Aldivan Teixeira Torres - I Am

As it was not yet lunch time, they find empty tables and chairs, sit down and choose some of the dishes available on the menu on the table. They choose manioc with dry meat, something cheap, good taste and regional.

They order and while they wait they chat.

— Where are you from? (Rafaela Ferreira)

— I'm from Arcoverde. I am a chap who believes in work, in people and mainly in the benign forces that accompany me. (The son of God)

— I am from the mountain of Ororubá, in Mimoso region. There, I and my adoptive mother— the guardian of the sacred mountain— live with dignity, kindness and in complete communion with nature. (Renato)

— I am one of the seven archangels who are always in God’s presence, However, I have got a special mission here on earth together with you and I hope to match the expectations of the creative force. (Rafael)

— I am also an angel with the sole objective to take care of my master and lord, the son of God. I thank the father for it. (Uriel)

— I was born and raised in Arcoverde. Despite being strangers, something tells me to trust you. Thank you very much for taking an interest in me. (Rafaela Ferreira)

— Be at ease, friend. We are here to help you. (The seer)

— Thank you. (Rafaela)

— And what do you do in life, Rafaela? (Renato)

— Now, I am only studying. But, I must admit that now I don’t feel like doing anything. (Rafaela)

— Must be the illness. (Renato)

— What illness? I am only depressed. (Rafaela)

— This, that you have got is called depression. If is not treated properly, may lead the person to madness or even to suicide. (Rafael)

— It was exactly what I was thinking about when you appeared: Jump off at the first bridge. I don’t want to suffer anymore. (Rafaela)

— God would not allow it, nor I for we love you, Rafaela. The solution to your problems is in my father and in my name. Do you believe it? (The seer)

— Oh, very well! Make a miracle so I can believe it! (Rafaela)

— If it was allowed, I would do it, Rafaela, for the love of you. But think well: Just being here is it not a miracle? How long haven’t you talked honestly to a circle of friends? (The son of God)

— Seen from that angle, you are right. (Rafaela)

— The time for great miracles has already passed. We are at the apostasy era, where the materialism and selfishness of the human being is preponderant. Be happy for the opportunity that you are having now. (Uriel)

— Ok. Pardon my lack of manners and the temptation. (Rafaela)

— Do not worry. I am ready to understand you. (The seer)

The food arrives. From then on, silence prevails only broken by the locals who start arriving. The group spends about thirty minutes in total harmony, enjoying the lunch and at the end, ask for something to drink. After, they ask they ask for bill, leave the place and phone again the driver who has bought them there. They wait twenty minutes more, and with the arrival of the taxi, they depart destined to the beloved Arcoverde. Destiny awaits them.

During the short trip between Ipojuca and Arcoverde, nothing abnormal happens. They kept themselves busy most of the time with interactions and visualizations. Didn’t even seem that each one lived a private drama: The seer, who had not established himself as the artist that he deserved to be, Rafael and Uriel because they have not yet completed their mission, Renato for not being efficient yet and finally, Rafaela Ferreira, who was facing a severe depression crisis. At least, none of them has lost faith completely. There was still hope, and this was something Aldivan used to emphasize.

In this tranquil atmosphere, they return to the capital of Pernambuco, being dropped in the vicinity of the Bela Vista neighbourhood. It was 12H30 and they stay waiting for the bus in one of the roads.

While they wait, they take the chance of catching a bit of sun and listen to music coming from nearby. Everything was perfect. The music stops, the bus arrives, they board it, a blue beast, and then the journey restarts.

At a normal speed, they arrive at the highway which now is very busy. There would be sixteen kilometres more until the village of Riacho do Meio, where the seer and his friends where going to pay a visit to friend.

As usual, they take the chance in the vehicle to make friends with other passengers and the driver. All of them were well known in the area for often doing that trip.

From general news to politics and religion, the topics are well discussed, and everyone laughs. How good was to live, have friends, to chat and forget the worries for a while. This is extremely important for everyone’s mental health.

And thus, they advance on the road, going down the mountain, pass Site Fifteen and sometime later arrive at the village which is located on the border between Arcoverde and Pesqueira. They alight near a cashew nut orchard, pay the fare, say goodbye, take the path and go in the small village.

With a few more steps, they reach the only street and advance on the right until reaching the fifty building, in house style, 8x4 m, cedar door and window, with a small area in front of it. The seer then starts knocking and shouting:

— Lady Eulalia! I am here!

At the same time the sound of footsteps is heard and from inside the modest house, comes a middle—age white lady, thin, with a suntan, 1.65 m tall. She comes out with a smile on her face recognizing the boy who she had met a certain time at the bus station and who made her believe she was important. How good that is there, she thinks to herself. Then she speaks:

— Aldivan, are you here? And who are these people with you?

— Yes, it is me, lady Eulalia. These are my adventure companions. They are Renato, Rafael, Uriel and Rafaela— Said the son of God pointed each one out.

— Oh, pleased to meet you. Welcome. Please come-in!

— Thank you. (Everyone)

Accepting the invitation, one by one go in the small masonry house. The house is comprised of a sole lounge, bedroom, service area, kitchen and bathroom. In the lounge they made themselves at home on a five-seater settee and one chair.

He hostess is the first one to speak:

— Very well, I was just thinking of you, my son. When we met for the first time, your words did a lot of good to me. Nowadays, I am tranquil, living off my pension. Now and again, my grandchildren pay me a visit and when that happens it is that party.

— How nice that I could help you in some way. I brought this young lady here (pointed to Rafaela) for you two to have a chat. She suffers from depression. (The seer)

— It will be my pleasure. How are you Rafaela? (Eulalia)

— I am surviving. Thank you. (Rafaela)

— We met her at the church of deliverance, in Arcoverde. She arose our attention. (Rafael)

— Why?

— Explain to her, brother. (Rafael)

— She was crying and totally lost. (Uriel)

— So, we decided to help her. (Added Renato)

— That shows the greatness of your heart. I admire you. But could you explain the reason for all this? (Eulalia)

— It is what I also ask. (Restated Rafaela)

— My father called me to the mission. In some way, I am linked to Rafaela and her to me. We are sister souls from the beginning and I will spare any effort to help her. In any way, I always do that whether the person deserves it or not—Explained the son of God.

— Thank you. (Rafaela)

— It is indeed honourable. Congratulations! Tell me colleague, how long have you felt like that? (Eulalia)

— I am not too sure. I have already gone through many crisis, apparently for banal things. I must admit that if weren’t for the son of God having rescued me, I would be dead, probably jumping off a bridge. (Rafaela)