Pilgrims
Vacancy

“Turned thirty seconds,” Fox said when I reached the basecamp this morning.

“Sorry, there's a bit of a hitch on the road,” I said casually ignoring Fox's deadly stare. The road I used to use was undergoing repairs, so I was forced to turn. “Hey, Rio. Bright morning yes,” I greet Rio.

I didn't look around, so I didn't notice anyone else in the room, until he greeted me. “So you also train here?”

I looked up and then frowned. Who was that man, suddenly greeting me? It took me a few seconds to remember. “Oh, you're the parkour guy. I never thought I'd see you again.”

“I too,” he said slowly. He approached me and extended his hand.

“Leon.”

I shook his hand. “Maya.”

This marathon training was hell for me. The result was not so disappointing, I could immediately surpass the world record which turned out to be two hours less, with my time record of one hour and forty minutes.

I could still see Fox's back to the end, never once left far behind on the turn. But still. Maintaining that speed is exhausting. My chest until it feels hot until now. Fox is a monster.

After that we practiced capoeira. The training itself wasn't very tiring, but since this was my first training with Fox, every time I did a little mistake he criticized me all out. Like when I did a backflip and did a little improvisation, he said in the actual duel such a move would only create a gap for the opponent's attack.

I often see Leon holding back a laugh if Fox starts criticizing me. I don't know why Fox's criticism doesn't upset me. Mungin because I know it's true. The more I make mistakes, the more lessons I learn.

Besides, Leon seems to rarely get criticism. Whatever he did was done without blame. You could say he was not an amateur. I am used to doing parkour. He is better trained than me and also more fragrant. I still don't understand why it's so fragrant.

Rio and Leon walked up to me after I changed my clothes that were soaked in sweat. Fox changed his clothes and left the basecamp.

“Hey, you did everything well,” Leon threw a bottle of mineral water at me.

I gulped the water. “Not as good as you are,” I said chimed in.

Rio patted our shoulders. “You both did well. Just this time our exercise routine was followed by someone else. Even Pedro—the only person who managed to learn capoeira until the end—have never had a marathon with us."

"At that time Fox and I only applied long distance running up to ten kilometers every day because Pedro did not go beyond the 10,000 meter run record."

"Me and Fox don't really understand why you two could come to us at the same time and break records so quickly. Again, you learn the basics of capoeira easily. The thing you're supposed to learn for months, you do it in a week. You both surprised us. Especially Maya,” said Rio wonder.

I snorted laughing. “I've heard twice that there are people who doubt my Race's abilities. The stature of Asians is small, and our bodies look weak. But, Asians also tend to be stubborn. Especially if you are determined, never underestimated.”

“Yes. From now on I will not underestimate your Race anymore,” Rio said with a laugh. “Omong-by the way, you guys are tourists right? No plans to go home anytime soon?”

Deg. I was reminded again of something I do not remember.

“I love this city. Next week, I will return briefly to Dallas to take care of the visa extension,” Leon replied casually. “How about you,?” askinya.

On the way to Diego's souvenir shop I thought about the important things I had forgotten. My money is starting to run out. How not? I've been here for months without working.

During this time I helped out at Diego's store willingly, considering that Diego and Maria applied a cheap stay and provided a nice breakfast and dinner. If I work somewhere else, I won't be able to help anymore. I feel bad for them.

I need to talk to Gabriel. He usually has a brilliant idea.

“Mild. I know the right place, ” Gabriel said lightly.

I looked at him in disbelief. She always said that when I asked her. Is he a service bureau or something. Yeah, nevermind.

“Iya? Where's it?”

“In the pizza restaurant where my friend works. If not wrong, they need a pizza delivery. If you're not afraid to die of exhaustion, you can help here after practice, then from afternoon to night working at the restaurant. His salary is not much. But your problem is done, right? If you want I will drive there after work,” said Gabriel.

“Tctchah-s. How can you know things like job openings anyway? All right, take me there later,” I accept the offer.

“Do not hesitate. If you can't say thank you, at least massage my shoulders. It's aching,” Gabriel said again. He hit his shoulder.

“Sini,” I said. “Maybe you want to know how much my strength increases,” I added while stretching my hands and neck.

“Eh, don't worry. Later my bones even crumpled, again,” grunted.

I finally laughed. “Trims,” I said sincerely.

“To help you get a job or for not so ask you to massage my shoulders?” ask Gabriel.

“Two,” I replied.

***

The restaurant is in the city center. After about four more months in the city, I was just wandering around Pelourinho which became a cultural center and tourist destination, a low-middle-class settlement, and around the harbor.

I never intentionally take a walk downtown. It kind of makes me awkward. What if I get lost while delivering pizza, because of my minimal knowledge of street names and places?

Gabriel said there would be training. But I'm still nervous. For some reason, when faced with something a little luxurious and modern, I was always nervous.

Gabriel introduced me to his manager. Fortunately, I have started to understand Portuguese, although it is still unusual to say it. The manager said at four o'clock tomorrow I can work.

I just realized, Gabriel's been doing a lot since I've been here. He introduced me to Fox and Rio. Now he helps me get a job. I hope there's a chance I can get all this back.

***