I couldn't take my eyes off the note inside the coffee packet: "Help me! I've been trapped in this factory for a decade."
Was this some kind of sick joke?
It is unbelievable that anyone could have such a pathetic sense of humor. However, many have no limits when it comes to laughing at the concerns of others. As in the case of the policeman when I went to file the report, the guy lowered his glasses to his nose, bent his head a little and turned his pupils upwards with a sarcastic gesture.
With the utmost chutzpah he began to laugh as he looked at his phone, told me that he had just been sent a meme and recommended that I go home if I didn't want to get arrested for mocking authority.
I got home and Without wasting any more time, I called my friend Blade, it was the first thing I should have done, he was the one who gave me that new brand of artisan coffee.
"How strange, that coffee is barely a couple of years old in the local markets, it's quite renowned and highly prized, that's why it's a bit expensive, however, it has a very good reputation."
"I really don't know what to think, Blade. I assure you the note came in the coffee."
"I'll pick you up early tomorrow morning, someone needs to know where the coffee came from and we'll determine what happened."
I felt a great relief when I knew I had Blade's support. I met him walking one morning in the park. At first he wanted a romantic relationship with me but he understood when I explained my sexual preferences and we became great friends.
,
He is 5 years divorced. On the outside he is a strong and very manly guy but at the same time he is very sensitive. One of his big dreams is to find love again and a life partner to love.
The morning after our conversation, he came to my house and told me that he had already been informed of the address of the coffee factory, he asked in some of the stores that sold coffee and without hesitation they gave him the address. Blade's presence alone and his way of expressing himself offered confidence to anyone.
After a couple of hours, we were at the place. An immense country-style house, far from the rest, conditioned to roast, grind and pack the best artisan coffee of the adjacent areas.
A rough looking guy greeted us with strangeness and suspicion.
"Good afternoon man and man's woman, what can I do for you man?"
The guy just looked at Blade to whom he shook his hand tightly and looking into his eyes with distrust.
"I am interested in buying large quantities of your good coffee. It was very easy to get here, despite the short time you have in the market."
"How much are we talking about?"
"Before making an offer I would like you to answer honestly if your workers enjoy a decent job with all its benefits. I would not want to invest my money in a business that does not respect human rights. Do you understand me?"
"I understand, dignity is everything in a man. You can come by and see our little factory. It's just me and my 7 children working. Oh and my wife helps in the packing and sealing part of the bags. You know how she is, she is not trained for other kinds of work, she washes our clothes, cooks for us, cleans and does everything I send her. You know how she is, she also takes care of my little 4-year-old daughter, I would have preferred another son, women are just like child factories".
The guy was talking as if I was not in that place, that did not matter to me, what was relevant was when he said "women are just like child factories".
I felt that I understood everything, maybe the woman felt imprisoned and maybe for more than a decade but if she was the one who wrote the note, who knows from what moment she started to feel imprisoned.
I called Blade to speak aside, offering apologies to the guy.
"I think I understand what's going on here. Find a way for him to introduce us to the woman."
Blade turned to the guy "Excuse me you, my friend has some women's business to sort out, will it be possible for me to make use of your bathroom?"
"Sure, man. Betina, Betina, bring a couple of coffees and take this lady to the bathroom" Shouted the man, in a haughty and commanding tone.
A submissive woman arrived, head down and hands shaking with a couple of steaming cups of coffee, one for Blade and one for the guy.
I felt so indignant that I wanted to take the cups and throw one in the guy's face and drink the other to calm the craving I had.
I went to the bathroom with the woman. I took the note out of my pocket and asked her if she had written it.
Crying she told me not to make a fuss and to help her and her little girl escape. I promised her I would think of something.
Blade and I left, he promised the guy to come back to close the deal.
On the way he told me that he felt a little bad for having deceived that despot man but that he had managed to cross his gaze with the gaze of that woman and that he was sure that she was the love of his life and that now his mission was to save her and take her with him.
It is certain that Blade and I will return to that place.
