s, Ja27a demasiadas pers(&as mira&d( + demasiado de golpe. Tem7a #( 1 e p diese pasar, E# pr(2#ema &( era e# a&c5( de 2a&da, Mir% #a $r4'ica de )aria&za 1 e !e&7a e& #a )is!a pri)ada, M(s!ra2a #a prese&cia de )ari(s mi##(&es de pers(&as 1 e de pr(&!( (2ser)a2a&0 c(&s mie&d( rec rs(s a !a# )e#(cidad 1 e c(&' &d7a& a s p(2re pr($rami!a de predicci%&E + cam2ia2a& #a &a! ra#eza de #( 1 e se (2ser)a2a, Y a & as70 #a si&cr(&izaci%& se ma&! )(, E# 572rid( &( se 'ra$me&!%, M eda2a& diez se$ &d(s, La i&!erpre!aci%& ##e$% a & crescendo & !a&!( dis#(cad( + # e$(0 p(r e'ec!( de a#$"& mi#a$r(0 !(d( ' e per'ec!( e& #(s "#!im(s d(s se$ &d(s, La #e!ra de O a& !ermi&% + #a me#(d7a ce&!ra# pas% a# si#e&ci(, E# c(r(W(r1 es!a c(&/ &!( mir% a# p"2#ic(, S(&re7a&0 a#$ &(s p(si2#eme&!e se si&!iese& a)er$(&zad(sE per( Q#( 5a27a& #($rad(R J 2( ap#a s(s0 m + e&! sias!as desde a#$ &as z(&as, E# p(2re O a& parec7a c(mp#e!ame&!e a$(!ad(, P(r s er!e0 &( !e&7a 1 e )(#)er a# camp( para cerrar #a ac! aci%&, L(s i&!6rpre!es sa# da2a& + sa#7a& p(r e# &(r!e + e# s rE de re$res( a s s respec!i)(s ri&c(&es de# m &d(, La s(&risa de O a& era & p(c( '(rzada mie&!ras sa# da2a a# p"2#ic( #(ca#, A R(2er! s )(z #e ##e$% de re'i#%&, HE50 &( me imp(r!a #a &(!a 1 e &(s p(&$a&, QL( 5em(s 5ec5( + +a 5em(s !ermi&ad(R

.L EL MUSEO GRIT8NICO Y LA GIGLIOTECA GRIT8NICA L(s c5ic(s a2a&d(&ar(& #as $radas a !(da prisa0 & p(c( p(r e# 5ec5( de 1 e C5 m#i$ + c(mpa:7a repasar7a& #a &(c5e + de!ermi&ar7a& 1 i6& 5a27a sid( i&acep!a2#eme&!e r id(s(, O a& + R(2er! sa#ier(& m4s despaci(0 c(& #(s (!r(s a# m&(s 1 e 5a27a& 5ec5( dem(s!raci(&es0 i&!ercam2ia&d( 'e#ici!aci(&es, Las &(!as de #as prese&!aci(&es &( sa#dr7a& 5as!a a# ca2( de )ei&!e 5(ras m4s ( me&(s, Te&dr7a& !iemp( de s(2ra para s 'rir p(r #(s 'a##(s, A & as70 L( ise C5 m#i$ parec7a 2as!a&!e c(&!e&!a, Fe#ici!a2a a !(d(s #(s a# m&(sE + rec5aza2a c a#1 ier pre$ &!a s(2re si &( (!r( de'ec!( ser7a m + imp(r!a&!e para #a &(!a, Se$ 7a si& 5a2er ras!r( de Miri &i de G(2, La a!e&ci%& de R(2er! es!a2a ce&!rada e& #(s c5ic(s0 e& C5 m#i$ + e& O a& Or(zc(E es!e "#!im( a#!er&a2a e&!re #a 5is!eria de# a#i)i( + e# c(&)e&cimie&!( de# 'racas(, As7 1 e ' e si& pre)i( a)is( 1 e R(2e& se e&c(&!r% cara a cara0 casi &ariz c(&!ra &ariz0 c(& Xi&s!(& G#( &!, De!r4s de# a&!i$ ( deca&(0 T(mmie ParFer da2a #a ma&( a Ii Iia&$, Va+a0 Qera #a pare/a m4s e3!ra:a 1 e p(dr7a 5a2er s r$id( de a1 e##a a)e&! raR E# 5(m2reci!( s(&re7a de (re/a a (re/a, A R(2e& #e 5iz( & $es!( c(& e# p #$ar, Per(0 p(r e# m(me&!(0 G#( &! acapara2a !(da s a!e&ci%&, R(2er! 5a27a )is!( p(c( a T(mmie + Xi&&ie desde #a &(c5e e& #a UCSD, E##(s + Car#(s 5a27a& pasad( )ari(s d7as e& #a c#7&ica CricF, P(r #( 1 e R(2er! p(d7a )er0 5a27a& ##e$ad( a ac erd(s0 m4s ( me&(s c(m( e& s cas(, Y es!a2a& #i2res, La 5is!(ria ('icia# era #a 1 e #e 5a27a dic5( G(29 #as ac!i)idades de# c(&ci#i42 #( 5a27a& sid( &a pr(!es!a0 per( /am4s 5a27a& !e&id( i&!e&ci%& de da:ar e# e1 ip( de# #a2(ra!(ri( + #( #ame&!a2a& pr(' &dame&!e, La 5is!(ria e3!ra('icia# de sacri'ici( 5er(ic( a+ da2a a e3p#icar 1 e #a &i)ersidad + #(s #a2(ra!(ri(s 2i(#%$ic(s es! )iese& e&ca&!ad(s de &( prese&!ar car$(s, Si e# C(&ci#i42 #( de A&cia&(s ma&!e&7a #a 2(ca cerrada0 &( 5a2r7a c(&sec e&cias, E& a1 e# m(me&!( Xi&&ie s(&re7a de & m(d( e3!ra:(, Sa# d% a O a& + es!ir% e# 2raz( para !(mar #a ma&( de R(2er!, HA &1 e 5e de/ad( Fairm(&!0 !(da)7a !e&$( 'ami#ia a1 7, D(ris Sc5#e+ es mi !a!aras(2ri&a, HQO5R QL( 5a 5ec5( m + 2ie&0 Xi&s!(&R HGracias0 $racias, Y !"E HXi&s!(& )aci#%, E& e# pasad(0 #(s 5a#a$(s para R(2er! G ##e$a2a& de !(das par!es + a me& d( se 5a27a& emp#ead( c(m( maza para 5 &dir a Xi&s!(& G#( &!H, Jas escri!( a#$( mara)i##(s(0 R(2er!, Esa #e!ra,

N &ca 5 2iese ima$i&ad( a#$( as7 para Gee!5()e&0 + e& i&$#6s + espa:(#, Ja sid(E ar!e, HSe e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s0 c(m( si esperara #a p ##a sarc4s!ica, HN( ' e (2ra m7a0 Xi&s!(&, HY ,uiz sea una pulla, pero no lo pretendoH, O a& se e&car$% de #a #e!ra, C(#a2(ram(s d ra&!e !(d( e# semes!re0 per( e& ese aspec!( #e de/6 5acer0 cri!ica&d( s%#( e# res #!ad( 'i&a#, Si&cerame&!eE + C5 m#i$ es #a dem(#ed(ra de #as me&!irasE si&cerame&!e0 O a& es e# resp(&sa2#e, HUO5V HXi&&ie se apar!% + s%#( e&!(&ces pareci% )er a O a&, Te&di% #a ma&( a# /()e&H, Ja sid( &a 2e##eza0 5i/(, HLa&z% &a mirada de s(s#a+(0 !(da)7a i&cr6d #(0 a R(2er!H, USa2es0 R(2e&0 1 e0 a s m(d(0 5a sid( !a& 2 e&( c(m( #( 1 e !" 5ac7as a&!a:(V R(2er! medi!% & se$ &d(0 esc c5a&d( me&!a#me&!e #a #e!ra de O a& c(m( s(#7a esc c5ar s pr(pia p(es7a, 0o, ha sido an mejor, M c5( me/(r, Per( &( me/(r e& & m &d( di'ere&!e, Si e# a&!i$ ( R(2er! 5 2iese p(did( )er esa #e!raE 2ie&0 e# a&!i$ ( R(2er! &( a$ a&!a2a a #(s se$ &d(&es, C(& #a m7&ima e3c sa 5a2r7a a2(r!ad( #a carrera ar!7s!ica de O a&, HTie&es raz%&, O a& cre% a#$( 5erm(s(, H Vaci#%H, N( s6 1 6E e'ec!( 5a& !e&id( #(s a:(s0 Xi&s!(&, O a& mira2a a#!er&a!i)ame&!e a &( + a# (!r(, E& s r(s!r( empeza2a a )erse e# (r$ ##(0 a &1 e parec7a darse c e&!a 1 e R(2er! + Xi&&ie se dec7a& c(sas 1 e &( ar!ic #a2a& c(& pa#a2ras, Xi&&ie asi&!i%, HS7, Ja& cam2iad( m c5as c(sas, HLa m #!i! d i2a red ci6&d(se0 per( es( s%#( 5ac7a 1 e a#$ &(s c5ic(s cre+ese& 1 e p(d7a& c(rrer !(da)7a m4s r4pid(, L(s emp /a2a e# '# /( de c erp(s + #(s $ri!(s + #as risas !(da)7a m4s i&!e&s(sH, Gie&0 si &( !e 5as (c pad( de #a #e!ra0 Uc 4# 5a sid( ! c(&!ri2 ci%&0 R(2er!V HQA/4R Me 5e (c pad( de #a si&cr(&izaci%&, HEn la medida en ,ue ha sido posible. HUE& seri(V H Xi&&ie i&!e&!a2a ser ama2#e0 per(0 i&c# s( desp 6s de s e3perie&cia c(& e# c(r(0 &( parec7a especia#me&!e impresi(&ad(, Gie&0 5a27a sid( & p(c( desi$ a#, Ii HS Le&a9 TmsS QP(r am(r de Di(s0 di#e a#$(0 Le&aRTWWmsS Le&aHS Ii 9 TmsS QD6/ame e& pazRTWmsS Ii HS Le&a9 TmsS E&!(&ces +( 5a2#ar6 p(r !i,TWmsS Desp 6s de i&!ercam2iar a#$ &as c(r!es7as m4s0 Xi&&ie se acerc% a #a 'ami#ia Sc5#e+0 ##e)4&d(se a T(mmie + a Ii Iia&$, Per( R(2er! )i( &a #7&ea de !e3!( d(rad( 1 e se e3!e&d7a de!r4s de Iia&$, Ii HS R(2er!D TmsS Ja sid( $e&ia#0 R(2er!,TWmsS O a& era c(mp#e!ame&!e a/e&( a# me&sa/e si#e&ci(s( de Iia&$, HE# deca&( G#( &! &( 5a c(mpre&did( e& 1 6 c(&sis!7a ! par!e de# pr(+ec!(0 U)erdadV HN(, Per( #e 5a $ s!ad( #a par!e 1 e 5a e&!e&did(, N( imp(r!a, T" + +( #( 5em(s 5ec5( me/(r de #( 1 e cre7am(s, HS^0 as7 es,

O a& #e ac(mpa:% p(r #as $radas, A &1 e G(2 + Miri &( es! )iese&0 #(s padres de O a& s7 1 e es!a2a& prese&!es, Sa# d(s + 'e#ici!aci(&es para !(d(s0 a &1 e #(s Or(zc( se$ 7a& si& sa2er 1 6 pe&sar de R(2er! G , U& $r p( de 'ami#iares + ami$(s perma&eci% m4s !iemp( e& e# camp( de '"!2(#, M4s 1 e (!ra c(sa0 #(s padres parec7a& & p(c( s(rpre&did(s de s s 5i/(s, Ama2a& a #(s m + !(rpes0 per( cre7a& c(&(cer s s #7mi!es, De a#$ &a '(rma0 C5 m#i$ #(s 5a27a !ra&s'(rmad( c(&)ir!i6&d(#(s e&E &( e& s per5(m2res0 si&( e& cria! ras capaces de 5acer c(sas 1 e s s padres /am4s 5a27a& d(mi&ad(, Era 5(ra de se&!irse (r$ ##(s(s + & p(c( i&c%m(d(s, Miri se$ 7a si& aparecer, P(2re O a&, Y !o espero ,ue Alice vuelva ho! a casa. C(& & s(#( 2raz( &( se #e da2a i$ a# de 2ie& c(mpr(2ar#(, R(2er! pe&e!r% e& #a z(&a m4s de&sa de #a m #!i! d0 #a $e&!e 1 e da2a ) e#!as a#reded(r de L( ise C5 m#i$, La m /er parec7a 'e#iz + ca&sada0 + &e$a2a !(da resp(&sa2i#idad, HSimp#eme&!e #es 5e e&se:ad( a mis a# m&(s a sar #( 1 e !ie&e& de&!r( + #( 1 e e# m &d( p ede ('recer, R(2er! se #e acerc% + #e apre!% #a ma&(, HGracias, C5 m#i$ #e mir% c(& &a s(&risa !(rcida e& #a cara, La m /er re! )( s ma&( & m(me&!(, HQT"R Mi &i:( m4s e3!ra:(, T" eres casi e# pr(2#ema (p es!( 1 e !e&7a c(& #(s dem4s, HUC%m( es es(V HE& e# cas( de #(s dem4s0 !e&7a 1 e 5acer#es sa#ir para desc 2rir #( 1 e s(&, Per( !"E primer( de27as re& &ciar a #( 1 e 5a27as sid(, HS s(&risa ' e !ris!e d ra&!e & i&s!a&!eH, Lame&!a #( 1 e perdis!e0 R(2er!0 per( a#6$ra!e de #( 1 e eres, %Ella lo ha sabido siempre) Per( a#$ ie& re1 iri% #a a!e&ci%& de C5 m#i$0 1 e se apres r% a $ara&!izar 1 e e# res!( de# a:( acad6mic( ser7a !(da)7a m4s em(ci(&a&!e, R(2er! de/% a O a& +a #(s dem4s c(& s s e# c 2raci(&es s(2re c%m( ser7a& #as prese&!aci(&es &(rma#es, Desp 6s de &a &(c5e c(m( a1 e##a0 #(s c5ic(s &( 1 er7a& creer 1 e a#$ ie& ' ese a s perar#(s, R(2er! )i( d(s si# e!as 'ami#iares de cami&( a #a r(!(&da de !r4'ic(, HCre7a 1 e es!a2ais c(& Xi&s!(& Hdi/(, HL( es!42am(s Hdi/( T(mmieH0 per( 5em(s ) e#!(, M er7a 'e#ici!ar!e p(r ese !r c( de #a si&cr(&izaci%& m sica#, Ii Iia&$ asi&!i% ma&i'es!a&d( s ac erd(, De #(s d(s0 s%#( e##a )es!7a, A s a#reded(r '#(!a2a& #($(!ip(s de 'e#ici!aci%&, E# p(2re T(mmie se$ 7a car$a&d( c(& s p(r!4!i#0 a &1 e #( 1 e 1 edase de&!r( pr(2a2#eme&!e per!e&ec7a a #a p(#ic7a secre!a,

HGracias, Es!(+ (r$ ##(s(0 per( 5a+ 1 e remarcar #a pa#a2ra ?!r c(@, E& rea#idad0 &adie &ecesi!a si&cr(&izar m"sica a #( #ar$( de mi#es de Fi#%me!r(s de red 2ara!a, Y me apr()ec56 de #a pre)isi2i#idad de# e&r !amie&!( + de 1 e sa27a #a m"sica 1 e i2a& a i&!erpre!ar, HAdem4s de sar a#$ &(s a&4#isis de !iemp( de #(s i&!6rpre!es p(r separad(, Cier!(0 U&(V Hdi/( T(mmie, HS7, HAdem4s !e ser)is!e de a#$ &as c(&!ra'# c! aci(&es 1 e i&ser!as!e !" Hdi/( Ii , R(2er! )aci#%, HLa )erdad es 1 e 5a sid( divertido. T(mmie ri(, HSe 5a& dad( c e&!a de ! !r c(, E& mi / )e&! d p(dr7as 5a2er#( pa!e&!ad(, J(+ e& d7aE Ii !(c% a T(mmie e& e# 5(m2r(, HJ(+ e& d7a0 )a#e para (2!e&er &a &(!a dece&!e e& &a c#ase de i&s!i! !(, T" + +(E !e&em(s c(sas 1 e apre&der0 T5(mas, T(mmie re' &' :%, HL( 1 e 1 iere decir es 1 e de2( apre&der a )es!ir, HMir% a #a m /er de aspec!( / )e&i#H, N &ca s(:6 c(& 1 e I, Iia&$ aca2ar7a sa#)4&d(me #a )ida, Per( Qc#ar( es!40 #( #($r% 5acie&d( 1 e &(s arres!ase& a !(d(sR Le&a HS Ii 9 TmsS ParFer !eme pr(2ar c(sas & e)as0 a pesar de #( m c5( 1 e 5a2#a de# ' ! r(,TWmsS Rec(rrier(& &(s pas(s e& si#e&ci(, M4s pa#a2ras d(radas de Iia&$D #( de #a me&sa/er7a si#e&ci(sa cada )ez se #e da2a me/(r, Ii HS R(2er!9 TmsSTsi$5WS T(mmie es )ie/( + #a medici&a &( #e 5a a+ dad( !a&!(, Tie&e mied( de pr(2ar c(sas & e)as,TWmsS R(2er! e)i!% 1 e #a m /er &(!ara s s(rpresa, UDesde c 4&d( #a !ec&%#($a se 5a27a c(&)er!id( e& psi1 ia!ra de sa#%&V Si& em2ar$(0 !a# )ez ! )iera raz%& respec!( a T(mmie, T(mmie 5ac7a cas( (mis( de# pas( de me&sa/es0 per( #a s(&risa p7cara de siempre se i2a e3!e&die&d( p(r s r(s!r(, HUM 6V Hdi/( R(2er! a# 'i&, HS%#( pe&sa2a, N es!ra (peraci%& e& #a UCSD ' e #a ma+(r + #a m4s pe#i$r(sa e& #a 1 e 5a+a par!icipad(, N(s !i#izar(&0 s7, Per(0 Usa2esV0 se parec7a m c5( a esas c(sas m(der&asE esas a'i#iaci(&es, Jicim(s & es!ra c(&!ri2 ci%& +0 e& cier!( m(d(0 (2! )im(s #( 1 e pre!e&d7am(s, R(2er! pe&s% e& #a pr(mesa de# E3!ra:(, HUC%m( es es(V HLe dim(s de ##e&( e& #as &arices a# Pr(+ec!( Gi2#i(!(ma de J er!as, HPer( #(s #i2r(s de #a 2i2#i(!eca 5a& desaparecid(, T(mmie se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s,

HLa )erdad es 1 e me $ s!a #a )isi%& de #(s Gi2#i(!ecari(s Mi#i!a&!es, L( imp(r!a&!e es 1 e 5em(s p es!( a J er!as !(!a#me&!e e& e)ide&cia, HUEs( es & !ri &'(V Ya cami&a2a& p(r #a r(!(&da0 se$ id(s de & a !(m%)i# espera&zad(, HS7, N( se p ede parar e# pr($res(0 per( de! )im(s a J er!as #( / s!( para 1 e (!r(s 5ec5(s &(s sa#)ara&, HMir% a R(2er!H, UN( #( 5as (7d(V Vis!es !(d( ese e1 ip( m(der&( + &i si1 iera sa2es ma&!e&er!e a# !a&!( de #as &(!icias, H T(mmie &( esper% #a resp es!aH, Ver4s0 J er!as se es!a2a da&d( prisa p(r &a raz%&, Res #!a 1 e #(s c5i&(s se es!a2a& c(mie&d( e# M se( Gri!4&ic( + #a Gi2#i(!eca Gri!4&ica m c5( m4s r4pid( de #( 1 e cre7am(s, Y #(s c5i&(s !ie&e& a:(s de e3perie&cia e& di$i!a#izaci%& semiH&(Hdes!r c!i)a, S s m6!(d(s s(& m + 2e&i$&(s c(mparad(s c(& #a (peraci%& de !ri! rad( de J er!as, Jicier(& 1 e #( s cedid( e& Sa& Die$( pareciese &a !(&!er7a e i&c# s( (2! )ier(& da!(s 54p!ic(s de (2/e!(s 1 e &( era& #i2r(s, Ja+ !(d( & m &d( de di'ere&cia e&!re e##(s + !(d(s #(s dem4s0 i&c# id(s #(s arc5i)(s de G(($#e, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 re!rasam(s a J er!as &(s d7as0 #( s 'icie&!e para 1 e &( p eda rec#amar pri(ridad, Y e# !iemp( s 'icie&!e para 1 e #(s c5i&(s #e p siese& #a $ i&da a# pas!e#, T(mmie me!i% #a ma&( e& #a c5a1 e!a + sac% & !r(z( de p#4s!ic( de &(s )ei&!e ce&!7me!r(s c adrad(s, HT(ma, U& re$a#( 1 e me 5a c(s!ad( <K0KK d%#ares, R(2er! s(s! )( e# p#4s!ic( &e$r(, Se parec7a m c5( a #(s disc(s '#e3i2#es 1 e 5a27a sad( m c5as )eces e& #(s (rde&ad(res de# cam2i( de si$#(, Le 5iz( &a c(&s #!a, Las e!i1 e!as '#(!ar(& e& e# aire9 8arjeta de datos. *apacidad de GMK 1.. Fsada al HI[. Ja27a m4s0 per( R(2er! se #imi!% a mirar a T(mmie, HULa $e&!e si$ e sa&d( es!e !ip( de c(sasV HS%#( #(s )ie/(s para&(ic(s + de'e&s(res de #a pr(piedad c(m( +(, Es & i&c(rdi( para ##e)ar#( p(r a570 per( !e&$( & #ec!(r e& e# p(r!4!i#, H*laroH, L(s da!(s es!4& !(d(s e& #7&ea0 / &!( c(& #(s a&4#isis cr zad(s p(r #(s 1 e #(s c5i&(s !e c(2ra& & e3!ra, Per(0 i&c# s( a &1 e &( !e&$as #ec!(r de !ar/e!as0 me 5a parecid( 1 e es!ar7as i&!e&sad( e& s(s!e&er#( e& ! s ma&i!as, HA5, HR(2er! ec5% & )is!az( a# direc!(ri( s peri(r, Era c(m( a#zarse s(2re &a m(&!a:a m + a#!aH, E&!(&ces0 es!( esE HE# M se( Gri!4&ic( + #a Gi2#i(!eca Gri!4&ica0 di$i!a#izad( e i&ser!ad( e& &a 2ase de da!(s p(r C(a#ici%& I&'(rm4$ica C5i&a, L(s da!(s 54p!ic(s + de ar!e'ac!(s s(& de 2a/a res(# ci%&0 para 1 e 1 epa& e& &a s(#a !ar/e!a, Per( #a secci%& de #a 2i2#i(!eca es )ei&!e )eces s peri(r a #( 1 e Ma3 J er!as c5 p% de #a UCSD, De/a&d( apar!e c(sas 1 e /am4s ##e$ar(& a #a 2i2#i(!eca0 se !ra!a ese&cia#me&!e de & re$is!r( de #a 5 ma&idad 5as!a e# a:( -;;;, T(d( e# m &d( prem(der&(, R(2er! s(pes% #a !ar/e!a de p#4s!ic(, HN( parece $ra& c(sa, T(mmie ri(,

HG e&(0 Q&( #( esR R(2er! ' e a de)(#)6rse#a0 per( T(mmie #a rec5az%, HC(m( 5e dic5(0 es & re$a#(, P(&#( e& #a pared0 para 1 e rec erdes 1 e es( es !(d( #( 1 e & d7a ' e, Per(0 si rea#me&!e 1 ieres )er#(0 mira e& #a red, L(s c5i&(s #( 5a& e&sar!ad( !(d( m + 2ie&, Y s s ser)id(res especia#es s(& m + i&$e&i(s(s, T(mmie se ec5% a!r4s + #e 5iz( & $es!( a# c(c5e 1 e #(s se$ 7a, La p er!a !rasera se a2ri% + #e i&dic% a Ii 1 e e&!rase primer(, D ra&!e & i&s!a&!e c5(ca&!e0 T(mmie pareci% & )ie/( )erde ac(mpa:ad( de &a /()e&ci!a $ apa, N( era m4s 1 e (!ra ima$e& de# pasad( 1 e &( !e&7a &ada 1 e )er c(& #a )erdad, HAs7 1 e J er!as 5a sa#id( de# mercad( de# !r(ce( + #(s c5i&(s pr(me!e& 1 e a par!ir de a5(ra #( 5ar4& !(da)7a m4s s !i#me&!e 1 e e& #a Gi2#i(!eca Gri!4&ica, N( !ie&es m4s 1 e pe&sar e& de#icadas ma&(s r(2%!icas s(&r(sadas rec(rrie&d( pacie&!eme&!e !(das #as 2i2#i(!ecas + m se(s de# m &d(, Jar4& c(mpr(2aci(&es cr zadas0 2 scar4& a&(!aci(&esE #( 1 e ('recer4 a !(da &a $e&eraci%& de acad6mic(s c(m( _ #'i S5ari' a#$( s(2re #( 1 e escri2ir s s !esis, HSa# d% a R(2er!H, QYa &(s )erem(sR Era casi media&(c5e c a&d( Ii Iia&$ re$res% a A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris, Le&a se$ 7a #e)a&!ada, Es!a2a e& #a c(ci&a0 prepar4&d(se & !e&!empi6, La (s!e(p(r(sis #a (2#i$a2a a i&c#i&arse !a&!( 1 e !e&7a #a cara a s%#( &(s ce&!7me!r(s de #a mesa, M eda2a m + rar(0 per( #a si##a de r edas + e# dise:( de #a c(ci&a #e da2a& m c5a #i2er!ad de ma&i(2ra, Ii e&!r%0 c(mp#e!ame&!e a)er$(&zada, HSie&!( 5a2er!e c(r!ad(0 Le&aE La (!ra se )(#)i% para mirar#a direc!ame&!e, Te&7a &a s(&risa !(rcida e& #a cara, HE50 &( pasa &ada, L(s /%)e&es &ecesi!4is i&!imidad, HLe i&dic% a Ii 1 e se se&!ase + !(mase a#$(, HS7, Gie&0 T(mmie &( es !a& /()e&, HN(!% 1 e e&r(/ec7aH, Y(0 e50 &( me re'ier( a '7sicame&!e, M iere ma&!e&erse a# d7a de# pr($res(0 per( &( p ede c(& !(d( #( 1 e es( imp#ica, Le&a se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s, HLa me&!e de T(mmie es me/(r 1 e #a de a#$ &(s, HDi( & m(rdisc( a & 2(cadi##(, HUCrees 1 e a#$"& d7a rec perar4 s !a#e&!(V HP(dr7a ser, La cie&cia si$ e a)a&za&d(, Y a &1 e es( &( sir)a de &ada e& e# cas( de ParFer0 p(dem(s emp /ar#e e& #a direcci%& adec ada, Gra& par!e de s pr(2#ema se de2e a 1 e para 6# #a )ida era demasiad( '4ci# c a&d( era /()e&, Es demasiad( irasci2#e para a!re)erse c(& &ada 1 e #e res #!e rea#me&!e di'7ci#, HSe:a#% a Ii H, C(me,

Ii asi&!i% + !(m% & 2(cadi##(, Ya #( 5a27a& 5a2#ad( a&!es, De 5ec5(0 esas disc si(&es era& #as 1 e 5a27a& a+ dad( a cier!a d(c!(ra I, Iia&$, Per( 1 iz4 para e##a ' ese m4s c(mp#icad( 1 e para T(mmie, S pri&cipa# pr(2#ema e& e# ' ! r( cerca&( p(d7a ser e)i!ar #as ?('er!as de !ra2a/(@ de# G(2ier&(, Ii m(rdi% e# 2(cadi##(, Ma&!e1 i##a de caca5 e!e + c(&'i! ra, N( es!a2a ma#(, HUJas !e&id( #a (p(r! &idad de ap#icar ! s 5a2i#idades a #as pers(&as 1 e 5em(s )is!( 5(+V HUTe re'ieres a / $ar a psi1 ia!raV S70 repas6 ! arc5i)( de Epi'a&7aD 5e rea#izad( a#$ &as c(&s #!as a&%&imas, E# c(&se/( 1 e #e dim(s a Car#(s Ri)era es!a2a 2ie&, Tie&e & pr(2#ema cr%&ic(0 per( as7 es #a )ida, Y e& c a&!( a O a&0 5em(s 5ec5( !(d( #( p(si2#e0 a# me&(s p(r a5(ra, Ii s(&ri% a pesar de !e&er #a 2(ca ##e&a de ma&!e1 i##a de caca5 e!e + merme#ada, Ja27a !ardad( e& c(mpre&der 1 e Le&a era & $e&i(, Desp 6s de !(d(0 #a psi1 ia!r7a &( era &a especia#idad d ra, Le&a dec7a 1 e a #a pe1 e:a Miri #e e&ca&!a2a c(&siderar a s a2 e#a c(m( &a especie de 2r /a c(& p(deres, A'irma2a sa2er#( a pesar de 1 e #a c5ica & &ca #( 5a27a c(me&!ad(, Ii 5a27a ##e$ad( a c(mpre&der 1 e Le&a era !(d( #( 1 e Miri ima$i&a2a0 a# me&(s me!a'%ricame&!e, 0unca he comprendido a los dems, pero, con 5ena viendo por mis ojos ! hablndome al odo, esto! aprendiendo. M eda2a& mis!eri(s, HN( c(mpre&d( p(r 1 6 ! &ie!a ma&!ie&e a ra+a a O a&, Cier!(0 #(s c5ic(s &( rec erda& #( 1 e s cedi% rea#me&!e e& Pi#c5&er Ja##0 per( sa2em(s 1 e es!a2a& 5aci6&d(se ami$(s, Si p di6sem(s c(&se$ ir #(s re$is!r(s de MiriE HM e e# G(2ier&( !(da)7a re!e&7a, Le&a &( resp(&di% direc!ame&!e, HUSa2es 1 e A#ice 5a sa#id( de# 5(spi!a#V HQS7R Me 5e e&!erad( p(r !i0 si& de!a##es, HN( 5a2r4 de!a##es, ?A#ice es! )( e&'erma + +a es!4 me/(r,@ De 5ec5(0 5ace !iemp( 1 e s6 1 e A#ice / e$a a #(s dad(s c(& s pr(pia a#ma, E& es!a (casi%& 5a es!ad( a p &!( de perder#a + de a#$ &a '(rma es( $ arda re#aci%& c(& #a !reme&da pi'ia de mi marid( e& #a UCSD, Cre( 1 e A#ice se rec perar4, L( 1 e de2er7a a+ dar a O a& c(& Miri, HLe&a se ac(m(d% e& #a si##a, O0 m4s 2ie&0 de/% 1 e #a si##a ad(p!ase (!ra p(s! ra, P(r s7 misma0 Le&a &( p(d7a e&derezarseH, Ya 5em(s 5a2#ad( de es( a&!es, Miri p ede ser !es!ar da 5as!a e# p &!( de )(#)erse $i#ip(##as, L( 5ered% de# 5i/( de p !a0 & ras$( 1 e se sa#!% a G(2, + a5(ra esa !es!ar dez se 5a a#iad( c(& &a c #pa m + pr(' &da9 i&c(&scie&!eme&!e0 Miri sie&!e 1 e e##a + O a& 'a##ar(& + #e ca sar(& ese pr(2#ema espa&!(s( a A#ice, HN( parece m + cie&!7'ic(0 Le&a, HTe es!(+ a5(rra&d( #(s !ec&icism(s, Ii asi&!i%,

HO2!ie&es res #!ad(s, Ja+ pers(&as e& Fairm(&! 1 e cree& 1 e s(+ & $e&i( de #as re#aci(&es 5 ma&as, QY(# Le&a m()i% &a ma&( a#$ &(s ce&!7me!r(s s(2re #a mesa0 !(d( #( 1 e p(d7a& es'(rzarse s s 5 es(s de'(rmad(s, Ii se #a !(m% c(& s a)idad, HJem(s '(rmad( & 2 e& e1 ip(0 U&(V Hdi/( Le&a, HS7, HN( s%#( p(r #a 'aci#idad de Le&a c(& #a $e&!e, N( s%#( p(r 5a2er sa#)ad( a T(mmie + a s s ami$(s, Tam2i6& p(r es(s d7as !e&e2r(s(s a# c(mie&z( de s peri(d( e& Fairm(&!0 c a&d( es!a2a se$ ra de 1 e &( #($rar7a re$resarE + !amp(c( era 1 e Le&a es! )iese m + c(&!e&!a, O &!as 5a27a& sa#id( a #a # z, Ii mir% a #a a&cia&i!a 1 e era diez a:(s m4s /()e& 1 e e##a, Juntas, 5ena ! !o nos hemos convertido en algo asombroso. USeparadasEV HLe&a0 Ucrees 1 e a#$"& d7a se me dar4 !a& 2ie& c(m( a !i c(mpre&der a #a $e&!eV Le&a se e&c($i% de 5(m2r(s + s(&ri%, HO50 &( s6, Ii i&c#i&% #a ca2eza0 rec(rda&d( pe1 e:(s i&cide&!es (c rrid(s a #( #ar$( de #(s "#!im(s meses, Le&a G & &ca me&!7a direc!ame&!e, Parec7a c(mpre&der 1 e es( #e res!a2a credi2i#idad, Per( Le&a p(d7a e&$a:ar0 i&c# s( resp(&die&d( a &a pre$ &!a direc!a, HUSa2es0 Le&a0 1 e c a&d( dices ?(50 &( s6@ + !e e&c($es de 5(m2r(sE es( si$&i'ica ?&i e& & mi##%& de a:(s@V Le&a a2ri% m c5( #(s (/(s, Apre!% #a ma&( de Ii , HVa+a0 a57 #( !ie&es, QM iz4s e& ! cas( &( 5a$a 'a#!a & mi##%& de a:(sR HGie&, P(r1 e 1 ier( decir!e0 Le&aE 1 e &( cre( 1 e R(2er! sea e# 5i/( de p !a 1 e rec erdas, Cre( 1 e 5a cam2iad( de )eras, Le&a apar!% #a ma&(, HRe!ir( #( dic5(, E& ! cas(0 & mi##%& de a:(s &( ser4 s 'icie&!e, Ii #e !e&di% #a ma&(0 per( Le&a (c #!% #a s +a e& e# re$az(, N( imp(r!a2a, Era& c(sas 1 e 5a27a 1 e decir, HR(2er! ' e 2r !a# a# pri&cipi(0 per( mira c%m( a+ d% a O a&, Te&$( &a 5ip%!esis, HLa&z% #a re'ere&cia de 0ature a# (!r( #ad( de #a mesa0 5acia Le&a, E& rea#idad &( era #a 5ip%!esis de Ii H, R(2er! s 'ri% e# e1 i)a#e&!e a & $ra& !ra ma0 de #(s 1 e rec(&s!r +e& #a )isi%& de# m &d( de &a pers(&a#idad, HLees demasiada cie&cia 2as ra0 Ii , D6/ase#a a #(s pr('esi(&a#es, HEs c(m( si 5 2iese re!r(cedid(, C(&ser)a !(d(s s s rec erd(s0 per( '7sicame&!e es & 5(m2re /()e&, Tie&e &a se$ &da (p(r! &idad para 5acer #as c(sas 2ie&, UN( #( )es0 Le&aV Le&a 5iz( &a m eca a# (7r #as pa#a2ras0 para # e$( i&c#i&arse a"& m4s 5acia de#a&!e, G ard% si#e&ci( & 2 e& ra!(0 mira&d( s c erp( re!(rcid(0 ca2ecea&d(, Fi&a#me&!e mir% a Ii , E& s s (/(s re# c7a a#$( 1 e p(d7a& ser #4$rimas,

HTe 1 eda m c5( p(r apre&der0 &i:a m7a, H+ dic5( es!(0 Le&a se a#e/% de #a mesa, La si##a e/ec !% &a e#e)aci%& + &(s $ir(s 4$i#esH, Me !em( 1 e +a 5em(s aca2ad( p(r es!a &(c5e, HSe marc5% a# d(rmi!(ri(, Ii se (c p% de #(s p#a!(s, Ja2i! a#me&!e Le&a i&sis!7a e& 5acer !(d( #( de #a c(ci&a, ?Es a#$( 1 e !(da)7a p ed( 5acer c(& mis d(s ma&(s@0 dec7a siempre, Esa &(c5e &(, Y si supiese un poco ms sobre la gente, sabra por ,u", se di/( Ii ,

.] EL APSTROFO PERDIDO _ #'iFar S5ari' +a &( '(rma2a par!e de# pr($rama de d(c!(rad( de #a U&i)ersidad Es!a!a# de Ore$%&, R(2er! se !(p% c(& & me&sa/e de err(r de #(s de a&!es9 ?Ya &( es es! dia&!e re$is!rad(0 +a &( per!e&ece a #a USO,@ I&c# s( e# e& m de S5ari' &( era m4s 1 e & p &!( m er!( e!i1 e!ad( c(m( ?a2a&d(&ad(@, Da2a & p(c( de mied(, R(2er! se dedic% a 2 scar, E& !(d( e# m &d( 5a27a mi# c(i&cide&cias para ?_d S5ari'@, Ni&$ &a de #as accesi2#es era #a c(rrec!a, E# res!( era& pers(&as 1 e0 c(& dis!i&!(s $rad(s de c(mpe!e&cia0 i&!e&!a2a& c(&ser)ar s i&!imidad, Per( e# _ #'i S5ari' 1 e R(2er! 2 sca2a se$ 7a sie&d( & !ec&(pa#e!(, A# ca2( de &a 5(ra ( d(s0 R(2er! #e #(ca#iz% e& #a U&i)ersidad de Ca#c !a, S5ari' se m(s!r% m + !ra&1 i#(, HLa pr('es(ra G#a&di&$s me ec5%, HUDe# pr($rama de d(c!(rad( de #a UEOV E& mi 6p(ca0 #(s pr('es(res &( !e&7a& !a&!( p(der, HLa pr('es(ra G#a&di&$s c(&!% c(& #a a+ da de #as a !(ridades, Pas6 )arias sema&as i&!e&!a&d( e3p#icarme a )ari(s a$e&!es $ 2er&ame&!a#es m + i&sis!e&!es, N( p(d7a& creer 1 e +( s%#( ' ese & i&(ce&!e 1 e 5a27a #($rad( de/arse sec es!rar )arias )eces, HA5, HR(2er! apar!% #a )is!a de _ #'i S5ari' para mirar #a ci dad 1 e #(s r(dea2a, E# d7a parec7a ca#ie&!e + 2(c5(r&(s(, M4s a##4 de #a mesi!a 2 ##7a &a m #!i! d0 #(s /%)e&es re7a&, Des!aca2a& e& e# per'i# de #a ci dad )arias !(rres a#!as de mar'i#, Era #a Ca#c !a de #a m(der&a )isi%& i&dia, P(r & m(me&!( se si&!i% !e&!ad( de a2rir & se$ &d( ca&a#0 &e$a!i)(0 para i&!e&!ar dis!i&$ ir #a rea#idad de #a 'icci%&, 0o, conc"ntrate en ,u" parte de Xul2i Shari2 es real ! cul es pura 2achada. HS p(&$( 1 e #a me/(r pr e2a de 1 e #(s p(#is !e cree& i&(ce&!e es 1 e !e de/ar(& )(#)er a #a I&dia, HE'ec!i)ame&!e0 per( a )eces me pre$ &!( si &( ser6 & ce2( a# 'i&a# de & seda# m + #ar$(, HLe s(&ri% 2re)eme&!eH, La )erdad es 1 e 1 er7a escri2ir mi !esis s(2re s!ed0 pr('es(r G , A# pri&cipi( ' e p(r desesperaci%& acad6mica, Us!ed era e# !r('e( 1 e p(d7a )e&der#e a A&&ie G#a&di&$s, Per( c a&!( m4s 5a2#42am(s0 c a&!( m4sE HUE& 1 6 medida eras !"0 S5ari'V UC 4&!(sEV HQY( !am2i6& me #( pre$ &!a2aR Ja27a a# me&(s d(s0 apar!e de m7 mism(, F e &a e3perie&cia m + 'r s!ra&!e0 s(2re !(d( a# pri&cipi(, Y( es!a2a

5a2#a&d(0 p#a&!ea&d( #as pre$ &!as 1 e sa27a 1 e impresi(&ar7a& a #a pr('es(ra G#a&di&$sE QY de pr(&!( &( era m4s 1 e & simp#e (2ser)ad(rR HUSe$ 7as p die&d( )er + (7rV HS70 Qa me& d( era as7R Ta& a me& d( 1 e e& mi (pi&i%& #(s (!r(s me sa2a& para $e&erar pre$ &!as 1 e #es i&spirase& para # e$( emp#ear#as para s s pr(p%si!(s, A# 'i&a#E + c(&'es4rse#( a s p(#ic7a ' e mi ma+(r err(rE a# 'i&a#0 aca26 )a#(ra&d( esas i&!er)e&ci(&es $r(!escas, Mis 1 erid(s sec es!rad(res p#a&!ea2a& pre$ &!as 1 e a m7 &( se me 5 2iese& (c rrid( & &ca, As7 1 e me 1 ed6 d ra&!e #a c(&spiraci%& Gi2#i(!(ma + a# 'i&a# 1 ed6 c(m( e# per'ec!( pr()(cad(r e3!ra&/er(, HY si &( 5 2ieses es!ad( a##7 #a &(c5e de# dis! r2i(0 mi Miri 5a2r7a m er!(, UM 6 )is!e0 _ #'iV HUM 6V Gie&0 5e repasad( esa &(c5e c(& !(d( de!a##e, L(s (!r(s (c pa&!es de mi pers(&a !e&7a& p#a&es 1 e &( i&c# 7a& 5a2#ar de #i!era! ra, Per( +( i&!e&!a2a c(m &icarme c(&!i& ame&!e, La p(#ic7a a'irma 1 e /am4s #( 5a2r7a #($rad( de &( 5a2er !e&id( a+ da !err(ris!a, E& c a#1 ier cas(0 d ra&!e &(s se$ &d(s #e )i !e&did( e& e# s e#(, Me pidi% a+ da, La #a)a se #e acerca2a a# 2raz(E HSe es!remeci%H, La )erdad0 &( p de )er m c5( m4s, R(2er! rec(rda2a #a c(&)ersaci%&, Era &( de #(s 'ra$me&!(s m4s c#ar(s e&!re #a c(&' si%&, L(s d(s0 separad(s p(r m4s de d(ce mi# Fi#%me!r(s0 perma&ecier(& e& si#e&ci( & m(me&!(, L e$( S5ari' i&c#i&% #a ca2eza e& & $es!( i&1 isi!i)(, HA5(ra 5e de/ad( #a pe#i$r(sa i&)es!i$aci%& #i!eraria, Y0 si& em2ar$(0 &( p ed( resis!irme a pre$ &!ar#e si es!4 s!ed a# c(mie&z( de &a & e)a )ida0 pr('es(r, UP(dem(s esperar a#$( & e)( 2a/( e# s(#V P(r primera )ez e& #a 5is!(ria 5 ma&a0 U & & e)( Secretos de las edadesV Ah. HTie&es raz%&0 5a+ espaci( para a#$( m4s, Per( Usa2esV0 a#$ &(s secre!(s 1 eda& m4s a##4 de #as p(si2i#idades e3presi)as de a1 e##(s 1 e #(s e3perime&!a&, HQN( m4s a##4 de #as s +as0 se:(rR R(2er! se desc 2ri% s(&ri6&d(#e, S5ari' merec7a #a )erdad, HP(dr7a escri2ir a#$(0 per( &( ser7a p(es7a, Te&$( &a & e)a )ida0 per( #a c ra para e# A#z5eimerE des!r +% mi !a#e&!(, HQO50 &(R Je (7d( de 'a##(s c(& e# A#z5eimer0 per( #a )erdad es 1 e /am4s s(spec56 1 e ' ese s cas(, Pe&sar 1 e p(dr7a s r$ir (!r( ca&!( para #(s Secretos era #( "&ic( 2 e&( 1 e !(da)7a espera2a 1 e sa#iese de es!a a)e&! ra, L( sie&!( m c5(, HN( #( sie&!a, Y( &( eraE &a pers(&a m + a$rada2#e, S5ari' 2a/% #a )is!a + # e$( )(#)i% a mirar a R(2er!, HYa #( 5a27a (7d(, C a&d( &( p(d7a 5a2#ar c(& s!ed e&!re)is!a2a a s s a&!i$ (s c(#e$as de S!a&'(rd0 i&c# s( a Xi&s!(& G#( &!0 c a&d( &( se dedica2a a c(&spirar,

HPer(E HN( imp(r!a0 se:(r, C(& e# !iemp( c(mpre&d7 1 e 5a27a s!ed perdid( #a !e&de&cia s4dica, HQE&!(&ces de2er7as 5a2er s p es!( e# res!(R HUEs( creeV UCree 1 e s !a#e&!( + s ma#e)(#e&cia i2a& / &!(sV HS5ari' se i&c#i&% 5acia de#a&!e0 i&)(# crad( c(m( R(2er! &( #e 5a27a )is!( desde #as e&!re)is!asH, Y(E #( d d(, Per( i&)es!i$ar#( ser7a m + i&!eresa&!e, Si$ ie&d( c(& #( mism(0 5ace !iemp( 1 e me pre$ &!a2a0 + !e&7a mied( de pre$ &!ar0 a#$(, UM 6 5a cam2iad( rea#me&!e e& s!edV USe c(&)ir!i% s!ed e& & !ip( dece&!e desde #a c ra para #a deme&cia ( ' e & cam2i( a# es!i#( de *uento de 0avidad de DicFe&s + cada e3perie&cia #e 5ac7a m4s ama2#eV HSe ec5% 5acia a!r4sH, QC(& es( p(dr7a escri2ir &a !esis esp#6&didaR HV(#)i% a mirar a R(2e&0 i&1 isi!i)(, HQNi #( s e:esR HS70 s7 Hdi/( S5ari'0 asi&!ie&d(H, Es &a (p(r! &idad !a& i&cre72#e 1 e casi 5e (#)idad( mis decisi(&es, Y #a primera de e##as era &( rea#izar m4s ac!i)idades 1 e me re#aci(&e& c(& #as a !(ridades, HA#z% #a )is!a0 c(m( si mirase a (2ser)ad(res i&)isi2#esH, UL( (7sV Es!(+ #impi(0 Q#impi( e& c erp( + a#ma e i&c# s( c(& r(pa reci6& 'ri!aR HL e$(0 diri$i6&d(se a R(2er! (!ra )ez a:adi%H9 De 5ec5(0 !e&$( &a carrera acad6mica & e)a, HUS7V HS7, Me 5ar4& 'a#!a )ari(s semes!res para c mp#ir #(s re1 isi!(s0 per( )a#dr4 #a pe&a, Ver40 #a U&i)ersidad de Ca#c !a )a a m(&!ar & depar!ame&!( & e)( c(& & e)(s pr('es(res0 !repas de )erdad, N(s 1 eda m c5( cami&( p(r rec(rrer c(&sidera&d( #a c(mpe!e&cia de #as &i)ersidades de M m2aiE per( #(s de a1 7 !ie&e& rec rs(s + es!4& disp es!(s a acep!ar caras & e)as c(m( #a m7a, HS(&ri% c(& e&! siasm( a# )er #a mirada c(&' sa de R(2er!H, QEs & es!r( & e)( I&s!i! !( de Es! di(s de G(##+>((dR U&a c(m2i&aci%& de ci&e + #i!era! ra, Y( es! diar6 #a i&'# e&cia de #a #i!era! ra de# si$#( II e& #as ar!es i&dias m(der&as, P(r m c5( 1 e #ame&!e & es!ra (p(r! &idad perdida0 pr('es(r G 0 Qes!(+ e&ca&!ad( de !e&er &a carrera 1 e me ma&!e&dr4 a#e/ad( de #as a !(ridadesR R(2er! es! )( (c pad( e& e# peri(d( e&!re semes!res, S !r c( de si&cr(&7a #e 5a27a e#e)ad( a# &i)e# m4s i&'eri(r de# m &d( de #(s $ r"s, U&a pe1 e:a c(mpa:7a0 ##amada C(mmsHRHUs se p s( e& c(&!ac!( c(& 6#, E& cier!a '(rma se !ra!a2a de &a empresa !radici(&a#, Era a&!i$ a B!e&7a ci&c( a:(s +aC + da2a !ra2a/( a !res emp#ead(s a !iemp( c(mp#e!(, As7 1 e &( era !a& 4$i# c(m( (!ras0 per( 5a27a #($rad( rea#izar )arias i&&()aci(&es e& c(m &icaci(&es c(&c rre&!es, C(mmsHRHUs 5a27a pa$ad( a R(2er! para 1 e #es ases(rase d ra&!e !res sema&as, Y a &1 e 1 eda2a c#ar( 1 e #a ?ases(r7a@ ser)7a para 1 e C(mmsHRHUs decidiese si R(2er! G )a#7a #a pe&a0 R(2er! se e&!re$% a e##( c(& e&! siasm(,

P(r primera )ez desde 1 e 5a27a perdid( #a sesera crea2a a#$( 1 e #(s (!r(s )a#(ra2a&, P(r #( dem4s0 #as c(sas &( i2a& de# !(d( 2ie&, O a& Or(zc( se 5a27a id(D s s padres se #( 5a27a& ##e)ad( de )acaci(&es a P e2#a0 para )isi!ar a# a2 e#( de s madre, O a& aparec7a (casi(&a#me&!e0 per( Miri &( #e 5a2#a2a, HI&!e&!( 1 e &( me imp(r!e0 R(2er!, M iz4 si de/( de m(#es!ar#a Miri me de/e empezar de & e)(, HR(2er! !e&7a #a se&saci%& de 1 e e# c5ic( 5a2r7a acampad( e& e# /ard7& de #a casa si s s padres &( se #( 5 2iese& ##e)ad( #e/(s, HJa2#ar6 c(& e##a0 O a&, Te #( pr(me!(, O a& #e mir% d 2i!a!i)(, HPer( Q1 e &( crea 1 e +( !e #( 5e pedid(R HTe&dr6 c idad(, Esc($er6 e# m(me&!( c(& m c5( c idad(, R(2er! p(se7a d6cadas de e3perie&cia e& e# ar!e de esc($er e# me/(r m(me&!( para a!acar, De2er7a 5a2er#e sid( '4ci#, Miri 5a27a #($rad( & I&c(mp#e!( e& s pr(+ec!( de dem(s!raci%&, L( 1 e si$&i'ica2a 1 e0 c a&d( 'i&a#me&!e #( prese&!ase0 a# 'i&a# de# si$ ie&!e semes!re0 !e&dr7a 1 e sa!is'acer e3pec!a!i)as !(da)7a m4s a#!as, De m(me&!( es!a2a a!areada e& casa0 pri&cipa#me&!e (c p4&d(se de s madre, A#ice G era &a mera s(m2ra de s a&!i$ ( +(, Le 5a27a& arra&cad( e# acer( de #as "#!imas 1 i&ce sema&as de re#aci%&, E# res #!ad( eraE e&ca&!ad(r, La ma+(r par!e de #as &(c5es0 A#ice + Miri es!a2a& e& #a c(ci&a0 i&!e&!a&d( sacar#e !(d( e# / $( a# me&a/e m(der&(, S & era se m(s!ra2a dis!a&!e0 per( s s(&risa &( era e# re'#e/( si& se&!id( 1 e a me& d( #e 5a27a parecid(, L e$( G(2 se ' e (!ra )ez de )ia/e + Miri es! )( m4s (c pada 1 e & &ca, Cada d7a #e da2a &(!icias & e)as s(2re s s 2"s1 edas de re5a2i#i!aci%& de 1 emad ras + miem2r(s, M + pr(&!( R(2er! emp#ear7a esas 2"s1 edas c(m( e3c sa para 5a2#ar#e si&cerame&!e s(2re O a&E + s(2re s7 mism(, M iz4s a1 e##a &(c5e ' ese #a adec ada, G(2 se$ 7a ' era, A#ice se 5a27a marc5ad( a# despac5( de #a p#a&!a 2a/a / s!( desp 6s de #a ce&a, Esa &(c5e &( 5a2r7a &( de #(s ?/ e$(s de !a2#er(@ de Miri, Era& di)er!id(s + &( de #(s de!a##es a$rada2#es de #a )ida desde a1 e##a 'a!7dica &(c5e e& #a UCSD, A1 e##a &(c5e 5a27a res e#!( a#$ &(s de s s pr(2#emas c(& C(mmsHRHUs, Ja27a perdid( #a &(ci%& de# !iemp( mie&!ras !ra2a/a2a, C a&d( sa#i% a !(mar aire0 !e&7a a#$ &(s res #!ad(s0 1 iz4s i&c# s( c(sas 1 e )a#7a #a pe&a m(s!rar a s s /e'es, QM 6 &(c5e !a& 2 e&aR A2a/(0 &a p er!a se cerr% de $(#pe, T(da)7a !e&7a #(s (/(s 'i/(s e& e# !ra2a/(0 per( (+% a Miri s 2ir apres radame&!e #as esca#eras, C(rri% p(r e# pasi##( + e&!r% e& s 5a2i!aci%&, Sa#i% &(s mi& !(s desp 6s, L#amar(& a #a p er!a de s d(rmi!(ri(, HJ(#a0 R(2er!0 Up ed( e&se:ar!e a#$( 1 e 5e desc 2ier!( 5(+V HC#ar(, E&!r% de & sa#!( + se se&!%, HJe e&c(&!rad( (!r(s !res pr(+ec!(s 1 e p(dr7a& a+ dar!e e& #( de# 2raz(,

L( cier!( era 1 e e# es!ad( de# 2raz( iz1 ierd( de R(2er! G se p(d7a descri2ir me/(r c(m( a se&!e, E# a&!e2raz( 5a27a desaparecid( p(r c(mp#e!(, E& d(s p &!(s cerca de# 5(m2r( s%#( #e 1 eda2a &a 'ra&/a de car&e, S ?pr%!esis@ parec7a m4s 2ie& &a esca+(#a de a&!a:(, C ri(same&!e0 #(s m6dic(s 5a27a& descar!ad( c(r!ar#e #( 1 e 1 eda2a + p(&er#e a#$"& mi#a$r( m(der&(, Reed Xe2er0 e# a+ da&!e m6dic( 1 e 5a27a reaparecid( p(r1 e #(s m6dic(s &ecesi!a2a& & i&!ermediari(0 #e 5a27a e3p#icad( #a si! aci%&0 a &1 e pr(2a2#eme&!e &( de #a '(rma 1 e #(s m6dic(s 5 2iese& pre'erid(, HEres )7c!ima de & camp( & e)(9 #a medici&a pr(spec!i)a, Ver4s0 R(2er!0 disp(&em(s de pr%!esis c(& c(&!r(# e& #(s ci&c( ded(s0 + 1 e d ra& casi !a&!( c(m( & 2raz( &a! ra#, Per( s(& & p(c( pesadas + e# sis!ema de se&s(res es!4 m + #e/(s de# 1 e crea #a &a! ra#eza, P(r (!ra par!e0 5a+ !e&de&cias m + c#aras e& !ec&(#($7a de re$e&eraci%& de &er)i(s + 5 es(s, A &1 e &adie sa2e e3ac!ame&!e c%m( s ceder40 ( si s ceder40 5a+ 2as!a&!es probabilidades de 1 e de&!r( de dieci(c5( meses p eda& 5acer crecer #( 1 e !ie&es a5(ra para c(&)er!ir#( e& & 2raz( &a! ra# a !(d(s #(s e'ec!(s, Y #(s m6dic(s !eme& 1 e c(r!ar #( 1 e !e 1 eda de# 2raz( para e&ca/ar &a pr%!esis e&carezca #a ap#icaci%& de #a (!ra s(# ci%&, As7 1 e p(r a5(ra es!4s c(&de&ad( a &a s(# ci%& 1 e &( 5 2iese impresi(&ad( &i a ! a2 e#(, Y R(2er! se 5a27a #imi!ad( a ase&!ir0 si& 1 e/arse, Cada d7a c(& ese pes( m er!( e& e# 5(m2r( era &a pe1 e:a pe&i!e&cia0 & rec erd( de #( cerca 1 e s es! pidez 5a27a es!ad( de des!r ir (!ras )idas, Miri i$&(ra2a !(d( es(, M4s !(da)7a0 c(&sidera2a #a medici&a pr(spec!i)a &a es! pidez, Miri cre7a e& e&c(&!rar s(# ci(&es m6dicas &( mism(, HA1 7 !ie&es #(s !res e1 ip(s0 R(2er!, U&( 5a 5ec5( crecer &a pa!a de m(&( c(mp#e!a0 (!r( se dedica a #as pr%!esis m + #i$eras de miem2r(s c(mp#e!(s + e# !ercer( 5a rea#izad( a)a&ces e& &e r(c(di'icaci%&, Ap es!( a 1 e ! s ami$(s de C(mmsHRHUs !e p(&dr7a& e& #a )7a r4pida para ser c(&e/i##( de i&dias, UM 6 !e pareceV R(2er! !(c% #a c4scara de p#4s!ic(0 1 e era !(d( #( 1 e 1 eda2a de s 2raz(, HA50 #a )erdad es 1 e me parece 1 e c a#1 ier ac erd( para 1 e me crezca &a pa!a de m(&( es demasiad( arries$ad( para m7, HN(0 &(0 t &( aca2ar7as c(& &a pa!a de m(&(, La pa!a de m(&( &( ' e m4s 1 eE HL e$( ad(p!% #a e3presi%& de $(($#earH, QR(2er!R N( 5a2#( de &i&$"& c e&!(, I&!e&!( a+ dar!e, M ier( a+ dar!e m4s 1 e & &ca, Te #( de2(, S70 de'i&i!i)ame&!e 6sa era #a &(c5e para si&cerarse, HN( me de2es &ada, HG e&(0 +( &( #( rec erd(0 per( G(2 me c(&!% #( 1 e )i(, P sis!e e# 2raz( para e)i!ar e# a)a&ce de #a r(ca ' &dida, L( s(s! )is!e e& esa p(sici%&, HJiz( &a m eca de d(#(r ima$i&ari(H, Me sa#)as!e0 R(2er!, HTe sa#)60 &i:a, S7, Per( +( cre6 e# pr(2#ema, O $ 6 c(& a#$( ma#)ad(E ( c(& a#$( m + e3!ra:(, HEs!a2as desesperad(, Y( #( sa27a, Simp#eme&!e &( sa27a 5as!a d%&de ##e$ar7a& #as c(sas, As7 1 e #(s d(s &(s e1 i)(cam(s,

Ja27a ##e$ad( e# m(me&!( de pedir perd%& de r(di##as, Per( a&!es !e&7a 1 e 5acer#e sa2er p(r 1 6 era imperd(&a2#e, Le c(s!% pr(& &ciar #as pa#a2ras, HMiri0 !" !e e1 i)(cas!e i&!e&!a&d( c(rre$ir #a si! aci%&, Per( +(E +( s(+ e# !ip( 1 e p s( #a !rampa a ! madre 1 e casi #a ma!a, HYa es!a2a, Ya #( 5a27a dic5(, Miri perma&eci% c(mp#e!ame&!e i&m%)i#, A# ca2( de & m(me&!(0 2a/% #a mirada, Di/( e& )(z 2a/a9 HL( s6, A5(ra #(s d(s se 1 edar(& i&m%)i#es, HUG(2 !e #( c(&!%V HN(, A#ice, HA#z% #a )is!aH, Y !am2i6& me c(&!% 1 e !(da)7a &( 5a& c(&se$ id( desc 2rir c%m( #( 1 e 5icis!e #($r% 5 &dir#a, N( pasa &ada0 R(2er!, Y de pr(&!( Miri se ec5% a ##(rar, Y R(2er! se arr(di##%, S &ie!a #e pas% #(s 2raz(s p(r e# c e##(, L#(ra2a a #4$rima )i)a0 es!remeci6&d(se, Le $(#pe% #a espa#da c(& #(s p :(s, HL( sie&!( m c5(0 Miri, Y(E E# $emid( de Miri se i&!e&si'ic%0 per( de/% de pe$ar#e, A# ca2( de medi( mi& !( s ##a&!( se c(&)ir!i% e& s(##(z(s + # e$( e& si#e&ci(, Per( !(da)7a #e a$arra2a, Ja2#% e&!rec(r!adame&!e, HAca2( de desc 2rir 1 eE 1 e A#iceE A#ice ) e#)e a entrenar. O5, HQNi si1 iera se 5a rec perad(R HMiri )(#)7a a s(##(zar, HUM 6 dice ! padreV HG(2 es!4 desc(&ec!ad( es!a &(c5e, HUDesc(&ec!ad(V H?U E& es!a 6p(caV@ Miri se a#e/% de 6#, Se p s( a #impiarse #a cara c(& #a ma&$a para # e$( a$arrar #a ca/i!a de pa: e#(s 1 e R(2er! #e 5a27a !e&did(, HDesc(&ec!ad( de )eras, Apa$%& !4c!ic(, UN ( si$ es #as &(!icias0 R(2er!V HA/4, HLee e&!re #7&eas, G(2 es!4 e& a#$ &a par!e 5acie&d( 1 e #as c(sas 2ri##e& e& #a (sc ridad, HSe 'r(!% e&6r$icame&!e #a cara + s )(z rec per% cier!a &(rma#idadH, Va#e0 1 iz4 &( #i!era#me&!e, G(2 5a2#a de esa '(rma c a&d( !ie&e 1 e 5acer a#$( 1 e rea#me&!e &( 1 iere 5acer, Per( si$( de cerca #(s r m(res + (2ser)( a G(2 + a A#ice, C(& es(s d(s0 se me da 2ie& 5acer s p(sici(&es, A )eces G(2 es!4 desc(&ec!ad( + +( #e( s(2re a#$( mara)i##(s( ( !erri2#e 1 e s cede e& a#$"& (!r( pa7s, A )eces A#ice )a a e&!re&arse + +( s6 1 e a#$ ie& precisa a+ da ( de #( c(&!rari( s ceder4 a#$( 'a!a#, A5(ra mism(0 G(2 es!4 #e/(s + A#ice se es!4 e&!re&a&d(, HSe !ap% #a cara c(& #as ma&(s & m(me&!( + # e$( si$ i% #impi4&d(se #a caraH, Mi s p(sici%& es 1 e #(s r m(res s(& cier!(s, A#$( !erri2#e s cedi% e& e# Dis! r2i( de #a Gi2#i(!eca0 a#$( pe(r 1 e #( de Ge&Ge&, A5(ra #as s perp(!e&cias es!4& as s!adas, Cree& 1 e a#$ ie& 5a desc 2ier!( #a '(rma de r(mper s s sis!emas de se$ ridad, A#ice casi #( 5a admi!id( es!a &(c5e, QYsa era s e#cusaR

R(2er! )(#)i% a se&!arse0 per( e& e# 2(rde de #a mesa, S $ra& c(&'esi%& se 5a27a 5 &did( e& e# a2ism(, HDe2er7as 5a2#ar c(& G(2 c a&d( re$rese, HL( 5ar6, Y 6# disc !ir4 c(& e##a, Ya #( 5as )is!( (!ras )eces, Per( G(2 &( p(dr4 impedir#(, HM iz4s es!a )ez G(2 p eda rec rrir a s s s peri(res ( #($rar 1 e #(s m6dic(s #e ap(+e&, Miri )aci#%0 apare&!eme&!e re#a/4&d(se & p(c(, HS7, Es!a )ez es di'ere&!eE Me a#e$r( de 1 e p(dam(s 5a2#ar0 R(2er!, HC a&d( 1 ieras0 &i:a, Per( Miri $ ard% si#e&ci(, A# 'i& R(2er! di/(9 HUEs!4s c(&spira&d( ( $(($#ea&d(V Miri ca2ece%, HNi&$ &a de #as d(s c(sas, I&!e&!a2a ##amar a a#$ ie&E per( &( resp(&de&, %Ah) HMiri0 O a& es!4 e& P e2#a )isi!a&d( a s 2isa2 e#(, P ede 1 e &( )is!a c(&!i& ame&!e, HUO a&V N( #e ##amar7a, N( es demasiad( #is!( + c a&d( me 5iz( 'a#!a e& Pi#c5&er Ja## res #!% & i&"!i#, HQEs( &( p edes sa2er#(R HS6 1 e 2a/6 s(#a a #(s !"&e#es, HMiri0 5e 5a2#ad( c(& O a& casi !(d(s #(s d7as desde 1 e empec6 e& Fairm(&!, N( !e de/ar7a c(#$ada, Pie&sa e& #( 1 e realmente rec erdas, L(s d(s de2is!eis de c(&spirar para se$ irme, Es!(+ se$ r( de 1 e 6# c mp#i%, O a& p(dr7a ser & & e)( ami$(0 (!ra pers(&a c(& #a 1 e 5a2#ar, P(r &a )ez0 Miri se ec5% a!r4s, HSa2es 1 e &( p ed( 5a2#ar c(& 6# de esas c(sas, N( p(dr7a 5a2#ar de e##as c(&!i$( !amp(c(0 per( !" +a #as sa2es, HEs( es cier!(, Ja+ c(sas 1 e &( p edes decir#e, Per(E per( cre( 1 e &( se merece es!( de !i, Miri a#z% #(s (/(s para mirar#e0 per( &( 5a2#%, HURec erdas 1 e !e di/e 1 e me rec(rda2as a ! !7a a2 e#a CaraV Miri asi&!i%, HTe e&ca&!% sa2er#(, Per( cre( 1 e sa2es c%m( !ra!6 a Cara, F e c(m( e# i&cide&!e Ezra P( &d0 &a + (!ra )ez0 d ra&!e a:(s, N &ca ! )e #a (p(r! &idad de c(mpe&sar#aD m ri% c a&d( &( era m c5( ma+(r 1 e A#ice a5(ra, A Miri se #e ##e&ar(& #(s (/(s de #4$rimas0 per( s(s! )( #(s pa: e#(s e& e# re$az(, HAs7 ' i d ra&!e !(da mi )ida0 Miri, Me cas6 c(& &a dama mara)i##(sa 1 e me ama2a pr(' &dame&!e, Le&a a$ a&!% !(da)7a m c5( m4s 1 e Cara + d ra&!e m c5(s a:(s m4s, I&c# s( desp 6s de a#e/ar#a de m7 +a sa2es c%m( me a+ d% e& A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris, Y a5(ra !am2i6& 5a m er!(, HR(2er! a$ac5% #a

)is!a + p(r & m(me&!( s%#( p d( pe&sar e& #as (p(r! &idades perdidas, 31or d+nde iba4 BhH, P(r !a&!(E cre( 1 e se #( de2es a O a&, T(mar#a c(& 6# &( es!4 a #a a#! ra de mis pi'ias, Per( todava tienes #a (p(r! &idad de 5acer#( 2ie&, Mir% a s &ie!a, Te&7a #(s 5(m2r(s 5 &did(s, Des!r(za2a #(s pa: e#(s 1 e !e&7a e& #as ma&(s, HPi6&sa#(0 U)a#e0 MiriV N( pre!e&d7a de/arme ##e)ar, A# 'i& Miri 5a2#%, HUA#$ &a )ez 5as r(!( &a pr(mesa s(#em&e0 R(2er!V 3A ,u" viene eso4 Per( a&!es de p(der 5a2#ar0 Miri a:adi%9 HQGie&0 !o aca2( de 5acer#(R HTras decir#(0 a$arr% #a ca/i!a + sa#i% c(rrie&d( de# c ar!(, HQMiriR HC a&d( ##e$% a# pasi##( #a &i:a +a se 5a27a e&cerrad( e& s c ar!(, R(2er! )aci#% & m(me&!(, P(d7a ap(rrear #a p er!a ( 1 iz4s era me/(r e&)iar#e & me&sa/e, E&!r% e& s c ar!(0 se $ir%E + )i( &a # z d(rada s(2re #a mesa0 d(&de Miri 5a27a es!ad( se&!ada, Era & e& m 1 e #e c(&ced7a (pci(&es #imi!adas de me&sa/er7a, Per( 6# +a !e&7a esa (pci%&0 + m c5as m4s0 c(& Miri, A2ri% e# e& m d(rad( + mir% e& s i&!eri(r, Era para Le&a L#e>e#+& G , R(2er! se 1 ed% se&!ad( / &!( a# e& m casi media 5(ra, L( e3ami&%, E3ami&% #a d(c me&!aci%&, Era e3ac!ame&!e #( 1 e parec7a, 5ena est viva. N( 5a27a direcci%& '7sica0 per( p(d7a e&)iar#e & me&sa/e simp#e, S%#( #e ##e)% d(s 5(ras redac!ar#(, Me&(s de d(scie&!as pa#a2ras, Era& #as pa#a2ras m4s imp(r!a&!es 1 e R(2er! G 5 2iese escri!( & &ca, Esa &(c5e R(2er! &( p d( d(rmir, Se 5iz( de d7a0 # e$( ##e$% #a !arde, N( 5 2( resp es!a,

EP^LOGO Pasar(& seis sema&as, R(2er! pres!a2a m4s a!e&ci%& a #as &(!iciasD 5a27a desc 2ier!( 1 e e# m &d( p(d7a )(#)erse c(&!ra &(, Y# + Miri c(mpara2a& &(!as s(2re #( 1 e )e7a&, S p es!ame&!e #as acci(&es e& e# 'i& de# m &d( +a 5a27a& !ermi&ad(, L(s r m(res dec7a& 1 e se 5a27a e&c(&!rad( m + p(c(, L(s r m(res0 + a#$ &as &(!icias a !6&!icas0 5a2#a2a& de esc4&da#(s e& #(s ser)ici(s de i&!e#i$e&cia de #a UE0 I&dia + Oap%&, T(das #as Gra&des P(!e&cias se$ 7a& m + &er)i(sas a pr(p%si!( de ?p(& a1 7 ! !e(r7a deme&cia# 'a)(ri!a@, E& #( 1 e se re'er7a a# 5($ar0 QG(2 5a27a ) e#!(R R(2er! + Miri c(&sidera2a& p(r !a&!( 1 e a#$ &as de #as !e(r7as de desas!res era& me&(s pr(2a2#es, O!ras se$ 7a& sie&d( a!errad(rame&!e )ia2#es, E'ec!i)ame&!e0 G(2 se p s( c(m( & #(c( a# desc 2rir #( de A#ice, D ra&!e & !iemp( #a si! aci%& e& casa ' e m + !e&sa, Ta&!( R(2er! c(m( Miri prese&!7a& 2a!a##as desc(raz(&ad(ras (c #!as !ras #as miradas + #(s si#e&ci(s, Miri 5a27a !e&id( a:(s para desci'rar #as se:a#es, S p(&7a 1 e G(2 5a27a ape#ad( a #(s m6dic(s0 1 e se 5a27a 1 e/ad( m + a#!( e& #a cade&a de ma&d(, N( 5a27a ser)id( de &ada, A#ice se$ 7a e&!re&4&d(se, E& a#$"& m(me&!(0 O a& re$res% de P e2#a, Miri &( !e&7a m c5( 1 e decir0 per( se 5a2#a2a&, E# c5ic( )(#)7a a s(&re7r, De Le&aE s%#( 5a27a si#e&ci(, Es!a2a )i)a, S s me&sa/es &( re2(!a2a& + e# e& m se$ 7a sie&d( accesi2#e, Era c(m( 5a2#ar a & )ac7( i&'i&i!(, Y R(2er! se$ 7a 5a2#a&d(0 & me&sa/e cada d7aE mie&!ras se pre$ &!a2a 1 6 m4s de27a 5acer, Ii Iia&$ 5a27a a2a&d(&ad( A# Fi&a# de# Arc( Iris, HLe&a me pidi% 1 e me ' ese H#e di/( Ii H, S p(&$( 1 e #a i&c(rdi6 demasiad(, 1ero %ahora s" d+nde vive) 1odra ir all. 1odra hacerle comprender lo mucho ,ue he cambiado. Y 1 iz4 s%#( dem(s!rase 1 e 5a27a cam2iad( e& !(d( me&(s e& #( imp(r!a&!e, P(r !a&!(0 R(2er! &( ' e 5as!a A# Fi&a# de# Arc( IrisD !amp(c( 'is$% p(r #as c4maras p"2#icas de ese # $ar, Per( si$ i% escri2i6&d(#e, Y c a&d( es!a2a ' era0 a me& d( ima$i&a2a 1 e adem4s de #a )i$i#a&cia 5a2i! a# de )ei&!ic a!r( 5(ras a# d7a + sie!e d7as a #a sema&a0 5a27a a#$ ie& m4s )i$i#4&d(#e0 a#$ ie& 1 e 1 iz4 ##e$ase a perd(&ar#e a#$"& d7a, Mie&!ras !a&!(0 se dedic% a# !ra2a/( de# i&s!i! !(, Le 1 eda2a m c5( p(r apre&der, Y e# res!( de# !iemp( #( pasa2a c(& C(mmsHRHUs, Les $ s!a2a s !ra2a/(, D(s meses desp 6s de# Gra& Dis! r2i( de #a Gi2#i(!eca0 R(2er! re$res% a #a UCSD, Ja27a perdid( e# c(&!ac!( c(& Xi&s!(& + Car#(s, Pe&s4&d(#( 2ie& #e res #!a2a c ri(s(, D ra&!e &(s d7as e# c(&ci#i42 #( 5a27a sid( & $r p( &id( de c(&spirad(res0 per( +a ape&as 5a2#a2a&, La e3p#icaci%& m4s simp#e era #a

)er$*e&za m ! a, L(s 5a27a& !i#izad( + s s 'i&es respec!i)(s 5a27a& es!ad( a p &!( de ma!ar a m c5a $e&!e, Es( era cier!(0 per( para R(2er! 5a27a (!ra e3p#icaci%&0 m c5( m4s e3!ra:a e i$ a#me&!e i&1 ie!a&!e9 e# c(&ci#i42 #( era c(m( &a pa&di##a de &i:(s + s i&!imidad se 5a27a& e)ap(rad( e& c a&!( #(s &i:(s 5a27a& pres!ad( a!e&ci%& a (!ras c(sas, E& (casi(&es #a desesperaci%& de# semes!re de (!(:( res #!a2a casi !a& rem(!a c(m( s )ida e& e# si$#( II, Ja27a m c5as c(sas 1 e 1 er7a apre&der0 5acer + ser0 + !e&7a& m + p(c( 1 e )er c(& #( 1 e #e 5a27a c(&s mid( a&!eri(rme&!e, A# 'i&a#0 ' e s pr(+ec!( c(& C(mmsHRHUs #( 1 e #e 5iz( )(#)er a# camp s, Las '# c! aci(&es + #a #a!e&cia era& & pr(2#ema c(&sidera2#e e& #(s pr(!(c(#(s de )7de(0 pe(res para e# s(&id( + c(mp#e!ame&!e des!r c!i)(s e& #as i&!er'aces se&s(!4c!i#es, L(s r(2(!s 54p!ic(s me/(ra2a& cada )ez m4sE per( era& casi i&"!i#es c a&d( se #as c(&!r(#a2a p(r red, C(mmsHRHUs 1 er7a 1 e pr(2ase e& r(2(!s s s a#(cad(s p#a&es de si&cr(&izaci%&, Tras Gi2#i(!(ma + e# dis! r2i(0 #a admi&is!raci%& de #a UCSD 5a27a i&)er!id( e& #a 2i2#i(!eca !(&e#adas de di&er(, E& a#$ &(s aspec!(s0 s e3perie&cia se&s(!4c!i# era me/(r 1 e #a de par1 es c(mercia#es c(m( P+ramid Ji##, La pre$ &!a era c%m( se p(d7a e3p(r!ar a #a red, Ja27a #e7d( m c5(0 5a27a es! diad( e# dise:( de #(s r(2(!s se&s(!4c!i#es0 per(0 5as!a 1 e res(#)iese e# pr(2#ema0 #a e3perie&cia de primera ma&( era )i!a#, F e e& c(c5e a #a UCSD, D(s meses, Tamp(c( era !a&!( !iemp(, L(s c ar!(s de ser)id(res e& e# #ad( &(r!e de Xarsc5a>sFi Ja## se 5a27a& ' &did(, Ja27a & camp( de '"!2(# d(&de 5a27a es!ad( e# Depar!ame&!( de I&$e&ier7a de S('!>are, R(2e& c(mpre&d7a 1 e &( era &a des!r cci%& re#aci(&ada c(& e# Dis! r2i( de #a Gi2#i(!eca &i c(& e# asa#!( de #(s mari&esD era &( de #(s cam2i(s 5a2i! a#es e& c a#1 ier i&s!i! ci%& m(der&a, Si$ i% e# cami&( e&!re e ca#ip!(s, C(m( siempre0 a# sa#ir de e&!re #(s 4r2(#es aparec7a #a s"2i!a pa&(r4mica de Fi#%me!r(s de mese!a0 5as!a #as m(&!a:as, Y a##70 de pie 're&!e a !(d(0 se$ 7a #a 2i2#i(!eca Geise#, Era c(& di'ere&cia e# edi'ici( m4s a&!i$ ( de #a UCSD0 par!e de# )ei&!e p(r cie&!( de edi'ici(s rec(&s!r id(s !ras e# !errem(!( de R(se Ca&+(&, Per( #(s da:(s s 'rid(s e&!(&ces &( 5a27a& sid( &ada e& c(mparaci%& c(& #( s cedid( d ra&!e e# dis! r2i(0 c a&d( #(s pa!r(ci&ad(res de# c(&ci#i42 #( 5a27a& arra&cad( e# #ad( (rie&!a# de s s cimie&!(s, C a#1 ier (!r( edi'ici( de# camp s #( 5 2iese& derri2ad( desp 6s de a#$( as70 1 iz4 #( 5 2iese& res!a rad( e& cas( de p(seer e# s 'icie&!e )a#(r 5is!%ric(, Per( &ada de es( 5a27a pasad( c(& #a 2i2#i(!eca Geise#, R(2er! ' e p(r e# &(r!e de #a 2i2#i(!eca0 de/a&d( a!r4s #a z(&a de car$a, Ja27a )is!( im4$e&es de #a es!r c! ra i&media!ame&!e desp 6s de# dis! r2i(0 #(s pis(s i&c#i&ad(s + ca7d(s0 #(s s(p(r!es impr()isad(s 1 e e# Depar!ame&!( de G(m2er(s 5a27a i&s!a#ad( c a&d( se 5a27a& 1 emad( #(s ser)(s i&!er&(s0 #(s !r(z(s de ceme&!( de# si$#( II esparcid(s p(r #a e3p#a&ada,

Esas se:a#es de des!r cci%& 5a27a& desaparecid(, L(s pis(s sa#ie&!es )(#)7a& a es!ar rec!(s, La &i)ersidad &( 5a27a rea#izad( &a simp#e res!a raci%&, La cara (es!e casi &( 5a27a s 'rid( cam2i(s0 apar!e de &a dis!(rsi%& percep!i2#e s(2re #a z(&a de car$a0 + e& #a es!e se aprecia2a &a !(rsi%& de #(s $ra&des pi#ares de# edi'ici(, L(s pi#ares 1 e se 5a27a& m()id(0 s(2re #(s 1 e #a 2i2#i(!eca 5a27a ?cami&ad(@0 es!a2a& 2ie& s /e!(s, E& #a 2ase 5a27a 5ier2a + ceme&!( #is(0 e# se&der( de 2a#d(sas 1 e era #a serpie&!e de# c(&(cimie&!(, Mira&d( 5acia arri2a0 se )e7a &a esp#6&dida e&redadera 1 e se$ 7a #a !(rsi%& de# ceme&!(, D(&de !ermi&a2a #a !repad(ra 5a27a 5i#eras de piedreci!as de c(#(res e&ca/adas e& #(s pi#ares0 1 e di2 /a2a& 'ra&/as0 c(m( #7&eas de !e&si%& s(2re cris!a# i# mi&ad(, Y e&cima de !(d(0 e# rec!4&$ #( de cada pis( se apar!a2a #i$erame&!e de# 1 e 5a27a de2a/(, P(r #as especi'icaci(&es de# edi'ici(0 R(2er! s p( 1 e a#$ &(s de #(s pi#ares era& de 'i2ra de car2(&( i&ser!ada e& & ma!eria# c(mp es!( #i$er(, Si& em2ar$(0 e# edi'ici( era !a& rea# + s%#id( c(m( aparec7a a#(/( des& d(D m4s 1 e c a#1 ier (!r( edi'ici( de# camp s0 era a !6&!ic(, A1 e# edi'ici( es!a2a )i)(, S 2i% #as esca#eras0 de!e&i6&d(se e& cada pis( para ec5ar & )is!az(, Rec(&(ci% e# d(mi&i( JaceF, T(da)7a 5a27a Gi2#i(!ecari(s Mi#i!a&!es, 1ero 3no los haban echado4 E& (!r(s p &!(s rei&a2a #a #(c ra sc((c5i, E# mi!( sc((c5i era &a !(&!er7a ec#6c!ica 1 e &( 5a27a #($rad( e&!e&der, Le res #!a2a i&c(mpre&si2#e c%m( e&ca/a2a c(& #as me!4'(ras de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Per( #(s sc((c5is 5a27a& ?$a&ad(@ e# dis! r2i( + se 5a27a& 1 edad( #a 2i2#i(!eca, E& (!r(s p &!(s0 ambos c7rc #(s de (pi&i%& c(rr7a& e& para#e#(, U&( p(d7a esc($er e# 1 e 1 er7a0 ( &i&$ &( de #(s d(s, R(2er! se c(&ce&!r% e& #as )is!as de admi&is!raci%& + #( 1 e cap!a2a a simp#e )is!a, Desp 6s de !(d(0 5a27a id( a##7 a es! diar e# s(p(r!e se&s(!4c!i#, P(r !(das par!es 5a27a r(2(!s 54p!ic(sE &( !a&!(s c(m( e& P+ramid Ji##0 per( #a &i)ersidad 5a27a #($rad( e&ca/ar casi !a&!a )ariedad e& &(s c a&!(s pis(s de & "&ic( edi'ici(, La UCSD 5a27a $as!ad( m(&!(&es de di&er( e& es(s cac5arr(s, Ja27a a#$ &(s m(de#(s #i2res0 per( #a ma+(r7a es!a2a& 'i/(s a &a s per'icie, Era& r4pid(s, Ta& pr(&!( c(m( & Gi2#i(!ecari( Mi#i!a&!e !e&d7a #a ma&( para rec($er #a )isi%& de & #i2r(0 & r(2(! se desp#aza2a a esa p(sici%& + a#!era2a s s per'icie a##7 d(&de ' ese a e&c(&!rarse c(& #a ma&( de #a pers(&a, R(2er! se 1 ed% a##7 &(s m(me&!(s0 (2ser)a&d( #a acci%&, La )isi%& a simp#e )is!a &( se parec7a a &ada 1 e 5 2iese e3perime&!ad(, C a&d( #a es! dia&!e0 <; 1 e era e& rea#idad si& #a ima$e& de Gi2#i(!ecaria Mi#i!a&!e0 s(s!e&7a e# #i2r( e&!re #as ma&(s0 #(s 54p!ic(s se m(di'ica2a& c((rdi&adame&!e0 si& perder & &ca e# c(&!ac!( ( desp#az4&d(se de &a '(rma di'ere&!e a #a )isi%& creada, C a&d( #( de/a2a s(2re #a mesa0 #(s 54p!ic(s se desp#aza2a& i&s!a&!4&eame&!e a (!ra !areaE e& es!e cas( dar s(p(r!e a a#$"& c#ie&!e sc((c5i e& &a ma&i(2ra !(da)7a m4s i&i&!e#i$i2#e, Se di( c e&!a de 1 e #a c5ica #e mira2a,

HQL( sie&!(0 #( sie&!(R Es 1 e &( 5a27a )is!( &ada de es!(, HFa&!4s!ic(0 U&(VHLe s(&ri%, HS70 e50 'a&!4s!ic(, E& a#$"& p &!( de #a capa a#!a de pr(!(c(#(0 !(d( a1 e##( imp#ica2a #i2r(s + c(&!e&id( de #i2r(s, E& #a capa '7sica0 era !(da)7a m4sE 'asci&a&!e, Si$ i% )a$a&d(0 c(& #a me&!e m + #e/(s0 i&!e&!a&d( ima$i&ar c%m( e# 2ai#e c(mp#e/( de #(s 54p!ic(s se p(dr7a repr(d cir e& r(2(!s 1 e es! )iera& a cier!a dis!a&cia e& #a red, Si e& am2(s #ad(s se i&c# 7a& ac!(res 5 ma&(s0 ser7a i&'er&a#me&!e di'7ci#, Per( si se !ra!a2a de & ser)ici( asim6!ric(0 1 iz4sE HQE50 pr('es(r G R Mire arri2a, R(2er! se )(#)i% 5acia #a )(z, E# !ec5( se 5a27a ) e#!( !ra&spare&!e0 as7 c(m( e# de# si$ ie&!e pis(, S )is!a a!ra)esa2a e# se3!(, Car#(s Ri)era #e mira2a desde arri2a0 c(& &a s(&risa de 'e#icidad e& #a cara, HJace !iemp( 1 e &( #e )e7a0 pr('es(r, S 2a0 U1 iereV HC#ar(, HR(2er! e&c(&!r% e# cami&( a #as esca#eras, E& #as esca#eras &( 5a27a dis!racci(&es 54p!icasE c(m( !amp(c( #as 5a27a e& e# se3!( pis(, Per( !amp(c( 5a27a #i2r(s, A#$ ie& 5a27a m(&!ad( despac5(s, Ri)era #e e&se:% #as i&s!a#aci(&es, Parec7a ser e# "&ic( (c pa&!e de# pis(, HA5(ra e# e1 ip( es!4 m + dispers(, A#$ &(s !ra2a/a& e& #as & e)as e3!e&si(&es para e# s%!a&(, HE&!(&ces0 Ua 1 6 !e dedicasV S p(&$( 1 e si$ es sie&d( 2i2#i(!ecari(, Car#(s )aci#%, HGie&0 a5(ra (c p( )ari(s p es!(s, Es &a #ar$a 5is!(ria, E50 )e&$a a mi despac5(, Te&7a e# despac5( e& #a es1 i&a s res!e0 c(& )e&!a&as 1 e da2a& a# cami&( de #a serpie&!e + #as e3p#a&adas, De 5ec5(0 a##7 era d(&de 5a27a ce#e2rad( #as re &i(&es e# c(&ci#i42 #(, Car#(s #e 5iz( & $es!( para 1 e se se&!ase + 6# se ac(m(d% !ras &a e&(rme mesa, Car#(s0 1 e se$ 7a c(& s(2repes(0 !(da)7a ##e)a2a $a'as de c #( de 2(!e##a + &a camise!a pasada de m(da, Per( 5a27a &a di'ere&cia, Parec7a m4s re#a/ad(0 m4s e&6r$ic(E 'e#iz c(& #( 1 e ' ese 1 e 5ac7a, HTe&7a #a espera&za de 1 e p di6sem(s 5a2#ar0 per( 5e es!ad( !a& a!aread( desdeE +a sa2e0 desde 1 e casi #( /(dim(s !(d( p(r c(mp#e!(, HS70 s6 a 1 6 !e re'ieres, T )is!eE m c5a s er!e0 Car#(s, HMir% e# despac5(, E& a1 e##(s d7as era di'7ci# ded cir #a p(sici%& /er4r1 ica $ i4&d(se p(r #(s (2/e!(s )isi2#es0 per( $ra& par!e de# m(2i#iari( + #as p#a&!as era rea#me&!e #( 1 e parec7aH, I2as a 5a2#arme de ! !ra2a/(, HQS7R Me da & p(c( de )er$*e&za, S(+ e# & e)( direc!(r de s(p(r!e 2i2#i(!ecari(, Es e# !7! #( rec(&(cid( p(r #a &i)ersidad, E& a#$ &(s c7rc #(s0 6se &( es e# !7! #( imp(r!a&!e, A2a/( + para e# res!( de# m &d( desc 2rir4 1 e s(+ (!ras c(sasE p(r e/emp#(0 C(&(cimie&!( Pe#i$r(s( + Gra&di(s( Pe1 e:( Sc((c5HaHm( !, HPer( s(& de d(s c7rc #(s de (pi&i%& di'ere&!es, Pe&sa2aE

HLe+% 1 e #(s sc((c5is #( 5a27a& $a&ad( !(d(0 U&(V N( es de# !(d( cier!(, Tras #a !(rme&!a0 se ##e$% a & e3!ra:(E 2ie&0 #a pa#a2ra ?c(mpr(mis(@ &( es e3ac!a, ?A#ia&za@ ( ?' si%& dis!a&ciada@ ser7a& !6rmi&(s m4s adec ad(s para descri2ir#(, HSe arre##a&% e& e# asie&!(H, Da mied( pe&sar e& #( cerca 1 e es! )im(s de )(#ar es!a par!e de Sa& Die$(, Per( &(s de! )im(s / s!( a !iemp(, Y ese dis! r2i( deme&cia# di( m4s di&er( 1 e &a & e)a pr(d cci%& ci&ema!($r4'ica, L( 1 e es m4s imp(r!a&!e0 sac% di&er( + crea!i)idad de !(das par!es0 + #a admi&is!raci%& de #a &i)ersidad ! )( #a i&!e#i$e&cia de apr()ec5arse, HVaci#%0 + di/( c(& & p(c( de !ris!ezaH9 P(r !a&!(0 'racasam(s e& !(d( #( 1 e di/im(s 1 e pre!e&d7am(s 5acer, L(s #i2r(s 5a& desaparecid(, Ja& desaparecid( '7sicame&!e, Per( #a 2i2#i(!eca Geise# )i)e0 + es(s d(s deme&cia#es c7rc #(s de (pi&i%& dispersa& s c(&!e&id( p(r !(d( e# m &d(, Per( es( +a #( sa2e0 U&(V UP(r es( 5a )e&id(V HE& rea#idad0 5e )e&id( a es! diar ) es!r(s 54p!ic(s, HR(2er! #e e3p#ic% 1 e es!a2a i&!eresad( e& #a i&!eracci%& !4c!i# a dis!a&cia, HQE50 es $e&ia#R L(s d(s $r p(s me presi(&a& para 1 e e3!ie&da e# a#ca&ce, Per(0 e& (!r( (rde& de c(sas0 U1 6 #e pareci% #( 1 e 5ac7am(s c(& #a e3perie&cia 2i2#i(!ecariaV HMmm0 L(s Gi2#i(!ecari(s Mi#i!a&!es parece& #(s mism(s de siempre0 s p(&$(, Es &a i&!er'az di)er!ida0 si !e $ s!a& esas c(sas, L(s sc((c5isE Je i&!e&!ad( e&!e&der 1 6 5ac7a&0 per( &( !ie&e &i pies &i ca2eza, Es !a& i&c(&e3( 1 e parece casi c(m( si cada #i2r( (c pase s pr(pia rea#idad c(&se&s ada, HCasi, L(s sc((c5is siempre 5a& sid( ec#6c!ic(s, A5(ra 1 e p ede&0 es!4& c(&s!r +e&d( c(&se&s( i&!erac!i)( 5as!a e# &i)e# m7&im( de !ema0 i&c# s( e& (casi(&es de p4rra'(, Es m c5( m4s s !i# 1 e #( de JaceF0 a &1 e #(s &i:(s #( e&!ie&de& de i&media!(, S )erdader( p(der es 1 e #(s sc((c5is p ede& 2usionar rea#idades, Es( es #( 1 e #es pas% c(& #(s 5aceFea&(s, L(s sc((c5is )ie&e& de !(das par!es0 i&c# s( de es!ad(s 'racasad(s, A5(ra es!4& e&)ia&d( #a di$i!a#izaci%& a# e3!eri(r, D(&de c(&)ie&e0 #a $e&!e de JaceF diri$e e# ca!arr(, O!r(s # $ares0 (!ras )isi(&esE per( c(& acces( a# '(&d( c(mp#e!( de #a 2i2#i(!eca, Si res e#)e s!ed e# pr(2#ema de #a i&!eracci%& !4c!i# rem(!a0 e# a!rac!i)( ser7a m c5( ma+(r, HCar#(s mir% e# despac5( d(&de e# c(&ci#i42 #( 5a27a ma1 i&ad( para #($rar 'i&es m + di'ere&!esH, M c5as c(sas 5a& cam2iad( e& d(s meses, HUM 6 crees 1 e pas% esa &(c5e0 Car#(sV USe s p(&7a 1 e e# dis! r2i( c 2rir7a #( 1 e 5ac7am(s &(s(!r(s c a!r(E ( era a# re)6sV HL( 5e pe&sad( 2as!a&!e, Cre( 1 e e# dis! r2i( era #a dis!racci%&0 per( &a dis!racci%& 1 e se desmadr% + aca2% pr()(ca&d( !reme&d(sE U1 6 es #( c(&!rari( de da:(s c(#a!era#esV UGe&e'ici(s c(#a!era#esV S5ari'Ha#$ ie&0 a me& d( a m7 se me prese&!a2a c(m( & c(&e/(0 era & #(c( a#e$re, C(&e/(, As7 era c(m( s s i&!err($ad(res 5a27a& ##amad( a# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s(, Tam2i6& era c(m( e# E3!ra:( se 5a27a ##amad( a# 'i&a#, HGie&0 & es!ra par!icipaci%& e& ese as &!( ' e m4s !e&e2r(sa, C(&e/( &(s ma&ip #%0 a cada &( se$"& s de2i#idad,

Car#(s asi&!i%, HS7, HC(&e/( pr(me!i% a cada &( 5acer rea#idad s dese( secre!(0 c(& i&!e&ci%& de #ar$arse e& c a&!( c(me!i6sem(s #a !raici%& &ecesaria, HA &1 e0 para ser si&cer(s0 R(2er! es!a2a 2as!a&!e se$ r( de 1 e e# 2ic5( 5a27a m er!(, M iz4 #as c(sas 5a2r7a& sid( di'ere&!es de 5a2er s(2re)i)id(, La ardie&!e espera&za de #a pr(mesa de# E3!ra:( era #( 1 e 5a27a a#ime&!ad( #a !raici%& de R(2er!, La espera&za s%#( era +a ce&izas 'r7as, Gracias a Di(s, Car#(s se i&c#i&% 5acia de#a&!e, Tras #(s $r es(s cris!a#es !e&7a &a mirada de escep!icism(, HVa#eHdi/( R(2er!H0 1 iz4 C(&e/( &( &(s pr(me!iese a#$( a !(d(s, Cre( 1 e para T(mmie #( de c(&spirar a $ra& esca#a era s pr(pia rec(mpe&sa, HPr(2a2#eme&!e ' ese as7, HPer( e# 2i2#i(!ecari( &( parec7a c(&)e&cid(, HMira0 &(s 1 edar7a c#ar( si a#$ &a pr(mesa se c mp#iese, Ser7a espec!ac #ar, Ap es!( a 1 e Xi&s!(& 1 er7aE Ud%&de se mete Xi&&ieV HSe p s( a 2 scar #a resp es!a0 per( Car#(s +a #a !e&7a, HE# mes pasad( #a &i)ersidad c(&!ra!% a# deca&( G#( &!0 e& #a Di)isi%& de Ar!es + Le!ras, L(s (/(s de R(2er! rec(rrier(& #(s res #!ad(s de #a 2"s1 eda, HPer( Qc(m( a+ da&!e de &i)e# m4s 2a/(R HS70 es es!ram2%!ic(, La ac! a# deca&a de Ar!es + Le!ras es Oessica LasF(>icz, O!ra reca c5 !ada m6dica, Per( a pri&cipi(s de si$#( era secre!aria de #a di)isi%&, J(+ e& d7a0 #as p(si2i#idades de pr(m(ci%& de #(s a+ da&!es &( !ie&e& !ec5(0 per( Xi&s!(& empieza desde !erri2#eme&!e a2a/( +0 se$"& se r m(rea0 6# + LasF(>icz & &ca se ##e)ar(& 2ie&, Bh, ios. HS p(&$( 1 e Xi&s!(& 'i&a#me&!e 5iz( #as paces c(& s s s e:(s, H*omo !o. E& c a#1 ier cas(0 si$&i'ica2a 1 e e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( se 5a27a id( de )eras + 1 e c(& 6# 5a27a& m er!( s s e3!ra)a$a&!es pr(mesas, Mir% a Car#(s Ri)era e i&! +% 1 e #e espera2a &a $ra& s(rpresa, A R(2er! #e 1 eda2a m + p(c( de s a&!i$ ( !a#e&!( para #as pers(&asD #( e)ide&!e !e&7a 1 e m(rder#e e& e# !(2i##(H, UM 6E 1 6 5a+ de tiV HUN(!a a#$( di'ere&!e e& m70 pr('es(rV R(2er! #e pres!% a!e&ci%& para # e$( )(#)er a mirar e# # /(s( despac5(, A Car#(s #e 5a27a id( 2ie&0 per( R(2e& & &ca 5a27a pe&sad( 1 e e# 63i!( ma!eria# ' ese #( 1 e 5a27a pedid( a# E3!ra:(, HPareces m4s 'e#iz0 m4s c(&'iad(0 m4s e3presi)(, H.ingoH, N( 5as dic5( &i &a pa#a2ra e& ma&dar7&, QNi & s(#( 'a##( ESRR La resp es!a de Car#(s ' e &a s(&risa de p ra a#e$r7a, HUJas (#)idad( e# ma&dar7&V HN(, : sh = hi (! shu zhng="n, bgu\ b#ing !,in nme lilSle. QY 5ace casi seis sema&as 1 e &( s 'r( & a!a1 eR E# ESR &( me c(&!r(#a, A5(ra p ed( dis'r !ar de# idi(ma0 #( 1 e me 5a sid( de $ra& a+ da a #a 5(ra de !ra2a/ar c(&

#a $e&!e de I&'(rm4!ica C5i&a, Vam(s a ' si(&ar s cap! ra de #a Gi2#i(!eca Gri!4&ica c(& #( 1 e sa#i% de J er!as, R(2er! $ ard% si#e&ci( & 2 e& ra!(, L e$( di/(9 HT c ra p(dr7a ser &a c(i&cide&cia, HMeE me #( 5e pre$ &!ad(, Se !ra!a de & a)a&ce m6dic( s r$id( de $r p(s de T r1 7a e I&d(&esia, N( !ie&e &ada 1 e )er c(& #a admi&is!raci%& de )e!era&(s &i c(& #(s pr($ramas i&s!i! ci(&a#es de i&)es!i$aci%&, Per( as7 s(& #a $ra& ma+(r7a de #(s a)a&ces m6dic(s m(der&(s + &( 5e reci2id( &i&$"& me&sa/e /ac!a&ci(s( de C(&e/(, T(d( es a2ier!(0 a &1 e #a &(!icia &( se 5a+a di' &did( m c5(, Ver40 es!e !ra!amie&!( para e# s7&dr(me ESR &( es e'ec!i)( e& #a ma+(r7a de #as )7c!imas, Se p sier(& e& c(&!ac!( c(&mi$( a !ra)6s de Ye##(> Ri22(&s p(r1 e cai$( / s!( e& medi( de #(s $e&(!ip(s m4s pr(2a2#es, HSe e&c($i% de 5(m2r(sH, S p(&$( 1 e p(dr7a ser &a c(i&cide&cia, HS7, HE# camp( de mi&as ce#es!ia#, HPer( es &a c(i&cide&cia e&(rme Ha:adi% Ri)eraH, Reci27 #( 1 e 5a27a pedid( &as p(cas sema&as desp 6s de 5a2er c mp#id( c(& mi par!e, Y a#$ &(s de #(s a)a&ces c(& #(s sc((c5is 5a& sid( e3!ra:(s, E& sema&as 5e #($rad( ac erd(s 1 e de2er7a& 5a2er ##e)ad( & a:(, A#$ ie& me es!4 a+ da&d(, Cre( 1 e se e1 i)(ca c(& respec!( a C(&e/(, M iz4 simp#eme&!e ma&!ie&e & per'i# 2a/(, M iz4 &( p eda e/ec !ar !(d(s #(s mi#a$r(s sim #!4&eame&!eE UPr('es(rV UEs!4 2ie&V R(2er! se 5a27a #e)a&!ad( + presi(&a2a #a 're&!e c(&!ra e# 'r7( cris!a# de #a )e&!a&a, 0o lo necesito. %So! 2eliz con mi nuevo !o) A2ri% #(s (/(s + mir% a !ra)6s de #as #4$rimas, A2a/( se )e7a e# cami&( 'ami#iar0 #a serpie&!e de# c(&(cimie&!( serpe&!ea&d( c(#i&a arri2a 5acia #a 2i2#i(!eca, M iz4s e# E3!ra:( Mis!eri(s( ' ese rea#me&!e Di(s ( 5 2iese crecid( 5as!a ser#(, U& di(s !ra)ies(, HUPr('es(rV HEs!(+ 2ie&0 Car#(s, M iz4 !e&$as raz%&, C5ar#ar(& &(s mi& !(s m4s, R(2er! &( es!a2a de# !(d( se$ r( de 1 6 di/er(&0 a &1 e rec(rda2a 1 e Car#(s parec7a & p(c( pre(c pad( p(r 6#0 1 iz4 !(ma&d( #a c(mp#e!a c(&' si%& de R(2er! p(r &a emer$e&cia m6dica, Ga/% e& e# asce&s(r + ##e$% a #a p#az(#e!a s(#eada, Y '#(!a&d( i&ma&e&!es a s a#reded(r !e&7a #(s m &d(s de ar!e + cie&cia 1 e #a 5 ma&idad es!a2a c(&s!r +e&d( !a& a!areadame&!e, 3Y s pudiese tenerlo todo4

NOTAS [<\I&s!r cci%& !i#izada p(r e# pr(!(c(#( ICMP para )eri'icar #a c(&e3i%& de 5ard>are,