The Polish Dog

Wednesday, 6:00 PM

- I told you to come because I've been left here for a while - Julio began after they both sat down.

- As you wish - Javier replied.

- I've stayed just so you can explain some things to me - Julio took a swig -. And I hope you're sincere with me.

- I will be - Javier nodded.

- If what you intended was... - Julio searched for words - to arouse my curiosity, you've succeeded. But what's all this about? It sounds like cheap theater.

- That's not my intention - Javier apologized, joining his palms -. Besides, what Kacper may have told you, maybe it's not...

- If not, it at least sounds like a trap, something I could get involved in and complicate my life unnecessarily - Julio insisted.

- I swear that... - Javier defended himself.

- It's normal that I'm distrustful, isn't it? Who knows what you and that freak are up to - Julio said without hesitation.

That was a huge mistake. Javier felt so ashamed that he wished the earth would swallow him.

- If that... I'll leave, no problem, I don't want... - Javier stuttered.

- That Polish dog! You know? His master calls him that. Apparently, he reminded him of some novel, I don't know whose now... Anyway, what would you know - Julio added with contempt.

- The Polish Rider, by Muñoz Molina, perhaps, but... - Javier suggested.

- So you're a well-read kid - Julio replied with irony. Javier lowered his head and regretted seeming like a know-it-all.

- All I know from that freak - Julio often used that term - is that a friend of his is looking to be punished for who knows what. He feels guilty and his conscience tells him to atone for his sins. Do you know that verb? Atonement, with an x.

- Yes, to atone for sins - Javier added like a schoolboy being examined.

- And it occurs to you that he comes to me with this story. What an idea of mine to send him a message! The other times it was his master who ordered him when to come - Julio explained to the boy in front of him, who had his shoulders slumped and a gesture of circumstance -. And the idiot writes to me and tells me it would be like God giving me the right to be the executioner. Word for word...

Julio's gesture was one of surprise or total incomprehension, as if he couldn't believe such ideas.

- I didn't... like that... I didn't mean it like that, in those terms - Javier was ashamed -. I know he's very religious and all. He's orthodox and in Poland, most people are Catholic, but... that's what he told me.

- Very religious, I don't know, but what's very clear is... - Julio pointed to his own head -. You, kid, how long have you known Kacper?

- Kacper is Gaspar in Polish - Javier corrected him. Julio didn't seem to care about the pronunciation correction.

- But haven't you realized how crazy that guy is? Doesn't it seem dangerous to you? Doesn't it give ...