No Fear!

She patted him on his shoulder, “That’s fine. Here’s what I want you to do. I want balloons, everything you can find in the storeroom to entice the people into a celebratory feeling. And make it all about Carnaval. I don’t want to hear anyone working here mention the name Pablo.” She heard her last words and felt sick at her callousness. “Wait, on second thought, let’s make it all about him. We are going to make that poor boy a symbol of the people’s strength. Yes, that’s what we’ll do. In México, we cherish the dead, so today we honor him all day.” She saw her parents so made her exit with Diego and pushed through the crowd to get to them.

Jimmy was gripping Mori’s hand so he wouldn’t lose her in the multitude of people. The music was loud, and sounds coming from the people had changed from fear to pride. A pride that said they were bigger than the terrorists, they were bigger and stronger. Emma reached them and told them about Pablo. “I just got a call from Gloria. Things are changing rapidly, here’s the latest.” She pulled them aside and relayed to them the instructions she’d just received. “Daddy, can you let the band know, and take Mom on the stage and show these people how you guys can rock the house with your dancing?”

Jimmy waited for the band to finish a tune, and then jumped on the stage to talk to the ensemble. They smiled at his request, and then he motioned for Mateo to join them on the stage. Mori gestured for Lucy to do the same.

Emma spoke into the mic, “Please, we are all going to sing this next song together. It’s an easy tune, so it won’t take long for you to get the words but jump in and help these guys when you do. Today, we celebrate the life of a young man whose life was cut short by terrorists. He is our hero, and we will let the world know this.” She pointed to the cameras that were set up to catch the show. “These are cameras broadcasting out of this building to all of México, the United States, and Canada. Let us show all the Americas what we think of these terrible people, but mostly, let us show the world what we think of our dear Pablo!”

The lead singer, her name was Loretta began her show. The band was improvising, proving their incredible talents with each new note.  It was a slow but strong sound. Loretta began making up the lyrics to a heartfelt song that was becoming known throughout the world as each new word left her lips. Jimmy put his arm around Mori, and she did the same to Lucy, whose other arm was embracing Mateo. The refrain came and as Emma had promised, the songstress kept it simple. “Pablo, you are in our hearts, you make us strong, you make us one. Thank you, Pablo for what you have given us. You are our son. We are diverse, but you made us one. We love you always, Pablo. You are our son.” Jimmy began swaying as he sung the words. Soon, everyone in the massive lobby was connected to someone and was swaying as they joined in on the words. The tears didn’t stop the sounds that were filling the room with their beautiful verse.

When the music finished, there was a pause of complete silence. Then Emma picked up the mic and yelled, “Pablo!” as she raised both arms into the air reaching as far as she could. “No Fear – We Stand Together!”

Mateo ran to her to share the mic, “Sin Miedo! Estamos Juntos!”

The cheers in the room sounded as loud as a football stadium in full force. The band started, and balloons were released from the top of the rafters. Jock, the sax player was going crazy on the stage with his tunes. Everyone began laughing and dancing. They were happy. They had a purpose to be in this wonderful hotel on this historic day.