My brother-in-law is a policeman (2)

Sunday 10:50

I woke up in so much pain that the least of my concerns was the pain in my ass. The first thing I thought was that at least Monday was a holiday. I study in Madrid. I usually come to my hometown on weekends and this time I had three days off.

On the kitchen table, my parents had left me a note on a sheet of paper. I recognized my father's handwriting. It looked more like a letter than a simple note:

"Your mother left you breakfast and lunch in the fridge. Today the Buendías are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. I reminded them that they were counting on you, but I took care of calling them last night so they could at least cancel your seat. I assumed you wouldn't be in condition to attend. Lucía is coming with us and Gerardo later. Rest and try not to go out unless necessary. Your keys are at the entrance.

My keys, which 'miraculously' hadn't disappeared. I realized and smiled bitterly. Someone, logically, had given explicit orders for them to remain in my pocket, unlike my mobile phone or credit card and some cash. Well, my parents would have to change the lock, wouldn't they? It wasn't convenient to go that far, I knew someone would have thought of it and taken care of it.

Honestly, I felt a huge relief at not having to see my mother's usual disapproving gesture all day. If I had disappointed my father in many aspects, he took it with a dignity worthy of admiration. He had never openly supported me, but he had never bombarded me with reproaches or, like my mother sometimes did, rubbed the successes and triumphs of her friends' children in my face. Sometimes, if I think about it, she makes me feel sorry for her; surrounded by old gossips and always bragging about her son's salary, the huge apartment he's going to buy in Madrid, or the treasure of a daughter-in-law they have.

I had a light breakfast, just to have something in my stomach to take an Ibuprofen.

"Well, I'm alone all day. I'll lie down, rest, and later, if my head clears up, I'll call to cancel my SIM card and figure out how to get another phone."

SUNDAY 12:40

But the intercom at the door buzzed. I ignored it. I didn't want to open it. A minute later, the doorbell rang. I had no choice but to open it, especially after hearing the sound of someone knocking on the wood.

I opened the door. I was surprised to see who was on the landing, but immediately, I realized it was just a matter of time. Impeccable, in a light gray suit, without a tie, and adjusting his shirt cuffs, stretching them to make his cufflinks visible.

"I thought I'd catch you sleeping. I suppose you're a mess after last night's party. Do you mind if I come in? I brought you a couple of things," he asked and entered through my right side, pushing me slightly.

I closed the door. I stood staring into space. My heart rate accelerated.

"How are you?" he asked in a fake cordial tone.