A large square building, a central atrium, balconies on all sides, packed with people. Thousands of people going up and up. Tens of thousands cheering, singing, waving flags, pumping their fists — confetti raining down.

I’m on a balcony gazing at the main floor. The floor is moving, shifting, patterns repeating. . . Water!  A platform at the center. A woman stands on top. She is tall and slender, dark hair slicked back. Dressed only in a white bikini, her head is held high and she is looking right at me — smiling.

ARE YOU READY?

Mamede 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 flesh rubbing against me.
STOP PUSHING!
Stop pushing, 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!

STOP PUSHING,  I SAID!

FINAL CALL TO  PLACE ALL BETS!

No. . . Not her. . . Not my girl!
THAT’S OUR GIRL!
Just another mermaid.
Hahahahaha -ah- Hahahahahaha. . .

START THE GAME!

JUMP!  SWIM!  YES!  SWIM FAST!
Going to get you get you get you get you. . .

VAI!  VAI!  VAI!  VAI!  VAI!  VAI!  VAI! VAI!

BANG BANG BANG
What?
WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?
Hahahahaha -ah- Hahahahahaha. . .

Lines cast from every balcony. Hooks trolling the water.
No, no, no. . .

THIS IS FOR THE RECORD!

LET ME GO!  LET ME GO!
Please let me go. . .  Please!

VAI!  VAI!  VAI!  VAI!  VAI!  VAI!  VAI! VAI!

My hands. . .  Blood!

FISH ON!  FISH ON!  FISH ON!

IRACEMA!  IRACEMA!

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Next chapter: Wednesday Morning

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