The Story of Tonight [Izars/Open]

[Deleted]

Vasco Izar

We’ve never been a wealthy family. Our baserri sits out a ways from the town center, far enough to let a man measure himself on the walk. Sprawling fields are empty now, but soon enough we’ll till the rows and fill them with seed for stalks of corn, golden branches of wheat, and sections of cabbage. I’ve worked the same fields as my father, his father, and his father, too – a family that knows truth grows through hard work, persistence, and faith. Emma spoke the truth: we have not been burdened with hate, but emboldened in love: for one another, for our family, for this place.

I reckon it’s the same love that has pushed this campaign from a wisp of a dream to reality. Marisol, brave enough to sing praises of me to a peacekeeper. Emma, standing on stage speaking with such strength I wondered if she shouldn’t have been the candidate instead of me. Romana and Lordes, pressing strangers and friends to vote Izar, their way with words getting folks to whisper to one another and nod, and think about the district’s future. Alfer and Abdiel’s pamphlets, free of my own misspellings, handed out from the hands of little Yani. I marveled at Alfonso’s artwork – splashy images that spoke to his talent, but so too was it his passion. Little Sebastian and Apala walking with volunteers, along the dark roads to houses lit by candlelight.

There was guilt – asking for their time, their energy. For something that would put a title in front of my name, and raise us all but bring a heavier hand of scrutiny against us. By the starlight above, I say a little prayer in thanks, and for protection. I couldn’t escape that part of this was for me, asking them to sacrifice. Only I am filled with pride at all of them. Quisieron enterrarnos, pero se les olvido que somos semillas¹. The Izars have seen hardship, but have risen above because of one another.

Along the edges of the field I’ve set out folding chairs, and in the center, a circular enclosure for a great stack of wood. Coolers filled with bottles of beer, and others with darker liquors (and clear moonshine, too). Two old and rusted metal grills filled with coal, smoking now, ready for the meat to sizzle across it. Along the chairs are sets of bracelets – black beads strung together with twine – little keepsakes for all that they’ve done. It’s not much, not anything at all but, at least it’s something to connect them all together.

I watch the fire lick up toward the sky, the bonfire beginning to burn. I’m already lucky – for all that I’ve received. No matter the outcome, I couldn’t forget that. Tonight we could celebrate our work, and hopefully soon, a brighter future.

---

^{1. They tried to bury us, but did not know we are seeds.
"The Story of Tonight" - Hamilton}

[shrimp]

ABDIEL "KELVIN" IZAR

Abdiel's hands shake as he holds the cup - but slightly, ever so slightly. Should've borrowed some of Alfer's stash he thinks to himself. Maybe he wouldn't be so on edge.

Risking one's life, no matter how far down the road it may be, does that to a person. Seeing your boss not only support a rebellion, but actively participate in one, does that to a person. Having to go home like nothing happened, hand out flyers, help his mother assemble los pintxos for the recepción, does that to a person.

He'd wish for a drink, but he doesn't think he could handle the family seeing him that way quite yet. They've already lost so many, the pressure to be perfect builds on grievances uttered with a sharper tongue, a distressed mind, a fearful heart, until he hardly feels like a person anymore.

Focus, Cálmate. Esta es una celebracion. He breathes, takes another sip of cola, and heads over to the man of the hour.

"Felicidades, Tío Vasco." He smiles, genuine, yet preoccupied. "We're all rooting for you."

A quieter thought echoes in his mind, but he pushes it far back.

Espero que su decisión no traiga el final.

[uwu]

Though my bro and I rarely agree on anything, we both agree that we should visit our uncle running for mayor. It must be a amazing to be able to run for mayor. I can't wait to see a family member possibly become mayor! Alas, it is truly down for what Ripred wants. I wonder what made him decide to run this year. Maybe it's because he's fed up of everything that's happened. Or maybe someone convinced him. I never really followed the elections, but I probably should

After the long trek across District 11 through Ripred's beautiful creation, we finally reach Uncle Vasco's house. His house is so much different than our own, so unique and so rustic. The party had already begun, with a couple of cousins already here. I pick up a water bottle and chug half of it in one sitting. I didn't realize how thirsty I was until I saw someone else drink some. Walking up to uncle, I give up a smile and a hug. "Good luck, Uncle V! I'll be praying for you! The Velez family really hopes you win!" I give him a quick good luck kiss on his cheek and walk off to see if I know anyone else here.