The group of animals is less ragged than the toreros but still disappointing. Rafa was relieved when he saw them, but he knows Fuga will be disappointed. Fuga has faced full-grown bulls in the fields. He hopes Fuga does not complain when he sees the collection of scrawny, dull-coated bulls, young bull calves, and a restless Corriente cow with massive horns.
The first young man enters the ring, holding a newspaper as a cape.
“Ten pesetas. He’ll last less than two minutes,” Nick wagers with a nearby attendee.
The young bull calf is released into the ring. It runs around and the boy dodges it, flapping the newspaper. The energy is frantic. The calf chases the boy in circles. Nick wins the bet. The next torero is the same. The third ends up running from the ring amidst a serenade of boos. The husky boy in the floppy suit of lights marches into the ring. He is arrogant and demands to face the irritable cow with the big horns.
The cow enters the ring and simply stands there. The torero moves closer to the animal but it does not respond. The boy begins jeering and taunting the animal, flapping the cape, looking for a reaction. Without warning, the cow charges at the boy. He tries to spin away but the animal’s horns catch on his loose jacket.
“¡AY!” The boy is lifted from the ground and yells in a panic.
Rafa jumps into the ring. He has pulled Fuga from clips in the fields. Rafa and another man dislodge the boy from the cow and escort him from the ring. The boy wails as blood spills through the sleeve of his suit. The cow’s horn has punctured his shoulder.
The cow is angry, snorting, and rearing.
Fuga jumps into the ring. The crowd pulls a collective breath.
The animal is not calm.
But Fuga is.
With slow and graceful steps, El Huérfano emerges. His gaze is strong and steady, showing reverence to the animal, acknowledging the exchange about to begin. He allows adequate distance and gives the cape a subtle twirl. The cow charges. At the last possible second, Fuga snaps the cape high and away, allowing the cow’s horns to pass so close to his torso that Nick gasps. Subsequent passes are completed with similar strength and grace, eliciting an “Olé” from a few men.
The cow becomes tired. Fuga comes alive.
The cow is exchanged for a young bull. Fuga exhibits similar resolve. He performs a set of tandas, a series of passes, displaying his skill and form. His respect for the bull is evident. He continues the passes with the young bull until the animal achieves sentido, the knowledge that Fuga is his challenger, not the cape. Each pass then becomes more dangerous. The animal suddenly charges straight for Fuga. He drops to his knees in front of the bull. Left hand on his hip, he guides the young bull with the cape extended in his right hand. The crowd issues “Olés” and applause. The breeder corrals the bull from the fight.
Fuga crosses the ring toward Rafa.
“No, walk the ring!” Rafa whispers. Fuga’s face is blank. But Rafa recognizes the stare. It’s presence.
Fuga has a keen readiness but no fear. What he has experienced in life is far worse than anything that could transpire at a capea. In the streets he is ignored and denied. He is labeled a wild orphan, a mad gravedigger. Fuga reveals himself to the animal only. In life, he falls to his knees for the animal only.
At Rafa’s insistence, Fuga walks the small ring, collecting pesetas, grapes, and most of all, respect. He says nothing, interacts with no one, just turns and walks to the stone shed.
Rafa runs to Daniel. “Did you get photos?”
“I did. Wow, your friend is very talented.”
“Sí, he is very brave.” Rafa lowers his voice. “This was nothing. An angry cow and a young calf. Wait until you see El Huérfano with a real bull.”
A man in a wide felt hat approaches Rafa.
“How old is your friend?” he asks.
“We don’t know. He’s an orphan.”
“So, that’s part of your pitch, huh? He’s faced bulls before, that’s obvious.”
“Well, señor, we have an old wheelbarrow. We tied a set of horns to it. I run it around so Huérfano can train.”
The man looks at Rafa, clearly skeptical.
“That is why we are here, señor. We were lucky to find these Americanos to pick us up and drive us here. With the recommendation and backing of a fine man such as yourself, Huérfano can begin to train properly as a novillero. I work part-time at the slaughterhouse, but a torero must have a sponsor to train there.”
“So, you’re telling me that this—Huérfano—has never faced a bull.” The man chews on his cigar, staring at Rafa.
Rafa skirts the question. “He has yet to face his destiny, señor.”
“And what about that suit? Did he steal it?”
“No, señor. My dear sister works for the best tailor in all of Madrid. The suit must be returned tomorrow.”
The man extends a business card to Rafa. “Don’t return the suit just yet.”
Rafa breaks out in a grin.
Daniel snaps a picture.
81
Daniel turns the Buick onto the dusty path. The youngsters spot the car and stampede toward it. Rafa hangs out the window, waving wildly as the children explode into cheers, jumping up and down. Elderly residents awaken in their chairs. Neighbors emerge from their shacks. The community pours into the road to watch the big black car glide toward Rafa’s house.
Antonio stands in the doorway, holding Lali. Julia and Ana appear just as the car pulls to a stop. Rafa jumps out, stands in the center of the street, and hoists the business card above his head.
“¡Novillero!” he yells.
The crowd gives a huge cheer.
Ana looks to Daniel, her mouth open in surprise. Daniel nods.
“¡Toro! ¡Toro! ¡Toro!” scream the children.
Rafa walks to the rear door of the Buick. “Vallecanos, congratulate our friend, El Huérfano!” Rafa opens the door and Fuga steps out amidst the chaos.
Still dressed in the suit of lights, Fuga looks princely, strong. He ignores the adults but acknowledges the children, giving them his grapes. He then walks straight to the door of the shack, carefully cradling a handful of coins.
Fuga bends to one knee and bows his head. He raises his hands and offers his winnings.
To Ana.
82
The worthy opponent is someone you respect, someone who has similar goals, and someone you must overcome. Daniel looks at Fuga.
He is a worthy opponent—and he has caught him completely off guard. As he snaps the picture, it all rolls back at him.