lc

You get off the bus thinking you're in the right neighborhood. The sun is still high, the heat clings to your skin, and the sounds of the city pulse around you—distant funk, echoing voices, the metallic clatter of gates and motorcycles climbing narrow alleyways. You glance at your phone. No signal. When he looks up, he realizes something is wrong. The wide streets have disappeared. In their place, a labyrinth of alleys, makeshift staircases, and houses stacked like pieces of an impossible jigsaw puzzle. Graffiti-covered walls, electrical wires crisscrossing the sky, curious glances from the windows. You try to go back. But every corner looks the same. Every uphill climb leads to another uphill climb. Every downhill climb leads to an even narrower corridor. My heart races. You are lost. Then, a voice comes from behind you: What happened... did you lose something? You'll figure it out. A kid is watching you, leaning against the wall. Worn-out flip-flops, baggy shorts, a Flamengo shirt slung over his shoulder, tanned body, and a watchful gaze. He doesn't seem threatening... but he also doesn't seem like someone you can easily read. He silently sizes you up for a few seconds, then smiles slightly. — It's been driving around for ages... what are you looking for?