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The evening sun shines through the purple bedroom curtains, casting a cool lavender light across every surface. The clock ticks in a rhythmic beat up high on the wall. The bed lies still, its blankets perfectly neat, without a crease or lump. The nightstand on the left side of the bed holds a pair of reading glasses that lay atop a worn book, with a turquoise ribbon to mark the pages.
Agustín strums the strings of his guitar with one hand, as the other fiddles to tune them at the top of the neck. He hasn't played this thing in a while, and it's horribly out of tune. With the kids busy, he has time to get back into playing. It's the perfect thing to keep him entertained, and better yet, it keeps him busy.
"Got it!" Agustín declares loudly, victorious at finally getting everything in tune. He smiles warmly at his accomplishment, places the guitar down and reaches to the table to his side, and grabs the small glass of amber liquid. He takes his victory sip as he hears the door to the bedroom open.
"You look happy" Julieta comments as she drifts into the room. Agustín turns to her with a large smile. She looks radiant as ever, her hair tied high, a warm smile gracing her lips, and her petite frame covered in her usual beautiful dress.
"I'll have you know, I just got this thing tuned finally." Agustín gloats, raising the guitar with a proud smile.
"Oh wow, it's been years since you've played," Julieta answers, chuckling at him. "Do you still remember how to play?"
"You're funny," Agustín comments. "My hands and mind may not be what they used to be, but I can still play the guitar." Agustín playfully sticks his tongue out at her, causing another beautiful chuckle to grace his ears.
"Do you mind playing my favorite? It's been forever since I last asked you!" Julieta requests, pulling on her bun and letting her hair drape across her shoulders. Agustín's expression softens.
"It has been forever since I played for you. The last time I did, I couldn't stop- but you wanted me to, and I-" Agustín's ramblings are stopped as Julieta cups his face. Her touch is warm, her small hands are soft against his withered skin.
"I know, and I'm sorry. I want to hear you play again, please?"
"O-okay" Agustín takes a deep breath and begins to pluck the strings to the guitar. Julieta lets go of his face and waits for him to pick up the tempo. As he does, she begins to dance in place, spinning in circles, a large smile on her face. Agustín watches in awe as her hair flies and drifts around her, her dress flowing with each move. He savors the sound of her laugh as it impacts his ears.
The light outside begins to set, and the light in the room dims. Burning tears begin to well up in Agustín’s eyes. He watches Julieta change in front of him. Her young and vibrant demeanor lessens. Her soft skin wrinkles, her beautiful round eyes grow crow's feet, and her hair turns a stark gray. As he reaches the end of his song, his fingers begin to ache from his arthritis. He pushes through the pain and finishes the song.
"Oh, Juli." Agustín’s voice is rough and hoarse. Julieta stops her dance and walks over to him, a soft smile gently appearing on her face. Her small hands remove the guitar from him, and she gently places it against the table. Agustín looks down as she takes his hands into hers. The back of his hands are spotted with wrinkles and liver spots. She slowly helps him up to his feet. "It's been so long, Julieta," Agustín mumbles through his tears.
"And you've done so well for yourself, mi amor." Julieta comforts him, using her thumbs to wipe away his tears. "There's not a day that goes by that I don't miss you."
"I-I'm scared, as I grow older, it's been so long, I'm scared I'm forgetting things," Agustín admits, his voice trembling. Julieta giggles softly.
"The past fades darling," Julieta takes his chin and makes him look at her. A soft light glows around her, bright but never intense, always warm. "But it's still hanging on, don't you worry." She gently kisses his cheek, a feeling he hasn't felt in years. He closes his eyes as he savors it.
"I love you, Julieta."
"Pa?"
Agustín opens his eyes, and the room is empty again. His heart sinks once again. The door opens, and Mirabel skips in. She truly turned into an amazing woman.
"Pa, me, and Luisa are taking the kids to go watch some fireworks. Do you want to come with me? We'd love for you to join us."
"Of course," Agustín agrees, quickly wiping his eyes. He takes one step to join her but pauses. He looks down at the old guitar leaning against the table. With a warm smile, he picks it up and quickly follows Mirabel.
"Oh, you found your guitar! I can't wait for the kids to hear you play again." Mirabel rushes up to him and kisses his cheek.
"Me too, Mira, me too." Agustín smiles as he joins the rest of his family.