Dead Passions

"What do you mean you didn't bring anything?"

Victor's fist hits the table. Iñaki notices once again that small lump in his throat...

"It was impossible," Mike replies.

"Why?!"

Sofia blinks with every scream.

"Calm down Victor, this does not help anyone," Iñaki replies.

"Do you know how to survive in this and any other world, dear Iñaki? With water and food…Not with peace of mind."

"Well, but tranquility can help us get water and food."

"Inaki is right, Victor," Eduardo's voice de-electrifies the air. "Besides, I think I know another place where there might be food."

"And now you tell us? Where?"

"In the church."

"The one a few blocks from here?"

"Yes."

"I insist," says Victor holding his breath, "why did you wait until now to tell us?"

Eduardo's tired look doesn't flinch.

"According to what you told us, the supermarket was a safe excursion… The church thing is just a possibility."

Victor fakes a smile.

"I know Father Manuel," continues Eduardo. "Weeks before losing contact with the outside world, I talk to him. He told me that he was supplying the church and that any parishioner who had nowhere to go could take refuge there. I haven't heard from him since. There may or may not be people and food there. I don't know."

"<> is our best option right now, right? " asks Maria.

"Seems like it."

"Very well," says Mike, looking at Iñaki, "to the church."

"No, this time I'm going." Eduardo addresses the gringo and puts a hand on his shoulder. "You rest."

"You're right, Eduardo, let's act calmly," Victor says. "I'll go over the plan tonight and arrange the mission tomorrow. That's enough disappointment for today. Martina?"

The young woman stands up and they both disappear behind the door.

Iñaki wants to contribute something to the debate, but his muscles are worn out. Standing up is an effort.

"Go to sleep," Maria's voice is a sleeping pill, "tomorrow we will solve it."

"Ok."

"Do you want me to stay with Sofia for the night?"

"Yes, why not."

"No problem. Kiss your dad, Sofia."

The girl's eyes scan Iñaki's figure, but her body does not move.

"It's all right." Goodbye, Sofia.

Iñaki closes the door with the word resounding on his mind and Rambo following (and sniffing) his feet.​

"Ready to rest?"

"I've never been more prepared."

Mike nods, stops in front of the door as if he has arrived in paradise, and opens it.

"If you need me, I'll be passed out in my bed."

"Same."

Mike walks into his room and a second later his body is heard hitting the mattress. Iñaki lies down and closes his eyes.

The next morning...

When Iñaki wakes up, he finds a note on the nightstand. Mike went to Eduardo's apartment and waits for him with the other there. "Very well," concludes Iñaki stretching under the sheets, "time to start a new day."

Once changed, he goes to the bedroom door, opens it, and finds Martina in the living room.

"Martina?"

"Hi, Iñaki, I was waiting for you."

"To go to Eduardo's apartment?"

"No."

"What for?"

"I need to talk to you."

"What's up?"

"Look..." the young woman looks for the words in the palm of her hand, "I would like to ask you a favor."

Iñaki nods with a smile on his face.

"I'd like you to talk to Victor for me and tell him…"

" Yes?"

Martina continues to gaze at her hands, that dark hair flowing like a waterfall to her chest.

"I want an apartment just for me. I want to live alone."

The young woman accompanies the last word with a blink in Iñaki's direction.

"And why don't you tell him directly?"

"I don't dare," he says after settling into the sofa. "Victor helped me a lot all this time, but I think he has the wrong idea about our relationship."

"Wouldn't Maria be a more diplomatic option?"

"I don't think she'd dare either. You're the only one who can talk to him; he respects you."

"If you say so..."

"Thank you," she says and locks her eyes with Iñaki's.

Her cheekbones cover those eyes and her lips draw a thin smile. She offers Iñaki her hand.

"Can you help me up?"

Iñaki grabs Martina's hand and her warmth reaches to the tip of his feet. The woman stands up and her scent caresses Iñaki's face. He still hasn't let go of her hand.

"Thank you," she repeats.

Her brown eyes are reflected in Iñaki's. He feels his heartbeat. He still won't let go of her hand.

"You're welcome."

Her shirt is inches from Iñaki's sweatshirt, her black trousers brush against his jeans. Iñaki feels her breath in his mouth and still does not let go of her hand.

"Shall we?" asks Martina.

"Let's go."

Then Martina's lips meet Iñaki's with magnetic precision. Her free hand is on Iñaki's back.

After parting his lips, Iñaki looks at her and kisses her again.

He wraps his arms around her and tangles his tongue with hers. Her scent intoxicates him. There are no more inches between the two and he still doesn't let go of her hand. Her hair is strolling down Iñaki's cheek and his breathing is equal to hers.

"Iñaki..."

Some keys jingle behind the door at that moment and a second later Mike enters with Rambo at his feet.

"Are you still…? Oh...hi."

Martina separates from Iñaki, nervously greets Mike, and leaves the apartment.

Mike looks at Iñaki, looks at the door, and looks back at him.

"Ok..."

"Ok..."

"Shall we go down?"

"Let's go down..."