8- Certainly
"—Her soul, filled with wisdom and love, will return to the eternal ocean. But remember, dear Jade, that her spirit will always be with you. In every wave that breaks on the shore, in every sea breeze, you will feel her loving presence—."
Jade’s eyes filled with tears as she processed the news. The special connection she had with her grandmother was a beacon in her life, and the thought of losing her left a painful void in her heart. Vishnu, in a gesture of comfort, placed his fin on Jade's shoulder.
—“The cycle of life is eternal, Jade. Although her physical form returns to the sea, her energy will endure. It is part of the very fabric of existence—.”
Jade, grateful for Vishnu's comforting words, allowed herself to feel the sadness and acceptance.
—“Thank you for telling me, Vishnu. How can I face this farewell?—”
The god, with ancient wisdom, replied:
—“Honor her legacy by living with the same passion and love that she taught you. Celebrate the life and the connection you share. In every memory, in every story shared, you will find her eternal company—.”
Jade, looking at the horizon where the sky and the sea embraced, understood that the goodbye would be difficult, but Vishnu’s teaching provided a path to face it with grace.
—“Remember, Jade—,” Vishnu concluded,
—“Love is the force that transcends all dimensions. Your grandmother, in her essence, will always be part of the vast ocean of love that unites all beings—.”
With these words, Vishnu and Jade remained silent, watching the horizon where the sun began to dip into the ocean waters, painting the sky with warm and golden hues.
Everth swam toward her and took her face in both hands. He leaned in as if to kiss her, but instead dove into the sea and began swimming toward the shore. Jade smiled and then sighed, listening to the breeze crashing with the waves. She lifted her gaze to the sky, the midday sun shining impressively.
In the distance, Enrique Iglesias and Gente de Zona's song "Bailando" could be heard.
"I look at you and my breath is taken away..."
"When you leave me, my breath is taken away."
Jade submerged into the sea, first sinking her abdomen and face, and then her legs and feet like a mermaid submerging her fins.
"I want to be with you...
Live with you...
Dance with you...
Have a crazy night with you..."
The bar was packed with people talking and shouting in front of a television. The radio blared, playing "Bailando" by Enrique Iglesias. People wore shirts of Brazilian football teams from Sao Paulo and Uruguay with number 21 of CAVANI. On the television, the match was in the 90th minute with a score of 1 to 0 in favor of Uruguay. On the screen, we see a Brazilian player entering the opposing area. Jade ordered a beer and sat at the bar table.
Football commentator (speaking on the television):
—“Suárez passed to Cáceres! This is a good chance for Cáceres. He prepares to shoot at the goal... He falls inside the area...”—says excitingly.
—“Penalty!”—he shouts to the crowd.
Customers in the bar erupted. Some yelled obscenities at the television while others hugged and congratulated each other. One of those lamenting was CRIS (30), who was behind the bar. He finished pouring a glass of beer and handed it to ALESSANDRO (27), who was celebrating with his friends.
—“Here! This is a Pale Ale, it’s on the house. This is the most bitter beer I have, but not as bitter as the rage Brazil will make you feel when they lose now,”—says Cris cheerfully.
—“Guys! André is betting free beers that Neymar will miss the penalty,”—says Alessandro laughingly to the others.
—“Shh... What’s wrong with you? Have you gone crazy? Besides, Neymar has gone two games in a row without scoring, and in the league, he only makes 1 out of every 4 penalties,”—comments André, surprised and embarrassed by the comment.
—“But he’s going to score it! I know it! Aha! If you’re so sure he’ll miss, why are you afraid to offer a round if he scores?”—shouts Alessandro, interrupting the conversation.
—“It’s just that Samantha turns a year older tomorrow, and I want to prepare something special for her...” —comments Cris.
—“I knew Samantha was testing you to keep you from going out with us to watch the match,”—Alessandro says with laughter.
—“A free beer for anyone wearing a BRAZIL shirt and without a woman telling them what to do if Neymar scores! If he misses, everyone pays me what they owe on their tabs,”—says André, addressing everyone.
—“That’s the spirit!”—says Alessandro, grinning from ear to ear.
On the television screen, Neymar is seen taking a run-up to execute the penalty. Around the field, the Uruguayan team watches; it’s the final of the Copa América. Everyone in the bar goes silent. On the screen, we see how Copete is running toward the ball.
Commentator:
—“Here goes Copete and... Gooooooal!”
Brazil fans in the bar scream with joy, embracing and celebrating.