and the girl. You could see pain in his eyes. Great pain. "Yes, we were friends. She was my best friend. I liked her. And I was proud to be friends with her. Because she was so different from everyone else. So strong. So superior.“His breathing was quick and shallow and his voice almost cracked when he spoke.“ When she died, everything was taken from me. The most important person in my life. ... And then you come. And I have the feeling that I know you. Your eyes, your smile, your walk. You are just like them. Damn why are you doing this "Scared, almost breathless, she answered him. Her eyes were filled with tears." I'm sorry. I ... that's how I am. What can I do for looking like this? You can't help but look the way you look, can you? "Her voice trembled with excitement. Slowly the anger gave way to fear." And now let go of me at last! "She yanked her arms away from the wall, slipped under him and then ran down the stairs. What remained was a completely confused Zorro. All these feelings that flowed through him. For years he had held her back. For years he hadn't had them Let the surface come in. And now?Now they overcame him. He walked slowly down the steps. There was pounding and pounding in his head. “Are you leaving now?” Surprised, he looked at Maya, who was standing in front of the house and seemed to be waiting for him. He nodded. He eyed the girl again. The only thing that didn't remind him of Kuina was her hair. They were black too, but Kuina had kept her hair relatively short. Maya, on the other hand, wore a long, braided braid that reached down to her bottom. “You fight with swords too?” He looked again at the house where she lived with her mother.[i]- Do you think we live voluntarily in this hovel? - What had she done that she had to hide in this shabby neighborhood? "Yes, I was national junior champion." She smiled ruefully. “Been there?” Another nod. "Two years ago a couple of nasty guys attacked us. I knocked them down with my sword. One of them died in the process.He was a naval lieutenant. "Now he understood." So you are wanted? "She nodded again." Then you seem good. " - "Thanks. "The young girl smiled.

Without exchanging another word, the two went back into town. Maya took the swordsman straight to the harbor and was about to leave when he grabbed her shoulders. "Tell your mother that I'm sorry. And that I forgive her." Maya nodded. “I hope you will forgive me too.” She smiled. “Why should I forgive you?” Instead of an answer, a smile. Then a gentle kiss.[i]Because I love you like my sister once did. Before he could react, she was gone. His fingers slowly slid over his lips. About the place Maya had touched a few moments before. His gaze turned to the sky. Small tears were reflected in his eyes. And in his mind he finally found peace. A smile played tentatively on his lips. "I thank you.... Kuina. "