Text Reader with Translation
As if in a trance, he made his way closer to the stage. The woman opened her eyes as she hit a particularly powerful note, and for a moment, their gazes locked. Alejandro felt a jolt, as if he'd been struck by lightning.
The song came to an end, and the spell was broken. The woman smiled, a bit embarrassed to realize she had an audience.
"Lo siento," Alejandro said quickly. "I didn't mean to intrude. I just... I heard your voice from the street, and I couldn't help myself."
The woman's smile widened. "No need to apologize," she replied. Her voice, even speaking, was melodious. "I'm Elisa. Elisa Fuentes."
"Alejandro Vega," he introduced himself, extending his hand. When she took it, he felt a spark of electricity.
"Vega?" Elisa's eyes lit up with recognition. "The mural artist? I've seen your work. It's incredible."
Alejandro felt a flush of pride, followed quickly by the familiar sense of emptiness. "Thanks," he said, forcing a smile. "Your voice is incredible too. Are you performing here tonight?"
Elisa nodded. "Just a small gig. I'm trying to build up my reputation in the local scene." She glanced at his backpack. "Are you working on something nearby?"
"I was hoping to," Alejandro admitted. "But lately, I've been... stuck. I came here looking for inspiration."
Something in his tone must have betrayed his frustration because Elisa's expression softened. "I know that feeling," she said. "Sometimes, as artists, we get lost in our own heads. We forget why we started creating in the first place."
Her words struck a chord in Alejandro. "Exactly," he said, surprised by how well this stranger seemed to understand his struggle.
Elisa hopped down from the stage. "Tell you what," she said, her eyes twinkling. "I don't go on for another hour. Why don't we take a walk? Maybe between the two of us, we can find some inspiration in these streets."
Alejandro hesitated for a moment, then nodded. There was something about Elisa – her voice, her presence – that made him feel more alive than he had in months.
As they stepped out into the warm Miami evening, the street seemed to pulse with new energy. Alejandro didn't know it yet, but this chance encounter was about to change everything. The mural he would create, inspired by this night and the woman beside him, was already taking shape in his subconscious.
For the first time in a long while, Alejandro felt a flicker of excitement. As he and Elisa disappeared into the colorful chaos of Calle Ocho, the air seemed charged with possibility. The night was young, and Miami had secrets to share with those willing to listen.
Chapter 3: Nights of Neon and Salsa
The next few weeks passed in a whirlwind of color and sound for Alejandro and Elisa. Their impromptu walk on Calle Ocho had stretched into hours of conversation, laughter, and shared confidences. By the time Elisa had to return for her performance, it felt like they'd known each other for years.
Alejandro found himself drawn back to El Gallo Azul night after night, ostensibly to work on a new mural he'd started on a nearby wall, but in reality, to hear Elisa sing. Her voice seemed to awaken something in him, breathing life into ideas that had long lain dormant.
One balmy evening, as Elisa finished her set, Alejandro was waiting for her with a mischievous grin.
"What are you up to?" Elisa asked, recognizing the glint in his eye.
"I want to show you something," Alejandro replied, taking her hand. "Trust me?"
Elisa's answering smile was all the confirmation he needed. Hand in hand, they slipped out into the Miami night.
Alejandro led her through the winding streets of Little Havana, past the cigar shops and cafes, until they reached a nondescript building. With a conspiratorial wink, he guided her up a fire escape to the roof.
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