Monterrey, Mexico.
La Casa Grande, 1907
"Juan!" The boy's father shouted making both him and his mother jump in surprise. He shivered as the strong sound intensified his internal pain. He felt the urge to ask father to make less noise as he had just came back home from an ear operation; but he didn't. His mother always told him to be a good boy to his elders, "Always obey those who have lived more days than you, sweetheart, for that is the only way that others will respect you!" She also habitually warned him about father's short temper and small tolerance for misbehaving children.
"Juan!" Father's voice boomed through the silent backyard, almost making the pool water ripple as a reaction.
The new pool cleaner, who father had employed on that same day, came running down to the swimming pool's side where the three of them stood; him and his mother behind his father's intimidating figure.
"Good day, Señor Antonio." Juan said with his head bowed down.
The servant, who was around twelve years of age, squirmed under father's strong gaze. He was one of the many people who the boy figured were frightened of his father.
The young boy's eyebrows were drawn together in a frown. 'Why would anyone fear a generous man like my father?' He thought. 'They should bow at his feet and thank him for all the good he's done to not only Monterrey, but for Mexico in general!
Father helps poor families and gives them new homes. He employs the poor and gives away his many properties so that they can be happy and comfortable. Father does anything he can to help the poor...'
"Call me Antonio, Juan." Father said and patted the servant's back with a big smile on his face. The little boy grinned from where he stood.
'See? He is a good man! Don't be scared, Juan.' The little boy thought as he stared at the less frightened servant.
Juan relaxed under his master's gaze and nodded his head. All the warnings he'd received before meeting Señor Antonio seemed to have left his mind. He no longer feared his boss. He adjusted his old fedora hat on his head and stood up straight.
Señor Antonio asked him questions in regards to his settlement in the servants' quarters. Juan felt overwhelmed. This was the first time in months that someone had asked him about his well-being. The twelve year old boy wanted to cry and kneel in front of his master and beg him to keep him. Juan didn't want to be thrown out on the streets after only a few days of employment. He wouldn't be able to bear it again!
The boy thanked father for taking him out of the streets and giving him a new home. 'See? He is a generous man! Now you have a place which you can call home...' The little boy's grin widened making his cheeks ache softly.
The young boy remembered the time when he went to see the quarters for the first time with a maid. They were small apartments where all of his father's servants lived in for free. Unfortunately, his father found out about the maid's bold actions and fired her immediately. He then explained to his son that she was lazy and untrustworthy and that their family, the Sanchez, did not tolerate laziness and liars.
The boy agreed. He was taught in school about all the bad things that happen to liars. He felt happy that his father caught one; he was a hero!
After dismissing Juan, the boy's father turned to him and lifted him up on his strong arms. His mother joined them in the embrace. She massaged his father's shoulders and leaned her head on them, devotion and affection were present in her actions. Father kissed the top of her head and did the same to the boy.
The boy watched his father in admiration. He worshiped him. The way he spoke with love and care inspired him. The way he protected and put his family first at any costs filled the little boy's heart with delight. In that moment, he realised just how much he wanted to be like his father.
'I may be only six years young, but I cannot wait to grow up and become his right hand; I am proud to say that I am Antonio Sanchez's only son and heir, Leonardo Sanchez.' The little boy thought in triumph.