Love To Death

Prologue of Letters

Mi Amor,
Of everything I miss, it's your eyes I miss the most. They live in my memory since the first day I saw you. The roses were in your hair. Your feet were bare as you stepped to the flamenco on the street that afternoon. Do not look on any man. Those eyes are only mine!

Yours,
Ulices
[first letter received from Ulices Perrón, 1912]

Mi Encantada,
Where are you? My heart is lost even in my own city. It spends each night looking for you. I see you everywhere. In the moonlight. In the sunrise. In the music. In the dancing. My feet struggle to keep the beat without you, my love, my rhythm. Come back to me.

Siempre tuyo,
Leo
[first letter received from Leonor Romero, 1912]

Mi Vida,

How can I ask you to live like this? How can I ask you to wait for me? How can I demand that you keep every bit of your heart only for me? I should not. It is wrong of me, yet it is all I want! The thought of another man with you...holding your body...kissing your lips. Que no! I am dying, Leo, mi alma...

Tu Serviente,
tu Uli
[received from Ulices Perrón, 1917]

Mi Alma,
Things have changed these days in Avila. It is not the birthplace of our love anymore. I am afraid. Tensions are rising, and allegiance means everything. Hatred is in everyone's eyes. Neighbors have stopped making music together in the streets. The corners are silent, and there is no rhythm. Violence is coming, and I fear it will be the end of everything. Avila is not the place we grew up in. Shop doors only open for certain people. Neighbors refuse to serve old friends. I find enemies, where once were friends. Reza a la Madre, mi amor.

Siempre,
tu Leo
[last letter received from Leonor Romero, 1919]

To Don Ulices Teodoro Perrón,
It is with deep regret that I inform you of the death of your father, Esteban Perrón, and your sister, Carla Nuñes Perrón. This unexpected tragedy is grieving the community of Avila. The funeral will be held in the Iglesia de la Anunciacion next Saturday. Your brother, Fernando, and mother, Doña Concepcion, request your attendance in affirmation of familial honor.

Respectfully,
José Villanueva, Esquire

P.S. The city is different. The people have split loyalties, and it is best that I warn you that your father's business has caught up with him. Carla's innocent life taken out of greed. There are those thirsty for blood and power. Guards will meet you at the station. As Esteban's oldest son, and new leader of the Perrón's, your life may be in danger. Via con Dios, mijo.

[final letter received from Avila, 1921]