News of Julio's death stunned the neighborhood as much as the Santos family. Everyone said that although death is not the end but the beginning of the journey as tradition dictates, this boy was far too young to leave this way.
Who did not know the politeness of this boy? Always kind, and respectful, he helped everyone and can we talk about his ardor in studies which inspired others to also pursue school?
This boy was a blessing but he had to be taken from them so brutally.
Everyone was shocked, of course, the gangs had caused yet another misfortune in their poor neighborhood. But even though Julio's abrupt and untimely disappearance shook the neighborhood, everyone decided to honor his life as required by the custom.
During the two days following his death, a wake was held in the home of the young man's parents. Friends, family, and acquaintances honored the deceased with offerings, prayers, and dances to celebrate his life.
Everyone got up to tell a few anecdotes about Julio. Even though he was still a teenager and there wouldn't be much to tell about him like the death of a patriarch, people in the neighborhood, his friends, and his family were telling what they could remember about life alongside Julio.
Some stories were funny, others still edifying, but what is certain, this activity was done in a festive mood characteristic of the practice of mourning in their country.
The dead man must feel accompanied to the end and he must feel that he has been loved.
This is how everyone, despite the deep sadness in their hearts, festively celebrated Julio.
The only one who couldn't do the same is Bella.
How could she go there and dance merrily even if it's to honor her best friend? True, it's tradition, but she finds it unfair that she has to laugh or put on a happy face when she's lost her friend, almost brother forever.
She will no longer see his kind smile, his tender eyes and she will no longer be able to hear his charming voice calling her name.
All that is over. Julio is gone!
For the past two days, she hasn't been able to leave the bedroom, locking herself in the dark as memories with Julio fill her head.
They spent most of their time together, when she had trouble with an exercise, he was there by her side to explain it to her.
He was her adviser and her guide in all her decisions, maybe if she had asked his opinion, she wouldn't have gone to this concert. Although she would still have left for her sister.
Bella pulled her legs up to her chest, resting her head on her knees as she began to cry again.
She had to pull herself together, there were still seven days of mourning before Julio's burial. It wouldn't be right for him not to take part in the ceremonies.
It's already been two days, and even if it's hard, she has to pay her respect to Julio.
She got up going to shower before carrying a dress for the ceremony. She walked with a gloomy face and a heavy heart as every corner of this neighborhood reminded Julio. She sometimes had the impression that he was by her side and even surprised herself to see his image.
But the moment she looked at it, it disappeared.
It was really difficult to arrive at Julio's place without wanting to turn around in the face of the nostalgia she felt.
She finally arrived at Julio's family compound where many celebratory songs were heard. Without waiting, she began to sketch dance steps to the rhythm of the music. Her expression was dark and frozen but her dance moves were catchy.
Many followed in the middle of the dance stage, Leïla who had been there since the morning accompanying her in her gestures.
After blowing off some steam, Bella decided to go see Julio.
His coffin was placed in the middle of the living room with flowers, fruits, and other gifts arranged in front of a portrait of him.
Bella swallowed heavily before walking towards the casket. She brought a flower that she remembers Julio loved, he told her it symbolizes courage. So she arranged the flower in front of Julio's portrait, his smile in the picture like a twinge in her heart. Bella walked around the coffin for a few turns before stopping to stare at her best friend's pale, lifeless face.
"So you're gone…", she spoke in a hoarse voice trying not to shed tears in front of her friend.
If he sees her crying now, he will refuse to walk to the afterlife to join his ancestors. She has to show him that he can move on, that she will too.
But she may repeat it to herself but when she sees the cold body of her friend, she immediately feels the emptiness caused by his absence. It's only been two days but she thinks she can't bear to lose him.
She needs him, she always did, so she can't accept his death.
Her shoulders began to shake and Julio's parents came to comfort her.
"You can cry mi ninã, it's good, free yourself". Julio's mother spoke to console Bella even though she was also shaking not to give in to despair.
The days that followed were the same as the first two. It took nine days of ceremonies before Julio's burial. So during those days, stifling her pain, Bella took part in all the activities until the day she had to say goodbye to Julio.
The coffin in which he rested all this time was put on the ground and this is how Julio became a wonderful memory shared in the neighborhood.