Don Alquimedes Miranda

aThe visions that wrenched his soul out of a common world began during baptism. Aunt Gloria and Uncle DarA-o, incurable in their affection for wine and rum, were chosen as godparents. Joyous at the honor, both relatives began toasting each other right after breakfast. Consequently, by three oaclock, as father E. Sandino VelAsquez poured holy water over AlquA-medes, Aunt Gloria went into her trance, Uncle DarA-o way out of balance hit the priestas arm, almost drowning a new Christian, while Aunt Gloria, jerking spasmodically, dropped the baby headfirst on the baptismal font. For days tiny AlquA-medes remained unconscious, feverish, dehydrated by diarrhea. Others saw this as a matter of grave medical concern, but for the infant, who did not cry, it was a vision of eternal bliss: God Himself left an imprint that pursued him till eternity.a