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head on his shoulder, I feel my heart beating strongly against his chest, I press my lips together so as not to cry. 

I wanted to break away but I couldn't: he squeezed me tight, almost hurting me. Then, moving away a little, he placed his hands on my shoulders, looks at me: "You are here..." he says. 

"I couldn't wait, I had to see you right away." 

"I missed you, Daughter." 

"I missed you too, Papa." 

"I see you are fine. I'm glad of it." and smiled.

And how are you, Papa? "And I trie not to look sad.

"It wasn't easy. I had a real struggle to stay alive, to see you. I'm uglier than ever, but I have funny stories to tell you. If they're not funny you can always interrupt me..."

"I promised not to stay long."

"Naturally." He took a few steps away. "I'm sorry about the book. I couldn't imagine." 

"No, you couldn't imagine." 

"You are the last person in the world that I wanted to harm." 

"Oh Papa, I know. I..."

"You are not the girl in the book and you are not responsible for her faults and mistakes." 

"I know, Papa." 

"Listen, my Black Horse. Gianfranco came to Cuba to work. He was in the United States to get a visa for Cuba long before you and I met. When he had problems Mary and I offered him hospitality as we have offered to many others. I have tried to help him as I have always tried to help anyone when I believed in his work and in his sincerity."

"I know this too, Papa." 

"I'm not trying to make myself appear a noble character. I have all the faults you know and probably many more. I'm just trying to give you ammunition, in a logical sense.