It was still 1977,
and the United States government was testing the H-bomb
in the Pacific Ocean.
Colombia saw the release of the film Sinister Funeral by Jairo Pinilla,
considered a pioneer of horror films in the country.
And Annie Hall by Woody Allen, winner of four Oscars.
Junior became the champion of the national football league,
and the drug cartels started sending cocaine to the United States.
Molded walls,
flooded bathrooms, graffiti, and walls on the verge of collapse
have become a constant in the educational institute
of José María Root, given the recent change…
At José María, Quiñonez was a huge disappointment
as a representative of the student council.
Which is why the Acuña brothers had been expelled
without any consideration,
and Castro was allowed to finish his senior year…
ACADEMIC PROBATION
…but with disciplinary probation.
As for me,
while I was taking my first steps as a father,
it seemed as if Eva and I were in an ambiguous loop
that made me feel like I was always walking on a tightrope.
So good. Eva.
Eva.
Eva?
Eva? Eva?
Eva?
Ah! Wha… what is this man doing here?
What do you mean?
Camilo, we've discussed this before.
We're friends with benefits. More than a friend, less than a boyfriend.
-You know? -Yes, I know.
But why can't we just be boyfriend and girlfriend?
Well, whiner, because neither you nor I are good enough for her.
It's not difficult to understand.
You shut it, moron!
But he shouldn't be here with us.
Me? I have no commitments.
Eva could just come to the United States to be with me,
and I would be able to dedicate every second of my life to make her happy.
And how about you?
Can you do the same?
Yes, of course.
Have you forgotten about your responsibilities?
You have a daughter, for example.
I can… I… I… Uh…
I can fix that. I'll… I'll take care of that.
No, Eva. Eva! Eva, don't do this to me!
Eva! Eva!
Please.
Camilo, come here.
Come join us.
Come on. Camilo, what's up?
Camilo.
Camilo?
Camilo.
-Hey, Granados, wake up. -Camilo.
-Are you okay, man? What's happening? -Camilo.
-Camilo! -Come on, Granados.
Camilo.
The baby still has a fever. What should we do?
What?
-You hold her. I'll ask. -Mama's here.
The emergency room?
-No, the other way! -Oh, right. ER's over there.
-The nurse! -It's okay.
Help. The baby won't stop crying. She just won't stop.
What happened?
She's been crying for over three hours.
She isn't hungry or tired. I've tried everything.
I think she has an infection. She has a fever. Could you check?
Oh no, baby girl.
-Don't you worry. -Um… Uh, what should I do?
Uh, you can come with me this way.
-And you guys wait here, please. -Thank you.
-Come on. -I'll take it. Gimme that.
I'm the father.
Just wait here and we'll let you know more soon.
Keep us posted.
-It's all right, sweetie. -Over here, please.
EVA LASTING
EPISODE 1
Camilo?
Luisa?
Yes? Hello?
Come on.
-What are you doing? -Oh.
Nothing.
You're having a regression.
Playing songs on the phone as if you were 12 years old again.
Well, I am, yes.
And why's that a problem?
I won Ana over with love letters and playing songs for her on the phone,
so who says I can't do it again?
Just like Coach Basílico says,
"Don't change the strategy that works."
Mm-hmm. Okay.
Whatever.
My, oh my.
That'll be all. Thanks.
I'm sorry, guys, for having interrupted the study session. I know this exam…
We were in our second semester,
and we were getting ready to face the demon
that haunts senior year students.
The exit exam.
The state examination tests were definitive
for those who wanted to get into public university.
Which was the only option for the kids of the lower class,
you know, just like us.
Except Eva, of course.
No, I won't sit for the exams
because I'm off to study in the US.
-Hello. -Camilo, where were you guys?
Well, the thing is that Antonia wouldn't stop crying,
and she had a fever, so we decided to take her to the hospital.
What happened? Aw, poor baby. Bring her here.
-Wanna go with granny? -What did they say was wrong?
-What was it? -She has an infection.
And we have to give her these drops every hour and take her temperature.
-Oh no, no, no, no. My poor little baby. -Mom, we need to ask you a favor.
It's just, uh, tomorrow we have the preparation for the exam,
and it's crucial for Luisa to be there.
Could you take care of Antonia tomorrow?
-Oh, son, tomorrow? -Yes.
Honey, tomorrow, I have to revise the curriculum.
No. Dr. Alicia wants me there.
-What if we take her to school with us? -No, no, no.
-No, we can't since she's sick. -Yes.
Don't worry. I'll just… I'll stay home and I'll take care of her.
No. Uh…
That sucks.
-No. -Yes, it really sucks.
No, no, no. Luisa can't miss the exit exam.
If you want to go to SENA or the National, you have to be there, baby.
But what should we do then?
Camilo, I can think of someone who could help us out. Your father.
My father?
Of course. He's her grandfather.
Besides, he makes his own schedule with the taxi.
Even though Castro and Pabón couldn't care less
about the exams,
and even though Eva wasn't going to take them
because she didn't need to,
we met the challenge as a group, as a rite of passage.
We knew that could be the last time we joined forces for a common cause.
And a feeling of melancholy came over us during our final study sessions.
No. Travelling to the US to study?
No, you hadn't told me about that.
Why'd you keep it a secret?
Well, it was a last-minute decision.
But why?
Because here in Colombia, there's no English classes,
and that's what I want to study.
-Oh. Well… -Hmm.
That changes things.
But so what?
What? What?
If you leave,
what will happen
between the two of us?
We will still be friends.
We can write to each other and, uh…
Besides, I'll come visit you and…
Come.
What?
-Is there something I'm missing? Tell me. -No. No.
-Tell me the truth. -Nothing's going on.
Don't start imagining things that are not real.
Come on. They're waiting for us to study.
It was obvious that Eva's decision to study in the US
went beyond anything a university could offer in Colombia.
And the thought of never seeing her again,
just when we had made progress in our relationship,
left a void in my soul that was impossible to fill.
When the nightmare was becoming a reality,
I suddenly had an epiphany.
-Let me see. -No doubt you're going crazy.
But why, buddy? I'm a dad now. I have to do what's best for my baby.
What is best for her is to go to the United States?
Of course, man. I could study there and work and get paid US dollars.
And I could send that money to Luisa. It's perfect.
I spoke with the school counselors,
and there are alternatives for those who want to go study abroad.
And they even cover the stay and everything.
Uh-huh.
Do you know what score is required on the exit exam to earn that scholarship?
Sure, and I'll get it, no matter how hard it is.
And what about the language?
Good morning.
-Morning. -Gentlemen, ladies.
-Good morning. -Good morning.
Well, as you all already know,
today you have to take the practice exit examination,
so that we can prepare you
for the world of multiple choice,
so that you can use your time wisely on the day of the official exam.
Understood?
Yes.
Pass them on.
Silence please.
Take out your pencils and we will begin.
I'm coming, José!
Easy. There's no rush.
Okay, I just changed her clothes.
Give her her bottle in two hours, and at 9:30, the drops.
Sure. That's fine.
Luisa will return from school, and then you'll be free to go to work.
I can stay for as long as it's necessary.
-Thank you, José. -No. No need to thank me.
What are grandfathers for?
Well, I'll leave because it's getting late.
You look very pretty, Ana.
If the baby's fever rises again, call me at school right away.
-I left the thermometer on the nightstand. -Fine. See you.
See you later.
In the context of the pressure we were under,
the Acuña brothers came back.
Even though they were expelled from high school
due to a personal vendetta while Quiñonez was on high school council,
it didn't affect them.
Instead, it seemed to have worked in their favor.
They arrived as little mobsters,
offering a menu of solutions, which, although costly,
were practical and effective.
What is it?
They offered a validation certificate in three months,
a high school diploma with all the stamps of the ministry of education,
and the crown jewel,
the answers to the exit exam questions,
with a money-back guarantee if they were incorrect.
Just give us a call. Hmm?
Thanks.
Whoa. This country is a gold mine for people who want to make easy money.
No. This is not the solution.
Hmm?
Let's go back to politics.
Oh no, Eva, don't start with that story again.
But has anything changed with other methods?
It makes no sense for the future of recent graduates
to depend on something so superficial as the results of an exam.
We have to protest.
Hmm? Let me remind you, things have changed.
Have you forgotten that approach cost us the elections?
No, it's even worse.
We helped that moron Quiñonez rise to power.
For what? So that he could sit on his ass?
Exactly. And why do you care? You don't even need this exam.
Political action is above your own personal interest.
Thank you, Eva,
but I think, this time, we'll pass.
Okay, that's fine.
I'm just saying that if we do nothing,
we risk letting the educational system not only stop evolving,
but actually go backwards.
And so, I'll recommend you a book.
This is a book written in the 19th century by Charlotte Brontë called Jane Eyre.
Jane Eyre.
The main character is in a boarding school,
in which confinement, hunger, and physical punishment
are part of her education.
Is that what you want?
Did they have exit exams?
Come on, man.
No.
Well, then I would rather go back to that era.
JOSÉ MARÍA ROOT DISTRICT SCHOOL
All I feel is love.
Nothing compares to this feeling.
Always and forever, I'll be yours.
Hello!
What's up?
How is it?
How did it go? What did the Acuñas say?
Nah, just some filthy business.
How are you?
-All good. -And the baby?
She's upstairs, sleeping.
When I arrived, your dad had already bathed her, changed her,
and given her the drops and her bottle.
-Really? Wow. -Mm-hmm.
-He turned out to be a great babysitter. -Just imagine.
-The best of all. -Yes.
What are you doing?
TYPEWRITTEN DOCUMENTS ICE CREAM SALE
What's this? Selling… what, ice cream?
Yeah.
Typewritten documents?
Well, since your mom is no longer using the typewriter,
I figured it was a good idea to get to work
so that I can help with the diapers,
and I will see if I can even buy a medicine course by mail.
Ah.
I was thinking that, after going to med school,
I want to go to the United States to pursue a medical specialization.
-Really? -Mm-hmm.
What a coincidence.
Let me help you.
-A coincidence? -Yes.
Well……don't tell anyone, but…
Come. Listen.
I was thinking about moving to the US myself.
Because I've heard that you get offered good opportunities there
to work and study at the same time and that salaries are good.
And I could earn a salary in dollars and send it back here to you…
…and the baby.
And go after Eva as well, I imagine.
Yes.
That as well.
Am I being crazy?
I don't know, Camilo.
But if your heart tells you to go to the US, then you should do it.
Yes, but what do you… what do you think about it?
Well, I think that
even if you have good intentions, you'll eventually have to choose between
your baby girl and Eva.
That's a very hard decision to make being so far away.
Right, but no, because…
well…
But no matter what…
…you end up deciding, don't worry, you can count on me.
Okay?
I would like Janet to come with me
to look after my granddaughter for a few days
while the kids get through their exit examinations.
Sure. That's absolutely fine by me.
Mm-hmm.
But you have to enforce the same discipline we have here at home.
-Mm-hmm. -Even if she's with you,
she has to continue doing all the homework I give her.
Oh, of course. We're on the same track.
Let me know what I have to do and I'll do it.
The thing is, if you are more interested in developing a bond with your daughter…
Also that. Yes.
…then you should
look for an activity that is just shared by the two of you.
Mm-hmm.
Maybe you could pursue a shared interest.
Yeah, sure. I had thought about that.
Ready, kiddo?
Yes.
Have a good time. Behave.
-Yes. -Got everything?
-Yes. -Thank you so much for the coffee.
-Sure thing. -Come on.
Enjoy and take care.
Is it soccer?
Yes.
-Don't you like it? -Mmm…
Not really.
Hmm.
Well, then we should look for some activity that we both like.
The thing is, it has to be fun.
Hmm. Can I think about it on the way?
Of course.
Hmm.
-I have thought about it. -Already?
-Yes. -And what is it?
Hmm…
It would be really fun if you taught me how to drive.
At the newspaper, there had been a change in leadership,
and Guillermo Manosalva, a journalist with many years of experience,
was now in charge.
-A correspondent in the United States? -Yes, sir, exactly.
A lot of important events in the sports universe take place there,
and I could cover all of them.
That's the reason why we are paying a press agency.
Oh, right. Of course. I know that.
But having your own journalist there, where history is made, is something else.
Fair enough.
Um… that's why, Mr. Manosalva, I was…
Well, I came up with an idea.
You could give me a monthly payment,
and I could write you a fixed number of articles.
You'll never run out of material.
Let me ask you something. Do you have an American visa?
No. I don't, sir, but I'm working on it.
Then finish working on it,
and when you get the visa, we finish the conversation.
Uh…
Well… Uh… Uh…
-See yourself out, please. -Oh, I'm sorry.
-Good morning. -Morning.
Janet!
I love that you came to pay us a visit.
-Hi. -I'm helping my dad take care of the baby.
Oh! Hearing that makes me feel much more at ease.
Okay, sweetie, do your homework so that we get everything done
like we promised your mother.
Go ahead.
And…
how are you doing, Ana?
Fine.
Fine. I'm fine.
Don't you
have any news to tell me?
-About? -I don't know.
Something that happened to you that you'd like to share with me.
-No, nothing. -Really?
Nothing. I better go, or I'll hit traffic.
Oh, I have one… one last question, Ana.
Do you know if
kids with Down syndrome can drive cars?
-Oh, I have no idea. -No?
-You might wanna ask Rosario. -Ah, Rosario. Yeah, sure.
-Yeah, right. -Yeah.
-Well, if you need anything, call me, hmm? -Or write to you.
You see?
I've got her hooked.
Given that time was running out,
and thanks to the visa thing,
I wouldn't be able to be a correspondent for the newspaper in the US.
I had to resort to an extreme solution.
-How is it, bro? -Granados.
Sh! You're really late. The movie's almost over.
Someone was so scared, he almost didn't come.
Okay, Granados, are you buying something from us?
-No. -Sh!
Sorry.
No, no. No, not now.
But I need to earn some money to go to the United States.
Well, you've always wanted me to work with you, right?
And after how the bird thing turned out…
And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get that money.
Wait. Really, Granados? Are you really willing to do anything?
Yes, anything.
Anything, but I really have to be in the United States next year.
Okay?
Yeah, she's right there, mm-hmm, working hard on her math homework.
It's important you check on her occasionally.
Mm-hmm.
I wanted to talk to you about something else, Rosario.
Yes, Ana already told me about it.
And no, kids with Down syndrome can't drive cars.
-So what do I do then? -You can explain it to her.
She'll be upset at first, but then she'll understand.
And wouldn't it be easier for you to explain this to her?
-Could you please? -Under no circumstances, José Granados.
This is what you experience when you build a relationship.
You both have to learn to deal with this sort of situation.
That's what I was saying. I'll explain it.
Shall I call you in an hour to see how it went?
Could you put Ana on the phone, please?
Ana.
He wants to talk to you.
What is it, José?
That singer is not called Vicky in real life.
Her real name is Esperanza Acevedo Ossa. Her artistic name is Vicky.
-Every artist does that. They don't-- -Will you teach me how to drive?
It's a bit complicated, Janet.
Why, Dad?
Why?
Because since we've been taking care of Toñita, I haven't been able to work.
I have to, so…
I'll leave you at your mom's place to go grab a few fares,
because things are tough.
And tomorrow?
Tomorrow…
You made a promise.
Yes. Yes, yes. Tomorrow, we'll do it.
Martín.
-Hey, little cute… What? -Martín!
-Don't you think it's time to study? -You're so cute!
This is a bit over my head.
Besides, I have found my new calling. I'm gonna be a babysitter.
We don't need the exams for that.
-Isn't that so, sweetie? Isn't that so? -Yeah, right. I'm serious.
Come back to Earth and go study.
Guys!
-How cute. -Baby, baby. A lion.
Baby, baby.
-Guys, you haven't eaten yet? -Not a thing.
I'll go fix something because it looks like you'll be here a while.
Well, yeah. Mm, if you don't mind, Mrs. Ana.
Mrs. Ana, could you come just a sec?
Here. José left this for you.
José?
Mm-hmm. Excuse me.
Although there's no signs from you,
as always, this love will keep burning in my chest.
-Are you serious, Castro? -Hey there!
-Focus, man! -No. Ow!
-Hey there. -What's up, Granados?
How are you? All good?
-Where were you? -Me? I was at the movies.
I need to write a review for work, so I had to go.
-And how was it, huh? -Fine. What about you?
We're fine, but Arbeláez is having trouble with compound acids, and I am too.
-So I want to know if you can help us. -Yeah, sure. But come, wait a minute.
Could we talk for a second, alone?
Come.
What are you saying?
-What you heard. -Hmm.
I'm seriously considering the option of moving to the United States.
-Huh? -Hmm? Why?
-Hmm? -I don't know. Because…
Well, I do know. I'll have better prospects there.
There are lots of job opportunities.
And that's better, right?
Ay, Camilo, I wish I could just put you in a suitcase and take you with me.
Then take me with you.
Why don't you do that? Just pack me up. I'll stay still, I promise.
I'll stay still so that you can pack me up…
-No. -…and take me with you.
-What? -No, no, no.
If only it were that easy.
It's as easy as you want it to be.
Is it really that easy?
Yes.
And your daughter?
That's been taken care of. I've spoken with Luisa.
And it might even be better for all of us because I can get a job over there,
and as I said, I can get paid in US dollars.
-I can send that back to her and the baby. -No. No, no, Camilo.
It's really not that easy.
-But why? -It's not that easy.
-Besides staying there, how are you… -"Besides" why?
Well, you can't freeze your life over here to chase me.
What do you mean, Eva?
How come you can't understand, after all we've been through,
I can't live without you?
If you leave, I don't know, I'm gonna die.
Oh no, Camilo. No one's going to die. Come on.
Listen, what you're saying is beautiful, but…
No, we have to snap out of it.
After we all graduate, we'll have to learn how to live without each other.
Well, I don't think I'm capable of doing that.
You are capable.
Of course you're capable.
Besides, in a few years, we're gonna look back
and we're all gonna laugh at how dramatic this all was.
I mean it.
Eva, listen.
-Mm-hmm? -Right now, we have something going on.
I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I know there is something.
Don't give up on us.
We've never been better.
Hmm…
I'll see you out there. We still have a lot to do. Okay?
"Man is the measure of all things."
That is the phrase that distinguished our friend Protagoras,
who became, we may say, the father of relativism.
To this Greek philosopher, we owe the always delicate debate
about if the end
justifies the means.
Protagoras came into my life at the perfect moment.
Did my desperation at the possibility of losing touch with Eva
justify my decision to cross the line into the criminal world
alongside the Acuñas?
Was love above the law
and paternity?
…just to get his medication, thus justifying a criminal action…
Okay, sweetie, in our first session, we will learn the theory, okay?
But hear me out. This is important.
What we are doing here today
has to be our little secret.
-I really love secrets. -Very well.
You can't say anything to your mother that I'm teaching you how to drive, okay?
-No, because she'll get mad at me. -She'll get mad, yes.
-No, we should surprise her. -Yes!
Very well.
So you need to know the four things to learn how to drive. Hmm.
-The first one, the steering wheel. -The steering wheel.
-The second one? The gearshift. -The gearshift.
The third one?
-Pedals. -The pedals. And the fourth one?
-Mirrors. -Perfect.
You passed the first class. Let's go.
Oh, Granados, you are the luckiest man in the world.
Oh, really? And why's that?
The deal we are about to offer you
won't just help to solve all of your problems,
but will even leave you with money to do anything you please.
Hey, are we gonna rob a bank, or what is it?
It's way better and less risky.
Listen, Granados, we've just heard back from some of our clients
who have started hitting the lottery by transporting their products.
And to where?
The United States!
Oh! That's good, right?
And can you believe,
they are looking to collaborate with young people who wish to thrive…
-Like me. -…and make money easily?
-Sure. Mm. -Okay, now listen, Granados.
Those guys will get you your visa.
-Hmm? -Mm-hmm.
-They will buy your plane ticket… -Mm-hmm.
…and pay for the best hotel, all expenses covered. Hmm?
-And this is the best part. -Mm?
You'll get paid tons of money for the deliveries.
-Hmm! -Easy-peasy!
And the products are…?
Capsules of
white gold.
White gold? The…
Oh, the…
Yeah.
-No, then I shouldn't, because… -Listen.
-No. -Granados, don't make that face, okay?
-Listen, this is not risky at all. -Sure. Yeah.
They know what they are doing. Hmm?
But hurry, brother. You have to make a decision right now.
A crowd's waiting to get in this business,
but we came to you first because you are our friend.
The idea is quite simple.
The shoe you're gonna wear
has an empty heel and platform.
Inside goes… one part of the product.
And the suitcase has
a false bottom.
You can put the rest there.
What do you say?
Is it clear, pal?
I accepted the offer from the Acuñas.
At that time, I was a teenager
and there was nothing, no law, or ethics, or responsibility
more valuable than true, stubborn love.
However, that didn't help me calm down my nerves,
and while I struggled internally,
the day of the exit exam arrived.
I'm your grandpa José
Who is this gorgeous baby?
Who is she? Oh!
I'm José, your grandpa.
Yes, ma'am. I'm Mr. José.
Isn't that right? Show me that beautiful smile.
Show me that…
What's up, kiddo?
Babies understand better if we talk to them like this.
It may feel as if they don't, but they do.
The thing is, babies love their moms
because they share the same body for nine months.
They are the same flesh.
But
for us dads, it's more complicated, kiddo.
-We have to earn their love. -How is it, Toñita?
How? Well…
-We take care of them. -Hey, sweetie.
We spoil them.
Right? We talk to them.
We are with them.
And we never leave them alone.
Isn't that right?
"Yes, grandpa." Huh? My baby.
That's what I tried to do with you, kiddo.
Sh, sh, sh, sh, sh…
She wants to hear you.
Talk to her, kiddo. Talk to her.
I'm very proud of you, son.
In that moment, I felt speechless.
It was as if the guilt of leaving her too soon had tightened my throat.
I must admit that, without intending to do so,
my dad had made the final blow
that would put an end to the dilemma that had been eating me alive.
Well, so I've given this more thought, guys,
and I wanna thank you guys for this opportunity,
but I'd rather leave it to someone who really needs it.
What I'm saying is I'm out.
-Are you serious? -Are you serious?
Yes, I'm serious.
What do you think, dipshit? You think we're playing a game here?
No, but you guys need to understand that I'm a father now.
It's… it's not the same. I'm a father.
You know that, right? Look. She's Antonia. She's my daughter.
Look at her photo. Look.
She's cute, right? I'm a father. It's important--
-We don't give a shit about that photo! -This is bad, Granados.
How could you have fucked us like this?
What will these guys think of us
if we say the deal's off because you backed out?
Listen, we have a reputation to protect.
I'm really sorry, but you need to understand,
I didn't come to this decision lightly.
I thought it over carefully, and I'm out.
You should have done that before, not after giving us your word, you fucker!
Come on, man, you don't need to scold me like that.
You know what, Granados?
The next time you need a favor, don't come to us. Hmm?
Good luck.
Fuck you.
It was obvious the Acuñas weren't pleased with me.
But after what I had experienced the previous days,
I understood that I had to put my daughter first,
even if it meant sacrificing other things, like running after Eva.
-Are you nervous? -Yeah, sort of nervous.
-Don't worry. We'll be fine. -Yes.
Hey, I wanted to tell you something.
I made a decision, and I won't go to the US. I'll stay here.
I was ready to run off like a lunatic after Eva,
knowing I have a daughter who needs me here.
And her mom too.
And Eva?
Nothing.
I'll get used to living without her, because… It'll be fine.
Are we ready or what?
I've heard this year's exit exam is more difficult than ever.
-No. -For real.
Come on, man. You know that's gossip.
-Yes. -The Acuñas told me that.
You're so dumb. They're just saying that so we buy the answers from them.
You may come in!
-I'm so nervous! -We'll pass.
-Why? -The university depends on this.
Are you ready?
Eva.
Eva's appearance caught us all by surprise.
She wasn't supposed to take the test, and yet, there she was.
-Your faces. -What did it mean?
-So cute. -You'll do the exam? What?
-What a surprise. -Eva!
Okay, the baby bottles are ready in the fridge.
Thank you. I ran into Camilo and wished him luck on his exam.
-Oh, that's nice of you. -Mm.
They studied like crazy, but they were very nervous.
-Of course. Yeah. -I hope they do well.
We have to pray for him to do well.
José.
What's this?
I don't want you to keep playing songs on the phone for me,
and I don't want any more letters.
Uh… you don't like them?
It's not that, José. It's just that those things are very confusing.
And we had an agreement. You said you'd give me some space.
But it's for you. I want you to keep it.
No, those gestures are inappropriate right now.
Stop it, please.
Bye, Janet.
Bye!
Bye, baby.
There was no time for explanations,
so while I took the test,
I played out 100 scenarios to account for Eva's presence.
Unfortunately, anxiety started to wreak havoc inside of me.
And I have to admit, I was more focused on finishing the exam to talk to Eva
than about carefully answering the multiple-choice questions.
So I don't really know what having a family feels like.
As you all know, well… my mother died when I was very little,
and my dad and I have never had very much in common.
But thanks to you guys,
now I feel like I finally belong somewhere.
Like… like I have a family,
and not one randomly imposed on me, but one I chose myself.
And I… I love you guys, and you know it.
Therefore, last night, when I was getting ready to go to sleep,
I started thinking about everything and weighed both options.
Going to the United States to study the career I want
and face the… the possibility of never seeing you again.
And I realized that
I simply cannot live without all of you.
And…And I know that after we graduate from high school,
things are going to change,
but… we have to find a way to stay in touch and not become…
-Sure. -…strangers, so that we're still a family.
Yeah?
That's why
I decided to stay.
-What? -Yes.
-You mean it? -Really?
-Yes, I am. -Mwah!
That's great.
-That's what I wanted to hear. -Look how happy Granados is.
And so Eva's decision gave me room to breathe.
However, something about what she said didn't feel right,
and I was sure I was on the verge of being pulled into yet another mystery
by the woman who always surprised me.
The car will ask you to change gears.
When you hear the motor revving,
then you have to press down on the clutch and change gears.
So what do we do?
Clutch. Clutch. Clutch. No, no, no. You just hit the brakes.
-That was wrong. -Oh!
I hit the brakes.
Hmm.
Why did you brake?
Because I see you're sad.
Do you want to tell me why?
Wanna know?
Yes.
Why do you think it is?
It's because of Ana.
-Hmm. -Yes.
Doesn't she love you anymore?
Seems like she doesn't.
Why is that?
Let's say that
I did a bunch of things that ended up disappointing her, so when…
when I wanted to press down on the clutch and change gears… it was too late.
Hmm!
What are you gonna do now?
I don't know.
I think that, for now,
hit the brakes, park the car,
and give her the time she's asking me.
Do you want me to hug you?
Okay.
One week later, we got the results from the exam,
and they were quite surprising.
Mm, 386.
Oh, that's great, Luisa.
I got 384. Is that good?
-Almost the same mark. -Yes, exactly.
-Congrats. -Congratulations, Granados.
-Why? -I'm fucked.
-What's your score? -172.
Oh.
-Not so bad. -Told you so.
-I got 168. -But you don't even need this exam.
-Yeah. -Easy, bro.
-And you, Arbeláez? What did you score? -250, man. I just barely passed.
And you, Samper?
450.
Whoa! Must be one of the best in the country.
Well, she's a genius.
Chill, man.
The number won't change if you stare at it long enough.
452.
What? More than Eva?
This unexpected test result didn't affect Castro's intentions
-to become a professional soccer player. -He's a genius!
But it did prove Eva's point that those tests were arbitrary,
because they intended to measure something as complex as knowledge
through something as cold as numbers.
Do any of you know where the fuck the Acuñas are?
Uh…
What? Didn't they scam you with the exit exam answers too?
No, dumbass. We're not complete idiots like you are.
You shut up, asshole, and listen.
If you see them, tell them I'm coming and I want my money back.
And if not, I'll kill them.
-Oh no. I'm so scared right now. -Asshole!
Oh, I'm shaking.
It was how the Acuñas made Quiñonez pay for their expulsion
from José María.
We hadn't finished processing the test results
when the classroom was shaken
by the appearance of the second demon that haunts senior year students.
Good morning.
I hope you're happy with the results of your exit exams.
Today, I want you to meet military Sergeant Zapata.
He has come to talk to you about the mandatory recruitment examination
for all boys,
to evaluate whether you are suitable to do military service for our country.
We had been so focused on the exit exams
that we had completely forgotten about military service.
Getting recruited would be as awful as failing the exam, or even worse.
We were back on the road to misery,
which had become our inevitable future. ailing the exam, or even worse.