The wind hit his face, he kept going without any problems. There was only the big plain. Felt like time stopped when he rode through the valley. He loved that feeling of forgetting everything and just thinking about the prairie, with no noise to bother him.
He could see more trees the closer he got to the mountain. He got to the top of the mountain, tied his horse up next to a small cabin where a woodcutter lived, and then walked along a dirt path. —Damn, doc, you couldn't have picked a more remote place. When I get here, I'm always tired. A shortcut wouldn't hurt...—There were metallic screeches coming from beyond the bushes.
It made his skin crawl. The sounds kept going. He stepped off the path and into the trees, where the screams got louder and sharper. —What's that? It hurts my ears and makes me feel sick. —He got to the source of the noise, which was a big pile of scrap metal that was scattered among some bushes. It looked like something was moving inside, toward the metal that was grinding.
That little, awful screech broke his eardrums. —What's going on in there? One of the doctor's toys? —The mountain of junk fell down all of a sudden as soon as he stepped on it. Vanrra was so scared that she almost died. A dog came out of the pile of metal. It was black and gray and had light-colored eyes. Its fur was very messy. —You're just a small dog. Who would have thought? I thought you were something scarier than the stories I make up in my head.
The dog approached to sniff him, never taking its gaze away from him. —It looks like you're hungry, little one; I'll take you somewhere with food. Now that I think about it, you could be the doctor's pet... No, he doesn't own any pets. Still, you appear to be a very special dog. —He stroked the neck. The dog was very calm and did not wag its tail. —How did you arrive here? Now that I think about it, I have never seen the documentary with anyone else; I am his only companion. Does he have a family?
He saw a small object behind the dog. —What are you hiding, buddy? —He took it; it was a small metal cube. It appeared to have something inside. —What's this? It's extremely hard. He noticed a trail of scraps leading up the hill and followed the remains; the dog walked right in front of him.
He made it to the doctor's large yard. The cabin had four stories, the first being stone and the rest being wood. It was markedly different from the ones in the village; the wood was much more polished and clean. Large pipe chimneys emerged from the sides, and there was plenty of scrap around. —Hello! Over here! Vanrra looked up. Hiram was on the roof, waving his arms. He wore a white shirt splattered with black grease and mechanic's pants.
—Doc! How are you?!
—Good, Vanrra! What you have in your hand?!
—I found it on the way!
—Come in; I'll wait for you in the kitchen! —The dog vanished from his sight.
His house was full of shelves packed with books, relics, and artifacts he didn't recognize, all of which were striking. The interior was completely different from what he was used to; the walls were too smooth, and the furniture was of a unique, outdated style. He was captivated by so many gadgets. Hiram came down the stairs, dressed in clean clothes. —How do you make those shirts, Doc? I would like to have some.
—I got them before I came here, and I have a few spare. —He wiped his hands with the cloth. He was in his late 30s. His hair was a deep black that was a little long but held its shape. He had a full beard that was well-kept and sharp, much like his hair. His expression conveyed seriousness, and his frown evoked instinctive respect. Almost always maintained a serious demeanor. His eyes were a bright amber colour.
—Doc, what are you working on now?
He served him a glass of water. —I fix scrap.
—Mahia gets married tomorrow.
—Your friend? What a surprise. You don't seem very excited.
—You're invited, and she wants you bring one of his toys.
—You could have informed me earlier that moving one of these contraptions takes time. You haven't been by in weeks.
—I was busy.
—What new thing have you painted? You could bring me one of your paintings; it wouldn't hurt to decorate a little.
—Do not tell me that you like my paintings.
—You have a touch, not necessarily in technique, but in your creativity. You can make things out of nothing; ideas flow from within you; someone like me lacks that intuition.
—It's too bad my ideas can't be touched.
—An idea is as genuine as anything else. Where do you think my machines came from?
—You created them.
—They came from my mind, my understanding. I had an idea and then brought it into this world. They are as real as you and me. If you think about it, they're like living beings. Ideas develop, and they reproduce; only the best survive in your mind. They pass to the next generation.
He showed him the cube. —Do you know what it is, doc?
He took it from his hands. —Where did you find it?
—It was thrown on the path. Is it something bad?
—No, not at all. It's a can of food.
—A can?
He put it in the cupboard. —Yes, to keep food preserved. This shape makes them easier to keep. They don't come from around here.
—What kind of food is it? Is it from outside?
—It's not for common use; they're survival rations; it's like a protein cocktail.
—Can I eat a little?
—I don't recommend it; it has some side effects.
Vanrra looked at him strangely. —Side effects?
—It sounds worse than it is; it turns out to be a powerful aphrodisiac.
Vanrra sat down on one of the chairs. —Doc, do you know what's beyond the mountains?
—Why do you ask?
—I know absolutely nothing about the world, nor about the history of the village; nobody here seems to care in the slightest.
—And why you want know now? Is there something worrying you?
He answered a bit uncomfortably. —No, nothing like that... It's just that... I'd like to be able to leave this place, see beyond the valley, far away, where there's no noise.
—I understand you.
—You, Doc, where are you from? Is your home very far? —Hiram stood in front of one of the windows; he seemed to be looking for something on the horizon. Then he looked for a pitcher of water in the pantry; it was comically large. Vanrra kept talking. —I'm asking because you know much more about the world than I do, and I'd like to know if...
He stirred the water in the pitcher with a spoon. —What's troubling you? Or is it just your silly curiosity?
—Do you miss your home?
—This is my home.
—I'm talking about your previous home. You don't seem to have much fondness for this village; that's why you live so far away. I don't think you consider this your home. I don't.
—I thought you loved the village?
—Those people... I don't understand them, and they don't understand me either. They don't consider me one of their own, no matter how much time passes. —Hiram drank from his big jug. —Are you very thirsty?
He was sweating from the apparent heat. —Work is tiring. Continue.
—I feel the same; every time I talk to them, they seem to live in another world.
—Why you think that?
—They ignore the world; for them, only this valley exists; nothing else matters to them. I'm the only one who notices; maybe I'm just crazy.
—A madman is one who acts like one; recognizing a lie is the sanest thing you can do.
—I came across a dog on the way. It was black. Is it yours?
—I don't have any pets.
—Do you have family, doc?
Hiram looked at the clear sky through the window, somewhat uncomfortable. —Why do you want to know?
—Just out of curiosity, but if you don't want to...
—It's nothing. I just want to clear my mind. Remembering the past can be painful.
—I wonder what your home is like; I imagine it's very different from this valley. —Vanrra remained deep in thought, gazing intently at one of the shelves. There were dozens of books stored, all with the same cover; only the color varied. He'd never noticed them out of place. —Doc, where are those books from? You have hundreds, whereas the village has only a handful.
—Most of them are academic; it took me a long time to get them.
—Wouldn't you like to return to your home?
He was surprised by the question. —My home... I would love to.
—I'd like to have a home to return to. I feel I have one; I can't remember it, but I know it exists. I miss it. I'm missing something, and I'm not sure what it is or if it even exists. It's like a void within me. Do you miss your home, Doc?
—More than you could imagine. That's all I think about.
—So, why do you live on this mountain? You're free to return. Are you running away from something?
—Run away?
—I say it because I doubt you're here for anything of value; there's nothing in this valley.
—You are the most valuable thing in this valley.
His eyes lit up. His voice cracked. —Seriously. —Hiram looked away, distracting himself with his trinkets. —Maybe I can accompany you, Doc. —Hiram was stunned; a shiver ran down his spine. —I promise not to bother you; you know me well. I'd love to see your home and learn more about what lies beyond this land. To travel as far as the horizon.
—Are you serious?
—You would be doing me a big favor. I want to know the thuth about the world. —He spoke in a softer voice. —To get away from here.
—I'm not sure; I consider it unnecessary. That desire will slip away from you, as it always does. This valley is a paradise, a safe haven. There are dangers out there, wild beasts, and demons wreaking havoc on a land that they do not own. Bad people.
—Is it really that dangerous?
—How can you not imagine it. Going out will only bring you nightmares; it's better if you stay here, living peacefully.
—What's out there? —Hiram didn't answer; he just arranged his things. —Are there titans?
—Don't tell me you believe in those stories.
—Then what's out there?
—I've already told you, demons and beasts. Savages. For you, going out there is not an option, not yet; I know what I'm talking about. You will regret it.
—I trust you, doc. If you say so, it's for a reason. —He got up from the chair.
—Vanrra. Are you sure you want to know the truth about this world?
—It's what I want most.
Hiram went to one of his shelves and pointed to a large red book placed right in the middle. —You see this book? It's my travel diary from when I was young; I wrote down everything I learned before coming here. —Vanrra immediately went to grab it. Hiram stopped him, grabbing his arm with a lock.
—Ah! Why are you always so rough? I forgot how strong you are.
He slowly let him go. —Don't touch my stuff. It's hard for me to keep track of them. I want you to go back to the village and have a great time. Have fun. We'll come back after the wedding tomorrow, and I'll show you what's inside.
A happy smile appeared on his face. —Really?
—I promise you. Just be patient for tonight. Tomorrow you will know the truth of this world.