A large square building, a central atrium, balconies rising to impossible heights, all of them packed with people. Thousands of people. Tens of thousands cheering, singing, waving flags, pumping their fists.  Confetti raining down.

I’m on a balcony gazing down at the main floor. The floor is shifting, moving, patterns repeating . . . It’s water!  A platform at the center.  A woman stands on top.  Tall and slender in a small 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 high sweeping wave and the crowd erupts.

VAI  VAI  VAI  VAI  VAI  VAI  VAI VAI

Sweaty bodies pushing against me.
Crushing me against the rail.
I can’t breathe . . . I CAN’T BREATHE!

ARE YOU REALLY READY?

Mamede, big smile, pointing, pointing, whipping the crowd to a frenzy. Another big wave.

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 . . . Hahahahahaha. . .

START THE GAME!

One last look — she jumps.
Swim . . .  Swim fast . . . SWIM!
Arms tight around me, holding me down.
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 . . . Hahahahahaha. . .

THIS ONE IS FOR THE RECORD!

Lines cast from every balcony, trolling the water.
Let me go!
Please let me go . . .  PLEASE!

VAI  VAI  VAI  VAI  VAI  VAI  VAI VAI

GOT HER!  I GOT HER!
No, no, no. . .

FISH ON!  FISH ON!  FISH ON!

My hands.
Blood. . .
NO, NO, NO. . .

IRACEMA!   IRACEMA!

*

Next chapter: Wednesday Morning

*