Voice of Shadows

When I was 12, my father was killed.

We hid from the cartel in a storm solo on the farm.

The owner was nice at first,

but then we barely had anything to eat.

We worked hard,

but he wanted my mother.

And when he wouldn't have her,

he raped her.

One day after work, he beat her so bad.

She wasn't hurt that bad,

and she made me promise myself to God.

And I did.

But the next day I killed the owner.

I killed the owner, Father.

I had to raise my sister on my own.

And we survived.

We survived, Father.

But you know what?

I look around the world

and I see so many terrible things

and I wonder what kind of God would allow this?

Tell me, Father.

Tell me, because I feel like I'm losing my faith.

Please.

Father?

Father?

Are you okay?

Milda asked us to come today.

We really need the money.

I know.

Where's Celeste?

How's it going, Birdie?

Oh, man.

Hey, you see this car?

Mm-hmm.

I drove this every Friday to get dinner at Puertas.

For 20 years.

But now I can't.

You know why?

Why is that, Birdie?

Because my wife, she took my keys.

Well, maybe she has your best interest.

Oh, you're not a believer?

One day I will get my keys and I will drive over to Puertas.

Do you believe me?

About what?

One day you will believe.

Where are you so close to Milda?

I don't know.

She just never had a family of her own.

It's so sad.

Some people that are alone are alone for a reason.

Milda, we're here.

And here is where we will stay for good.

Milda?

Oh, no.

I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else.

Oh, look, you brought a new canvas.

Delightful.

Gabriel, please clean up the yard out front, it's atrocious.

Oh, Emma, would you please show me your new work?

Hmm.

You don't like it?

Oh, it's fine.

I mean, it isn't finished yet, right?

Sit, sit, sit, sit, sit.

Emma, I know how you love mussels.

Oh, no, Aunt.

Remember, I'm allergic.

Oh, well, I have a feeling

that someday you will love them.

Enjoy.

Look at you, your mother would be so proud.

I wish I could see her again.

Oh.

You know, I know this might sound crazy,

but sometimes I can communicate with loved ones.

Perhaps I'll show you someday.

Even my parents?

Especially your parents.

You got a lot of work to do here.

This place is a mess.

You have no idea.

- Hmm. - My name is Joseph.

Gabriel.

Excuse me.

Hey, does she know about that cross?

About my what?

About that cross?

I don't know, man.

What's wrong?

Oh, that man.

He and his tribe think they own this land.

Someone should put him away.

You can't talk like that, Milda.

There is good in everyone.

Oh.

It's okay.

She can't help it, she's always been an empath.

She used to bring home injured birds to her mother.

Oh.

What would I do without you two?

Just know we will always be together.

Hello?

Hello.

Emma?

Yes.

Who's this?

This is Ernesto.

Ernesto?

I'm a longtime friend of your aunt.

I am sure she must have mentioned me.

Oh, Ernesto, I'm so sorry, I don't think so.

What time is it?

It's late.

I'm sorry to call you, but I must inform you

that Milda has just passed away.

That's impossible, I just saw her.

It was very sudden.

She went peacefully.

There will be a small funeral.

You and Celeste are to travel here as soon as possible.

And Gabriel?

The governor?

He's my boyfriend.

If you prefer, then bring him as well.

When's the funeral?

When can you get here?

Welcome, I was just about to give up hope

anyone else would come.

Do you have a eulogy prepared?

Please.

In life there were two Mildas.

The first was a Christian woman who lost her husband

and daughter in a tragic accident.

But even after this accident

she committed herself to becoming a nun

and she worked at the Catholic orphanage.

But that changed.

Few would know the second Milda.

You see, this is not the first time Milda's passed away.

She miraculously came back to life once,

after a fire in which many innocent children died.

What kind of God would allow that to happen?

Don't you see?

After she came back to life she couldn't commit

herself to God

and so she started life over.

She developed her own beliefs.

She was a good woman.

A loving woman.

Wonderful speech.

You must be her niece?

Ernesto?

Charmed.

You see, we were very close.

She didn't speak much about the people that she knew.

Hmm.

Well let's get to business.

All the documents are at the house.

We have to go over some unique stipulations.

Stipulations?

She told you, right?

No.

Hmm.

How very strange.

You see, you are the sole beneficiary of her entire estate.

Trust me, there's nothing for you to worry about.

We'll sign the will and then we'll head to the motel.

Okay?

No, you go, I will stay.

You shouldn't stay in the house

where somebody just died, Celeste.

Looks like a scythe.

Hmm?

It was a gag gift actually.

I received it from a club both Milda and I belonged to.

Hmm, what kind of club?

A very exclusive one.

This is a truly beautiful house.

It must be worth a fortune.

Have you thought about that?

Oh, her old friends.

Can you believe they still call after all these years?

I can get that.

Ah, they can get very chatty.

Excuse me.

Hello?

Oh, yes.

Yes, we are just settling in here.

Maybe you can call a little bit later.

I will send your condolences.

Thank you.

That was a man named Brett.

He escaped the fire too.

You see, one of the things Milda wanted you to do

was to keep up with all those callers

and just speak with them regularly.

You mean, Milda meant for me to live here?

Don't worry, it will be worth your time.