Watching Raymond hoist great burdens with ease, his muscles scarcely straining and no sweat upon his brow, stirred memories I had long tried to bury.
In those moments, I was reminded of his blood, of the truth that ran through him like a quiet storm. My thoughts drifted back to the day he came to us—the fateful day when the city of Valencia stood still and the world I knew was forever changed.
Flashback
I had been tending to my medical tools, preparing to visit one of the villagers under my care. Around me, life carried on as it always had—merchants calling out their wares, women drawing water, children laughing in the dust. Then it happened.
A hush fell upon the village, heavy and sudden, like the breath before a storm.
I looked up and saw them.
