Sebastián rode without haste, flanked by Pablo Ferreira and Amanda, who skillfully rode Genesis. A few coins had been enough to persuade the new driver to wait for them at the Ferreira estate until they returned from the church. As long as no one in the family found out, they wouldn't get into trouble.
"I challenge you to a race to that tree!" Amanda shouted, pointing to a tall willow, and increased her mare's speed before the boys could react."You're cheating!" Pablo retorted, determined to catch up to her.Sebastián smiled, amused by the situation, and tried not to lag behind. As expected, Amanda won and made sure to rub her victory in her friends' faces."It doesn't count. We weren't ready, and you started way before us. I demand a rematch," the criollo complained."Very well, I accept the challenge. The first one to reach that path wins," Amanda said, and the three of them sped off.Race after race, they reached the town sooner than they imagined. Once there, they dismounted and led their horses by the reins through the alleys. It had been a long time since Sebastián had so much fun, and he was sure Amanda felt as happy as he did.When they arrived at the church, they saw that only Julia and Dr. Máximo Medina had arrived. They were sitting in the front pews, holding hands. When they realized they weren't alone, they let go, but from Pablo's expression, it was evident he had seen them, and it hurt him.As the three approached to greet them, Sebastián noticed his cousin and Julia exchange a knowing look. Pablo sat between Amanda and the aisle, perhaps to be as far away as possible from the new couple.Dr. Medina mentioned that the summer and God's goodwill had helped to weaken the epidemic that plagued the fieldworkers. Pablo remained on the sidelines during the conversation, and the memory of the young man's grandmother returned fleetingly to haunt Sebastián's thoughts.Around twenty criollos, almost all men, and a few young Spaniards made up the group the priest had formed. Once everyone was gathered, Father Facundo made his entrance. His honey-colored eyes had a special gleam, and he seemed proud that his small group was growing.Far from being a boring sermon, everyone present exchanged ideas, discussed books they had read, and talked for a long time. Although Pablo was less enthusiastic than usual, he also participated. There was a sense of unity and fraternity in the air that Sebastián had not felt before. He soon felt part of the group, included and complicit. The next day, everyone would continue with their lives as usual, but it was unlikely they would forget what had been discussed within the church walls."I've been thinking about how we could reach people, and I believe one way would be to distribute books and written ideas. However, very few people know how to read, and if someone else helped me, I'd like to start a literacy workshop right here in the church," the priest shared at one point in the afternoon."I would like to help more people learn to read and write," Amanda volunteered, and Sebastián looked at her in surprise.It seemed like a daunting task, and surely if Óscar found out, he would kill her. Sebastián smiled but said nothing. Ultimately, Amanda's courage and boldness made her his favorite cousin."Are you sure?" Father Facundo asked, perhaps expecting someone else to volunteer."I am," the young woman affirmed enthusiastically, and no one questioned her."Very well, in that case, we'll discuss how to carry this out later," said the priest, running a hand through his hair.Sebastián began to think that before meeting the Pérez Esnaola family, the priest's life must have been much calmer and undoubtedly more boring. The hours passed, and the meeting ended sooner than Sebastián would have liked. He eagerly anticipated the next gathering. He was starting to understand his cousin and her eagerness to spend each day at the church. Father Facundo's ideas were fascinating, and he conveyed them so clearly that it was impossible not to believe in him.When Dr. Medina left, he did so accompanied by Julia Duarte. Pablo, meanwhile, took his time gathering his things and looked genuinely upset."So many months trying to court her, and she leaves with an old man," the criollo grumbled, and Amanda stifled a giggle.Both Pablo and Sebastián looked at her in surprise."Sorry, but I can count at least four or five girls you courted at the same time," Amanda excused herself."Yes, but Julia was different. I would have married her," he admitted, though he couldn't deny Amanda was right."You only like her because she's not eating out of your hand like the rest of your conquests," Amanda insisted.Sebastián began to worry that the conversation would end in a fight and decided to intervene."Well, maybe it's not too late. Holding hands doesn't mean anything. As Amanda said, you've dated many women, and it's no big deal," Sebastián commented, trying to downplay the situation.Pablo looked at Amanda cautiously but didn't argue. She, for her part, chose to stop teasing him, which relieved the tension in the air."Do you want to have tea at La Rosa? Sofía promised to make me a lemon cake because her puppy ate my favorite shoes," Sebastián asked his friend."Sure, I didn't know they had a dog," the young man accepted."Yes, it was a gift from Antony Van Ewen. My sister named him Alister III, although the first two never existed, she insists it gives him more distinction," Amanda explained, and the three of them laughed.Sebastián felt relieved that Amanda and Pablo were getting along again and hoped the criollo would soon get over the young widow. Perhaps he needed to find a woman who was different from the others. Someone he could talk to and have a good time with. A rather wild idea crossed his mind as they left the church. Maybe his cousin and his best friend would make a good couple.