Dedicated to.:
Jose Carlos Becerra
and Fernando Pessoa
ENLIGHTENED BLOOD
What happened?
Hugo?!
Hugo!
Are you okay?!
How are you?
Fine.
Same as yesterday.
I want to go with Chava.
No, son, you're just
getting better.
-Stay here and rest.
-No, I'm fine now.
I want to go with Chava,
he can tell me what happened.
I just took my temperature,
I took the pill...
...and applied a cold compress.
I'll be with Chava,
if I feel sick, I'll come back.
Hugo?!
Hugo!
Are you okay?!
Hugo!
What's wrong?!
I had to carry you
to your house...
...because you were
passed out.
I called the doctor.
When I came back,
I tried to go in...
...but I was really scared.
Your mom told me
you were okay.
What did the doctor say?
Open it.
-What is this?
-This is me.
Until yesterday,
I was this guy.
His name is Mateo.
I don't know why,
but I'm here now.
You were this guy?
This woman here,
she was my wife.
You dog!
Is that good or bad?
You are so stupid!
I was Mateo.
Now I'm Mateo and Hugo.
Where's Hugo?
I mean, the other one.
My friend who sat down
and talked to me daily.
I don't know where
he is right now.
I don't know anything
about Mateo either.
-You're joking, right?
-Of course not.
How can this be?
Did you change bodies?
Did you tell your mom?
What did she say?
I did tell her.
That's why I came,
she didn't believe me.
Come on,
how can she believe you?
How would it be to have
a little freak like you?
That sucks.
Give me that.
I'm going to get us
a drink.
Meanwhile,
open your present.
Let me give him his bottle.
-When was your birthday?
-The day before yesterday.
-I turned 35.
-Congratulations, man!
You deserve
a little respect.
I have to give it back
to my uncle later.
Look.
Here's the Cibeles fountain...
...where I passed out.
Mateo?
Mateo?
I stayed at a hotel last night,
I hardly slept.
Mom, please,
don't tell anyone.
What don't you
want me to tell?
I don't understand
what's happening to you.
It's not my fault.
Really, I was 35 years old,
I was married...
...I had a daughter and
I didn't know Zacatecas.
I can get a map
and show you...
...where my house was
in Mexico City...
...and the fountain
where I fainted.
I don't understand
what's happening to me either.
Don't worry,
I know what I know...
...but I'll try
to take it easy.
What will you tell Amelia?
You're eight!
Sure you can't wait for me
until the weekend?
I'm sure.
I'm off. Stay until I leave...
...in case something happens.
I want to go alone.
Hugo, if you need anything
just call me.
I'll go get you.
Tell my mom I'll be okay.
See you.
I'm glad you stopped by,
Eugenio.
-I was going to eat alone.
-I didn't want to bother you.
It's no bother.
I've had too much food
left over...
...I'm not used
to cooking for myself.
Oh, Isabel, I'm so sorry
about Aunt Chela's death.
You'll think I'm cheeky.
I just came to give
my condolences...
...and now I'm staying
for lunch.
I started selling medicine
to little-town pharmacies.
I hope I survive.
So, why did you leave
the bank?
I didn't leave.
I was fired.
Truth is,
I was going to quit.
I found out I was going
to get fired...
...so, I decided to wait
for the severance pay...
...though it isn't a lot...
...for a wife and two kids.
Three months later,
it's practically gone.
That's why
I'm selling medicines.
Why did they fire you?
One day, these guys
came into the bank...
...and said: ''Good day,
this is a robbery.''
No one is that polite
when they rob!
I don't know
but my boss heard me...
...talking to the robbers,
asking them to take me.
Seriously?
Of course not.
I made a mistake.
A big one.
I mean, picture it.
I'd just fainted...
...and I felt like hell.
Instead of sending me home...
...they made me work.
At a bank...
...the slave always pays
for the mistake.
I imagine so.
It wasn't the first time
it happened to me.
You fainting?
No! Making a mistake.
The fainting too, I guess.
You know?
I'm very delicate.
Sometimes I faint,
I get a fever...
...my nose bleeds.
Once, my blood type changed.
Eugenio, that isn't true!
I swear it is! Look!
In fact, I put a sticker
on my license...
...with my blood type or
my insurance won't cover me.
Turn the car around
and put it in the courtyard.
It's open.
Why are you so quiet?
No, I just am.
It's been eight years
since I've gone out.
I didn't know.
Are you happy?
Yeah.
Last time I went out,
I went to the capital.
-Mexico City?
-No, Zacatecas.
My aunt took me,
God rest her soul...
...for my birthday.
She took me because
I was sad my mom died.
How did your mom die?
Didn't your dad go back
to the U.S.?
No, he doesn't even
write anymore.
When we get to Malpaso,
will you go with me?
Of course not!
I'm so embarrassed.
Embarrassed?
For what reason?
I don't know.
I'm not used to it.
I'll wait in the car.
I can't believe it.
I take you out and
you won't even enjoy it.
Don't be long.
Stop being shy
and get out.
Come on!
Good afternoon!
You know? Everything
we've done today...
...I hadn't done it
in my whole life.
What?
Getting out of town...
...taking a ride
in the car...
...sleeping in a hotel.
Do you like it?
You've never told me
who these people are.
It's me with a different face.
The woman is another wife.
Is she Amelia?
How did you know?
Because you've told me
several times...
...though you haven't
talked about her.
Well...
...maybe one day
I'll tell you that story.
-Wait.
-It's nothing.
I can't let her cry.
There's all kinds
for everyone.
Yeah, I always invite her
though I know she'll say no.
She's like a city girl.
She doesn't like going
from town to town like me.
Patricia is...
...a real
Zacatecas girl...
...and the kids are
rubbing off on her.
They're all fancy.
-How old is your eldest?
-Eleven.
The youngest is eight.
When we go back...
...we can stop by Jerez and
get the pictures developed.
What are they now?
Agreat trip I made
through Oaxaca.
We were at the beach
and we took a boat.
Really?
Of course not, Isabel.
I don't have time
to go to the beach.
Since I've been seeing you,
I hardly go to work...
...how can I go on holiday?
They're from that boring trip
I took with my family...
...to the Chique Dam.
May I see them
when they're developed?
What's wrong?
I don't know.
I get feverish sometimes
and I sweat...
I told you I was delicate.
Who'd think I was menopausal
at my age?
Can I get you anything?
No, no, no.
It'll pass quickly.
Let's go this way.
-What's going on?
-Nothing.
Why didn't you want
to go right?
I don't like crossroads.
What?
-Strange things happen.
-Like what?
I don't know.
Things change.
They scare me.
Oh, Eugenio.
I can never tell if
you're being serious or not.
Eugenio.
-Are you there?
-Yeah.
-What are you doing?
-Nothing.
Just looking at you.
How rude!
-Is the car there?
-Yeah.
The woman next to it
is Patricia.
Her hair looks pretty.
Can you see anything?
Alittle.
The next ones are the kids
playing with a dog...
...their Aunt Margarita
gave them...
...in the backyard.
We buried Katie
in the rosebush.
-The roses she took?
-Yeah.
I hope they survive
the freeze.
What's the other one?
It my little boy's birthday.
You know...
...a lot of food,
relatives, pinatas...
I don't really like that.
Children look older every day
and adults get more wrinkles.
-Do you want some coffee?
-Sure.
-Do you want a thermos?
-Yes, please.
So you're leaving?
I'll miss you.
Are you sure
about leaving?
You have a fever.
No, I don't have
a fever.
You think?
Hands off.
I have to take you
on the road with me.
No.
Just promise one day...
...you'll bring the projector
so I can see them.
All right.
I promise, Isabel.
I can't imagine how
it looks up close.
Maybe I'll feel sad
to see myself younger.
What's wrong?
Are you okay?
Yes, I'm fine.
I'm fine.
I'm going now.
It's okay.
You're okay.
Don't worry.
Do you feel okay?
Yes, I'm fine.
Thank you.
You're bleeding.
Can you bring me water?
Will you work here?
Yes, all morning.
I'm fine.
Okay.
All right.
Sure you don't want me
to pick you up?
Yes, I'm sure.
You won't stand me up
like yesterday?
You don't want
to go out for dinner?
Yes.
Isabel?
What's wrong?
Are you okay?
Do you need anything?
Come on,
I live across the street.
-Come in.
-Thank you.
Sit here.
Calm down and
tell me what's wrong.
I'm getting some water.
I'm home, Eugenio!
What are you doing here?
-Nothing.
-What's going on?
Nothing.
Where were you?
I was making a call.
Are you okay?
Yes, I'm fine.
Roberto?
Roberto?
Good evening.
I called a while ago.
Thank you.
Hello?
Thank you.
It's eleven.
So soon?
Yeah, dude.
Let's go.
Come on,
you're like a girl.
Bye, Rosie!
Soriano, I have to go
pick up some copies.
It's urgent, do you have
change you can lend me?
No, I only have a bill.
You haven't got change?
We can say we'll pay
on Monday.
-No.
-Hold on.
What's wrong?
It isn't right.
No.
Then I'll have to go.
It's chaos at the office.
Do you mind?
No.
Meet me at the copy machine.
-Ring this up, please.
-Yes, Ma'am.
Ten, five and one.
Thank you.
Have a nice day.
Two coffees.
Sorry for leaving you there,
Soriano.
Garcia forgot to pick
these papers up...
...and you know the boss.
Thank you.
I'll make it up to you.
On Monday...
...my turn to pay,
we'll have Chinese coffee.
It sucks,
how can you like it?
I like the Chinese guy's
daughter, she's so hot.
You have to take bullets
for love.
I need a drink.
Shut up.
Shut up!
Shut up!
Shut up!
You! You!
I'm sure...
Paloma?
Hi, Paloma.
You don't know me,
but may I speak to you?
Just one moment.
I need your help.
Do you remember this?
It would've been nice, huh?
What?
To spark a change.
They found something strange
in the blood tests...
...and they want to keep
looking into it.
I need you to help me
get out of here.
It's about time
you got here.
Who ran over you, man?
What happened?
Are you okay?
Let's go get our coffee.
You don't need coffee,
you need saline.
You won't beat anyone
this time, right?
I mean, in your condition.
What?
Last time I left you alone
for ten minutes...
...you sent an old lady
to the hospital.
You won't say anything?
The usual place?
No.
The Chinese place?
Sounds better.
Amelia?
Happy birthday!
Wait, I'm almost finished.
Wait.
Wait.
Stop.
We'll be seen.
-Wait.
-It's nothing.
I can't let her cry.
Did Mrs. Amelia go out?
She watered the plants
in the morning.
You finally noticed I'm here.
I've been here
for an hour.
I went to your room
but you weren't there.
I thought you were here.
When did you get here?
Early.
You didn't sleep, did you?
You look like crap.
I got bored pacing
so I went for a walk.
I hardly sleep anymore.
I'm obsessed with being awake
when I die.
No wonder you don't sleep.
Besides, who's to say
it'll happen tomorrow.
When you're meant to die,
you will.
Who cares if you're awake
or asleep?
I do. I want to be awake.
So much has happened
to me, I want to see it.
I want to see
what happens.
Look.
What?
I always make you look.
I forget you're
a high school boy.
Jackass.
You were getting
too serious.
Let me see this.
-She sure was pretty.
-Show some respect!
You move to be close to her
but you don't talk.
Say something to her.
Don't be a chicken.
Hit on her.
Let me treat you to dinner.
Tamales!
-Are we rich?
-Not so much.
I got a good job.
Want some coffee?
Is it hot?
-What were you doing?
-Nothing.
Just cleaning some things.
How about you?
What did you do now?
Nothing. I just crashed
a good party.
AChristmas party?
Did they give out tamales?
No, dumbass.
They gave out these.
I even sold some.
-Seller getting customers.
-What is this?
Agreat synthetic paste.
I brought you one to try.
You're so generous.
That's just me.
Eat your tamale.
Okay.
Do you move a lot?
Yeah, I do.
If it was so long ago,
why are you obsessed?
I don't really know.
Maybe because they're
the nicest memories I had.
Well, when I was still
in Mateo...
...or maybe I still think
Mateo screwed up...
...and he didn't understand
what was going on.
Maybe because
he found her again.
Or just because
you're stubborn.
Maybe, I don't know.
I think it was the first time
I fell in love.
The second time
I fell in love...
...you don't know
what Isabel meant to me.
How does it feel to leave
people in each life?
Like hell.
It's so sad.
It's a life already begun...
...you have problems
that aren't yours...
...and you leave
in the middle.
There were good friends
in that life...
...people.
Though you never choose
the people you're with...
...and you always
leave quickly...
...you still get attached.
-That sounds awful.
-No shit.
It's terrible.
I started on life
and I began to move...
...and try things.
You leave and
you don't even notice...
...until that moment
when you blow it all to hell...
...and it passes
but it doesn't matter.
You won't be there.
Shit.
That sounds terrible.
In fact...
...it sounds like shit.
You're so stupid.
You know what I mean.
Who chose to be your friend?
Not me.
I don't give a shit.
I'm exhausted.
You're in for the long haul,
aren't you?
-What will you do?
-Walk.
Are you going this way
or that way?
That way.
I'm going to sleep.
Come see me
when you wake up...
-...I got a bad feeling.
-See you.
Bye.
-But, give him money?
-Yes, it's only right.
I haven't got any on me.
-No.
-Don't be selfish.
What's up, Isaias?
Long time no see.
Right. I thought I'd
just take a walk.
I'm glad to see you.
How are you?
The same.
Fine.
Well, I got to run.
See you tomorrow.
-See you.
-Isaias.
Drop by in the morning,
won't you?
-We can talk.
-Sure.
-Bye!
-Bye, man.
How's work?
Great.
The boss was fired.
Now I have twice the work.
-They changed Montes?
-Yeah.
I thought he'd die
in that post.
Don't worry.
I'll send the package
to Zacatecas.
You don't need help
with the shipping?
No, I'll pay for it.
How did the blood test go?
I didn't tell you?
They realized
the blood type changed.
I blamed it on a mistake
in the previous test.
In this country
it's not uncommon.
When I was inside Eugenio...
...I taped a sticker
on my license...
...with the new blood type.
Remember when Soriano
was in hospital...
...and they found
weird stuff in his blood?
I do remember that.
Eugenio.
Is it your memory or mine?
Mine.
I get the memories confused.
I don't know
what I really lived.
Imagine how I feel.
Have you had many changes?
You could say
I'm used to it.
...gets into the fleeting
orbit of blood.
It's unusual that Amelia
hasn't come out yet.
-Could she be sick?
-Who knows?
You could go and ask,
you know?
Hey, what did you mean
with that feeling of yours?
You are so slow.
Dude, I was sleepy
and tired.
What's it about?
I have a feeling
I'm going to die.
Oh, man.
Just like that?
Just like that.
You're joking, right?
I tried to explain it
the other day...
...but you didn't listen.
I feel all of this
is going to hell.
I'm sure I won't live
past this week.
Come on, man.
Don't say that.
You know that when
I have a feeling...
Oh, man.
I'm glad to see you, Soriano.
Me too.
Thank you.
I needed to talk to you.
I want to be very clear
because it's very hard...
...and we have a lot more
to talk about.
Read this later.
They're all the notes
I've made.
Remarks about the lives...
...about the changes...
Finish them.
Maybe they'll be useful.
I feel just like
when a change is near.
I have a feeling,
that same sensation...
...but this change
is different.
It feels different.
I know it's my last life.
How can you be so sure?
Soriano, you know we can
only rely on our intuition.
When we feel a change,
it's because it is there.
We're never wrong.
Maybe it's a bit late
to get together...
...but we are.
This is a lot.
Yeah, but you'll need it.
You'll take care of me.
I don't need it anymore.
Don't worry.
It's enough
for a quick burial...
...maybe for a trip too.
Can I look for you later?
In someone else?
No.
-Want me to stay with you?
-No. What for?
I don't think it'll be pretty.
Just go to my place later
or no one will find me.
What will I do?
Want me to leave you alone
with Amelia?
I'll be in your room to take
a walk later, okay?
Yeah.
Amelia, life consists
on crossing paths...
THE END