The Fountains of Silence(47)

“My mother was born in Spain, se?ora. She’s from Galicia,” replies Daniel.

The table falls quiet.

Fuga leans over to Rafa. He whispers something and points.

“My friend has a question,” says Rafa. “He’s heard that in Texas you don’t fight the bulls, you ride them. Is that true?” Fuga pokes his shoulder. “Oh, and he wants to know what happened to your hands.”

“Yes, bull riding is popular in Texas.” Daniel avoids Fuga’s menacing stare and the question about his hands. “When is your friend’s bullfight?”

“A week from today. Near Talavera de la Reina.”

Daniel seizes the opportunity to expedite his exit. “That’s soon. We better take the photos now, in time for developing.”

“Yes! Good point,” agrees Rafa. “Julia, we need the rest of the suit for the photos.”

Julia and Fuga are both apprehensive, but Rafa rushes around the small space, gathering pieces of clothing. Ana instructs her brother’s friend to sit. She removes a comb from her pocket and tames his wildly snarled hair. Daniel snaps a picture as Ana dips a soft cloth in the bucket of water and gently cleans the matador’s face.

“The light will be better for the portrait outside. I’m going to find a spot,” he says.

Antonio intercepts Daniel in the doorway.

“Mucho gusto,” nods Daniel.

“Nice to meet you too.” Antonio lowers his voice. “For interesting photos, you should explore the city center. Take your camera to the Inclusa or the hospitals in Madrid. People love photos of children but can’t afford them.”

It’s an odd suggestion. Why would a hospital or orphanage allow him to take photos? Is Antonio being sincere or is it a veiled dig about his expensive camera and being so out of place in Vallecas? The word Inclusa, it sounds familiar. Daniel thanks Antonio and steps outside the shack.

A woman standing nearby eyes him as he walks down the dirt road, her stare thick with suspicion.

“Don’t you hurt our Ana,” hisses the woman.

Daniel looks over his shoulder. Is she addressing him? The woman nods and viciously points a finger.

He reaches for a reply, not sure what to say.

“No, se?ora, I would never hurt Ana.”





55



Rafa bursts from the shack and runs to Daniel. “Texano, it is decided. You must come to the bullfight next Sunday!”

“I’m not sure your friend would like that,” says Daniel. “He hasn’t been too friendly.”

“Ay, that’s just his way. Like many, the war has stolen his trust. His pain makes him not so friendly, but a very brave bullfighter. Please come with us. It will be a great adventure for your photography.”

Daniel considers the idea, photos for his contest submission.

“Also, I must be honest with you,” says Rafa. “We need transport to Talavera de la Reina. My boss at the slaughterhouse said we could ride in a truck with dead animal parts, but that is not confirmed. If we could ride in your nice big car, we could make a grand entrance.”

Ana emerges from the shack with Fuga. His face is clean. His hair, the color of black crude oil, is parted on the side and slicked expertly back from his strong, architectural face. The turquoise suit of lights throws sparkles with each small movement. The man who looked like a murderer now looks like a matador. Julia leans against the doorframe, a small smile upon her face. Rafa cannot contain his excitement.

“Ay, look at the maestro! Quick, let’s take the photos before the children come running. Ana says film is expensive, but could you take two pictures?”

Daniel positions Fuga in the center of the long dirt road. The late afternoon sun throws golden light onto the young man’s face. Rafa is right. Fuga looks handsome and regal in the suit of lights. But he eyes Daniel with such contempt it won’t make for a good portrait. So Daniel instructs Fuga to look toward Ana, who stands nearby. Fuga’s expression eases and Daniel snaps the photos in profile.

“Please, Texano, say you’ll drive us in your car.”

“Rafa, stop,” says Ana. “Perhaps Se?or Matheson has plans next Sunday.”

“I don’t,” says Daniel. “I can take you if you’d like.”

“?Sí? ?Gracias!” Rafa showers Daniel with gratitude and discusses details. He then follows Fuga, who has stomped back into the shack. Daniel says goodbye to Julia and Antonio.

“Ana, will you be going next Sunday?” asks Daniel.

“No, se?or. I know it must sound strange, but I don’t care for bullfights.” She sighs and looks off in the distance. The sun transforms her faded dress and kindles highlights in her hair. Daniel snaps a picture.

“Okay, Robert Capa, let’s walk you back to your car,” says Ana.

They walk without speaking. Daniel smiles. He feels so comfortable with Ana, there’s no need to fill the space with conversation. But when the car is in sight, she asks the inescapable question. “Se?or, why did you come here today?”

Daniel lets out a breath. “I’m so sorry. Nick told me he thought it was a good idea.”

Ana nods stiffly and continues walking. “I’m grateful to you,” she says, arriving at the vehicle.

“It was nothing, just some small gifts. I know you like the purple candy.”