Return To The Earth: Discovering the Origin

By Ofelia A. Villanueva

Have you ever wondered why the world did not end on December 21, 2012, as predicted by the Mayan calendar? Diego DeLorean, who was one of the wealthiest men in the United States, begins his journey from El Paso, Texas, all the way to the archeological sites in the grand state of Yucatan, Mexico, to get answers to his many questions.

Ever since he was a young boy living in the jungles surrounding the mystical pyramids, he always wondered about their existence as well as his own origins. After losing his mother, his father, and his little brother to a ferocious plague, he miraculously found his way to Juarez, Mexico, which borders El Paso, Texas. There he was adopted by the DeLoreans.

In June of 2012, he loses his entire family once again in a horrific airplane crash. In his devastation, he attempts to take his own life, but through a divine intervention, his attempt is futile, and instead he is inspired to find answers to questions that have haunted him all his life. He discovers who he truly is and where he comes from. These discoveries lead him to yet another journey that will forever change him and the world as we know it.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781639858095

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Return To The Earth

Discovering the Origin

Ofelia A. Villanueva

Copyright © 2022 Ofelia A. Villanueva

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2022

Based on the script written by Carlos Bruno Villanueva

ISBN 978-1-63985-808-8 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88505-779-0 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-63985-809-5 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1

The Burial

Chapter 2

The Departure

Chapter 3

The Awakening

Chapter 4

The Resurrection

Chapter 5

Return to the Land

Chapter 6

Back in Time

Chapter 7

My First Family

Chapter 8

A New Beginning

Chapter 9

Where's Diego?

Chapter 10

Rebirth

Chapter 11

A New Light Is Coming

Chapter 12

2012: Year of the Women

Chapter 13

Celebration of the Harvest

Chapter 14

Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta

Chapter 15

The Consummation

Chapter 16

A New World

About the Authors

To my beloved husband, Carlos Bruno Villanueva. It was his dream to turn his story into a movie. Unfortunately, that dream was abruptly interrupted by his untimely death due to contracting COVID-19. He sadly passed away on November 11, 2020.

Introduction

Return to the Earth is centered on a fifty-year-old Internet mogul that became one of the wealthiest businessmen in the world. In the process, he turned into an arrogant, despicable heartless man that seldom spent time with his family. He is consumed with guilt and despair when he loses them to a horrific airplane accident that forces him to face who he really is.

Distraught and completely shattered by the horrendous loss, he attempts to take his own life, but through a desperate battle with his creator, he learns the true meaning of redemption and forgiveness.

Defeated, he sets out to return to his native land deep in the jungles of the Yucatán, land of the Maya where they built their impressive pyramids that surpassed the test of time.

He falls in love again, finds his creator, and discovers his true destiny. He accomplishes the great task his ancestors predicted long ago, which is to save the world from an imminent disaster.

Chapter 1

The Burial

Earth to earth…ashes to ashes…dust to dust, said a priest at the graveside services for Diego DeLorean's family. Those solemn words resonated with profound significance but were unavailing in mitigating his agony.

This is the second time I lose my family, he woefully contemplated.

His agonizing tears merged with the drizzling rain and rapidly slid down his sorrowful face, revealing a familiar agony. When he was a young child, he had lost his mother and father and a baby brother, and now he was confronted with the anguish once again. Eight members of his family that included his son-in-law and daughter-in-law were victims of a horrific airplane accident that impacted and altered his life forever.

Why has this happened to me again? Could this be a punishment or perhaps a nightmare I can't seem to get out of, he pondered.

Thousands of people had gathered at the cemetery that looked more like an outdoor rock concert than a solemn ceremony. Most of the mourners were clinging to their shiny black umbrellas seeking protection from the much-needed desert rain. Many of the city dignitaries as well as top world leaders had come to pay their respects to the renowned Internet communications mogul. Close friends and members of the DeLorean family embraced in support, seeking strength from one another in withstanding the devastating loss. Their collective dismal look was understandable since no one had ever experienced such a horrific event. There were eight caskets underneath four large contrasting green portable tents that had been rapidly gripped together to accommodate the unexpected number of attendants. Three small pearl white caskets were for Diego's beloved grandchildren and the other five adult-size caskets were bronze with metallic adornments. It was a dreadful grim sight that no one could have possibly imagined.

Hector Zubia and his wife, Anna, sat next to Diego, offering their never-ending support, doing their best to comfort him in his moment of despair. Hector was a highly trusted right-hand man in Diego's enormous Internet empire. Even though he was much younger than Diego, he tried determinedly to be just like him. He respected him tremendously and admired him even more. He, too, was visibly shaken by the tragedy that had shocked the entire city as well as the international business world.

Many of Diego's employees had taken time off from work to pay their respects as well. Hundreds of other unknown faces were simply spectators in the funeral event that had made national news. After all, he was one of the wealthiest men in the world and the first billionaire in the city of El Paso, Texas. He was greatly respected in this city of over eight hundred thousand people. Many national and world magazines had written extensive feature stories about him and his impressive company, Jaguar Global Corporation. His innovative Internet business empire, his software companies, and his numerous subsidiaries dominated the worldwide communications industry.

Two well-equipped helicopters from competing national news networks cautiously hovered above the cemetery. Their commotion and the ear-deafening buzzing added to the pandemonium of the once tranquil site. They battled for valuable film space in efforts to be first in broadcasting the shocking news. Both cameramen diligently focused their cameras on the tormented celebrity, employing skillful camera agility despite the powerful whirlwinds from the torrential rains. Unfortunately for the cameramen and the technical crew at the television stations, Diego was not visible from above. He disappeared beneath the portable tents among the multitude of empathetic people. The only image the cameras captured was the vast number of umbrellas that resembled massive waves of shimmering water in a boundless black lake.

In spite of all the unsolicited hoopla from the media and the thousands of onlookers, Diego felt completely alone in his misery. He seemed oblivious to his surroundings as was evident by his blank stare. His confusion was surmounting by the sight of hundreds of people protecting themselves with their umbrellas from the early summer rain. He stood among the many unknown faces with drooping shoulders and an empty stare fixated on the wet ground. It was understandable that Diego would be yearning to escape the cruel reality that was seizing his soul, but unfortunately, it was inevitable. The dreadful pain of losing his entire family would remain deep within and would forever change his life.

At that time, the rain came to a sudden halt. The bright sun gained momentum by piercing through the clouds and finally triumphed in shinning once again. The dark clouds refused to surrender and continued their battle by blessing the parched desert city with its welcome drizzle. This common occurrence created a spectacular glow that seemed to alleviate the gloominess at least momentarily.

The overwhelming sweet fragrance from the hundreds of colorful floral arrangements disguised itself during the downpour. But now its strong aromatic vapor had risen like an invisible fog that floated through the neighboring graves while the sun vigorously fought to pierce through the fast-moving clouds once again. The radiant sun illuminated the countless drenched umbrellas that created a massive black tarp over the cemetery grounds. The final rainwater cascaded leisurely down the shiny parasols, eventually landing on the thirsty grass while everyone kept a tight grip on them. No one trusted the sun since it constantly dodged in and out of the beautiful rain clouds that were racing in the mild-mannered wind.

The weather in El Paso, Texas, was notorious for changing without warning. Seconds later, the rain slowly drizzled once again while the stubborn sun became ever so bright. The overpowering rays bounced off the wet metallic copper edge of one of the caskets and beamed directly into Diego's piercing brown eyes. Like a deer blinded by a hunter's spotlight, he gazed at the incandescent golden light that engulfed his grieving face. Morbid images of his loving family in the final moments before the plane crashed invaded his overloaded mind.

What were they thinking moments before their death? They must have felt hopeless and desperate. They probably cried out for God and waited for his will to be done. Maybe it happened so sudden that they didn't have time to think about anything or suffer in any way, Diego hoped.

As he raised his head, the gruesome sight of eight empty caskets afflicted him once again. The pain of knowing that the bodies of his loved ones were not inside would forever haunt him. How could he ever reconcile and have any resemblance of closure?

Is this real or is it some horrible nightmare I can't awaken from, he thought.

He closed his eyes, hoping to expunge the disturbing images that were plaguing him relentlessly.

Please God…let it be a nightmare. I can't go on without them.

He opened them gradually, yearning to envision a happier time in his life. Regrettably that time would not be returning anytime soon.

The priest continued with the funeral ritual, adapting his sermon to the specific needs of the distraught families. His solemn, soothing words granted them the solace they needed while it slowly began the process toward the healing of their broken spirit. With infinite wisdom and compassion, he explained the senseless tragedy. He spoke about God's love for all and his never-ending mercy that would bless them with peace and resignation. Despite his vast experience, the eloquent priest still found it difficult to suppress his emotions since he had never officiated at a burial of such magnitude. But he, too, was blessed with profound wisdom and poise as was witnessed by his gentle words and passages from the Bible.

The priest was suddenly distracted by the deafening rumble of two hovering helicopters up above that desperately competed for top ratings on the six o'clock news. Their roaring thunder along with the excessive traffic surrounding the cemetery overpowered his soothing words that quickly dissipated in the wind. Sadly, most of the people in attendance failed to hear them.

The cemetery was located directly below the Interstate 10 freeway. It merged with several other expressways that led to various sections of the city, including a gateway into Mexico. This intricate structure seemed to tangle itself in every direction, which was why the locals had dubbed it the Spaghetti Bowl. It had an unusual amount of traffic that was backed up for miles due to the sensationalism of the tragic accident. Every passerby wanted to catch a glimpse of the Internet mogul in his most vulnerable moment.

The unexpected rainstorm had been responsible for an extraordinary amount of accidents throughout the city which added to the already congested streets. The ambulances and fire trucks had been dispatched from their stations located immediately across the street. As they speedily drove away, their screeching sirens added to the escalating cataclysm.

The glimmering rain subsided for a moment, allowing a small beautiful sparrow to circle around the grim funeral site. It skillfully landed on top of one of the green portable tents that housed the shining coffins. From there, it gracefully flew onto one of the small pearly white caskets. Seeing something it needed, it carefully hopped onto the artistic floral spray that had an abundance of red roses, carnations, and baby's breath. Nature had instructed the sparrow to search for twigs needed in building its new nest. Fortunately, there was plenty to choose from at this funeral site. It snatched some twigs, filling its beak to capacity, and turned directly to Diego who was only a few feet away. Intuitively, it realized this was not an appropriate place to gather the much-needed materials and instead dropped them back onto the floral spray. With several energetic leaps, it advanced toward him and landed on a corner of the casket. It chirped melodically and flapped its wings tirelessly in amends for intruding on such a solemn moment. In its own humble way, it seemed to pay homage to Diego and his family. The genuine gesture was appreciated far more than the token action from the thousands of spectators gathered merely to partake in the spectacle. It ended its tribute and gracefully flew away, joining a flock of birds that were circling above the funeral site. Diego sighed deeply and broke a faint smile as he saw them soar away. If only he could escape far away to a time and place where sorrow and pain ceased to exist. The idyllic moment lasted but only a moment, and once again, he was compelled to confront the grim reality.

Where did I go wrong? Why did this happen to me? he whispered as he turned to Anna, who was sitting next to him.

Don't blame yourself, Mr. DeLorean. It was a senseless tragic accident. But now your family has gone to heaven, she calmly replied.

To heaven? he whispered as he veered away from her.

Where's heaven? He thought. No one really knows what happens to us after we die. How can we know? No one has ever come back to tell us. Those are simply words people say to comfort in moments like this.

He had often wondered about that mystical place called heaven, the place that had baffled the greatest minds since the beginning of time. As a child, he had questioned its existence as well as its exact location.

That's where you go when you die. He recalled hearing those puzzling words from a priest back in Mexico when he was a little boy. That was when he had lost his family for the first time. His father, his mother, and his baby brother had perished in a ferocious plague in the state of Yucatán, land of the Maya. He was born in a small remote village where he miraculously escaped the tragedy that had obliterated many people back in the early 1970s. He implausibly found his way to Juarez, Mexico, where fortunately an American couple had adopted him at a tender age of eleven.

Heaven…why do we have to die to get there? I guess that's where both of my families have gone now…but where is it?

He had not thought about the concept of heaven in a long time, but now that he was confronting the loss of his beloved family, those dark relentless thoughts haunted him once again.

I never had time to think about heaven. My main focus was to provide for my family, but I got greedy. It was never enough for me. I wanted so much more. More businesses, more money, more power, more stuff…and now, it doesn't matter anymore. I'm alone again.

How could I have been so blind? Diego murmured, glancing at the caskets.

What? What are you talking about? Hector responded in confusion.

Diego immersed deeply into a contemplative state, decisively seeking answers to his painful questions, and was unaware that the priest had finished his sermon. He was now standing directly in front of him and had inadvertently overheard his perplexing statements. His expression conveyed an ardent yearning to console his wounded heart.

Mr. DeLorean, let me be the first to express my deepest sorrow in the loss of your beloved family. Trust that they have gone to a better place. God is welcoming them into his kingdom in heaven, he said with a heartfelt embrace.

My family is now in heaven? he whispered to the priest in utter disbelief.

Obviously, no one can give me the right answer, Diego thought as he stared deep into his eyes. Maybe they have gone to a better place. If only I had said goodbye, he hopelessly thought as he closed his eyes. Maybe there is no heaven. Maybe there is no God either! How could he have taken my family away from me again? I don't understand…I just don't have the strength to go through this again.

At that moment, the priest handed Diego six crucifixes which represented each of his departed loved ones. He instinctively opened his hands to receive them as he glanced down at the symbolic remnants. The weightlessness was more than he could bear since this represented all that was left of his seemingly happy family. There would be no more laughter or everyday chatter. No more smiles or tears to wipe away. He would never see them again. The harsh reality was excruciating, and his bewildered expression was hard to overlook. As the priest gazed into Diego's tearful eyes, he was overwhelmed with helplessness and an overall feeling of failure. This was something he was not accustomed to, but given the magnitude of the tragedy, it was understandable. His challenge would be in finding the right approach in easing Diego's profound agony while reaffirming his faith in God.

I feel so alone, he murmured as tears trailed down his mournful face.

Mr. DeLorean, you are not alone. You are surrounded by your family and your friends that have gathered here to support you. And more important, God is always with you, the priest softly assured. Find comfort in knowing that your loved ones are in heaven where one day you will be reunited with them forever.

Diego remained indifferent to his surroundings. His empty eyes conveyed the ineffectiveness in his words. Feeling totally unavailing, the priest slowly walked away in utter silence. The seasoned priest was a stranger to defeat, but the unusual circumstances demanded he seek divine intervention.

Through his grace and never-ending love, he will find redemption. God will give him the strength to endure this horrific loss. I will pray that his hardened heart will be consoled, the priest meditated.

He approached the family of Diego's son-in-law and daughter-in-law to conclude his ceremonial duty by giving them the remaining two crucifixes. The symbolic gesture produced heart-wrenching weeps from the unbearable pain they were facing. The tragedy had certainly left a void in their hearts and had forever changed their lives. The priest took a moment with each respective family and offered kind words of consolation and hope. They listened attentively and held on to every word that seemed to ease their pain.

Out of nowhere, there was an abrupt roaring sound that intensified within seconds. It sounded much like an oncoming earthquake or perhaps a crash landing of a wingless jumbo jet. As the ghastly sounds increased in strength, panic overtook the cemetery. Diego was shocked and confused by the multitude of people outside the portable tents that were staring toward the sky in sheer panic.

An enormous black cloud descended rapidly toward the cemetery grounds. As more people witnessed the dreadful sight, horror-stricken screams overtook the once serene atmosphere. Many scrambled for protection under the portable tents when they saw the massive black cloud descending above their heads. Within seconds, they became overcrowded, and ultimately this caused the frames to buckle. The green tarp fabric tore off the poles and collapsed over the caskets, trapping everyone beneath.

Diego as well as other family members desperately struggled to find their way out of the collapsed tent but were met with resistance since other people were trying to gather underneath for protection. When Diego finally managed to make it out, he was violently struck in the face by several black birds, causing him to lose his balance. He fell to the ground and looked upward and saw thousands of black birds falling from the sky. People were using their umbrellas and anything they could to protect themselves from the brutal and unnatural attack.

Diego immediately got off the ground to avoid getting trampled but regrettably fell once again. This time, he lost the tight grip he had had on the six crucifixes, and unfortunately, they quickly got trampled on. He anxiously reached out to grab them, but the tremendous force from the avalanche of dead birds made it impossible. The birds were now slashing and tackling countless of unprotected victims as they ran for cover. The crackling sounds were bizarre as masses of dead black birds fell, ripping through umbrellas and clothing, striking in every direction. Some of the birds crashed directly on the ground while others splattered against the nearby graves, trees, and cars, splashing blood and bits of carcasses everywhere. They pounded the cemetery with a vengeance, prompting everyone to take cover by using their umbrellas for protection. Those that had nothing to use for protection were compelled to run toward the nearby trees, seeking immediate shelter. There seemed to be no end in sight to the unrelenting avalanche that had supernatural characteristics.

The media had its own set of problems. One of the helicopters had the misfortune of getting caught in the same ambush. The massive wave of black birds tangled into the propellers, terrifying the pilot. The helicopter's windshield was plastered with carcasses and blood, making visibility impossible, which added to the distress.

We need to get out of here! Mayday, Mayday, we're going down! We're going down! he yelled. Drop the camera, Pete, and hang on! It's over!

What? No way, man! I'm still shooting! shouted the ambitious cameraman. Seconds later, the dead birds pounded his side of the helicopter. The massive invasion overwhelmed the cameraman and caused him to lose grip on the camera. The helicopter was rapidly descending out of control and was now nose-diving.

Wow! This stuff is coming inside. It took my camera down! It's over! I can't hang on anymore! Pull out now, Henry!

By that time, it was too late. The helicopter was now riding the wave of dead birds inevitably toward the ground. The powerful impact forced the helicopter to crash directly against a rock wall at the edge of the cemetery. Fortunately, the accident did not cause any explosion or any fatalities since it was flying close to the ground. The other helicopter managed to escape the avalanche by racing away immediately.

What are you doing? I'm still shooting! yelled the cameraman.

We're leaving! It's too dangerous. I don't want to risk getting us killed! the pilot exclaimed. Henry just crashed, and we're next if we don't pull out!

At that time, a supervisor at the local television station was glued to the monitors. No, Martinez, stay there! Martinez? Martinez, are you there? Go back! Go back for the footage! he yelled frantically.

No way, we're out of here, sir! yelled the pilot as he aggressively removed his headset.

Come in, Martinez! Come in! Are you there? Are we rolling? the supervisor asked his closest technician.

We are! he responded. The helicopter is okay, but the cameraman is not focusing! he added.

Go back, Martinez! We need this footage! the supervisor demanded.

We need to go back! yelled the cameraman to the pilot. Come on, Martinez, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. We could win an Emmy for this, you know! the cameraman pleaded.

The pilot finally decided to go back and face the danger head-on. He put his headphones back on, adjusted the mouthpiece, and made a sharp turn to the left as if he was trying to outrun a missile.

Sir, Steve just picked up his camera. We got movement! He's focusing again…We got a picture, sir! said the technician enthusiastically.

Get your headsets back on, Martinez! Are you there?

Yes! We're going back, sir.

I can see that! Good job! answered the supervisor.

The rest of the team back at the television station applauded and cheered as they stared at the only monitor on the wall that was connected to the scene. The pilot followed the orders and immediately went back to the cemetery. When the cameraman refocused his camera on the cemetery below, he captured the last of the somber black blanket of dead birds in final descent. The technical support personnel at the television station were horrified by what they were observing on the monitor. A dead silence overtook the once rowdy station as they struggled to digest the shocking images.

Go to interruption phase! the supervisor commanded. Do it now!

As the dead birds continued falling to the ground, the camera on the last helicopter captured the chaos and transmitted it live, interrupting the regularly scheduled programs throughout the city. Everyone was shocked by the inexplicable haunting event that was eerie and supernatural.

Oh my God! yelled the cameraman.

Are you getting this? asked Martinez as he maneuvered the helicopter directly toward a massive black waterfall in the sky.

Yes! I can't believe this! the cameraman exclaimed.

We will definitely get an Emmy for this, sir! added the engineer at the television station.

The screaming and crying down below continued as the deafening roaring sounds increased. Within seconds, the cemetery was completely shrouded with dead birds that had crashed on everything in their path. It was dreadful to hear and horrifying to witness. After all, no one had ever seen a supernatural event of this magnitude. The news media had recently reported mysterious catastrophic events happening throughout the world. Most recently, the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and a few other states had also witnessed massive amounts of dead birds falling from the sky. Scientists had explained that the phenomenon had been caused by birds becoming confused by fireworks at end-of-the-year celebrations. Another explanation had been that perhaps the birds had inexplicably flown in the path of aircrafts. Others recounted the possibility of poisoning by unintended chemicals. Many believed that the phenomenon was perhaps part of the end-of-the-world Mayan prophecies. Fish kill had also been discovered in the Arkansas River with over one hundred thousand dead drumfish. The state of Maryland reported over two million dead fish in the Chesapeake Bay alone. China, England, Sweden, Italy, Brazil, and New Zealand had also reported millions of dead fish in their oceans. That, too, was explained as being caused by the environment. Regardless of the reason as to why this had happened, experiencing it was definitely more horrifying.

No one escaped the wrath of the catastrophic and gruesome nightmare. As the camera panned in every direction, the outcome was the same. It happened in a matter of a few minutes, but its effect would be everlasting. The devastating images would forever be embedded in the minds of everyone that had witnessed the horrific incident. The view from the helicopter was beyond ghastly since it was in its entirety. The grisly cemetery had been converted to a sea of blackness speckled with hideous red spots. What previously had been immaculate white tombstones now stood splattered in blood and carcasses with black feathers still attached. The remaining smaller feathers floated from the sky, speckling the rainy afternoon. There was an eerie silence throughout the cemetery that lasted for only a moment as reality gradually took over once again.

The chaos quickly escalated, and now people that had run away from the cemetery seeking refuge were returning to render their help. There was an overwhelming feeling of fear and confusion as the number of injured surmounted. Several ambulances rushed into the cemetery, maneuvering their way further inside what now looked more like a war zone. They carefully avoided running over the hundreds of injured people that remained helplessly on the ground. The paramedics cautiously got out of their vehicles, avoiding trampling over the dead birds as they retrieved their emergency equipment from the back of the ambulances. They began prioritizing by assisting the extremely injured first and gradually helping the rest that didn't seem to be overly distressed. Many could be seen texting from their cell phones as they lay on the ground. The moaning sounds were dreadful coming from every direction.

Soon after, other paramedics arrived on the scene and immediately set up a triage to organize the levels of need. First responders were also seen removing the endless piles of dead bird carcasses. As they scooped the dead birds, the light blue rubber gloves did very little to shield their hands from the sharp beaks that had penetrated their skin. Minutes later, their crisp uniforms were quickly splattered with blood and feathers, much like everyone else at the cemetery. As time passed, it was difficult to distinguish the injured from the paramedics.

Hector and his wife rushed to Diego's side. They saw him crawling around aimlessly, looking extremely confused. When Hector reached down to help him, he firmly refused his assistance since he was determined in pursuing with his search. With a blood-splattered face and a torn designer suit, he continued combing through the bloody ground, desperate to find the crucifixes underneath the injured bodies.

I need to find the crucifixes, he murmured.

Hector knew the importance in locating them, so he did his best to assist him. He got on his knees and joined him in the search that soon turned bizarre and eventually futile. As Diego dug deeper, he discovered gruesome lifeless bodies completely immersed in layers of dead birds.

Help me get up, Hector. We need to look somewhere else! he yelled out.

Hector got off the ground and now turned to help his wife, who was crying uncontrollably. She, too, had been injured, and her elegant black dress was now tarnished with blood and had ripped in several areas. The dark dress camouflaged the bloodstains, but they appeared elsewhere on her body. She was in pain and had blood running down her forehead. She was among the numerous injured and had been stabbed several times from the falling birds. Hector wiped her face with his handkerchief and held her hand tightly as they struggled to reach Diego who was a few feet away.

Through all the confusion and the desperate cries from the injured, Diego frantically continued his search. Surprisingly, he spotted the crucifixes beneath the carcasses and reached for them, using his hands as shovels. He was only able to grab two of them and continued searching for the rest. It was useless, but Diego persisted, digging deeper into the rubble. It was shocking to encounter yet another lifeless body underneath the repulsive debris. This time, he had to take a moment to recuperate from the disturbing experience. At that same time, Hector reached for his shoulder in hopes of stopping his senseless search.

Let's go, Diego! We need to get out of here now! he yelled.

Hector tried pulling him up, but Diego refused to cooperate.

I have to find the rest of the crucifixes, he implored.

No, Diego! We must go now. It's too dangerous, Hector insisted.

Diego gradually came to accept that he had lost the rest of the crucifixes. He meticulously wiped the bloodstains off the ones he recovered using his index finger. The inside of his coat served in applying finishing touches to the morbid chore.

Despite the overwhelming crowds of injured people that surrounded him, Diego seemed desensitized as he robotically maneuvered among them. He was abruptly taken out of the mechanical state by the dreadful crackling sounds of broken bones from the bird carcasses beneath his feet. He stumbled several times and struggled to walk through the unsightly mess. Many had been brutally stabbed by the beaks, including an elderly lady who was bleeding profusely. Her shiny silver hair stood out like a beacon in the vast dark sea. She sat motionless, staring toward the sky in total disbelief.

Oh my God, please help us, she implored as she now focused on Diego. Her pressing eyes penetrated deep inside Diego's soul and left him feeling slightly faint.

He shook the feeling off and quickly reached into his pocket to kindly offer his crisp white handkerchief. The sweet lady smiled in gratitude and slowly reached for it to clean her bloodied face. Diego smiled back and walked away. The sweet lady seemed so familiar to him, but he instantly shrugged it off as well and continued looking for Hector and Anna. Diego soon realized they had also stopped along the way to render their much-needed help. After waiting for a few minutes, they finally caught up to him, and together they hurried away to the parking area.

The dead birds had also inflicted serious damage on the numerous cars parked along the edge of the cemetery. They had shattered windshields while others had dented hoods and roofs as well. The bloody carcasses had converted the parking area into a battle zone.

How are we going to get out of here? Anna asked.

No one seemed to have a clear answer, but they advanced toward their cars, hoping for the best outcome.

The limousine which was parked at a distance was unrecognizable. The chauffer saw them approaching and quickly got out of the car to open the door for Diego. He had used crumbled newspapers to wipe away the bloody mess on the windshield in anticipation of a quick getaway. Anna immediately got into their car while Hector took off his coat and began using it to remove the carcasses from their windshield as well.

Diego sought refuge from the chaos by jumping into the safe, comfortable back seat of his limousine. He looked out the smoked glass window and heard the faint cries from the injured who were frantically escaping from the cemetery. As they passed by the limousine, they would peek through the windows to see if anyone was inside. They pulled on the door handles, seeking protection from the battle zone, but the doors had been locked.

Even though the sturdy limousine buffered the outside noise, Diego was aware of the chaos that persisted. Memories of his family pierced through his heart once again. Tears ran down his bloodstained face as he thought back to the day when he saw them for the last time. He was consumed with remorse for not joining them on their trip despite his legitimate reason for not doing so. His corporation was finally going public on the New York Stock Exchange, and he had planned to make the revelation at his board meeting the evening of the accident. It was an extremely important meeting since his entire management team would be there for the much-anticipated announcement. The newspapers and the media had reported that his Internet company stood to make a record ten billion dollars at his initial public offering.

I should have gone with them, but how could I? I needed to be there for the company, he reasoned trying to ease his guilt.

Diego closed his tearful eyes and crossed his arms as he held on tightly to the two crucifixes pressed against the lapels of his suit. With deep sorrow, he reflected on the unfortunate evening when he saw his family for the last time at the airport hangar. Instead of tender goodbyes and well-wishes, he had been angry and coldhearted. His sternness and icy demeanor were good negotiating tactics that he successfully