17.

THE GAME

Ears were filled with bagpipe music. This day was the party of the patron, and in those
hours, the bagpiper was already dizzy off of cider. Lin was wearing riding boots, that matched
his fierce moustache and thick Mexican accent, for the first time. The night before, a draw had
been put into effect, and Lin had to form a pair with, the deceased, Emilio. Both contributed ten
silver coins to increase the prizes.
The procession entered on the beach, and the priest blessed the waters with a hisop. The
bagpiper remained faithful, playing the national anthem of Spain gravely. Later on, a group of
dancers danced the pericote before the image of the patron. The men gave a slow jump,
dominating the imploring women. It was like a human kaleidoscope, showing the blows that
change the figures by the drum and the melancholy bagpipes.
Lin found that the bowling alley was surrounded by people dressed in Sunday-best.
Entered in the draw were good pairs of players, some from other towns, who came with the
desire to win.
On the wall that limited the bowing alley, a crate of cider had been placed on the side of
the silver cups, and at the end of the background was the jury, formally located before a table.
They had them play last. Lin was famous for being the master in birle (bowling). He
ensured his posture, and without hesitation cut off the hearts of the bowling pins, and the
bowling ball, to return, always leaving pieces fallen late and thrown with power.
The scores were high, and when it got to the last round, they had fallen behind.
The last bowling competition needed twelve so many points to have the win. The last
bowling ball was played to throw to Lin, and if the twelve or so many points were not made with
him, a pair of the mountain would take the title and the champion cup.
Six oer here and six oer there. This is going to be bad! he said.
Lin threw the ball and contracted his body with the sensation that he had launched it well.
The ball curled the tree branches and fell on the bowling pin at the center of the box, knocked it
down, and came out squarely by the narrow space.
Twelve; twelve and its over! screamed the juror.