Soon after Navi got engaged to Roberto, she went to meet his family in Mexico.

She had heard many a story of Roberto’s birth city of Guanajuato, and they had all captivated her. At one time, this colonial city was the source of two-thirds of the world’s silver.

“Our family goes to a beautiful church in Guanajuato,” Roberto had told her while they courted in the United States. “It is said that silver dust was mixed into the cement building blocks and that is why the church sparkles.”

Navi had been enthralled. Roberto always told such wonderful stories. She could not wait to see the city and meet all of Roberto’s family. Navi was an artist and knew that the trip would inspire her to create.

While Roberto had imparted Navi with all the wonders of his beautiful city, it had not occurred to him to mention any dangers. They were young. They were in love. They lived only in the moment.

Navi was speechless when she saw the Oratorio de San Felipe. “It really does sparkle!” she exclaimed.

Navi kissed Roberto on the cheek. “I’ll meet you outside,” she said, leaving the church.

She pulled her sketchpad and pencils from her bag and went to sit against one of the glorious palm trees outside the church. She began sketching the colossal cupola which extended three stories above the nave.

Suddenly, a sharp pain took hold of her left shoulder. It felt like an electrical shock. The pain began to pervade the rest of her body.

She had been stung by a pernicious scorpion!

The last thing Navi remembered was Roberto kneeling by her side. She woke up a week later with him holding her hand and telling her a story. “In Mexico, scorpions are ubiquitous. There are more scorpion deaths here than in any other place in the world. And they love palm trees,” he said, rubbing her hand with tears of relief in his eyes. “I should have mentioned that before.”