The island's economy depended on fishing work, which was performed only by men. So the thought of them being drafted into the navy began a wave of anxiety, especially for the women. Magdalena left Alba in the room and returned with her parents to the living room so they could continue discussing what to do about the situation they were facing. -The best thing would be for father to go away for a while," Magdalena suggested. -Are you asking me to betray King Sebastian V? -objected Rafael, her father. -Then you will go, if only to die? The mother, Carlota, who remained silent, dropped the spoon with which she was preparing dinner. She tried to show calm so that neither of the two girls would worry, but her husband's answer frightened her. Magdalena picked up the spoon and hugged Carlota. Rafael's pride prevented him from even considering the idea of escaping, it was inadmissible for a man like him to refuse to defend the kingdom to which he belonged, a stance that everyone else must have, too. -Woman, pack the few things I use, please. Carlota nodded. Releasing herself from Magdalena's embrace, she headed for the bedroom. Rafael continued to sit in the small rickety wooden chair as they smoked and Magdalena swallowed a couple of curses before leaving the house. Alba, who lay sitting outside the room, watching and listening to everything without being noticed, approached Rafael. She adjusted her dress to sit on the floor, on the side of the chair. The man stroked her head, as if he were dealing with a small puppy. -Are you angry too? -Rafael asked. Alba shook her head and smiled warmly at him. -Thank you," the man whispered. A mixture of feelings overwhelmed him and he couldn't stop a few tears from sliding down his pale cheeks. Alba opened her eyes wide. She was amazed, she had been living there for more than eight years and it was the first time she had seen Rafael cry. As he did, her heart squeezed, so much it hurt. -D-da... d-da... - stammered Alba, but feeling it was insufficient, she took a breath and tried again- -Daddy.... Rafael was stunned. The composure he tried to maintain after those tears crumbled. The crying was uncontrollable. Alba, frightened that she had made a mistake, stood up and hugged him. Carlota also came out when she heard her husband's sobs. Dismayed, she approached him. At first she wanted to ask, but seeing her husband so broken she preferred to keep everything to herself and cling to him. Fifteen years together was not enough. The thought of losing him came back to her, flooding her with fear and melancholy. Although Magdalena was gone, the hearts of all four ached and ached in equal measure. A little after dinner there was a knock at the door. They were two tall, pale men, wearing tight white pants, which molded their defined legs to perfection; black boots with small golden accessories, blue shirt: from the shoulders protruded tiny red flights and on each side of the chest there was a row of buttons connected to each other with gold-plated chains; and their head was adorned with a hat with the same characteristics as the shirt. It was the uniform of a sailor. The thick-bearded man took a step inside the house and extended the parchment he was carrying. In it, Rafael Mendoza was asked for his complete disposition to face the threats against the kingdom of Corneria and, also, a certain amount of soles was promised to the family in case of a death. At the end of the reading, the document was given to Rafael to sign. He did so. Carlota and Alba remained calm and very attentive to everything that was written, on the other hand, Magdalena was furious and restless, like a beast waiting for any opportunity to attack. And the opportunity did not take that long. Before Don Rafael left the house, following the sailors, Magdalena interposed herself. -Do you think that such miserable suns will be enough for us to live on? -asked Magdalena.

Both men turned around. Both Rafael and Carlota held her arms and asked her to be silent. However, Magdalena continued.

-To you this place is insignificant, just like the people who live in it," her trembling voice was full of rage and impotence, "and you don't realize that you take away the livelihood of this tiny society. Why, why us, you are such a savi...!

Magdalena's voice ceased as she was slapped hard. The disbelief in her gray eyes was evident, as was the shock; the stinging in her cheek and the ringing in her ears were also unbearable. Rafael and Carlota were petrified, however, it was Alba who embraced Magdalena before she fell to the ground.

The perpetrator was the young-looking sailor. His green eyes were cold and sharp, similar to those of a viper; the dark hair highlighted the pallor of his skin, the broad shoulders and stature produced an intimidating aura. He may have been the youngest, but he was certainly ruthless and brutal. He finished shaking his hands, as if he had touched something full of dust. Rafael boiled with rage, but before he managed to lash out, Carlota hugged him and whispered, "Don't provoke another disgrace."

-I guess education doesn't go as far as rat holes like this one," mocked the thick-bearded sailor. But we are here to educate you," he advanced until he stood in front of Magdalena, and then leaned down until they were face to face. This is Captain Santiago Almarena, so apologize or you will be arrested for such disrespect.

Rafael wanted to approach and confront the threats, but his wife continued to stop him. Nevertheless, Magdalena merely bared her teeth in an attempt at a mocking smile, but rage controlled every fiber of her body. Fearlessly she said:

-Captain? -she laughed, "Captain of the imbeciles, surely.

The bearded sailor was about to hit her again, however, a surprising blow made him fall on his backside. Alba, frightened, took two steps backwards, hiding her small hands with which she impulsively pushed the sailor.