Just after dusk, Pipa and Emilio walked down the street in the middle of the town in a state that can be described as both stiff and unresponsive. A bus driver almost ran them over when they tried to cross the street in the road's busy section. But instead of reacting the way most people do, they just stared at the vehicle and listened to the loud honking without concerning themselves with the chaos they created.
"The f_ck is this couple walking in the middle of the street?" One of the passengers asked.
The driver, who recognized Emilio for he was his nephew, jumped from his seat and went out of his vehicle. The driver accosted Emilio and Pipa.
"Emilio?" Emilio just stared at him when he heard his name. There was no facial response from him that could have told the driver Emilio recognized him.
"I am your uncle, Manolo. What is happening to you? Who is this young woman beside you?"
