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That same weekend, on Saturday morning, they arrive at a cottage on the outskirts of town. The day was sunny, and there was a stream nearby where they could cool off once they settled in.
As soon as they reach the stream, the bodyguard, being taller, offers to check the water's depth for the women's safety. The man stops when he feels his feet reach the edge of the large, smooth rock underwater and notices that the water comes up to his chest. — It's safe until here — he says. Yenedith nods and begins to descend the rocky path to the water.
Gem simply jumps into the water from the highest edge. — The water's wonderful, come here! — she calls her friend.
— Are you standing or floating? — Yenedith asks.
— I'm standing — Gem says, but it's clear she's flailing her arms and legs to stay afloat. She steps back a couple of meters in the water and stands on a rock, the water level reaching her chin. — See? It's safe. You just have to swim straight over here.
— I'm coming — she says fearfully, unable to see the bottom beyond the rock.
— I can give you a push, if you want — Charles says, seeing her so lost in thought. — I can push you so you get there faster.
— Okay — she says.
Charles grabs her by the waist and pulls her across the water as far as possible. Yenedith manages to swim to the edge of the other rock, but she slips and starts to sink. Gem grabs her arms before Charles can reach her. — Let's dive in! — Gem says — You know it's not that far — She starts climbing the small ravine until she reaches the top — Come on! — she insists. Yenedith decides to follow her without much thought, and they both jump into the water.
For hours, they enjoy the stream until their stomachs start to rumble. Charles heads to the kitchen to prepare something to eat. — What are you making?
— I'll make some sandwiches. Do you like tuna and eggs?
— Yes, that's fine — Yenedith replies and heads to the bedroom.
— He's really attentive to you. Is there something you haven't told me? — Gem remarks as she walks toward the dressing room.
— What are you talking about? He's just doing his job — Yenedith says, undressing in the room.
— I didn't know he was your chef too — Gem says.
— A couple of sandwiches is just a kind gesture — Yenedith replies. They both finish dressing and share the bathroom to apply face cream. — Can I borrow a hair tie? I don't think I brought one.
— Sure, they're probably in my small bag, in my bag — Gem says — Did you find them? — Gem asks after a few seconds when she sees her friend isn't returning to the bathroom to finish her hair. When she doesn't hear a response, she decides to leave the bathroom — Didn't you find it?
— What's this? — Yenedith asks, holding up a tiny, disposable bag containing a white powder.
— It's nothing — Gem says — I swear it's nothing.
— You told me you've been sober for a year — Yenedith says, confused.
— That's right. I turned one this past August. Remember when we bought a cake to celebrate? — Gem says, smiling nervously, her gaze shifting between Yenedith's hand and her eyes.
— Of course I remember, but this is cocaine, Gem!
— I swear I'm not consuming it again — she says, quickly reaching out to take it from her, but she can't.
— So why do you have this, then?
— I'm just keeping it to prove to myself that I can resist — Gem says — Give it to me and I'll get rid of it. I swear I'll flush it down the toilet.
Yenedith hands it over after hesitating for several seconds, silently staring into her friend's glassy eyes, a look of terror she'd never seen before. Gem hurries to the bathroom, throws the bag in the water, and flushes. — I told you, I don't need it — she says.
— Okay — Yenedith replies with an unexpected knot in her throat. As soon as she gets to the kitchen, Charles brings her a plate with a huge sandwich and a glass of lemonade — Thanks — she says.
They spend the rest of the afternoon hiking around the hills until it starts to get dark, and then they decide to head back.
That night, Yenedith couldn't stop thinking about her friend's look. After tossing and turning in bed for hours, she goes to the kitchen to get some water when she sees her bodyguard through the window, sitting in front of the small fire, grilling a skewer of meat and vegetables.
— Can't sleep either? — she asks from the doorway.
— I don't usually sleep much in places like this, in the middle of nowhere — Charles says, turning to look at her. Yenedith approaches and sits next to him, her legs drawn up and crossed on the wide chair.
— Yes, it can be terrifying — she says, staring into the darkness around them. He took the folded blanket he was using as a pillow and handed it to her — Thank you.
— Would you like some? — Charles asks, offering her the skewer, but she shakes her head.
— I know we don't know each other very well, but can I ask you something?
— Sure — he says, leaning in slightly to hear her better.
— Do you know anyone who's overcome drug addiction? Or any family members who were alcoholics?
— Sorry?
— If you know anyone who's been through rehab — she asks. The bodyguard seems confused by her question — It doesn't matter, you don't have to answer.
— My grandfather was an alcoholic — Charles says.
— And you were very close to him?
— Yes, until he died three years ago.
— Oh, I'm sorry — Yenedith says.
Charles notices her recoil and pulls his chair closer — Just say what you really want to ask.
Yenedith looks him in the eyes for a second, finding the courage to speak. — It's about my friend. She used cocaine until over a year ago when she decided to go to rehab — she says — I never knew her before, I didn't know what it was like to see her in the decline she's told me so much about.
— But?
— I'm scared for her. I've only heard so many terrible stories about what addiction does to people, but I wouldn't know how to help her if she relapses.
— Do you suspect she's consuming again? — Charles asks.
— What are you doing outside? — Gem's voice calls out. Yenedith keeps her gaze on Charles for another second and nods discreetly as she tilts her head to look at her friend.
— I couldn't sleep. The sound of the crickets — Yenedith says.
— Come on, I feel lonely in there — Gem says. She approaches and extends her hand so they can go in together.
— Get some rest — Charles says.
— Thank you — Gem replies.
On Sunday morning, they decide to return to the city, so they pack everything after spending some time swimming in the creek. Charles drives through the city first to drop Gem off at her house and then back to the suburbs to drop Miss Yenedith off at the Singer mansion. — Is that normal? Is it some kind of ritual or custom among recovering addicts to feel strong? — Yenedith asks.
— My grandfather always said that after the first year of sobriety, all temptations seemed stronger than at the beginning — Charles says — There's this idea that they can control the addiction because they've been away from it for long.
— What should I do? I don't know how to talk to her without her denying it — Yenedith says — Maybe she's telling the truth and was just using it as a good luck charm.
— You should tell her parents — Charles says.
— She's not a little girl.
— You said it yourself. You don't know that other side of her — he replies with his eyes on the road — If anyone knows how to broach the subject with her, it's her parents.