Chapter 9: Taking a Big Step Comes With Many Sacrifices
Chapter 9: Taking a Big Step Involves Many Sacrifices
Part 1
"Today was a great day," Sofía murmured, her lips forming a smile that didn't reach her eyes. She walked with light steps, almost floating, as if the entire world were at her feet. "I fixed things with Adolfo, and everything's going perfectly. Love… love seems to be something spectacular."
Yet deep inside, a nagging restlessness drove her to search. She scanned the plaza with calculated precision, as if she knew exactly who was about to appear. And then, there she was.
Across the way, Isabel strolled unhurriedly, her gaze distant, oblivious to the storm brewing inside Sofía. For a brief second, Sofía clenched her teeth, but quickly recomposed her smile—now colder. This time, she wouldn't let things stay the same. The humiliation she'd felt when Isabel had made a fool of her, even if partly her own fault, wouldn't repeat itself. Today was the day she'd reclaim control.
Sofía approached with steady steps, but her voice was light, almost playful, as if what she was about to say were part of an innocent game.
"Isabel, we need to talk," she said, blocking Isabel's path. Isabel looked up, surprised to see Sofía in front of her. Still, she kept her composure; her expression was calm, but her eyes held a wary glint.
"What do you want, Sofía?" Isabel replied, crossing her arms. Though her tone was neutral, her posture betrayed a flicker of tension.
Sofía smiled mischievously. She enjoyed this small confrontation more than she cared to admit.
"Adolfo belongs to me," Sofía declared bluntly, as if the words were an immutable truth. "So you'd better stay away from him."
A thick silence fell between them. Isabel stared at her, and for a moment, her eyes flashed with disbelief and annoyance. But she didn't take the bait. With a soft sigh, she replied calmly:
"After you pretended not to know him, you think he belongs to you now?" Isabel tilted her head. "You underestimate Adolfo. Or is it that the slap I gave you at school made you imagine strange things?"
Sofía's smile widened, but this time it wasn't just mischievous—it was calculated.
"Say whatever you want," she replied, letting out a small laugh. "But in the end, he'd never notice someone like you."
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Sofía's Ambition
"Love, huh…" she thought as she walked away from Isabel. There's only one thing I truly love in this world: the stories the world has to tell me. People are open books waiting to be read. On the surface, some seem simple, but beneath, they hide tales that are either wondrous or so repulsive they'd make you flee. Adolfo… he's a book I'm just beginning to read.
Sofía had read about all kinds of historical figures, each with their own story. Take Nikola Tesla, the great scientist born during a storm. That detail alone made him fascinating. But what connected all these stories was control. To know someone's story was to hold power over them.
"That night, I thoroughly enjoyed being part of your story. A pianist who lives only for his piano saw in me what he loves most."
And Adolfo, with his innocence, his love for the piano… he, too, had something to tell her. But this time, she wouldn't settle for being just a spectator.
"Let's see what you have to share, Adolfo."
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Part 2
"What do I do? What should I wear? What should I say? This is my first time going out with a girl—and it's the girl I've dreamed of dating for so long. Right now, I wish I had a friend to talk to."
"Adolfo! Adolfo! Look, let's go here, please? This café is so lovely."
"This is the café I invited Isabel to that time."
Adolfo shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he watched Sofía from across the table. They were in a small café with large windows that let in the afternoon light, creating a warm atmosphere. Despite his nerves, he couldn't help noticing how radiant Sofía looked. She chatted enthusiastically about a movie she'd seen recently, and though her words seemed to float lightly in the air, something else about her demeanor caught his attention.
"It's one of my favorite stories," Sofía said with a sincere smile. "I love when characters take control of their destiny. Don't you think?"
Adolfo nodded slowly, sensing she was talking about more than just the film. There was a spark in her eyes he hadn't seen before. He'd always assumed Sofía was distant, almost cold, but now he detected genuine warmth in her gaze. For a moment, the tension in his chest eased.
"Sometimes I feel like we're the ones writing our own story," Sofía continued, her voice softer now. "But it's not always easy, is it? Sometimes the choices we make… aren't so simple."
Adolfo frowned, confused by the shift in conversation. Before he could respond, Sofía changed the subject with a breezy smile.
"Look!" She pointed to the piano in the corner of the café. "I bet you could play something amazing there. I'd love to hear you."
Adolfo's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't played publicly in ages, and the idea terrified him. But when he looked at Sofía, he didn't see the mockery he feared. Instead, her eyes reflected sincere curiosity.
"I… I don't know if I should," he stammered, scratching the back of his neck.
Sofía leaned forward slightly, her hands folded on the table, her expression gentler than he'd expected.
"Adolfo," she whispered, "you're incredible at what you do. You shouldn't hide it just because things get hard sometimes. I… want you to believe in yourself. I'm not saying this lightly. I truly think you have a special talent."
Her words, so unexpected, disarmed him. For so long, he'd seen Sofía as unattainable, someone beyond his understanding. Yet now, everything felt different. She wasn't being cruel or indifferent. For the first time, it seemed Sofía truly saw him—not just as a young pianist, but as someone worthy of admiration.
"Alright, I don't want to pressure you. I wish I could give you something to help you see this world differently."
Don't give away things you'll regret.
"Adolfo, I… I didn't mean to—your hands. No, what have I done? It would be better if we'd never met, Adolfo."