On the way back, Tadeus keeps his eyes on the window. He remembers the last time he saw his sister and assured her he already had a plan, but he ruined everything on a whim. He hopes that when he turns on the radio and listens to the news, they'll announce that the owner of the Singer textile factory is dead, but all he hears is bar music. — Are you feeling okay? Does your chest hurt?
— I took the medicine, I'm fine — Tadeus replies with a slight smile.
Once at the hospital, Alexander receives a call — How's everything going?
— I have information about the break-in at your house. Can you talk right now?
— I'm at the hospital; I'll be busy for the rest of the day.
— Don't tell me she's a private investigator too — Tadeus remarks.
— She's my assistant. She handles issues with the pharmaceutical company and external business matters.
— I see.
— It bothers you that I'm still talking to her.
— No, things are a little clearer to me now.
— What do you mean by that?
— I don't think this is the right time to have this conversation.
— Please — says Alexander, closing the passenger door.
— I thought she was just a stripper at the party, then I assumed she was an escort when I saw her at another event with you, until you told me she's your ex.
— She's the first person I ever had a romantic relationship with, and I promise you, that was a long time ago. There's nothing more than a friendly relationship between us.
— But the way you're jealous of Gustaph makes me think that if you have feelings for Clara or unresolved issues with her, maybe you think I'm doing the same thing.
— I saw you with him at the party. What did you expect me to think?
— It's exactly the same with you and that woman. But you don't see me fuming every time I see you talking to her.
— I don't go looking for her at her house every time we go our separate ways; I don't have dinner with her anymore, and I don't kiss her face either.
— Believe it or not, I also work with Gustaph.
— He's a senator. What does he have to do with journalism?
— I work in my father's business; I told you about that.
— Now you're going to tell me he's part of the family?
— You just can't accept that I'm not sleeping with him!
— I'm not involved with Claire; she's not my lover, and I didn't show up one day with signs of wild sex all over my body after going on a trip with her. I'm not even talking about the bite marks. Do you think I didn't notice the tide signs on your wrists?
— Hahaha. You know what? I did sleep with someone else, but it wasn't Gustaph! — Tadeus looks away to keep Alexander from seeing the tears welling up in his eyes.
— Who?
— Fuck off! — Tadeus manages to open the door and get out of the car despite Alexander's protests.
— Tell me who it is — he says, grabbing him by the arm. Tadeus starts coughing desperately for several seconds. Alexander pulls a handkerchief from inside his jacket and wipes the traces of blood from the palm of the hand he'd used to cover his mouth.
Once in the office, Tadeus keeps his gaze fixed on different spots in the room to avoid eye contact with Alexander. — Sorry, I…
— No.
— Good afternoon. How are you today? — says the doctor as he enters.
— Fine — says Tadeus.
— Good afternoon — says Alexander.
— I see you're here today for a checkup and follow-up — says the doctor, looking at the computer — I'll send you to the lab for some tests to make sure the infection is under control. Have you been feeling any pain?
— Yes, mostly in my side or the center of my chest.
The doctor approaches with his stethoscope — Take a deep breath — Tadeus does as instructed, though he coughs slightly as he exhales — Do you have a bad cough?
— There have been days when I haven't coughed at all.
— Is it normal to cough up blood? — Alexander asks.
— It's likely that the lesions in the lungs haven't healed completely or that the agitation is hindering the healing process. Have you been exercising lately?
— No, doctor.
— Try not to run, climb more than three flights of stairs, or do any exercise that puts too much strain on your lungs — says the doctor — Rapid movements and rapid expansion of your lungs may be causing that blood to come up when you cough.
— I understand, doctor.
— Keep taking the medication for the infection, and if the cough becomes more frequent, come in right away — he says, returning to his desk. The doctor types a few things while Alexander watches Tadeus with concern — Here's the order to continue your medication prescription. Please go to the lab and wait for them to call you."
— All right, thank you very much.
On the way to the lab, Alexander spots Claire at the hospital reception desk, so he decides to approach her to talk — I guess it was urgent if you came looking for me.
— It's about the security videos — She hands him a flash drive — Make sure you watch it in private.
— I understand — he replies and returns to his seat, where he takes Tadeus' hand. — We'll stay in town for a week so you can go to your gastroenterology appointment — Alexander says as soon as they get into the car.
Tadeus keeps his eyes closed until they arrive at the house. He tries to help with one of the suitcases, but Alexander stops him.
There's no music or car horns in the city traffic to fill the space left by the silence. Tadeus cursed inwardly when he saw that hesitant expression. The absence of words becomes less awkward after dinner, when Alexander comes out of his office, sits down on the edge of the bed, and strokes Tadeus' side to get his attention.
— I went too far last night and this morning too — with both hands, he places Tadeus' left hand on his lap — Is what you said true?
— I thought that was what you wanted to hear.
Alexander kisses him on the lips until he's on top of him on the bed. He settles down beside him and holds him until he's fallen asleep.
<><><> That very night <><><>
Alexander arrives on the rooftop of the pharmaceutical company's office building, lights a cigar, and waits, gazing at the horizon. — What did he tell you?
— I couldn't bring myself to ask him.
— Can't you accept that he's been using you all this time?
Alexander can see the triumphant smile beneath Claire's controlled expression. He inhales from his cigar and exhales as he speaks — Any news about his family?
— No trace. Gustaph was seen this week at the courthouse; he's also visited several hospitals in the city and Tadeus' employment office.
— Damn bastard — he whispers and turns his gaze back to the horizon. — He was the one who ordered his murder.
— For what reason?
— Maybe he's no longer of any use to him, or he's working with someone else. — Alexander suddenly tilts his head and looks down.
— Sir?
— Find out where Tadeo went in December. I want videos, photographs, and even testimonies that confirm his whereabouts.
— Yes, sir.
<><><> MARCH <><><>
Alexander celebrates his birthday party with coworkers, neighbors, and former college classmates. Just like last year, he's surrounded by people who aren't part of his personal life. They take turns posing for photos among the decorations until it's time to sing "Happy Birthday" — Happy Birthday! — Everyone claps, eats cake, drinks, dances, and heads home around two in the morning.
Alexander steps out into the backyard to feel the cool breeze — It occurs to me that I'm alone in this world after a day like this.
— I get the feeling — Tadeus says, lying down beside him on the grass — For the past year, I've been wondering what I would have done if I'd been completely alone, and the same answer always comes to mind.
— What's your answer?
— I'd go to the ocean to find peace — she keeps her eyes on him — I'd buy a plane ticket to a place where no one knows me, I'd be in the middle of nowhere so I'd never be found.
— I feel guilty for feeling completely alone.
— You're not — says Tadeus, intertwining his fingers with his — You have me.