Central Hospital (Caracas, Venezuela)

It was my last night in the hospital. I lay down, trying to sleep, but I could only think about the book, my uncle, the fight with my dad, and the five-pointed star outlined under my bed. Once the thought crossed my head, I leaned on the bed, looking under it again. A sweet and melodic voice filled my room.

"Aníbal, you have less than four hours to make your decision. The evil one and his subjects are fast approaching."

Startled, I almost fell off my bed. Salazar was there, happily sitting on the couch, watching me placidly.

"What the fuck are you doing in my room?" I said angrily, "Aren't you tired of scaring the shit out of me or you just enjoy it? What's going on now; am I sleeping?"

"No, you're not asleep."

"I'm not sure I want to save this planet."

"The Universe," Salazar corrected me.

"Whatever, dammit, I'm not sure either way! Can't I have a couple more days to think about it?"

Salazar smiled, as usual. "I'm sorry, my dear friend, but things have changed. You have to make up your mind before midnight today."

"What? Before midnight? It's already 8:10! And, by the way, what's up with that star under my bed? It has my name on it!"

"You'll learn its meaning during training. If you accept the mission, of course."

"No! I want to know now! It's better if you give this mission to someone else."

"I'm sorry," said Salazar caressing his beard, "but I can only say it's a dimensional door."

"Yeah, I already know that. My uncle told me."

"Your uncle?"

"Yes, my uncle. I called him!"

Salazar closed his eyes, resting his forehead on the glass globe of his staff.

"So?" I continued, "why did you draw that white star?"

"They know already!" Salazar stared fixedly at me.

"They? Who're you talking about?"

Salazar rose to his feet, a gesture of indignation crossing his face.

"You have less than four hours. Don't forget to write down your decision on your Akashic record, if you accept, I mean."

Something hit the window: a small tree branch, blown by the wind. I turned around again to see Salazar and realized he had disappeared again. Fuck! What mess did I get into?