Hannibal Yesterday my brother died. I'm his only family and now I'm here in the people's house, making care of their belongings. Among the few treasured items in your drawers, I just found, and yellow, the old poem. The paper has corroded and corners, but the cracks in its folds have been some letters, still highlight the four verses underlined in adolescence, more than forty years.
December morning when the old D. Severo we introduced the new teacher, Hannibal was about to turn fourteen, in Paris revolt had broken out sixty-eight and in the mining town of Sablon, the children studied and separated mixed-age girls.
The intense cold of that day did not stop half an hour before nine, the school yard was already packed. Shouting, shoving and blow from a ball crashing against the rough timbers that valley, full of defacing and curses carved with names and obscene drawings. Pitch blotting also covering the most repeated phrase: "master bastard."
When we receive the replacement, together with D. Severo, silenced the cries of surprise. Looked nothing like the old teacher who had
the people in the past thirty-five years. So long without knowing another teacher made us think that all of them, by force, would be equal to D. Severe: pot-bellied, with a mustache and slicked hair. Instead the new one was a tall, slight, with curly hair and pale complexion of a monk. She wore an elegant navy blue coat, which contrasted with the shabby parka D. Severe.
the people in the past thirty-five years. So long without knowing another teacher made us think that all of them, by force, would be equal to D. Severe: pot-bellied, with a mustache and slicked hair. Instead the new one was a tall, slight, with curly hair and pale complexion of a monk. She wore an elegant navy blue coat, which contrasted with the shabby parka D. Severe.
opened a corridor outside the door and the old, with a ceremonial gesture, gave him the keys to the school. The kids we hastily and our footsteps echoed on the wooden floor mixed with the ripples that were gradually increasing in intensity.
The brilliant young master put his portfolio Skin on the table and took off his coat folded neatly before leaving on the back of the chair. Smoothed impeccable gray suit and waited, standing on the dais, along with its predecessor.
- Quiet everybody! Shouted D. Severo giving a fist on the table. This is D. Ricardo, my successor, an excellent teacher and a great person. I hope you to profit well and he may keep his teachings due respect.
Then, addressing the new teacher, added:
"And if not, there is something that can help you get it, and said the half-dozen yellow rods of various sizes, which is cornered by the fireplace.
Ironically, we were the two boys who provided the old man who whips, then dried, finished chipped over us.
's not my habit to use these methods, D. Severo-and leading a knowing smile, he added. I am convinced that it will be necessary.
"That says it does not know yet," said the old man, but if you want some advice: do not dispose of these rods.
As a farewell, D. Severus went through the four rows of desks and alternating pat caring for younger children, with soft cheeks to the elderly. Except to get to Hannibal and the twins, Moses and Ramiro, who herded a bump on the head.
"Above all take special care with these three elements.
twins redhead rubbed their heads, but my brother, his hands in his pockets, smiled as if he had been awarded.
to Hannibal and the twins that was the last year, as none of the three would continue their studies. Together they formed one of the most terrifying trio that had the town in a long time.
The twins still have children peeked from between freckles, but Hannibal, with his robust physique and long pants, and had makings of a man. When not at school, walk through the village, covering his innocence with Churrete dirt and sweat were turning to emerging crime. In his pockets, knives and most prized weapon, the slingshot, with polished handle both to target in a thousand branches, dented cans and gang wars. The rest of the small fry, smaller and influential, emulábamos their behavior, because the important thing was being in the same group and adjust our actions to the implicit rules governing a leader who had voted no, my brother Hannibal.
Past ten, finally left the old man, and D. Ricardo took a seat. The shy sun that filtered through the two windows without curtains, as if to welcome him, lit up the room highlighting the strong blue and gray walls of his eyes crystal clear.
asked us one by one we were showing and telling us what were our favorite subjects and what it cost us more to learn. At first only limit ourselves to respond in a brief, but he was encouraging us to gradually expand on the answers to make us feel comfortable and important. By the turn of Hannibal, it is chilling out in his chair, leaned behind the black lock and straight streaming down his forehead and said:
"I'm good at everything.
The whole class laughed, and his two buddies, also the table clapped cheering grace.
"Good," said D. Ricardo. And pay more attention, he spent the next turn.
Later rounds of questions were from the academic to the personal: with whom we lived, what we liked to do in our spare time, or if we needed help at home. The questions we were caught by surprise, as D. Severus had never done anything like that. He did the same on his person was born in Oviedo, where his family lived, studied in Madrid and loved poetry. Exchange of information that was creating a relaxed, fresh and pleasant for most of us. Less to Hannibal, the new teacher who seemed to have stolen the limelight.
In the following days, some mothers were coming to meet the teacher and put up with the strengths and weaknesses of their children. I remember one of them mourning, a kid caught with his hand, telling him: "You give
without fear. If warranted, give, I know very well what is my child rebellious.
"No need, ma'am," said D. Richard, the only punishment for those who deserve them. If obedient, he already knows he'll be fine. Right, Tom? "And he ruffled his hair the boy. Giving carte blanche
the teacher to spank their children, was normal in those years.
remember one of the last punishments D. Severe. Hannibal had caught one of the twins and passing bits of paper with caricatures of his plump profile.
"Let's see, give me those pictures immediately," ordered angrily.
The twin obeyed, but Hannibal, crossing his arms, said
-I have none. Do you not remember that I do not know draw? "And laughed.
"Well, so we graciosillo, eh," said the old man. Come, both at my table, quick!
punishment all knew we were not surprised that the twin legs trembled as he approached, nor Hannibal walked slowly, hands in his pockets and his chin high. D. Severus took one of the rods in the corner and climbed onto the stage to have a better angle. Behind him, attesting to the conviction, a Crucifix and a picture of the Caudillo.
The twin extended both hands, palms up. Two were caned in each to return to his place with his hands tucked under armpits. Hannibal's turn came, and as if the pain will produce a macabre pleasure, the teacher smiled as he whipped. Angered the old man knew how that smile, so I took two more shots than the other. When the punishment ended my brother came to put his hands in his pockets and walked to the desk with the calm of a walker, leaned back and stretched his legs without losing any time mocking gesture.
With each passing day the kids were happier than the old master had disappeared from our lives. His frail substitute had achieved that the school ceases to be for us the cave of terror. The way to explain the lessons, her voice and examples used to teach, made possible the miracle. It was common to find his table surrounded by kids after school, asking questions or showing poems, thanks to him, we began to discover.
At that time, Sablon was a people without asphalt, damp and dark, with black dirt roads, dusty in summer and muddy in winter, where the livestock population alternated with work in coal mines. Some houses are scattered haphazardly at the foot of the slope without sun of the mountain, while others appeared to guard the river of sewage that was crossing a bridge made of rusted iron. Side of the river was our home teacher, and nestled under the mountain, our school.
The neighbors also had caught the new teacher. Its delicate appearance, its fresh colony and made it through the entire town without a speck of mud will stick to your shoes, I put quite a few rumors. Among them, our father. We were on the table after dinner, and he was removed with a small knife, coal from the nails. He said without looking:
I do not know if that maestrillo, so finolis, will be able to put you in line.
"Well since he is, almost nobody makes trouble," I said.
- Oh, yeah? He looked up your manicure, "because who would have thought, eh, Rufi? -And gave him a pat on the back of my mother.
She looked at him nod and continued to collect the table without saying anything. Hannibal said nothing. Our father said:
-Suspicious, very suspicious. Thirty-four years old, single, and so Relimpio ... "and looking back to my mother let out a laugh that made her tummy wobble.
Then Hannibal rose from the table and left the courtyard. He took a ball and rolled to crash it again and again against the wall of the house. I went to play with him but I said let him alone. He was furious, so do not insist.
Hannibal was the only student who had gotten worse since the arrival of D. Ricardo. Thus, while most of us amansábamos, his bravado was sharpened to break the peace of the class. I remember the first time the new teacher had to deal with one of his pranks. D. Richard was back on a map explaining the geography class and Hannibal began throwing grains of rice through the housing transparent hollow pen. Complaints and soon began screaming. D. Ricardo turned and without saying anything, he went to his chair, folded his arms and remained silent and motionless for a while. We were puzzled, because in similar cases D. Severo used to restore order to blow caned. Surprisingly got that technique in a few minutes in class only hear the sound of cow bells grazing in the meadows outside.
One April morning, Hannibal came through the courtyard with fine hazel. He sat on the bar top of the fence, took out his little knife and began to polish it as we waited for the teacher.
When he arrived, he said,
"Please, Hannibal, before entering class, leaves picked and all that," he said scratching the ground.
"At your service, sir," replied my brother putting a hand on his temple.
The teacher looked at him very seriously. Hannibal, too serious, held his gaze. After a few seconds, D. Ricardo shook his head from side to side and finally came into class.
Hannibal entered the last, and before going to his desk he walked past the table D. Ricardo and placed the rod at the corner of the fireplace, along with the others.
"Thanks," said the teacher with a wry grin. Good stuff.
Hannibal took one last look at the rod and cocky gesture replied:
"I'm glad you like my gift.
The rod, with its greenish color, highlighted among other dried raw.
When we left, the scratches were not collected.
remember the day that started everything. Had begun in June and had little time to finalize the course. There was still half an hour before class started and Hannibal, as every day since the new teacher had arrived at school, I was waiting in the courtyard. It was the first time he did not expect perched on the fence. Your wallet lay on the floor and he walked with his hands in his pockets from one side to another enclosure. Its enormous black boots, unusually clean, gleaming on the blackened concrete. It had passed midnight studying geography, a rarity in it. Back in class D. Ricardo Question Time started on the lesson, but Hannibal did not none, never made them, even when the teacher asked for a volunteer and my brother raised his hand.
During recess, I noticed Hannibal terribly angry. He was kicking fences the yard until he took out his slingshot and vent their anger becoming web the glass window overlooking the teacher's desk. The uproar was silenced when he heard the crunch. D. Ricardo opened with care, came and asked what had happened.
"I did," he hastened Hannibal ¾. Now have to punish me, right? "Laughed ironically. You could tell
excited. The teacher, looking generally as if he had not heard, said
"Beware, guys, try not to play near windows. It is dangerous.
Returning to the crystal class is already subject to strips of tape.
the afternoon of that day, at the end of class D. Asked David Ricardo, one of the brightest kids, to stay a while to discuss the possibility of getting a scholarship to continue his studies in Oviedo. Leaning over the pamphlets, kept their heads together and commented on some sections. While putting the books, I could see the hatred in the black eyes of Hannibal.
the way home was kicking all the stones that were stumbling their boots. We had crossed the bridge when I said I was alone, he had business to settle. "It does
" I said. I hope so.
- Let go, dammit! -And gave me a boost.
my way and I followed him back across the bridge. But I went home, I hid behind a wall to know what were those issues.
sat on the floor and entertained for a while throwing stones into the river until it appeared David with his portfolio under his arm. Hannibal stood up, went to him, and without a word began to beat him in the face with fists and kicking in the shins until the boy fell. Finally, grabbed her purse and sent it kicked river.
- You're crazy, crazy! Shouted the poor kid. What have I done?
barely got up and went limping to the railing. The current dragged her purse without the possibility of attaining it. I rushed home
hating my brother with all my strength, but not told anything. I could not sleep that night. Hannibal shared room and stopped spinning on the bed and punched the pillow.
The next morning David did not appear for class. He did it in the afternoon. Limped slightly and with a striking bruise on his cheek.
- God! "Said D. Ricardo "What happened to you, boy?
"Nothing. A drop silly head and glanced down Hannibal.
- What about your wallet? Inquired the teacher.
"But the fall was by the river and took power," he added.
"That no one can believe it, David. Someone has done that, "he said patting his shoulder. Tell me the truth. Fear not.
Then my brother got up and said solemnly: "I did
.
all looked at each other in astonishment, not understanding this confession pointless. Then D. Richard, visibly angry, he was the corner of the sticks and picked up the finest, which Hannibal himself had taken two months earlier, lifted into the air and shaking their flexibility found two or three times, zis-zas, zis-forces. Its very clear eyes more prominent than ever on his face unusually red.
"Look where you're going to try your own gift. Aníbal
looked defiant, unblinking. Then, without D. Ricardo ordered it, came on stage, stretched out his arms, put his palms up and waited, smiling triumphantly. The anticipation was great. D. execute " Ricardo punishment?
The thin rod cut the thick air of the afternoon and the call came in the ears as needle ice. One, two, three ... In the fourth, Hannibal took his hands and the blow fell on his right shoulder. Torn shirt, bare skin, blood spots ... Silence. The master arm hanging along the body, fainting fist. Free rod fell on the stage. Wood on wood. Hollow sound. This time
Hannibal hid his hands in his pockets, remained open and loose, with arms collected at the height of the stomach. I had a strange look, half way between anger and sadness. He turned slowly and returned to his seat. Supported those aching bowls on the table and spent time with staring across the window. D. Richard returned to his table, took a lot of books and began to correct. The pen in his hand trembled fine. Only heard the monotonous lisp of some flies.
No one moved until at five in the afternoon ended the class and left the room almost on tiptoe.
waited in the courtyard to leave my brother, but took. Then I went to the door. Inside was no pupils no longer than Hannibal, who was still stuck in his seat with an open hand on the desk. Then the teacher approached him and without saying anything, he unbuttoned his shirt and carefully took off the sleeve attached to the skin bloody pulled out a white handkerchief in his jacket and wiped while asked.
- Why did you do that? Until now most of the time I understand your actions, but the relentlessness with David ... Why, boy? Why?
Hannibal, without looking at him, shrugged his shoulders.
"But ... you do not realize that with that attitude ..." and shook his head from side to side as if he had run out of arguments.
handkerchief folded the clean side and left him on the shoulder covering the scratch. To turn up again fell from his sleeve shirt pocket a folded paper Hannibal rushed to lock in his fist.
- May I see what you hide there? "Asked the teacher.
Hannibal "Nothing," muttered frowning.
"Please," insisted D. Ricardo stroking his head. Aníbal
opened her hand with his head down. The teacher unfolded the paper and smiled. Then he read aloud:
-Eyes light, calm, sweet
if you are looking at hymns,
why, if you look at me, you look angry?
if you are looking at hymns,
why, if you look at me, you look angry?
If the more pious, more beautiful you seem
to him who looks,
not look at me in anger because parezcáis
less beautiful.
Oh raging storm! Eyes
clear, calm,
as well look at me, look at me at least.
I remember that poem, I had found one Sunday I was looking in his wallet a pen that I had removed. At that time I had called attention to the four lines that had underlined: "Clear Eyes serene / why, if you look at me, you look angry? / As well look at me, / look at me at least!"
Completed reading D. Ricardo smirk asked:
- What about those underscores? Are there any girls out there that you resist?
- Let me! -Hannibal stood. You do not understand anything. Do not know anything about me -and eyes on the verge of to mourn, added:
"You do not care about anything.
"Do not say this, Hannibal came to him. All importáis me. And I would have gone if not fura well.
And immediately embraced him. Aníbal closed his eyes and accepted the caress with his arms hanging, not stop them.
No I heard them come Moses and Ramiro came just at the moment of that scene.
- Son of a bitch, fag! Shouted from the doorway.
In an instant I saw the surprise in the face of Hannibal, the jolt of the master and twins in school and going hungry beasts. Aníbal
ran without even picking up your portfolio.
insults, kicks and slashes fell on the teacher but your mouth out a groan. Already on the ground, a trail of fresh blood began to soak the old wood. When the beating stopped, D. Ricardo was not breathing.
The voices of the twins had attracted a couple of guys still lingered in the yard and then ran to tell the tale. Moses Ramiro also escaped. I was terrified, even took strength to pick up the portfolio of Hannibal and the poem that was on his desk. With wobbly legs I left school and went home crying.
Hannibal went missing two days. He found Civil Guard hidden in an abandoned mine. He was disoriented and hungry. At first, all the people stood up for the twins to understand that what they did was protect the poor Hannibal that perverted abuse. What could I, an eleven year old brat? "You do not understand anything, shut up," said my father.
In subsequent hours, the roads were filling Sablon will police, journalists, curious ... The next day the press picked up the case and all the details that the villagers were unaware. He had already spent one afternoon a week when we parked outside the house of D. Ricardo big shiny car. Many onlookers we get to see who they were. Two hours later, in silence and loaded with belongings of D. Ricardo, left two men in suits and elegant appearance. One was young and tall and the other older, with gray hair and eyes crystal clear: they were his brother and father. Behind them was a young blonde woman, completely mournful eyes hiding behind dark glasses. Beautiful. Was the girlfriend of D. Ricardo. Were getting married that summer, after the school holidays.
As the car away I looked back, hidden behind a fence saw the tearful face of Hannibal, but I did not tell anyone.
June came to an end and the whole town smelled like dry grass. The school was closed forever and the next course we had to go to the next village. But Hannibal was no more punishment and more notebooks. We waited a future of loneliness and work in the bowels of that mountain black and silent.
(1st Prize XII Competition Short Stories Women's Hall of Laviana (March 8, 2011)
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