When I opened my eyes it was as if I woke up from a dream. Suddenly with Igor so close to my face I was thrown back in the chair, but with so much force that I ended up on the floor.
Many people turned to look at me and some even laughed. Not that I minded either, but I didn't like to draw attention to myself in this way.
At my table Basma started laughing at me and the sight of her relaxed me a bit.
—What happened to you?
Mason asked me as if he didn't understand what he had just seen.
—Nothing, Igor, he's got a big mouth.
When I said his name, Igor, who had put on a smile when he saw me fall, picked up his silverware and continued eating.
—I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about.
This fucker...
—Hey, are you okay?
Still on the floor, I was approached from behind.
Turning my neck backwards, a little uncomfortably, I could see a trio of rather peculiar people. Even more so if I saw them upside down.
I quickly stood up.
—Yes, perfectly, thanks for asking.
In front of me I had a trio composed of a guy with Asian features and a fisherman's hat who was the one who asked me. Behind him was a black guy in sportswear, and a girl with white hair and a lollipop. Both also wearing fisherman's caps.
What are they, a neighborhood gang? Are they playing gangs or something?
—Be more careful next time.
I don't know if the black man said it with the intention of giving advice, but it sounded more like a threat.
I mentally sighed and put on a forced smile.
—Thank you very much. I will keep that in mind.
—Well then, we'll be on our way.
With those words from the Asian guy, who seemed to be the leader, the three of them turned and left.
I sat down in the chair and let myself fall into it.
—What's up?
Igor asked me before putting a piece of steak in his mouth.
—Hungry.
And I started to eat my food too. When I took the first bite I realized how hungry I was and started to devour my plate of food.
—Cam, do you want me to get you another plate of food?
Little Basma watched from her chair impressed by the speed at which I was eating.
—Another one with 3 eggs, fried potatoes and a pork chop.
Basma was speechless, and in front of me, Igor seemed to be holding in his laughter as he ate.
Mason got up from the table.
—Stay seated Basma, I'll go.
—Oki.
I looked at Mason quizzically as he went to get my food. It was quite rare for him to do something when I didn't ask him to.
In front of me Igor stared at me.
—Anything you can tell?
—If you were curious, you should have stayed.
Igor let out a small smile.
—But?
—But what I can I will tell you later. There are many ears here.
Basma, who didn't understand what we were talking about, looked at me with little eyes.
If it wasn't for Mason arriving with a plate full of food I might have said something I shouldn't have.
Mason sat back down at the table, silent. I got this feeling that he wants to say something, but he doesn't know how and it's making me pretty nervous.
—If you want to say something say it.
When I said that Mason looked at me with wide eyes.
—Don't look at me like that, with that aura of nervousness surrounding you I can't enjoy the food.
Mason gave a nervous smile as he looked down at the floor. I don't know what he was going to say, but he's afraid of how I'll take it. Well, a few minutes ago I was the same way, though he doesn't know it.
—I've met some guys at the sports gym and I'd like to hang out with them more. It's not that I want to cut my relationship with you guys, but I just can't be with you all the time and taking care of Basma. I want to be with them and do things I like to do.
Oh? Just that?
Well, it's a little bit annoying what I had in mind, but let him do what he wants to do.
—You can do whatever you want. I told you that from the beginning.
Mason looked at me like a little lamb in front of a hunter. I'm not a hunter, though, and I popped a couple of potato chips in my mouth.
Mason looked like he was going to complain or say something else, but in the end he simply said:
—Thank you.
And he left the table.
At my feet Panther, who had fallen asleep, got up and started licking a bone that Igor has given him.
—Are you all right?
I looked Igor in the face and smiled sincerely.
—It's not like I can stop a person's wishes, and, besides, it's not like I sent him to die. He's just found people he's more comfortable with.
Basma got up from the chair and started running to me to hug me.
—I will always be by your side.
She broke away from me when I still hadn't said a word and hugged Igor.
—And yours too.
Seeing how the man I had at first mistakenly understood as cold and unfeeling, with a surprised face and reddened with embarrassment made me very funny. And apparently Panther too, because he started barking and jumping around making a lot of noise.
Amidst the ruckus we had formed we finished eating and moved to my room.
—What's the matter?
Basma, who was on the floor with Panther, looked a little surprised because we didn't usually do things like this.
—Don't worry, I just want to propose something and see if you like it.
—Did they tell you something special? A piece of advice maybe?
Igor who was sitting in the wheelchair seemed quite interested to my surprise.
—No, they didn't tell me anything like that.
—Who?
—I can't tell you now, but I'll tell you another day, okay?
Basma nodded his head as she petted Panther.
If only all the children in the world were as good as she was. How calm and serene.
—Igor, I want you to teach Basma what you know.
Igor, who seemed momentarily surprised, nodded.
—I won't be able to go shopping again?
I smiled at Basma.
—Of course you will. But the first test is coming and we don't know what it will be about, and if it's a labyrinth like last time you must learn to survive, and the best for that is Igor.
Basma, who understood my explanation to my surprise, clenched his fists tightly and put on a serious face.
—I will try my best.
My heart just melted. I just saw the cutest thing in the world.
—What will you do?
Igor brought me back to reality like someone who wakes you up from a nap by throwing a glass of cold water on you.
—While you teach Basma I must improve my fists.
And with that our plan for the next few weeks was decided.
I don't know if we will save the world and humanity, but I will come out of these trials alive with these two people, I promise.