A large square building, a central atrium, balconies high on all sides, packed with people. Thousands of people, tens of thousands cheering, singing, waving flags, pumping fists — confetti raining down.
I’m on a balcony gazing down at the main floor. The floor is shifting, patterns repeating. . . It’s water! A platform at the center. A woman stands on top. Tall and slender, dark hair slicked back. Dressed in a small white bikini, her head is turned up and she is looking right at me — smiling.
ARE YOU READY?
Mamede also on the platform, wearing a tuxedo, barefoot, microphone in hand. He gives a sweeping wave and the crowd erupts.
VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI!
I’m crushed at the rail. Sweaty bodies rubbing against me.
Stop. . . STOP PUSHING!
Hahahahaha -ah- Hahahahahaha. . .
ARE YOU REALLY READY?
Mamede, big smile, pointing, pointing, whipping the crowd into a frenzy.
VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI!
FINAL CALL TO PLACE ALL BETS!
No. . . Not her. . . Not my girl. . .
THAT’S OUR GIRL!
Hahahahaha -ah- Hahahahahaha. . .
START THE GAME!
Jump. . . Swim fast. . . SWIM!
Arms tight around me, pinning me. Hot breath in my ear.
Going to get you, get you, get you, get you. . .
VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI!
BANG BANG BANG
What. . . What did you say? WHAT?
Hahahahaha -ah- Hahahahahaha. . .
THIS IS FOR THE RECORD!
Lines cast from every balcony. Hooks trolling the water.
Let me go!
Please let me go. . . Please!
VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI! VAI!
My hands. . .
Blood dripping from my fingers!
No, no, no. . .
FISH ON! FISH ON! FISH ON!
YOU GOT HER!
No, no, no. . .
IRACEMA! IRACEMA!
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Next chapter: Wednesday Morning
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