Love in the time of Bacunaua

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-desktop-hide=” av-medium-hide=” av-small-hide=” av-mini-hide=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=”]

[/av_textblock]

[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]

[av_heading heading=’ MY LIFE AS ART ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY PETER SOLIS NERY
[/av_heading]

[av_textblock size=’18’ font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
XXXII. Bakunawa

He told her his secret. But he said it so straightforwardly that she never believed it. Oh, how we like to believe our version of things!

*

Dulce related how on a rocky part of the beach, she and Emilio frantically made love. With fury, the waves were mercilessly battering the rocks, and the full moon had an extra glow.

He asked for my hand again.

I gave it to him.

When he touched me, I felt a current run through me.

I felt weak. After that, I had no other memory.

*

He touched you.

You fell under his spell.

He took you to a shadowy place, took advantage of your drunkenness.

I wasn’t drunk that night.

He was gone in the morning, a few months later, you turned up pregnant.

*

Post-coital, Dulce and Emilio laid next to each other, shameless in their utter nudity.

Dulce turned to hug Emilio.

Where are you from? she remembered asking.

Like you, not from this island.

*

I didn’t tell you that, Dulce said, a little puzzled.

How did you know I’m not from around here?

I just know.

She wanted to interrogate him but she felt lightheaded, relieved of tightness in her neck, shoulders, pubis.

Relaxed, Dulce yawned, I feel sleepy.

Emilio was just quiet, looked at the moon, smiled for a moment, his face became iridescent.

*

Tell me something…, she yawned again, …about you.

You wouldn’t believe it.

Try me.

So Emilio, all the time cryptic, all the time mysterious, said with a flourish, I am the bakunawa.

*

You are funny, Dulce said with a smile of the satiated.

Emilio turned on his side, caressed Dulce’s face.

I am the bakunawa, he repeated.

Dulce giggled.

She yawned, started to close her sleepy eyes.

Emilio stood up, danced wildly in the moonlight, then, announced to the world… I am the bakunawa!

*

But Dulce was already asleep with a contented smile on her face.

Emilio climbed a rock, and dove into the sea.

The sea became quiet and calm.

The waves mellowed down to a murmur.

Then, something silvery like a giant scaly tail splashed on the surface of the water.

Just once.

And was never seen again. (To be continued)/PN
[/av_textblock]

[/av_one_full]

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here