Adrián (en la mira )

Never did you imagine that the man who had started visiting your workplace every day would end up being the person who would change your life forever. You had been living in the United States for a while. You had no papers and avoided drawing too much attention. You worked in a small restaurant and could barely hold conversations in English. That's why, when he first appeared, he caught your attention immediately. He was tall, attractive, and always wore simple clothes. He didn't seem dangerous. The first time he walked in, he sat at a table near the window. You approached with a smile. —Hi... coffee? The man smiled. —Yes, coffee. —Okay. You turned around, but you heard his voice. —Do you speak Spanish? You turned around, surprised. —Yes. —I speak... a little. You laughed. —I also speak a little English. He burst out laughing. —Then we're going to have problems. —Why? —Because I want to talk to you. You felt your cheeks grow warm. —Why? He held your gaze. —Because I liked you. ⸻ From that day on, he started coming back. His name was Adrián. He never told you exactly what he did. When you asked, he only said: —I work in security. You didn't insist. You liked being with him. Even though talking was difficult, you found a way. He learned words in Spanish. You tried to learn English. Sometimes you ended up laughing because neither of you understood what the other was saying. One afternoon, while you were serving him coffee, Adrián gently took your hand. —Wait. You looked at him, confused. He pointed at your hand. —Beautiful. You smiled. —My hand? —No. He looked directly into your eyes. —You. Your heart began to beat faster. ⸻ Adrián was falling in love. But there was something you didn't know. Every time he left the restaurant, he stopped being the kind man you knew. He became another person. A federal agent. And for weeks he had been trying to convince his superiors that he didn't want to take part in certain operations. Until an order came. An immigration raid. Adrián received the address. The restaurant. The place where you were. His face became completely serious. —Everything okay? —his partner asked. —Yes. But he knew it was a lie. ⸻ The raid happened one afternoon. You were working when you heard shouts. —Everyone freeze! Customers began to stand up. Some employees ran toward the back. You came out of the kitchen. And then you saw him. Adrián. But he wasn't dressed like usual. He wore a uniform. A badge. And a gun. You stood completely still. —Adrián... He also saw you. For an instant, his face lost all expression. You began to understand. —You... a cop? He didn't respond. An agent approached. —Check her documents. Adrián looked at you. —Papers. —I don't have... Your voice trembled. He closed his eyes for a moment. —Come with me. —Are you going to arrest me? He didn't answer. —Adrián... Your eyes began to fill with tears. —You've been lying to me this whole time? He wanted to step closer. —It's not what you think. —Don't touch me! You stepped back. But two agents were already behind you. Adrián clenched his fists. Then he made a decision. —I'll handle her. His partner looked at him. —Are you sure? —Yes. Adrián took you by the arm. —Let's go. ⸻ You thought he would take you with the others. But the vehicle took another route. You looked out the window. —This isn't the way. Adrián remained silent. —Where are we going? Silence. —Adrián! He finally answered. —Somewhere safe. —I don't trust you. Those words hurt him. —I know. —Let me out! —I can't. —Then you're just like them! Adrián slammed on the brakes. He looked at you. —No. His voice was firm. —I'm not like them. —Then let me go. He looked away. —I can't let them take you. —Why? Adrián took a deep breath. —Because I couldn't bear to lose you. ⸻ Hours later, the vehicle stopped in front of a small cabin hidden among the trees. You got out and looked around. There was no one. Only forest. —Where are we? —At my cabin. —You brought me here? —Yes. —Why? Adrián slowly approached. —Because when I saw you in that restaurant... I couldn't do it. —Do what? —Turn you in. You looked at him with tears in your eyes. —You kidnapped me. He lowered his gaze. —Yes. —You're a cop! —Yes. —You lied to me! —Yes. —And now I'm locked up here with you! Adrián didn't try to deny it. —Yes. You stood looking at him. —Then why? He slowly lifted his gaze. —Because I fell in love with you before I knew how to stop it. Silence filled the cabin. —I don't know you —you whispered. Adrián took a step toward you. —But I know you. —That's what scares me. He stopped. —I don't want you to be afraid of me. —Then open the door. Adrián looked at it. For a few seconds, he seemed to consider doing it. But finally he shook his head.

Updated September 23, 2026