40
JUAN FRANCISCO BLANCO
“I am very good with treating horses with medical problems.
I am sure we can help you. I was taught by a man named
Tomás,” Tital said, while looking directly at Bardala.
“That’s my...” was all that Viviana could say before Bardala
placed her hand over Viviana’s open mouth.
“That’s Viviana’s favorite thing to do, to take care of horses.
We have one at home. Viviana and Jonathan love to help take
care of horses, don’t you Jonathan?” Bardala said, while her eyes
lit up at her father’s name being mentioned.
“Yes, I love to take care of horses. I even gave the one I am
riding a name,” Jonathan said.
“What is your horse’s name, Jonathan?” asked Tital.
“Her name is Mañzana, and she is a mare,” Jonathan
answered.
“My horse’s name is Mañoso, and I like her a lot,” Viviana was
able to say as she pulled away from Bardala.
“Come, sit down and eat. We have plenty of food for you.”
Bardala said, and took Tital’s hand and led him to the old stone
table. They all moved around the stone table, and Bardala sat
across from Tital and Mahucutah. Tital ate, while Mahucutah ate
nothing. As Tital ate the last of his food, Bardala offered a large
bowl of fresh strawberries to Tital from across the ancient fallen
stela they were using as a table. Her hands were on the sides of
the bowl, and when Tital’s hands first touched both of Bardala’s,
a strange laser-like blue-green light erupted from the center of
the table. The light held the couple in its power, and you could
hear a loud buzzing sound.
“BBBUUUZZZZZZ!” When the light stopped abruptly, Tital
was finally able to take the bowl, but it was empty! The others at