A large square building, a central atrium, balconies rising up 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 at the main floor. The floor is shifting, patterns repeating . . . Water! A platform at the center. A woman stands on top. She is tall and slender with dark hair slicked back. Dressed in a white bikini, her head is turned up 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!

Crushed at the rail. Sweaty flesh rubbing against me.
Stop  . . . STOP PUSHING, I SAID!
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 . . .
Arms wrapped around me. Whispering 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?
Hahahahaha -ah- Hahahahahaha . . .

THIS IS FOR THE RECORD!

Lines cast from every balcony. Hooks trolling the water.
No . . . Let go!
Please let me go . . .  Please . . .

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

My hands . . .  Blood!
No, no, no . . .

FISH ON!  FISH ON!  FISH ON!

IRACEMA!  IRACEMA!

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Next chapter: Wednesday Morning

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