Raiyokan and the Fibonacci Sequence

Chapter 2: Existential Questions and Skepticism

— Yes, several times with my family, but never with a classmate. — Mariana answered.

— I love Pampulha! I can't wait to get to Niemeyer's architecture; it's simply fascinating.

— She continued with a radiant smile.

It was one of those days when the morning sun painted promises of a magical day, unlike the scorching heat of that episode with the community boy.

The morning was cool, and the sun gently cast its rays over our faces, creating a perfect setting for an exploratory journey. The path to the church was filled with an atmosphere of lightness; the soft breeze caressed our faces as we walked side by side.

Mariana and I dived into a relaxed conversation, where words flowed as naturally as leaves in the wind. We laughed at funny stories, shared life experiences, and got lost in nuances of thoughts that only two people with inquisitive minds could have.

When we reached the church, the grandeur of the building gained a new dimension as it was illuminated by the morning sun. The colored concrete danced with the light, creating a visual spectacle that enveloped us in contemplative silence. Our steps slowed, and we allowed ourselves to absorb the tranquil energy of the place. I couldn't help but notice how Mariana admired every detail, her eyes reflecting the enchantment of the beauty before us.

— It's impressive how Niemeyer's modernist style manages to be timeless — she said almost in a whisper. — And Portinari's panels complete the magic of the place.

The conversation continued, but now in a softer, more intimate tone, as if we were sharing secrets in a sacred place.

— Sometimes, I wonder how these old places manage to maintain such a special aura

— I commented, looking at the intricately decorated walls.

— Maybe it's the sum of the stories and emotions of everyone who passed through here

— Mariana replied thoughtfully.

— Makes sense. Each person leaves a bit of themselves, and that creates a unique atmosphere — I added.

Between laughter and conversations, Mariana and I were weaving a connection beyond the classroom and emotional turmoil. However, even in this new bond, the shadow of unresolved questions remained: my inability to evoke my Raiyokan powers and the uniqueness of my existence.

A fog of uncertainty crept into my soul, leaving me fearful of the inexplicable decline in my ability. More and more, when trying to invoke the gifts that once flowed easily, I found myself facing an impregnable barrier, an unknown force stubbornly resisting my desires.

The disappointment that accompanied my inability became a heavy burden, an emotional load that clouded my path. In moments of solitude, away from curious eyes, I could somehow retrieve fragments of these powers. However, the gift of teleportation, once easily accessible, was no longer an option. The boundaries between the Raiyokan and human worlds seemed to have become impassable, preventing me from returning to my essence.

Mariana's arrival in my life brought a new hue to this journey of uncertainties. Her presence, imbued with balance, became a beacon amid the darkness clouding my instincts. If before despair was my constant companion, her existence became an anchor point that allowed me to find stability. She, unwittingly, gave me strength not to give up on understanding the reason behind the decay of my Raiyokan instinct.

As we walked back along the shore, something peculiar happened. Mariana, with her delicate hand, gently held my arm, interrupting our lively conversation. We decided to lie on the grass by the shore, an indescribable peace took hold of us, as if we were in a special refuge in time.

Mariana closed her eyes to absorb the atmosphere, and I noticed she was drifting into a light nap, as if about to lose herself in a realm of dreams. It was then that, amid her tranquil sleep, she began unconsciously whispering words that would cast yet another mystery into my life.

"Diego," she whispered, "There's something I need to tell you, something you don't understand."

The light wind whispered calmly as it guided me toward reflection by the pond. The atmosphere around us gained a peculiar aura.

"The boy from the community you saw in the church is not just an isolated figure. There's a deep connection between him, you, and me. Something greater is unfolding, something beyond the limits of this universe."

Her eyes remained closed, as if she was glimpsing a mystery in a mystical realm. The enigma deepened; Mariana's words floated in the air like secrets. The element involving our existence became even more intense, and the promise of unraveling it became a guiding path for the next chapter of our lives.

After this whisper, she gently woke up, her caramel eyes meeting mine amid the serenity of the shore. She shared that the peace she experienced lying on the grass enveloped her so intensely that it resulted in a therapeutic dream. However, the peculiarity was that she could not remember the details of that dream state.

I didn't mention the whisper that caught my ears while she dozed. Silence was the best choice, as revealing this intimate experience might trigger confusion or fear. The delicate balance of our connection could be disturbed by a sudden revelation.

The tranquil atmosphere persisted, but I understood that although Mariana nurtured feelings for me, the understanding of the origins of this bond still escaped my perception. The involuntary revelation during her sleep gave me a clearer view of this connection, but I realized it was too much information to share at that moment.

I understood that the journey to uncover the secrets between us would be gradual, and each revelation, however small, would add a new layer of understanding. After this episode, I knew there was something to be explored in our connection.