Chapter One: One of a Kind Chapter One One of a Kind
It was a beautiful day in Havana, Cuba. The ocean waves danced lightly on the shore, while the people of the city started waking. Locals began opening up their shops as tourists strolled the colorful streets.

In the Plaza Vieja, an old man named Andrés started setting up his music stand with his kinkajou, Vivo. They had been playing music together ever since Vivo arrived in Havana several years ago. The two of them had grown to become best friends and musical partners.

Andrés grabbed his harmonica and then turned to Vivo.

“Are you ready?” Andrés asked Vivo.

Vivo nodded, and then the two of them began to perform.

As soon as they started playing, the streets of Havana came to life. Andrés and Vivo played maracas, drums, a guitar—they played it all! Vivo even joined Andrés in singing! As they continued to play, more and more people started gathering around the plaza. Andrés and Vivo had played music together so long, Vivo could even finish Andrés’s musical phrases. They didn’t have to understand each other’s language, because music was their language!

“Eso, Vivo!” Andrés cheered, as Vivo danced and hit the drums. The crowd began to clap as well, joining in the fun. This was the best part of Vivo’s day. He couldn’t imagine a life without music, or a life without Andrés.

“Bravo!” cried the audience when Andrés and Vivo finished playing.

“Good show, Vivo!” Andrés said.

Vivo chirped in agreement.

Andrés put his arm around Vivo’s back and then the two of them sat to look at the audience. Andrés peeled a mango for Vivo, and the two of them ate peacefully side-by-side, enjoying the bustle of the plaza. People came and went, most of them accustomed to seeing the old man and his kinkajou together, some of them stopping by to take pictures or ask about their instruments.

Vivo loved watching Andrés describe his instruments or play small tunes for kids. Andrés was the reason Vivo fell in love with music, after all. Andrés’s passion and true love of music was so inspiring to Vivo. Andrés was the best teacher, and there was no one else like him.

The duo finished up their snack and then went off to the Malecón wall, where they’d have their next performance of the day.

Vivo grinned. He couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the day had in store!