Raiyokan and the Fibonacci Sequence

Chapter 7: Meeting Mariana's Parents

In the aftermath of the tumultuous events, my being was submerged in a sea of conflicts. The experience that transported me to the Raiyokan universe had left scars, challenging what I was truly capable of.

As I reflected on these happenings, it became clear that the story of my life had turned into a dark phenomenon, with Mariana playing an important role in this mystery.

The urgency to dissipate the tension from the previous day guided me to Mariana's apartment. Aware that she remained unaware of the events that had marked Afonso Pena Avenue, I longed for the refuge of her presence.

When I knocked on the door, I was greeted by a smile that brought calm to my inner self. Mariana, oblivious to the situations I had witnessed, radiated serenity.

— Diego, it's so good to see you! — she said with genuine joy. — Please, come in.

— Thank you, Mariana. — I replied, entering and feeling the tranquility of the place.

Sitting on the sofa, surrounded by the familiar atmosphere of the room, my eyes met hers and I immediately felt relief. A mix of anticipation and nervousness washed over me as I noticed Mariana's parents entering the room. With her smile, she began the introductions, but no matter how much I tried to stay calm, anxiety pulsed through my veins.

— Mom, Dad, this is Diego — Mariana said, with a smile that radiated confidence.

— Diego, these are my parents, João and Clara.

— Nice to meet you — I said, extending my hand, trying to hide my nervousness.

— Nice to meet you, Diego — João replied, shaking my hand firmly. — Mariana has told us a lot about you.

Her parents, kind and curious, soon directed questions to me about my college progress.

— How are your studies going? — Clara asked with genuine interest.

— It's tough, but I'm really enjoying it. Dedication is the keyword — I answered, between a restrained smile and carefully chosen words.

As we shared details about our academic paths, Mariana, always attentive, seemed to help ease my nervousness, softening the edges of my anxiety with her reassuring glance. After all, in that meeting between past and present, I was meeting her parents — an experience that made me somewhat apprehensive.

The curious gazes of Mariana's parents turned to me when the topic of religion came up. They had a Christian affinity that showed in their gestures and words. I kept a calm smile during my response, explaining that, although I did not follow a religion in an orthodox way, faith was an essential beacon in my journey.

Carefully choosing my words, I added that my connection with their daughter had a peculiarity — a casual first meeting in the imposing São Francisco de Assis Church. Intentionally, I let slip my admiration for Oscar Niemeyer's works, wanting to show a broader side, a culture aligned with Mariana's spiritual nobility. Amid the exchanges, I sought to demonstrate that I was worthy of a soul as refined as hers.

I avoided dwelling on my skepticism at that moment, not wanting my internal conflict regarding commitment to the supernatural to show.

With this small effort, the meeting flowed naturally, wrapped in an atmosphere of curiosity. However, the unfolding of that peaceful scene revealed a twist. Mariana's parents asked her to tell about a dream she had with me that night.

The smile she wore began to fade as Mariana, without hesitation, started sharing the details of her dream. The initial happiness gave way to a chilling sensation as the elements unfolded.