A new fragment of the mystery of the Emerald Building by e.black, who has given us the pleasure of gradually publishing parts of the story.

It's 100% original.

"Do you have any idea where he is now?"
Teodora shook her head.
"No, but I know who might know."
The mention of another possible Keeper led the three of them to the building's small archive room, where Teodora began reviewing old documents from the original tenants and owners.
"My father said some Keepers lived here before the group dispersed," she said, quickly flipping through the yellowed papers. "Maybe there's something there that gives us a clue."
While Lucía was reviewing the more recent documents, Leo found an old lease dated 1947.
"Wait... this name appears in the journal. Álvaro Cárdenas." He looked at Teodora, pointing at the document. "Could it be him?"
Teodora took the lease, inspecting it carefully.
"It's possible. But this document is from a long time ago. If he's alive, I don't think he's still here."
Lucia approached with another file, this time with change of address records.
"Here's something. It says he moved to a property on the outskirts of town about 30 years ago."
Teodora smiled slightly.
"That's more than we expected."
Leo raised an eyebrow.
"Do you think he's alive?"
"There's only one way to find out," Teodora replied, carefully folding the contract and putting it in her bag.
Before leaving, the three decided to reinforce the building's security. Teodora distributed the most trusted neighbors to key points, asking them to report any unusual activity.
"Do you think the neighbors will be okay?" Lucia asked, as they packed their things for departure.
Teodora nodded.
"As long as they don't know exactly what we're protecting, they'll be safe."
Leo adjusted his backpack, looking at his sister.
"So, shall we go?" "We're leaving," Teodora confirmed, her tone firm. "It's time to look for answers."
The three of them headed toward the building's main door, unsure of what their search would hold, but certain that this new lead could change everything.
The sun was slowly setting as Teodora, Leo, and Lucía prepared to leave the Esmeralda building in search of Álvaro Cárdenas, the possible former Custodian who might have the answers they needed. Although the address found in the files was old, it was the only solid lead they had.
"Do you think he's really alive?" Lucía asked as she adjusted the flashlight in her backpack.
"If he is, he may be our best chance of understanding what all this really means," Teodora replied, locking the small file room where they had found the contract.
Leo crossed his arms, looking out a window toward the street.
"And if he isn't, at least we could find something he left behind." Teodora nodded, a determined expression on her face.
"Whatever it is, we must be prepared. This trip won't be easy."
The directions took them to a rural area on the outskirts of Central City, where tall buildings and bustling streets gave way to open fields and tree-lined roads. The bus ride was silent, each of them deep in thought about what they might find.
When they finally got off, the dim light of dusk illuminated a dirt road that led to a small, dilapidated house, partially covered by vines and trees.
"Is this it?" Leo asked, eyeing the weathered structure suspiciously.
Teodora pulled out the lease, comparing the address with what was in front of them.
"Yes. This is the place."