That day in Donna was marked by the visit of the Sekvens and by the successful rescue of Karen and Elvinia. I say this because, even with so much happening, the date ended up becoming known as Karen’s birthday.

  The young woman became the darling of the Reborn for refusing to abandon her friend, even in the face of death. Elvinia said that the humans would kill her if she confirmed their friendship — and, even so, Karen did.

  The contrast among humans is fascinating. Perhaps that is why the Known Universe has studied them for tens of thousands of years. That no longer exists on Earth. After all, we all want to live happily, and the Known Universe has taught us not to lose our minds when everything is too perfect.

  Today is Karen’s birthday, but it is Sabrina and Jorge, the twin children I had with her, who are the most excited. The Reborn are always the ones who prepare this celebration, and it takes place in Selium Village, because everyone wants to greet her.

  With Karen in my arms, I leapt onto the ramp without difficulty, where Anastácia and Tariel were waiting for us. I quickly headed to the great hall, followed by Aluram.

  Gently, we placed the young women into the capsules. Melissa and her partners arrived next — Mirtis had docked with Jazzia — and activated the controls.

  “It’s going to be all right,” I said, caressing Elvinia’s face, frightened by everything she saw, without telling her what was still to come.

  Before they closed the capsules, something caught my attention: Melissa touched Karen’s face for a few seconds, and Sacha did the same with Elvinia. I did not question it, despite my curiosity.

  “Now we wait. We need to go,” Kane informed us.

  The Sekvens returned to Mirtis, and both ships headed back to the village.

  “Your ship is incredible,” Aluram commented, sitting with us at the dinner table.

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  “It’s not mine,” I replied.

  “Of course it is,” Jazzia answered, annoyed.

  “Sorry… I meant that you and I belong to the Known Universe.”

  “Now that makes sense. I’ll prepare a snack.”

  The girls laughed and left me embarrassed, looking at me with hungry eyes in front of Aluram.

  “It’s amazing how they all adore you,” he observed. “I don’t believe it’s the Sekvens’ energy that causes it.”

  “Why do you say that?” Tariel asked curiously, sitting on my lap and resting her arms on the table.

  “Because of how he treated Elvinia. He was gentle, attentive, respectful, loving… and he did all that while looking her in the eyes, showing sincerity. He shows what he feels without fear. He even said he wanted her, even after I warned that she would be under my care.”

  “Well, Willian…” Anastácia smiled.

  “You like to take care of others. You truly love,” Aluram said.

  “I really do,” I replied with a smile, before kissing Tariel’s cheek. “On Earth, I used to take care of the village’s children. I loved spending the whole day with them.”

  “Women notice that,” Anastácia said, handing me an apple.

  “By the way, Aluram,” I asked between bites, “what is this story about me asking Elvinia to date me?”

  “You said she is beautiful. For us, that’s a proposal,” he laughed. “The way you said it, it was almost a marriage proposal.”

  “Me wishing for a Selium daughter…” I placed my hand on my forehead, closing my eyes.

  “What happened? Tell us more!” Anastácia smiled, pushing a piece of banana into my mouth.

  “She accepted,” Aluram said casually.

  My jaw dropped. Tariel and Anastácia burst into laughter.

  “If she had turned her face away or spat on the ground, she would have refused,” Aluram continued. “Instead, she smiled.”

  “But I’m human, and she was vulnerable…”

  “That’s not how it works,” he interrupted me. “It’s instinctive. She doesn’t even think about the answer. It just happens.”

  “She’s very young,” I argued.

  “She will grow up and she will wait for you.”

  I laughed, still uncertain. There was so much I didn’t know about the Seliums. I looked at Tariel and caressed her face, imagining what she hid behind so much beauty.

  “And when Elvinia finds out that I’m married?”

  “That’s the strange part. She should be shocked and outraged, but that didn’t happen with the others. Not even with Mala, to whom you said you didn’t join the Sekvens.”

  “We are all experiencing new things. There are moments when I no longer know who I am… or what I am.”

  “You are Willian,” Tariel said.

  “The person we love,” Anastácia added.

  “A man with more than one wife is crazy,” Aluram shook his head. “Why am I feeling jealous?”

  We laughed.