Gary Scott Vernier & Jhon Alfer Rua

English Level 5
INTERACTIVO

Gary Scott Vernier

Jhon Alfer Rua

Institución Universitaria Pascual Bravo
Medellín (Colombia)

Fondo Editorial RED Descartes

Córdoba (España)
2022

Título de la obra: English Level 5

Autores:
Gary Scott Vernier - Jhon Alfer Rua

Código JavaScript para el libro: Joel Espinosa Longi, IMATE, UNAM.
Diseñador e ilustraciones: Sara Montoya Arbelaez
Desarrollo y programación: Ramiro A. Lopera S, Sebastian Iserte y Cindy Tatiana Bedoya Congote.
Imagen de portada: Vector de clases de inglés creado por freepik - www.freepik.es
Fuentes: Montserrat
Núcleo del libro interactivo: julio 2022

Red Educativa Digital Descartes
Córdoba (España)
descartes@proyectodescartes.org
https://proyectodescartes.org

Proyecto iCartesiLibri
https://proyectodescartes.org/iCartesiLibri/index.htm

ISBN: 978-84-18834-55-4

Esta obra está bajo una licencia Creative Commons 4.0 internacional: Reconocimiento-No Comercial-Compartir Igual.

Puedes descargar el libro en formato pdf:

Tabla de contenido

Prefacio

Este libro digital interactivo se ha diseñado con fundamento en la filosofía del Proyecto DescartesJS: "Trabajando altruistamente por la comunidad educativa de la aldea global", que sólo busca desarrollar contenidos educativos para el provecho de la comunidad académica, esperando únicamente como retribución el uso y difusión de estos contenidos. El contenido del libro, al igual que los objetos interactivos se han diseñado de tal forma que se puedan leer en ordenadores y dispositivos móviles sin necesidad de instalar ningún programa o plugin. El libro se puede descargar para su uso en local sin dependencia con la red, a excepción de algunos audios incluidos. Todos los objetos interactivos se han diseñado con el Editor DescartesJS.

En esta entrega de la serie de Pascualino, podremos continuar aprendiendo sobre situaciones sociales que todos los ciudadanos enfrentamos en nuestras comunidades tales como las economías informales, deportes, el transporte público, la salud, la ley, entre otros. Así mismo, tendremos la oportunidad de conocer más a fondo la vida personal de Pascualino y a su familia.

Unit 1 - PASCUALINO AND RADIO - “Catching up after a while”

I wake up scared to the sound of the alarm, as it has been the last 6 months. I turn to see the time on the nightstand clock and it hits 5 a.m. that means that I have barely been able to sleep for 3 hours I went to bed around 2 a.m. since I was carrying out some university projects that I am missing.

I can hear the sound of the rain in the distance, and I get up from the bed to see the drops of water fall through the window.

Today is a perfect morning to continue sleeping, but as much as I want it, I can't. I have to go to work.

Reluctantly, I shuffle my feet to the bathroom where I take a cold shower to finish waking up. I get dressed, go down to the kitchen trying to make as little noise as possible, so as not to wake anyone up, and prepare something simple for breakfast.

Half an hour later, I'm already on my way to the Arepas factory owned by William's family. A few months ago, his father gave me a permanent job as an assistant and messenger in the factory, although at first it was quite difficult for me to adapt to the new routine, working with William's family was my only option if I did not want to leave the university. William's father was quite flexible with schedules and understanding when I had to work on my final college projects. I could never stop thanking William and his family for the opportunity they have given me.

I entered the factory still a bit asleep, but with a big smile on my face. All the workers start work early and are so friendly that it's almost impossible not to catch their morning smiles.

Also getting up early is not so bad, if I am going to see my best friend for the rest of the day.

"Hey!" Will greets me cheerfully "You look terrible friend. Did the twins wake you up again last night?"

"No, this time it was university" I tell him sincerely, as we merge into a friendly hug.

There is not a trace of fatigue on Will's face, for him to be awake on a Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. is not a challenge, after all he gets up every day of the week at 4 a.m. to exercise without exception.

"Are you ready for a day full of productivity?" He says trying to cheer me up, I just nod at him.

The truth is that William does not have the strict need to work here as many shifts as I do, however since I started working he has not stopped being by my side for a single day. When I asked him why he was doing it, he just shrugged his shoulders and replied "That's what friends are for, right?" I couldn't be more fortunate to have Will as my best friend.

The rest of the morning we help prepare the arepas and we go to collect some missing ingredients at the marketplace.

This is how most of our working days are, in the mornings we collaborate in the factory and during the afternoons we make the relevant deliveries.

I can't complain, although getting up early is kind of hard, spending my daily work routine with Will makes work feel less stressful.

For lunch this time, we decided to go sit on the small terrace of the factory and enjoy the view while we ate.

"So ... Do you have something new to tell me? You've been a bit quiet this morning" William tells me as he begins to chew his food. It's true, I've been somewhat distracted this morning.

"More than quiet, I think I'm tired, you know I haven't had enough hours of my restful sleep" I joke.

"Yes, after having two new babies at home I don't think anyone in your family sleeps much" he confesses.

"It's true, I feel like my life has changed a lot ... it's like becoming an adult comes with a lot of challenges and experiences" I confess "I mean, just look at everything that happened ... My siblings were born, my girlfriend and I broke up, I went through my first year of university, I got a job and went through a stage of self-discovery that I am still managing to understand ... "

"Yes, I know ... that is, look at me "little Willy " who is now William the boy who has a beautiful girlfriend, I never thought I would settle down" says my friend seriously.

"Not that you were 30 years old, I mean ... yeah...it is strange to say that you have a girlfriend, you were always reluctant to commitments ... but it is not like you are planning to get married soon, or are you?" I scof.

"You never know" he tells me jokingly, while he winks at me.

After lunch, we got into the company car and I took my usual position in the driver's seat. Will takes a sit on the other side and we begin our usual delivery drive.

My best friend turns on the radio and spends a few minutes hopping between stations, undecided what he wants to hear.

"It seems that there is nothing good on the radio today ..." I tell him, trying to prevent his action, the different continuous sounds are already beginning to bother me. "stay on that station, it's a good song"  Will and I started humming the song as we continued on our way.

"Thank you for joining us today in this ... your favorite radio station ...." says the radio announcer "Some reports from our listeners indicate that there is a lot of traffic on the main avenue of the city due to a car accident, so it is recommended to take alternate routes to reach your final destinations."

"That explains why we haven't moved from our place in the last 15 minutes" says William with a laugh.

"It is true, it is one of the many benefits of radio ... immediate communication and information available to everyone. In fact, I think it was one of the first means of communication in history" I add.

"It is true, and as I remember it was the origin of many other technologies developed from its model ... under the principle of being able to have communication without cables" explained William.

"Well, let's listen to the announcer" I say, as I turn down the street to take another path and avoid the traffic jam.

After a few minutes we arrive at the home of one of the factory clients and Will gets out of the car to leave her order, while I remain in the car waiting.

"Pascualino, William ... are you there?" I hear how the factory walkie-talkie sounds.

"Yes Sir, how can we help you?" I answer to my boss through the device.

"Yes, please when you are on your way back, go to the market place again and bring more corn, all reserves have been exhausted and production has risen" the man says.

"Yes, sir ... we will ... over and out" the conversation ended.

When Will got back to the car I informed him about the change of plans and we continued with the workday.

By late afternoon we are so tired of listening to the same radio station and we turn it off for a while.

"I cannot believe that I was waiting all the time to hear that famous romantic song that is fashionable and they did not it on the radio today" my friend tells me from the drivers seat, we have exchanged places.

"I don't know which one you're talking about, you can show it to me if you want ... you just have to play it on Spotify and synchronize your phone with the car radio" I say.

"It's true!" Will does what I tell him and the song starts to play automatically, I let myself be carried away by the melody. "That stupid face of yours ..." scoffs William "Is it because you're seeing Sebastian today after work?" he says with a huge smile.

"Yes ... I guess so" I mumble, as I feel my face burn with excitement at my confession.

Pascualino's point of view ends

Unit 2 - PASCUALINO AND STREET PERFORMERS - “Old and new loves”

Sebastian finishes retouching my makeup while the others prepare the paints and costumes that we will use, I would never have imagined that I would become part of something like this.

I glance sideways at my reflection in the mirror and then my eyes settle on Sebastian.

"You really are very talented, I look extremely imposing" I tell him with a smile.

"I know! I love your look!" He says excitedly as he kisses my cheek "Today will be incredible!" he adds as he takes my hand.

"I can't agree more," I tell him with a huge smile.

"We're ready, it's time for the magic moment ..." Sara interrupts us excitedly. The time has come for our street performance.

The City Council organized this year a cultural event inviting the young people of the city to carry out various artistic expressions of their choice in order to promote inclusion, equality and coexistence. For this reason, my friends and I are encouraged to participate through a dramatic dance in representation of our cultural diversity and Colombian roots.

Each one was in charge of a different aspect, Sebastian did all the makeup and costumes, Maria and Sara put together the choreography, and Santiago and I coordinated the registration. And we got some paints to intervene a mural later. I'm really excited to see how everything turns out, it's my first public performance and after days of rehearsal, the day has finally arrived.

The place is packed, a tremendous diversity of art and people surround us. Inevitably I begin to panic, but Sebastian's hand manages to calm me down somehow.

We go up to the main stage, the music begins to play and in the blink of an eye everything begins to come to life.

We move from side to side to the rhythm of the drums, and we play the rehearsed choreography. Adrenaline runs through my veins and the euphoria I feel is indescribable. I don't know if it makes sense, but even though I know that our act lasted around 5 minutes it felt like a pleasant eternity, I could do this for the rest of my life.

The movements, the music, the colour, the public, the atmosphere, us, everything is mixed in perfect harmony.

Once our performance ends, the audience goes crazy. On our way getting off the stage several people came up to congratulate us with hugs and kisses, while we did not stop thanking them.

When I look up from the crowd of people, I can make out red hair that I know very well. The memories hit me suddenly and I start to feel tremendously guilty. I inevitably go back to the moment of my breakup with Windy.

flashback starts- a few months ago

"Let's see if I understood correctly ... are you telling me that Sebastian kissed you days after the twins were born as a way to calm you down because of the uncertainty you felt about the future?" Windy tells me.

"Yes ... and then I clarified that we could not have anything ... that is, I have a girlfriend" I replied to Windy "You know how much you mean to me, that's why I'm honest with you ... I don't want to hide the fact that Sebastian, my friend kissed me "

Windy is silent for a long time, perhaps trying to decide what to do with the information I just gave her.

"Please tell me something ..." I insist "We never have secrets between us ... You know that our relationship is based on trust, that's why I told you this ... this doesn't have to change anything between us"

"Just tell me ..." says Windy on the verge of tears "Did you like it? Did you like the kiss that Sebastian gave you?" I meditate on her words for a moment; I'm not even sure what to say.

"If you want the truth ... no ... I don't know" I confess and see how her expression breaks.

"Thank you ... that's all I needed to know ..." I tried to take her hand, but she pushed me away. "It's all Bravo ... you can't keep fooling us"

"What do you mean? I didn't fool you ... I pushed Sebastian aside!" It's true what I say, I would never be unfaithful to Windy

"I'm talking about not fooling yourself. You're not even sure if you liked his kiss, that only means one thing ... you must discover yourself ... I think that the best thing I can do for you is to give you your space, so that you discover what you really feel" explained Windy.

"But ..." I try to find an argument valid enough to maintain our relationship, nonetheless there is nothing. She is right; I need to find out what I feel and what I really want.

flashback ends

I remember the mixture of emotions that represented that day for me. After Windy and I broke up, I didn't know how to act. I was still trying to understand what she wanted for me and the chess competition that I then had against Sebastian did nothing but confuse me even more, I did not know how to face him. That day I lost in the game against him because I was so distracted thinking of our kiss; I couldn't simply think of anything else.

Days after reflecting upon it a lot and doing something like an introspection test, I went back in my mind to all the moments I could remember with Sebastian since I met him. He was the first friend I made when I just started college, the great chemistry we have is indisputable, whenever I go through a difficult moment he is there to support me, and the days after my siblings' birth were not the exception, with that kiss he showed more than his affection ... he managed to show me that he had earned a special place in my heart.

The rest of our relationship is history; the first few days I wasn't sure if I wanted to give Sebastian a chance, but if is not now then ... when? I think I am at a stage in my life where I can allow myself to experiment and thus really find out who I am, what I like and what I don't.

"What are you thinking about, love?" Sebastian takes me out of my thoughts.

"I was just remembering how everything started between us ..." I try to explain my distracted face. "I just remember how difficult everything was for me ... you know I had been through a lot in those days" he added.

"Yes ... but you know what is most beautiful ... that you managed to accept your true feelings for me. And now we can be together" Sebastian says with a big smile "Come on! A wall is waiting to be painted!"

Sebastian grabs my hand and drags me to the wall where we will do the graffiti. Our friends follow us closely and we begin to unpack the paintings to begin making our artwork.

After a couple of hours, the piece finally takes shape and we move away from the wall a bit to appreciate our work with pride.

I step back blindly as I fix my eyes on the beautiful painting, no doubt my friends and I make a great team.

A blow to my back makes me turn suddenly and I find myself with well-known gray eyes that look at me wide.

"Bravo!" Windy exclaims in my direction "I ..." tries to say the girl, but her words get stuck in her throat.

"Honey ... I mean! Windy! How are you?" I greet her animatedly, trying to cut through the uncomfortable ambiance in which we find ourselves immersed.

"I .. I'm fine .. I'm leaving, bye" she tries to escape from the situation, as she always does when she feels pressured, she is about to start skating again, but her movement seems to fail and when she is about to fall to the ground , I grab her out of habit in my arms.

We spend a few seconds staring at each other until I separate from her.

"Thank you" she says barely in a whisper, still trying to catch her breath.

"No need" I answered with a slight smile, she corresponds to me in the same way and then she skates away, I watch her as she loses herself among the crowd of people at the event.

"That was ... Windy?" I hear Sebastian say behind me.

"Yeah ... she was just saying hello to me" I reassured him.

I know that I will always have great affection for Windy, she is my first love. However, now I feel that my heart wants something new and I can only find it next to Sebastian.

Pascualino's point of view ends

Unit 3 - PASCUALINO AND YOUTUBE - “Learning with Sis”

Life advances and with it you grow. We learn from good and bad moments and create memories that accompany us for the rest of our lives. Over the years, I have learned that everything is a process, an unexpected surprise with which we wake up every day and almost without realizing it, the valuable and fleeting moments go away, when we realize this fact they are already part of the past.

Sometimes I have this conflict in my head, the feeling that the present is slipping out of my hands and that I don't value it enough. Every experience I have, every person I share with, every new thing I learn ... They help to form the person that I am today.

If only I had had another family, other opportunities or another education my current reality would be totally different. I am grateful for what I have, and it is impossible for me not to appreciate how beautiful it is to be able to grow with others. From a very young age my parents not only worried about my academic education but about my integral education, and now that I am older I am sure that my parents will do the same for my new siblings, but I would also like to contribute to their learning. That is why, I came up with a great idea to encourage the whole family to learn. Learning has no age limit and is a good excuse to spend more time together.

Since the babies were born, our family time has been reduced, and by adopting a new routine I think it is also necessary to integrate newcomer members into our competitive family dynamics.

One afternoon we were all at home and I took advantage of the occasion to share my idea with my family.

Mom and Dad were sitting in the living room, each with a baby in their arms giving them a bottle. On the other hand, Carla and I were sitting in the dining room doing our homework.

"It still seems incredible to me that I still haven't managed to get Sofia to say her first word" Carla mentioned frustrated, closing her notebook, and cutting off the silence in which we found ourselves engulfed.

"Because Samuel will say his first word first" said my father convinced, while he cradled my brother in his arms.

"No! I've tried too hard! Sofia will make it!" Carla challenged him with a smirk.

It is these types of situations that I refer to, when I say that my family is competitive. We all enjoy healthy competition with each other. 6 months after my new siblings’ birth, Carla and my father have entered this game about getting babies to say their first word, and almost every day they have a little discussion about it, showing off their progress.

"You know ... the other day I remembered that since I was little I was interested in learning English" I intervened in the conversation "I found this new language very curious ... and I think I would like that since babies Sofia and Samuel are familiar with English, this can open many doors for them in the future and we could find fun ways to teach them... so I came up with an idea ... "I feel like all eyes in the place are focused on me, interested in listening to what I want to say.

"The first one who gets one of the babies to say their first word in English will be able to organize their birthday ... you know the celebration of the first year of life is always important" I tell them finally.

"It's a great idea" says my mother with a big smile "You're right, we should take advantage of the fact that they are more receptive to learning a new language because of their age"

"Yes! Challenge accepted!" Carla said excitedly "I already have a lot of ideas"

"Hey! Pascualino, this is not fair ... Carla is an expert in English, I'm not that good" said my father indignantly. I'm about to answer but my mother is ahead of me

"That's the idea honey, be resourceful!" said my understanding mother "This will be a good opportunity to get out of our comfort zone"

"Exactly ... and at the same time, we can all learn new things in English or reinforce our previous knowledge" I concluded

The next day the real fun begins. Our house has become something of a language center, while Carla starts to speak to the babies in English full time, my father chooses a more technological method and plays videos on YouTube Kids for them.

One day when Carla came back from school she discovered my father's way and complained about it.

"That is not fair!" she tells our mother "He's not even here to teach them"

"Honey, he was resourceful. You know your father works all day, and could only teach them at night ... so during the day they can hang out with the videos and reinforce the knowledge. I think it was a very ingenious idea. And... your siblings love the songs on this YouTube channel." my mother replies.

The weeks go by and the fun continues, my mother and I stay out of the competition but we enjoy watching my father and Carla do all kinds of things to get the babies to say something.

Carla reads them stories in the language, my father buys some bilingual toys, Carla dances and performs English plays, my dad sings to them and Sofia and Samuel cannot erase the smiles from their faces. It seems that they are really enjoying this English learning adventure.

This entire project is documented by my mother on her phone, who does not stop making videos of every detail.

"What?" she asks defensively in my direction, when she spots me looking at her. While she records how the babies applaud my father who finishes his infantile dance "We do not know in what moment his first word can come out, we must be prepared ... and I want to have it on video" explains my mother, shrugging her shoulders while a smile crosses her face.

"Mom, you have so many videos that you might think about opening a YouTube channel ..." Carla said casually.

"Yes ... it would not only serve as an online record of our memories as a family, but you could also help other older mothers with your experience ... you know, something like giving advice, telling your story... our story" my father agrees.

"I don't know guys, I don't think I am good enough for it ... I'd be ashamed to speak in front of the camera" she confesses "besides now with the twins I have very little free time"

"Well ... you could think about it, I think you would be very good" my father encourages her with a big smile.

"Well, while mom decides if she wants to become a YouTuber, I present my winning strategy ..." says Carla proudly.

"What do you mean?" my father asks, suddenly concerned.

"You'll see ..." Carla turns on the TV in the living room, synchronizes her phone and plays a video with her face on YouTube.

"Did you make a video especially for the kids?" she asks our mother on the verge of tears.

"Yes! I present to you the YouTube channel: Learning with Sis. " says Carla with a big smile

"Sister is incredible, I love your idea" I give her a spontaneous hug "What are you waiting to show us the video?" I encourage her.

Carla plays the video and we are all amazed, it has an impressive quality. "And don't forget ... never stop learning with Sis ... tell me! Sis! .... Sis! ... sis!" finally concludes the video.

"Daughter ... that was impressive ... it was a beautiful gesture that you did it for Samuel and Sofia" says my proud mother as they merge into a hug.

"I remembered how much the twins like Disney characters and then I wanted to integrate them into the video ... so they will help them learn English" explains my sister.

"Carla, after this I think I will lose the game ... but I am not interested, it is beautiful to see how all of us as a family have united much more thanks to the twins, I am proud of each member of our family, I love you all" says my father and we all merge into a hug.

"Could you replay the video please....? I loved the closing song !.. Learn with Sis!" I ask Carla excitedly, it is a very catchy melody.

"..... Don’t forget ... never stop learning with Sis ... tell me! Sis! .... Sis! ... sis!" The video plays and we all start laughing and singing.

I divert my gaze to the twins and they both raise their small arms, while pronouncing in unison in Carla's direction.

"Sis! Sis!" It seems that they have said their first word and my mother could not be happier, since she captured it on video. Carla will be in charge of organizing the twins' birthday party.

Unit 4 - PASCUALINO AND THE MEDIEVAL COURT JESTER - “The court of jokes”

Pascualino's point of view starts

"So, as I was telling you ... on some occasions the creative blocks are not only due to an evident lack of inspiration, but rather to a deeper reason that sometimes is difficult for us to identify" said the teacher while writing something on the board "If you begin to check your subconscious you may find some causes....sometimes the reason why creative ideas do not flow, may be due to an emotional blockage, insecurity in your talent, fear of performing, and among others. Try this exercise ... Ask yourself ... What are the true causes of your current creative block?”

I do what the teacher suggests and I reflect, I write a list on the paper of my notebook and when I finish I stare at it, most of the things that worry me are out of my hands, what should I do?

"There are times when we cannot control situations external to us" says the teacher, almost reading my thoughts. "However, we can control what attitude we take in the face of life's difficulties. There are times when we just have to let go, and move on. "

"But how do we achieve that?" asked Sebastian impassively, who was sitting next to me.

"I'm going to get to that point ..." replied the teacher Fabiana with an understanding smile. "We must allow ourselves to continue creating to express what we feel inside, be it good or bad. To heal it is necessary to accept what we feel"

"When did the design methodology class become a psychology class?" said mockingly one of my classmates at the back of the room.

"Doing is highly related to being, what you do expresses who you are" answered Fabiana "You all know that a fairly common dispute in our midst is trying to define whether designers can be considered artists or not ... but regardless the opinion that you have in this regard, it is important to highlight something ... art allows total freedom of expression and that is what today's task will be about."

"This is getting good ..." Sebastian whispers softly to me, I'm so intrigued by the teacher's words that I just nod, waiting in anticipation for what her proposal will be.

"Form groups with 7 members, we will do a play, you will work on a performance that allows you to exploit all that you are feeling inside, and that is somehow blocking your creative process" explained the teacher.

Sebastian and I instinctively hooked up with our regular group: Sara, Maria, Rebecca and Santiago. But we still need a member, so Sebastian asks Felipe (another boy from class) to be part of our team.

"Very good guys, now that you have formed the teams, you have to write and prepare a play that you will perform in front of the class next week, and the best play will be selected to appear in the final presentation of the semester". The teacher approaches her desk and takes a bag full of papers "But the activity will not be so easy" she adds with a giggle. "The work must not only be based on a process of introspection, but also on the theme that a member of the group will randomly draw from this bag."

"Can we go first?" Sebastian asked excitedly, he loves art.

"Sure ... here you go" replied the teacher, extending the bag in his direction.

"And..?" Maria asks anxiously "What did we get?"

Sebastian unwraps the paper and reads aloud "The Medieval Court Jester"

"That is a great topic! I want to see what the result will be ..." said the teacher Fabiana excitedly.

"Guys, let's meet today on the terrace of the university, after class. We have to start thinking about what we will do." Said Rebecca.

"It's true, please each one, bring a possible idea of what you would like to do, then we will agree on something together" I asked.

The teacher finished giving us some final guidelines, and dismissed us with high expectations of contemplating our assignments next class.

The rest of the day my head begins to spin around the theme and I encourage myself to investigate about it to try to find some inspiration.

When the evening comes, my friends and I sit around one of the tables on the rooftop and begin to discuss possible ideas.

"So, I was thinking that taking into account that the jester played a sarcastic, controversial and funny role in the medieval court ... each of us could play a jester based on his personality, that is, in his own introspection" Sebastian proposes

"I think it's an excellent idea, Babe" I say sincerely, while squeezing his hand affectionately.

"Thank you handsome" he returns the gesture with a wink at me.

"Enough love birds, don't be so cheesy!" Santiago makes fun of us.

"Come on! Leave them ... they're too cute!" Sara defends us

"Time is running out, guys! Let's better focus on the play ..." Rebecca said "based on the idea that Sebastian gave... has anyone come up with something related?".

"Well, according to what I can read about it, the buffoons occupied a privileged place next to kings and powerful. Since due to their comic skills they were allowed to pronounce or laugh at whom nobody would dare to do so, they were irreverent" added Maria.

"Yeah! ... They were granted the unusual merit of humanizing the great king or authority, making him feel, supposedly and temporarily, like another mortal" I complement.

"You can see that his role at the time was both ambiguous and cruel on some occasions ... it all depends on how we want to represent him" adds Felipe, I almost forgot his presence.

"Well, what would it be like to do something like a court of jesters, showing each of our personalities" I propose

"I like the idea! And what name would the play have?!" Sebastian intervened.

We spent a few minutes debating how we should title the act and after what feels like an eternity we finally agreed on an idea,

"We got it ... The court of jokes!" Felipe said excitedly.

"Love it! You are a total genius!" Sebastian says to Felipe, too affectionate for my liking. But there is no point in making an act of jealousy now; Sebastian is only with me... right? He loves me … I let it pass and focus on our task.

"Then it will be a social criticism of the facets of authority” "that each one has in daily life, but with a sarcastic touch as each one interprets a kind of alter ego of our personalities personified as buffoons" I summarize the central idea of the act.

"Exactly" Rebecca supports me "Now .... to rehearse!" and we all do what she says, no one wants our dear friend to get mad, it seems that we already have the director of the play.

The days go by and the rehearsals increase, we polish details and after a week our act is complete.

At first I was skeptical of how we could do a work of such magnitude, meeting the standards that we had established. But after a while, everything started to flow naturally, and today I can say that I have discovered one of my greatest passions: acting and theatre.

When the day comes to present their work in front of the class, everyone in our team is quite nervous, but at the same time, we are expecting to know what the reaction of our classmates will be.

The play feels full of synergy, everything is incredible, the laughter and drama flood the room and by the time we finish all our colleagues stand up to applaud and congratulate us on our work.

"Guys ... that was simply ... sublime ... congratulations!" says the teacher, giving us a spontaneous hug.

The other groups go on to depict their works and when the class ends, the teacher Fabiana is about to announce which would be the chosen work to be included in the final semester exhibition.

"Very good ... and now the long awaited moment has arrived ... the play that was selected is ... The court of jokes!" she informs us happily. “You guys did an impeccable job, I congratulate you. I already want to see everyone's reaction on the day of the final exhibition”

My team and I looked at each other for a few seconds, unable to believe that we had been selected, but when we finally processed reality, we hugged each other tightly to celebrate our victory.

I look for Sebastian to give him a hug and maybe a kiss, but he is hugging Felipe and maybe it's my imagination but when they separate I can notice a certain kind of complicity between them. Complicity that I thought he only had with me.

… Two weeks later, we performed our play and it was a total success, our families and friends were fascinated.

And I can't be happier, who knows ... maybe in the future I will consider dedicating more time to the theatre.

Pascualino's point of view ends.

Unit 5 - PASCUALINO AND WALT DISNEY WORLD - “A special birthday”

Pascualino's point of view starts

"Bravo? Did you bring the balloons?" Carla asked me as she ran across the room.

"Yes! I put them on the table; do you need me to hang them somewhere?" I ask her, approaching her position.

"Yes, distribute them in the best possible way throughout the room. Use your excellent designer eye!" she tells me with a smile.

"I'll do my best" I promise.

I inflate each of the balloons with the different shapes of the classic Disney characters and start decorating the living room with them.

The theme of the twins' birthday party is Disney, since we realized the great love that babies have for these characters because of the videos they have been learning English in.

When I finish decorating the room, I ask Carla if she needs my help somewhere else.

The whole family has distributed the tasks in order to have the party ready, for the agreed time. My mom has been in charge of preparing and ordering the food, Dad is in charge of the entertainment of the party. I am the decorator and the manager of the gifts; while Carla is managing the entire party. The twins supervise all the activities from their crib, they both have a big smile on their little mouths, I guess that's a sign that they approve of the party.

"Very well in 1 hour the guests will begin to arrive" Carla mentioned "Family! Come on, come on, and come on! We can do it!" My sister encourages us.

We all make our last effort and 30 minutes later the party is ready.

"Everything is awesome!" Carla says cheerfully, admiring the place.

With the living room ready, we went upstairs to get ourselves ready and put on our best clothes to celebrate the twins' birthdays.

I am in front of the mirror in my room giving the last details to my look when the doorbell takes me out of my thoughts and I run to open the door.

"As punctual as always" I say as soon as I open the main entrance.

"Always Honey, you know me" said Sebastian winking at me, then leaning down and kissing me on the lips as a welcome. "Look, I brought them this ... I hope they like it" he says once we parted, and he showed me two giant stuffed animals of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

"Wow ... this is incredible, thank you honey" I thank him, embracing our lips together.

The minutes pass and the other guests arrive.

My friends from the university: Rebecca, Maria, Sara, Santiago and Felipe, who after doing the play with us became much more united to our group, I don't quite trust him ... but there isn't much that I can do, I have no logical reason to feel distrustful.

Of course William and his family are here too, plus some other neighbours and friends of my parents. Carla also invited her closest friends. And the rest of our family came to the party, both the maternal and paternal sides.

Almost when I think everyone has arrived, an unexpected appearance quite surprises me. Carla enters the room with nothing more and nothing less than Windy who carries in her arms two giant stuffed animals of Donald and Daisy Duck.

I stare at Carla trying to find some kind of answer, but she just keeps on going as she shrugs her shoulders and smiles at me with sufficiency.

It looks like this is going to be a pretty interesting party, I think as I follow my sister to her room. I need to talk to her.

"What was that all about?" I ask Carla when we are alone in her room "did you invite Windy?"

"Yes Bravo, she was there at the birth of the twins and she is still my friend despite your breakup" explains my sister.

"It's true ... but it would have been good if you had told me before ... so I would have been mentally prepared" I explain

"I know, I'm sorry ... Next time I'll do it" she told me with a smile "Just try to be friendly and relax. I assure you that everything will be fine" After that, Carla leaves me in her room alone. I take a deep breath trying to calm myself and decide how to act.

Having my boyfriend and my ex in the same room can't be that bad, can it? What can go wrong?

After eating, the games begin. First we have the game of musical chairs, then we put the tail on the donkey and by the end of the afternoon we break the piñata.

It is somewhat curious that although most of the guests are "old" we enjoy the games as if we were children again.

My friends surprise us by dressing up as Disney characters and being the recreationists during the celebration.

The food is delicious, the music sets the scene and everyone is happy to be able to spend time together.

"Who's ready for karaoke?" My father encourages us.

"Me! I'm eager to show my singing skills" Sebastian said with his head resting on my shoulder.

"Very good guys! There is only one rule ... the only songs you can sing must be part of the Disney classics" explains my father.

"This is going to get interesting!" adds Rebecca who is sitting next to William with their hands clasped.

"Very good, I'll make the game a little more complicated ... I'll choose a song and you will have to guess which Disney movie it belongs to" Sebastian says as he gets up, grabs the microphone and plays the song of his choice.

"'I am gonna be a mighty king, so enemies beware ..." my boyfriend starts singing "... Well I've never seen a king of beasts with quite so little hair" he slightly changes the tone of his voice " I'm gonna be the main event like no king was before ... "

"I know! I know! The Lion King!" Carla says excitedly "The twins love that song" Carla stands up and replaces Sebastian, having guessed the movie now it is her turn to sing.

"Look at me ... You may think you see ... Who I really am ... But you'll never know me ... Every day ... It's as if I play a part" sings Carla and  we look at each other confused without identifying which Disney movie it belongs to.

"This is hard!" Sebastian complains.

"Now I see ... If I wear a mask ... I can fool the world ... But I cannot fool my heart ... Who is that girl I see ... Staring straight back at me?" My sister keeps singing.

"I know! ... My Reflection from the movie Mulan!" Windy finally yells.

Windy gets up to take her place, and looks for the song of her lesson.

"If there's a prize for rotten judgment ... I guess I've already won that ... No man is worth the aggravation ... That's ancient history, been there, done that .." from the first moment that Windy begins to sing the song I recognize the song, although I dare not to speak. "Who d'you think you're kidding ... He's the earth and heaven to you ... Try to keep it hidden ... Honey we can see right through you ... Girl you can't conceal it … We know how you're feeling ... Who are you thinking of" I don't know when I start to move my foot to the rhythm of the music, but I come back to reality when Sebastian puts his hands on my leg to stop the movement. "No chance no way I won't say it, no no ... (You swoon you sigh why deny it oh oh) ... It's too cliche, I won't say I'm in love" the song ends and Windy is looking at me directly, while I do the same.

"No one? Has anyone been able to guess?" Carla says, waiting for an answer.

"I Won't Say (I'm In Love) ... from the movie Hercules" I finally say, without taking my eyes off the intense gaze of Windy, who smiles at me when she realizes that I remember the song of her favorite Disney movie.

Suddenly I feel bad, I'm with Sebastian now. Is it normal that I still remember and feel so much affection for my ex?

"Honey .. it is your turn!" Sebastian tells me, encouraging me to sing, but sincerely I don't really want to.

"No ... it's late. And it's hot ... I'll go out for a while" I tell my boyfriend and get up. I give him a little smooch and go out to the balcony, I need a little air and space to think.

I don't know how much time I spend outside alone, but after a while my sister tells me that the guests have started to leave and asks for my help to deliver the souvenirs.

When I walk down the hall, towards the living room I see it.

Sebastian and Felipe are making out, moving in a perfectly synchronized rhythm. Everything happens too fast but the next thing I am aware is my fist in Felipe's face.

"But what the hell are you doing?" Sebastian tells me scared.

"What am I doing? What are you doing? I say to Sebastian with a firm voice, as I feel anger running through my veins. Sebastian leans over Felipe and helps him to his feet.

"Pascualino we have never discussed the fact that we were exclusive" Sebastian explains to me, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Don't think I didn't realize the way you looked at Windy a while ago" he admits to me "But it's fine if you want to be with her at the same time as me" he tells me with a comprehensive smile.

"No ... Sebastian, we're done" I say leaving the room before I even give him time to respond.

My heart breaks again in less than a year. I put on my best face and dismissed the guests, fortunately this drama took place in a room away from curious spectators.

Pascualino's point of view ends

Unit 6 - PASCUALINO AND TV - “A broken heart”

Pascualino's point of view starts

And finally the couple meet again, they kiss and live happily ever after. I repeat over and over the end of my favorite romantic movie.

I do not know how long it has been since the holidays began, but ultimately for me all the days that pass are more or less the same. I have only been accompanied by many romantic movies, junk food and songs for a broken heart.

I don't know what's wrong with me, but I don't understand why my head and my heart are in deep agony. I feel too stupid and hurt, when I finally encouraged myself to open up to a new kind of love and accept my feelings for Sebastian, he ended our relationship by betraying me.

The sound of my bedroom door takes me out of my torpor and I turn to see who has been responsible for ending my pleasant depressive moment.

"Bravo ..." says my sister with a soft tone "Will is downstairs ... he wants to see you"

"I ... tell him I'm asleep" I ask,  in a pleading way to Carla. It's not that I don't want to see my best friend, just that I don't feel like dealing with him and his advice on how I should move on.

"Brother .." Carla approaches my bed soothingly and takes a seat at one end "You can't stay here forever, I think it's time for you at least to start taking steps to return to normality. You have already processed your pain but you must follow your life “she advises me.

"But I'm so comfortable here ..." I complain, and my voice sounds more childish than I planned.

"I know, but brother ... Life brings with it many challenges that we must learn to overcome. I am not saying that you become insensitive but if you love yourself you must understand that the only one who is hurting yourself at this moment is you. Remember what your motivations are and move on, do not remove the people who love you from your life, for example your friends, you will see how love will return to your life. Love is not only present in romantic relationships ". Carla explains to me and her words leave me totally surprised.

"When did my little sister become so wise?" I tell her fondly, getting up from the bed to give her a big hug.

"Maybe being locked in your room for so long has made you blind, but in case you haven't realized it,  I'm no longer a little girl," Carla mocks.

"I know ... it's hard to accept that I'm getting old" I replied once we broke away from the hug.

"Come on!" Carla laughs "You're supposed to set an example for me, not the other way around ..." my sister goes to the door and before leaving she adds "I'll tell Will to come up, and by the way ...Stop watching so much television your eyes are going to get squared." I laugh at Carla's joke and I am surprised to hear the sound of my laugh, I had almost forgotten how it felt.

Moments later my friend appears at the door and a smile appears on his face as a greeting. I invite him to take a seat in the chair next to my bed and we both watch TV for a while without saying anything.

"It's good to know that you're still alive ... you disappeared from the face of the earth after the twins' birthday" my best friend breaks the silence.

"Well ... I'm not at my best" I say defeated.

"You can talk to me if you want ... Why did you and Sebastian break up?" Will asks me. I don't know if I want to talk about it, but I understand that it might do me good to drain my emotions and who better than my best friend to give me some advice.

"I assumed we were exclusive, but I saw Sebastian making out with Felipe after the party, and he didn't seem sorry or anything ... In fact he told me that if I wanted to be with Windy and with him at the same time there would be no problem" I explain slowly, it still hurts quite a bit to talk about it “It is assumed that when you have a stable partner you only want to be with that person, you choose to be with him or her ... you don't want the other person to have two or three more partners ... Don't you think, Will? "

"Friend, I understand how you feel ... because I thought the same a while ago, until I talk to Rebecca about it" Will explains to me

"What do you mean? Rebecca and you are not exclusive?" I look at him surprised.

"What I mean is that it is easy to assume things in a relationship if the terms are not communicated" Will seems to notice that I do not fully understand why he adds "When I just started my relationship with Rebecca we had to go gradually, and with time we learned the things that were and were not allowed in our relationship, for example it was she who one day brought up the issue of exclusivity, and after talking about it we both agreed that we only wanted to be with each other, no one was allowed to be unfaithful. However, with that conversation I realized that the exclusivity in a romantic relationship was obvious to me, but not to her. We could only establish the terms of our relationship by talking about it" Will finishes explaining.

"Now I'm starting to understand ... Sebastian and I never talked about exclusivity ... But still ... it doesn't change the fact that I feel highly betrayed by his actions" I concluded.

"And after that day ... have you at least talked to him?

To tell him how you feel? "I shake my head" There he is ... you are keeping everything ... he is not a fortune teller, he will never know how he hurt you if you do not tell him. You should think about talking to him " suggests my best friend

"Maybe ... when I'm ready" I promise.

"Okay .. in the meantime I'll give you another example of the importance of communication in relationships ..." Will makes his face even more serious than before and begins his account. "I don't know if you knew ... I don't think so, but Rebecca is a transgender woman, her first name was Roberto" Will confides to me and I am speechless. If he hadn't told me, I would have never found out.

"I didn't know ... But do you think she agrees that you tell me?" I inquired.

"Yes ... she is very open with her story, as long as it serves to raise awareness about it. She told me even before we started dating" explains Will "She told me she was born as a boy, Roberto. However, when she started growing up she felt that her body was not her own, she felt more like a girl, and although her parents did not accept that fact at first, over time they gave her their support and she began a process of transformation, not only physical but also mental, which continues to this day "

"That must have been very difficult for you to accept ... right?" I inquired

"The truth is that no, I felt bad but it was when I realized how ignorant I was about it. When I saw some cases on television of transgender people, It seemed to me quite simple, but when talking about it with Rebecca it tore my heart out. All the rejection she suffers, the complex hormonal treatments, the painful surgical processes. She opened my eyes to a new reality and I will always be grateful to her for that." Will settles in his seat and turns his gaze to me.

"If you hadn't told me her story, I would have never found out ..." I try to explain.

"Yes ... I know what you mean, and that's what I am trying to tell you ... you should be honest with Sebastian, communication is essential" Will replies with a smile.

"Yes ... it's true. Maybe I'll dare to do it soon." I really missed having these kinds of conversations with my friend. "I love Rebecca's open attitude, your relationship with her completely demolishes many stereotypes about the transgender community" I congratulate Will.

"Yeah, at the end of the day I just fell in love with her soul ... no matter what labels society tries to put on us" Will suddenly stand up and turn off the TV "Now put that bitter face aside and let's go! let's take a walk" he encourages me "You have to stop watching so much TV and come back to reality "

"It's funny, you're the second person to tell me that today" I say laughing, as I follow him outside.

Pascualino's point of view ends

Unit 7 - PASCUALINO AND BOLLYWOOD - “Draining emotions”

Pascualino's point of view starts

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster ride for me. During the holidays, I concentrated on clarifying my feelings and decided what I really want for myself in the future. I took advantage of my free time to work extra shifts in the Arepas company and thus earn some more money. Occupy my mind and somehow disconnect from my recent emotional problems.

I haven't seen or spoken to Sebastian since that last day at the birthday party, and for a while I'd rather avoid bumping into him. Unfortunately, college will start again soon. I just hope our schedules don't cross this semester. I really want to be able to spend some time alone before starting a relationship again.

With the desire to find new ways that help me express what I feel, and inspired by the play we did for the Design Methodology class last semester, I am encouraged to give acting another try.

A few days before classes start I get in touch with my friends, the twins Maria and Sara, who are part of the university theater group.

I remember how they were the ones who gave us acting advice for the play "The court of jokes" and also who created most of the choreography for the cultural show that we did with my friends at the artistic event organized by the mayor's office a couple of months ago.

I am meeting with the girls in a cafe at the end of the week and I will share my desire to start practicing dancing, singing, and performing arts.

"Pascualino! It's good to see you!" Sara says cheerfully as we merge into a warm hug.

"It's true, we haven't heard from you for a long time ... you were quite lost during the holidays" added Maria, kissing my cheek.

"Sorry girls, it's been a few days ..." I take a few seconds to try to find the right way to express my recent feelings. "... complicated and confusing" I finally completed the sentence, and suddenly I felt sadness back to me. The girls seem to notice it because they try to change the subject quickly.

"Hey Bravo! You know you can count on us for whatever you need ... the past is in the past!" Maria encourages me.

"Yes! Also, I can see that you are much better ..." Sara supports her “Let´s better catch up!”

The three of us plunged into a lively conversation, while enjoying some delicious coffees. The girls tell me about the beautiful place they went on vacation with their family. And I for my part choose to skip my little emotional crisis and tell them how I have taken the time to share with the twins and work together with Will in the company.

The conversation progresses and they tell me about their next plans with the theater club, the plays and dances that they are preparing for the next season.

"Say hello to the new club directors!" Maria tells me proudly.

"Wow girls! It's amazing! Congrats!" I tell them sincerely.

"Sure! After spending almost 2 years at the club it was time to move up the ranks!" Sara jokes. "I'm super excited for next week's activities, inspired by Bollywood"

"Yes! They are incredible ... I love the body expression exercises that we have prepared" adds Maria.

"You know girls ... Just what I wanted to … talk to you about, I was wondering if maybe you could help me be part of the theater group this semester" I dare to ask "For some time I have been in search of an effective way to disconnect my mind and let myself be carried away by art. And although drawing sometimes works for me, I think theater represents another level "I explain.

The girls look at me expectantly and their obvious silence manages to scare me at first, but when they both suddenly jump on my arms and scream with joy, I am convinced that I have made the right decision to ask for their help.

"Bravo! That is not necessary to ask ... Of course! Registration is open!" Sara exclaims animatedly.

"And as Co-director of the club I say that you are officially in" adds Maria with a big smile.

A week later, on Friday afternoon I finally attended my first meeting with the theater group at the university. After the twins introduced me to the group and everyone gave me a warm welcome, we got down to business and they began to guide the body expression exercises that they had told me about in our meeting days before.

"Very well, today we will start with some stretching, later we will have a little introduction to Bollywood and then we will all collaborate in the ideation of the choreography." Sara explained

We do the relaxation and stretching exercises that Maria tells us, and as the minutes go by I feel like my body frees itself of all the tensions accumulated in the week. I let go of my movements and let my mind go with them.

"So ... does anyone know what Bollywood consists of ... or what comes to mind when I mention it?" Inquires Sara.

We are all sitting in a perfect circle on the floor, while Sara and Maria have the floor.

"Well ... I know it's something like the Hollywood equivalent but in India" says the girl on my right side.

"Yes! Also, India is the country that produces more films annually in the world, surpassing even the USA" adds a boy reading the data on his phone.

"Very good!" Says Sara pleased "Anyone else?"

"Well ... I always heard that both dance and music are the protagonists in Bollywood movies" I added a bit shy since I still don't have much confidence with everyone in the club.

"Excellent Bravo!" Maria congratulates me "Just at that point is where we wanted to go, Bollywood movies are highly recognized for their musical numbers. Indian dance movements are quite different from what we are used to in western culture, so we think it would be a good idea to prepare a choreography inspired by these films, and in some way enrich our repertoire of steps."  Maria finished.

"So what are we waiting for? Let's get to work!" Sara ordered us.

We all get going and break into groups to watch some reference videos, and to put together a short choreography inspired by our research.

After rehearsing and learning the dance for a couple of hours, my classmates and I presented Sara and Maria with our choreography.

The classical dances of India are made up of a kind of mixture between theater, drama, poetry, sound and music. It feels as if each member and part of the body had a leading role and played its own personality, also the positions in which the hands move up to the facial expression have a specific communicative intention.

As the music passes through my body, I feel my emotions drain and my feelings come to the surface. I drop everything at the dance and by the time the song ends I'm totally drenched in sweat, but with a big smile on my face. I feel free.

"Wow, Dude ... we knew you were good at dancing but this has been on another level" Sara said moved "Have you been practicing?"

"Yes ... let's say it has become my way of healing" I feel my face blush at my confession.

"Well Bravo, this choreography not only serves as your debut in the theater group but also became your entry pass to participate in the next audition" says Maria

"What do you mean?" I inquire

"In the next few weeks, we will put on a play that will be presented at "El Pequeño Teatro" ... and I think you would be perfect for the main role ..." Maria encourages me.

"Are you serious?" I tell her on the edge of emotion, my friend nods.

"Thank you Girls! You are the best" I say while hugging them both. World get ready! because my career in the performing arts is just beginning.

Pascualino's point of view ends

Unit 8 - PASCUALINO AND THE CIRCUS - “Family Time”

Pascualino's point of view starts

I do not remember exactly when the last day off I had was, I always have something to do. During the week I spend it between work and university. In the morning I get up very early to go to the arepa factory, and at night I take my design classes. As extracurricular activities on Friday afternoons, I have a rehearsal with the theater group, since we are preparing the play that we will present in a couple of weeks. When finally the weekend comes, I am so tired that I would like to just sleep, but I take the opportunity to do the pending tasks since it is with the only "free" time that I count on.

… Sometimes I am scared of how fast children grow, I feel like it was yesterday that my siblings were born. Carla has done an excellent job teaching them English, they can already say a few words in both languages.

Meanwhile "Son ... Are you going to work tomorrow?" My mother asks me one Saturday night while I am in front of the computer adding some final touches to my task; designing a logo.

"I have not decided yet, it all depends on whether I manage to finish this task. But I am in good time, so I suppose I will go ... Why the question?" I turn in the direction of my mother.

"No ... it's nothing." she says with a mildly sad smile.

"Sure ?" I insist, she is clearly hiding something from me.

"It's just ..." she walks over to my desk and sits in the closest chair. "You know that last year when the babies were born, your father and I accepted your help because we were really short of money. However, now we are better" she explains, but I do not quite understand it, she notices my confusion and adds " Bravo you must also allow yourself to enjoy your youth, since you broke up with Windy and then with Sebastian you have moved away from your friends ... you have become distant and you have only focused on the university and work " she says worriedly.

"It's not that, I've just been pretty busy" I lie to her, clearly I know she's right. After having been immersed in a roller coaster of emotions, I preferred to disconnect my heart and put just my brain to work.

"Look, I know you have many obligations these last days ... but I need you to understand that stopping that feeling is not the solution to your worries. There are still people around you who care about you, such as your family", my mother stands up and lightly caresses my back. "It’s been a long time since we spent a whole Sunday as a family. Just think about it ..." and with these words she leaves my room.

I'm not sure what time I finish my homework, but I hardly get to sleep during the night, my mother's words keep spinning in my head. I know that each of her concerns and comments are justified.

Years ago, every Sunday was the day that my family and I reserved to be together. However, with the passage of time this changed and I would lie if I do not admit that I miss those moments.

After tossing and turning in my bed, a brilliant idea occurs to me. The other day I heard on the radio that a circus had come to town, and if memory serves me, one of the best memories of my childhood was just going to the circus holding my parents' hands and laughing with the clowns and jugglers. It is just perfect! I finally fell asleep with a huge smile of satisfaction on my face.

The next day I wake up early with renewed energy, prepare breakfast for my family and wait patiently for them to wake up.

"Bravo! You're home!" my mother greets me, throwing herself into my arms happily. "And you made breakfast" she adds, kissing my cheek lovingly. Her commotion awakens the rest of the family and in less than the blink of an eye we are all gathered at the dining room table eating at ease.

"Well ... today I have a big surprise for you" I confess, while I take a sip of my orange juice "In rescue of our old traditions and the creation of new memories ... we will go together to the circus! "

“I toast to that!” Carla says cheerfully, and she raises her glass of juice in my direction and we all clink our drinks in celebration.

When the evening falls, my family and I go to the circus, the place is just as I remembered it. As soon as we enter the tent, the festive atmosphere evokes us; funny sounds and laughter appear. The twins look carefully at all the figures and colors that surround them and their smile widens when several soap bubbles surround us, even Carla and I enjoy bursting them, it is as if we went back to our childhood.

When going through the main entrance my father is about to take out his wallet to pay for the tickets but I stop him halfway.

"I've worked hard enough to invite you to this" I tell him with a sincere smile, as I take the necessary money out of my own wallet.

"I can ..." my father insists, but I'm just as stubborn as him.

"You have given me everything throughout my life, it is the least I can do" my father finally gives in and thanks me with a smile.

"I am very relieved that in most countries, circus animals are forbidden now ... when we visited the circus a few years ago I still have the slight memory of how a trainer whipped a tiger to make it jump through the hoop" Carla tells me, while we wait patiently for the show to begin.

"It's true, I remember it too ... or the elephant that was chained to the pole at the exit of the show. I can't get his anguished look out of my head." I confess to my sister.

"Yes ... it's good to know that the twins can enjoy a show with better memories, one that doesn't include animal abuse and, incidentally, a life-long trauma" Carla jokes with a laugh.

"I know!" I laugh with her.

The show begins minutes later and everything comes alive again. I don't feel the absence of the animals, instead I enjoy it. Now the circus gives prominence to acrobatics, music and interaction with the public. Almost for the closing of the show a magician makes an appearance and asks for volunteers to participate in the dynamics, my sister more than delighted  accepts it and this is how she ends up being "cut in half", but the magic brings her back together and everyone applauds in amazement, me included.

The circus has saved the best for last, and I have to blink several times to discover that the elephant that comes out at the end doing a stunt is not real, but rather a hyper realistic hologram.

I had heard that some circuses had replaced real animals with digital projections, but I had no idea that this circus was one of those.

When we left the show, we hung out at the fairgrounds for a while and I went away for a moment to buy some cotton candy, Carla's favorite.

"Bravo!" My sister calls me from behind "Look who I found at the firing point!" I turned in her direction and ran into expressive gray eyes.

"Windy!" I can hardly say her name because of the surprise.

"Pascualino!" I had already forgotten how my name was heard in her voice.

"I'll leave you guys ... I must go find my groundhog!" Carla tries to say fleeing from the situation "Yes! Our groundhog ... got lost ... see you later! Bye!" and a second later there is no trace of my sister. Only Carla could have come up with such a strange excuse, a groundhog ... Who has a groundhog pet?

"So ... you came with your family to the circus ..." Windy tries to break the tension.

"I think it's pretty obvious" I say more seriously than I would have liked, and I realize that my answer sounded quite rude. "Yes ... I invited them to spend some quality family time" I added.

"That's very nice of you ..." Windy flatters me and I nod with an awkward smile. We go back to being mired in strange silence until she says "I knew that you and Sebastian ... broke up. I'm really sorry"

"Thank you ... I think lately I have not had much luck in love, it has been very difficult" I blurted out, I am not supposed to be just talking about this with her, but there is no going back.

"Well ... you know that we can continue to be friends right? You can count on me if you want to" she says understandingly and I nod gratefully. Seeing that I am not going to say anything else, she moves away and begins to say goodbye, until I stop her.

"Would you like ... go to a play that I'll do in a couple of weeks? I mean ... we're friends, right? I mean ... it's not like it's a date or anything ... just that I would like you to go ... and well ... "I get mixed up with my words, clearly nervous.

"Yes Bravo, I would love it" Windy leans over and kisses me on the cheek and says goodbye "See you then"

This is weird, but I can't wait for the day of the play to come.

Pascualino's point of view ends

Unit 9 - PASCUALINO AND THE PEQUEÑO TEATRO - “The great reunion”

Pascualino's point of view starts

I keep pacing back and forth in the little dressing room, mentally reviewing each of my lines.

Every Friday I had disciplined rehearsals for this night, but nothing could have prepared me for the feeling inside me.

Months, days and hours of effort were summed up to this moment, when finally I would go on stage. Many people count on me, they are here to support me, and I feel all the pressure falls on my shoulders.

To try to pass the time a bit, I dare to peek through a small gap between the stage curtains and see the large number of people who are taking their respective seats in the "Pequeño Teatro".

… I take a closer look at the viewers of the play. My family is sitting in the front row, united as always and accompanied by Windy and her family. On the other hand, I see my friends from university in the third row and of course Sebastian is among them. They are here to support  Maria and Sara and me; It makes sense, we are all part of the theater group from the same university.

I don't know how the fact that Sebastian and Windy are now meeting in the same place will turn out, that causes me some anxiety. Anyhow, I don't have much time to think about it now. I try to take a deep breath and calm my nerves, but everything is about to begin and the presenter comes out on stage to give the introduction before the play.

The theater lights go out, and the audience falls silent. The time has come, the Show is starting.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen ... Thank you for joining us." I listen as the presenter says through the microphone just a few meters away. "Today we are about to witness magic, the magic of stories told by great young talents. However, before starting I would like to tell you a little story ... the history of the place that is the home of all stories. Welcome to El Pequeño Teatro” That is a good entry I think to myself.

"El Pequeño Teatro was created in 1975 as the response of a group of actors to their interest in professionalizing an activity that had been, until that moment, only a hobby. Since that date, the Theater faces the needs of the day to day to provide to Medellín a space for theatrical reflection, a place moved by culture that generates culture" explains the host.

"Bravo ... is everything okay? You really look very bad, you are completely pale" Sara tells me "Let me bring you a coffee" before I can reject it, my friend has already left.

"Hey, forgive my sister ..." I don't know when Maria arrived, but she sits next to me "you know how hysterical Sara gets before the shows" she tells me with a slight smile, I'm so nervous that I can't say a thing, I just look at her attentively "It's normal for you to be scared, we all go through that stage ... but believe me you'll see that everything is worth it when you finally feel the magic of the stage" Maria encourages me.

"I really hope you're right" I can barely tell her.

Sara returns a few moments later, with a cup full of coffee, and I sip it as if it were water.

"Very good, now that we have heard a little of the historical review of this magical place ... tonight we have the honor of witnessing a beautiful version of Romeo and Juliet in honor of the famous playwright and author of world literature William Shakespeare. "I listen as the presenter continues speaking, with each word he says I feel closer to the edge of the abyss.

"Bravo! Breathe! Everything will be fine" Maria tries to calm me down.

"You go in 2 minutes Pascualino" I hear Sara say at the back of the room, as if she was not already worried, she reminds me of the time every second. I think that after all it was not a good idea to have had that coffee, I start to feel extremely ill.

"I think I'm going to vomit ..." I try to warn Maria, but it is too late... I threw up my whole stomach to her beautiful sky blue tennis shoes.

"I ... I'm very sorry" I try to apologize to Maria, while I recover.

"We'll talk about that later ..." Sara interrupts me "Now let's get you some water ... The show must go on!" She takes me to the back of the stage and cleans me up quickly; it's incredible, in less than a minute I'm totally new.

"30 seconds to go on stage!" I hear an assistant say to Sara.

"Bravo, breathe! Believe me you will be fine" without giving me the opportunity to answer she takes me by the arm and leads me to the side of the stage again "In 3 ... 2 ... 1 ..." says. Sara, and I hurry to place myself in my position waiting for the imminent moment.

"I hope you all enjoy the play ..." the man finishes saying. All the lights turn off completely, the curtain opens and the reflection blinds me for a moment, I open my eyes slowly and focus on the public, with difficulty I can see the proud faces of my family and I finally let myself be carried away by magic. I feel it.

The emotion invades me, the interpretation takes hold of me and I completely immerse myself in my role as Romeo, which in the end is not so far from my real situation.

The work unfolds without any setbacks, everything is full of strength and emotion, by the time we reach the heart-breaking end I am exhausted but I do my best until the lights go out, announcing that the story has come to an end.

I sigh relieved, the hardest part is over. The audience explodes in applause and the closing bow arrives. When I bow I feel like a rose hits me in the face and I smile in a way of gratitude, since I cannot see the person who has thrown it at me.

"Maria ... I'm really sorry ... it wasn't my intention to damage your sneakers" I tell my friend once I go back to the dressing room after the end of the show.

"Don't worry Bravo, these are things that happen ... the important thing is that you survived your night of stardom" she says to me with a laugh "By the way ... there is someone behind waiting for you ..." she announces to me. I avoid showing my surprise and thank Maria for her understanding.

Who can it be? I wonder as I walk to the room that Maria indicated.

I cautiously enter the place and find Windy turning her back on me.

"Windy!" she catches my attention "What are you doing here?" I ask, pleasantly surprised.

"I wanted to be the first to congratulate you ... what you did up there was simply sublime" she says approaching me slightly "But there was only one small detail that bothered me of the act" her confession takes me out of place.

"Which one?" I inquire confused

"That I was not your Juliet" she says with a touch of sadness in her voice, while her eyes intensely observe my lips. I do not know exactly what leads me to act, maybe it is the emotion of the moment, or how close we have become again in the last few weeks or how lonely I feel sometimes, but I put our lips together in a warm and desperate kiss, which is reciprocated by her with the same intensity.

I feel how someone is watching us and I slightly separate from Windy, looking up I find Sebastian's eyes appreciating us from a safe distance.

We look at each other for a few seconds that seem eternal, until he finally leaves without making a sound. My heart constricts when I see how he drops the bouquet of red roses that he was carrying in his hands. It was him ... it was Sebastian who threw the rose at me a while ago.

"Is everything okay?" Windy says to me when she sees that I have remained static. She turns, trying to find the reason for my distraction but there is nothing left, Sebastian is gone, maybe forever.

"Come on, our families are waiting for us" I tell Windy, taking her hand and leading her to the exit. I am sure that we will celebrate my success in the theater, but after what happened with Windy and Sebastian I feel like my heart fell into the abyss again.

Pascualino's point of view ends

Unit 10 - PASCUALINO AND THE INTERNET - “Remote Connections”

Pascualino's point of view starts

With the beginning of my last semester at the university my routine has been somewhat affected and my priorities have changed. Every day I get up very early as I usually do, but the distribution of my schedule is different.

During the mornings I continue to work part time with the arepa company of my friend Will's family, after lunch I return home and do my professional internships online and at night I receive my designing classes. And as always, my weekends are limited to doing homework, carrying out accumulated work and sometimes sharing time with my family or girlfriend.

Yes, girlfriend ... with Windy we are having a strange relationship, something like a reconciliation or friendship with benefits, I'm still not quite sure what to call it.

"I don't know how you make time stretch out for you" Will tells me, as we go through the usual delivery run.

"Well ... you think so? I see it as very normal" I say with a relaxed smile.

"Yes ... you have time to do everything!" My friend's voice sounds more animated than normal and he continues speaking "You should share your secret with me, some time ago, when you had so many things to do,  you were stressed a lot .. but now it's totally different" he confesses to me

"Well, I think I learned that I should do one thing at a time. Before, I wanted to do it all at the same time" I explained.

"I understand ..." he thanks me "I think I'll have to start applying it to see how it works out for me"

"You should" I say smiling as I park the car at the entrance of the factory.

William and I got out of the vehicle to go to my friend's father's office, on the second floor of the establishment. Will's father called us a while ago and he told me that he wanted to see me at his office after our tour.

"Do you have any idea what your father wants?" I say somewhat nervous to Will; I am surprised that my boss wants to see me in private.

"No, but it sure is nothing serious ... you are a great boy!" My best friend scoffs.

"You are very relaxed because he is your father, but he is still my boss and if I am honest he intimidates me a bit ... especially when he makes his straight face" Will laughs much louder at my words.

"Sure! everything will be fine" the boy accompanies me to the door of the office and crosses his fingers "I send you good energy from here" I nod and I enter the place alone.

"Bravo! Good to see you! How are you?" Will's father greets me as soon as he sees me enter.

"Sir" I shook his hand politely "I am okay, thanks for asking. How are you?"

"Well, with a lot of work. The factory has been growing abysmally in recent months, I never thought we would be so successful. "The man takes a seat behind his desk and I sit in front of him "You have been with us from the beginning, you know that everything was born when I became unemployed, and now we have all grown so much that I can say that I own my own company. The factory has evolved and that's why I wanted to see you " he tells me. I have no idea what he wants to tell me, but I would be lying if I don't admit that I am a little scared. Maybe he wants to fire me?

"I think it is time to renew the image of the company, and since you study graphic design I would like to hire your services and we could start working on it." Will's father tells me and I sigh in relief.

"Of course, sir, it will be a great honor. You gave me a job when my family and I needed it the most and now this is my way of returning all your support, that's why I'll do it for free, this is my way of thanking you" I answer with total sincerity.

The rest of the time of our meeting I take the opportunity to ask him different questions about the DESIGN BRIEF, a document that designers use to learn more about the client we work with and includes questions that provide important information when designing the visual identity of a brand.

I ask Will's father about a general description of the company, its goals, its differential, the competition, the target audience, the current logo, among others.

When our meeting ends, I say goodbye to my best friend and his father and I hurry home, as my internship shift is about to begin.

When I started the process of looking for companies to carry out my professional internships, I never imagined that I would end up working with a multinational. I sent many resumes locally and nationally but my interviews were not very good, either due to differences of interest or slow processes, I did not exceed the first 2 phases. However, one day looking at job offers on the internet, I saw an ad from a multinational designing agency that was looking for interns in the country, so without much thought I sent my resume and two days later I presented my interview, I followed the process with them and now I work online thanks to the convenience of the Internet.

Despite the short period of time that I have been working with them, I can say that I have learned a lot and that makes me very happy. The distance has not been a problem, since every other day we have virtual creative meetings to discuss the projects we are working on, share ideas and synchronize deliveries.

The design agency I work with is headquartered in Los Angeles and carries out all the advertising, campaigns, products, among others; for big Hollywood productions.

Derek, my boss, is one of the most recognized graphic designers in the industry and has worked hand in hand with Disney, Warner Bros, Lionsgate and many other famous film production companies.

When I told my family the great news about my internship, they couldn't have been happier. They said they were proud of me and thanked me for always being so persistent. But being very honest, the one who is most grateful is me, because without the support of my family and the opportunities that I have had, I would not be who I am today.

Thanks to my good knowledge in English acquired at the University, my great discipline and the excellent opportunity offered by remote online connections, today I can say that I am doing the job of my dreams.

During the afternoon I finish some deliverables that they had asked me from the job and I meet with Derek to wrap up details of a project that the agency will soon release.

My meeting with Derek ends earlier and I have about an hour free before my classes so I take a while to check my institutional email. After reading and deleting some messages I come across an email that I have been waiting for a long time, where they indicate my graduation date. Finally, after 3 chaotic and fruitful years this is happening; I am about to graduate.

I run downstairs and I go to tell my family the greatest news.

"Attention everyone! Prepare your agendas because I graduate in a month!" I scream happily and everyone looks at me like I'm crazy.

"That's excellent son, I can start looking for my ball gown" says my mother approaching me to give me a kiss.

"And I'll be cleaning my tuxedo" my father joins the hug "We are very proud of you Bravo, all your efforts have been worthy."

Moments later Carla joins the celebration and we start making plans for after my ceremony.

"So ... did you tell Windy and Will?" Asks my sister "I'm sure they would both be very happy to accompany you that day."

"Yes ... in a while I'll call them. Just that I just saw the mail ... and as soon as I knew it,  I came to tell you, to my family, that has always been with me ... this achievement is also yours" I explain.

My mother starts crying immediately and my father follows her. I know how much this means to them, especially with the circumstances we have been through together.

Once our sentimental family moment is over, I go up to my room again to inform my best friend and my girlfriend of the established date and I agree to meet with them later to deliver the invitations.

This is incredible! I already want to have my degree!

Pascualino's point of view ends

Unit 11 - PASCUALINO AND HOLLYWOOD - “An important decision”

Pascualino's point of view starts

Today's the big day. Today is my graduation!

After a long time, I allow myself to sleep late and when I finally wake up it is around 10 am.

I lazily get out of bed and go to bathe. As I pass through the hallway on my way to the bathroom, the noises on the ground floor of the house inform me that my family has already woken up and it is most likely that today we will all have breakfast together, as part of the celebration.

When I'm ready and I've gotten rid of my tired face, I dare to go downstairs to greet my family, but the scene I find when I arrive at  the dining room leaves me simply stunned.

My whole family is elegantly dressed, including the twins, the table is full of multiple varieties of snacks, and there are congratulatory balloons that decorate the whole place and a large poster that says "congratulations" in the background on the wall.

"Surprise!" they all yelled at the same time.

"This is ... amazing! Thank you very much!" I say enthusiastically "You have left me speechless! and they know that it is very difficult to happen to me."

"Yes Brother, we know ... but your expression speaks for you" says Carla with a big smile, and she winks at me.

"Congratulations son" says my father proudly.

"You deserve this and more!" my mother adds, and each one gives me a loving hug.

"Very good ... let's not wait any longer! It's time to eat!" my mother invites us to take a seat and we have breakfast together amid smiles.

The food is delicious and the atmosphere is just perfect. It is one of those mornings that I will never forget, I really have a wonderful family and I cannot be more grateful for them.

"I would like to propose a toast ..." said my father, once we finished having breakfast. He grabbed the glasses from the dining room mantel and poured each of us some red wine.
"But dad, it's a little early to drink, don't you think?" Said Carla with a laugh.

"Yes, it's barely 11:30 am" I support her.

"I know, but I want to do it now. Later, Pascualino will be busy with his friends and it will be more difficult" the man explains.

"It's true" my mother supports him "We both want to say a few words ... I'll start" my father nods in her direction allowing her to start "Son, I just have to say thank you. You have always been an exceptional person who seeks to see the best side of life, you are there to help others unconditionally and your discipline has allowed you to fight for your dreams. I admire you and love you very much. Congratulations. " By the time my mom finishes talking, we're all crying.

"I am someone of few words ..." my father begins with his speech "but without a doubt, I can say that every difficult moment has shaped the strong and brave man that you have become. I am very proud to be able to call you my son and to be able to witness your maturity. I always wish you the best" he ends.

"I also want to say something ..." Carla says suddenly "I remember how we used to fight all the time as children, but I must admit that I have always seen you as my greatest example to follow. Thank you for always being there for me. I think you are the best brother I can ask for. I love you, and you know that you can always count on me "she ends and comes to give me a hug.

"I can only thank all of you, for being such an awesome family. I love you!" she managed to say with her eyes full of tears.

"Let's toast Bravo!" says my father raising his glass

"Cheers!" We all answered in unison, while we clink our glasses.

"Time passes too fast. Pascualino is graduating from university, Carla will soon finish high school and the twins will start kindergarten next year. All my little ones are growing up too fast" Mom says wistfully.

"This is life my dear" my father consoles her "But I think we can agree that we have done a good job with each one of them."

After eating with my family, I finish preparing for the ceremony and say goodbye to them, with the promise that we will meet one hour before the graduation time at the entrance of the university.

I leave the house with a smile on my face and take a taxi to Windy's house. When I arrive, she greets me with a kiss and invites me to come in.

"Are you not very excited? You already know what you want to do? Do you want to continue studying or maybe travel or working or ...?" My girlfriend says while she puts on makeup in front of the mirror, she is more cheerful than me.

"Call me crazy or I don't know ... but I still don't feel like it's real. Sometimes I still feel like a child, I can't finish processing that today will be my graduation. And just thinking about the future ... I feel like it overwhelms me. "I confess.

"Hey! It's okay ... I understand, but you'll see that everything will be solved on the road" she says, approaching me and stroking my cheek with affection, comforting me. "I have something for you ..." she tells me with a smile

She takes out a big box from her closet and hands it to me

"What is it?" I say curiously "You shouldn't have bothered"

"Don't talk nonsense and just uncover it" she tells me with great illusion. I rush to open the box and my eyes stare in amazement at what I have in my possession.

"I know how much you like to draw in digital ... and I know that this will not only help you with your passion but also in your work ... I hope you like it" says Windy, breaking the sudden silence.

"It's ... the digitizing tablet I saw the other day at the store!" I finally managed to say something "It must have cost you a fortune"

"No matter how much it cost me, you know how special you are to me ... we've been through a lot together and I'm so glad we're back together" she tells me, I couldn't be happier and silence her with a kiss.

"It's perfect, thank you honey" I thank her once again.

Two hours before the ceremony Windy and I went together to the theater of my university, since the directives asked the graduates  to arrive in advance so we  have enough time to try on the gowns and do a general rehearsal.

Upon arrival I temporarily say goodbye to my girlfriend with a warm kiss and I am going to try on my suit in the living room behind the place. I meet the beaming faces of my classmates and stand in line with my friends waiting for our turn.

Once they give me my graduation gown, I go to the bathroom to get ready.

There, seeing my reflection in the mirror dressed for my graduation, everything finally becomes real. Today an important stage in my life ends, it is the fruit of a lot of time and effort.

"Pascualino ..." a familiar voice takes me out of my thoughts and I turn in his direction to meet Sebastian's anguished face "You look radiant ..." he praises me.

"Thank you ..." is the only thing I can say, this is quite uncomfortable.

"I ... I want to talk to you ..." he admits to me and I am stunned. After he had seen the kiss between Windy and me on the opening night of the play I thought he would never want to speak to me again. But it seems I am wrong.

"I ... I don't know if it's a good idea" is true what I say, right now I am in an excellent moment with Windy and it would not be good to confuse my feelings again.

"Please ... for what we have lived ... or tell me that you have completely forgotten about me" he faces me, he is right ... I still have too many feelings for him.

"Okay ... I hear you" I agree, it's the least I can do.

"I still love you ... I still love you with the same intensity, with the same desire and with the same passion. I love you so much that it hurts, I have tried to forget and move on but I can't ... I'm ready to move on, but together, being exclusive, being one." Sebastian talks so fast that I can barely process everything he says

"Call me crazy, and yes, I'm crazy about you. Call me selfish, if I tell you that I want you only for myself. Call me stupid, if I firmly believe that our end has not yet come. The end will only be until I have happily ever after. You complete my world, and I'm sure yours feels incomplete without me in it. "

"What if I told you it's too late for us?" I challenge him

"I would tell you that you are a liar, because what you feel scares you" he slowly approaches me "I see through your soul, and your eyes do not lie, you love me too" he is right, I let our electricity flow and our lips find their way in perfect synchrony.

… The ceremony flows sublimely and everything is perfect, except for one detail, my head is messed up. I feel like I'm in a Hollywood movie, my feelings are in chaos and I don't know what decision to make.

After the ceremony, I am surrounded by my friends and family who do not stop congratulating me and asking me thousands of questions about how I want to continue with my life. My body is with them, but my head is elsewhere.

During the After-Party I avoid being alone with Windy at all costs and when she tries to kiss me I sneak away, after several attempts she begins to suspect that something is wrong.

"Is there something bothering you?" She says softly in my ear as she pretends to clean my shirt.

"Eh .. why the question?" I respond nervously, scratching my head to hide my trembling.

"You're very distant ..." she complains.

I'm about to respond when we're interrupted by Sebastian

"Windy, Bravo! Good to see you, join me for drinks?" I'm about to decline his offer, but Windy is ahead of me.

"Sure, let's go!" she answers him strangely animatedly.

The three of us start walking towards the bar and Sebastian stands next to Windy and takes her by the arm. I stay a few steps behind and look at them guiltily; I hope Sebastian is not planning to generate drama because I would like to talk to Windy in private before making a decision.

"So ... dear tell me ... how is your relationship going?" I listen as Sebastian asks Windy, I get alert.

"It's strange that you, in particular, are asking me that." she says with a fake smile, she's smart enough to connect the loose ends. My recent distance, Sebastian's friendly sarcasm, the strange situation the three of us are in now. "Let's see ... let it go at once" Windy demands.

"If you insist ..." Sebastian averts his eyes to me before starting to tell Windy everything, from the reason why he and I broke up, the opening night that he saw us kiss and the confession before the ceremony. And of course, like the grand finale, the kiss that he and I shared.

Words fall short to describe Windy's face right now, she looks really hurt and betrayed. I think she's about to make a long angry speech, but she speaks calmly.

"Well? Who do you choose?" she says.

I'm about to answer when my phone starts ringing, I try to ignore it but Sebastian insists that I answer.

The number is foreign and it is late enough to have a work call, however I remember the time change with Los Angeles and I hasten to answer.

"Derek! How are you?" I greet my boss "Bravo! How is everything going? How was the graduation?" he responded animatedly, and I have to do my best to understand his voice amid the sound of the music "Well, I'm in the celebration now!" I admit

"Well, I won't take a lot of time from you, I just wanted to call to congratulate you and give you excellent news, after a long talk with the board of directors and seeing your magnificent work during the internship, we want to offer you a full-time position to work in our headquarters in Los Angeles " I'm totally petrified, If I accept the offer, I would have to move abroad. “ "Hey! Are you still there? What do you say?" Derek insists.

I return my gaze to Windy and Sebastian who are still in the same position waiting for my answer.

"Well, what decision will you make?" Windy says impassively, looking at me and Sebastian.

That's the biggest problem, I am not sure.

What am I going to do?

Pascualino's point of view ends