Chapter 0.1 – Note to the Reader
Santa Cruz de la Sierra – August 9th, 2025
Hello, reader:
This story is born from the clash —and at the same time, the embrace— of two very different worlds, yet deeply human.
Here, the voice of Zayra —an Indigenous-Latina woman, strong, sweet, with the red earth in her soul— intertwines with that of Ryu —a young Korean CEO, disciplined, bound by duty… and by a love he will discover step by step.
Along the way, you'll come across words, expressions, and customs unique to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, and even legal details that are part of Zayra's life as a lawyer.
To make sure you don't miss anything (and maybe even discover more than you expect), at the end of this chapter you'll find a special glossary. But be warned… it's not just any glossary: it was born from something intimate—a shared diary that Ryu created to communicate better with Zayra, and which she accepted with an open heart.
In its pages, you'll find not only explanations, but also curious tidbits, confessions, and even a few early hints that might leave you eager to jump to the next chapter.
So, if you're ready to step into this universe where roots, love, justice, and red earth intertwine… open your eyes wide. And your heart even wider.
With affection,
Nanda
***
First entry from Zayra to Ryu – Shared Diary
9/08/25
My dear Ryu:
This diary excites me more than I imagined. When you told me you wanted us to write it together, something stirred inside me. It's not every day that the man you love suggests sharing thoughts, silences, memories, and dreams on paper.
This diary will be our little place. Just ours. An intimate space where we can say those things that are sometimes hard to speak aloud.
Lately, I've noticed that some Cruceño words—the ones we use every day here—confuse you. And of course they do, because my land has a language that dances.
So I thought I'd explain them here in this diary, with a little glossary just for you, so that whenever you hear something strange, you can come back to these pages and understand better what I meant… or what my people express with love or with anger.
This diary is for you, my love. And that's why I begin it with a smile and with all my heart.
With all my love,
Zay 💛
***
Ryu's reply to Zayra
11/08/2025
Zayra:
I'm not used to writing things like this. Not because I don't feel them, but because I don't know how to express them the way you do. When I suggested this diary, I didn't imagine you'd fill it with so much warmth. With you, what was just a simple idea becomes something… alive.
I don't always understand the words you use, but I understand your gestures, your glances, your silences. Now I'll have this diary to also read your thoughts, your roots, your laughter written on paper. I feel lucky.
I don't know if I'll find the right words. Maybe only the necessary ones. But I'll be here, with you, on every page.
Thank you for accepting it.
—R.
***
Zayra's reply
14/08/2025
Ryu!
Ah, you're so sweet when you write. You made me smile like a fool.
You'll see—this glossary will be fun, very useful, and full of love.
I love you so much. 💛
***
Beginning of the Glossary – "Zayra's Words"
Zayra's Words – Glossary of terms and sayings Ryu will need (and you too, dear reader):
This glossary is born out of love. Not only the love between Ryu and Zayra, but also love for a land that speaks in its own rhythm. Here you'll find:
Typical words from eastern Bolivia Legal terms that Zayra uses as a lawyer Phrases that express emotions not always easy to translate literally Fun facts
Typical words from eastern Bolivia
Cruceño, -ña: A native of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, city or department of Bolivia.
Toborochi: Also known as the "bottle tree" or "drunken stick tree," it is an emblematic tree of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and part of the city's coat of arms. It has a thick, swollen trunk that stores water and blooms with pink or yellow flowers that signal the arrival of winter.
It's a symbol of identity for Cruceños and plays an important role in the local ecosystem.
Chiquitanía: Vast region in the department of Santa Cruz, eastern Bolivia, characterized by tropical savannas, dry forests, low mountain ranges, and the presence of historic towns and Jesuit missions.
Indigenous community: A group of people sharing a cultural identity, language, history, institutions, and worldview, considering themselves descendants of populations inhabiting the territory before the Spanish conquest.
Besoró Indigenous Community: Fictional community to which Zayra's family belongs.
Ñande-Yara: In the Guaraní culture of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, "Ñande Yyara" (or Ñandejára) refers to "Our Lord" or "Our Master," a way of naming God—especially within the Guaraní worldview. It is not a specific god, but rather the supreme deity, the Creator.
Bolivianita: Also known as ametrine, this semi-precious stone is found exclusively in Bolivia. It's a variety of quartz showing alternating zones of purple (amethyst) and golden-orange (citrine), formed naturally when amethyst and citrine merge within the same crystal. It is important in the story as it symbolizes Zayra's roots.
Priestess: In the context of the Chiquitano Indigenous peoples in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, the term "priestess" does not have the same meaning as in other religious traditions.
It refers to a woman with deep knowledge and respect for ancestral traditions, nature, and spirits—often with healing abilities and spiritual leadership. These women, sometimes called chovena or chovena-taita (father-mother), play a key role in guiding rituals, healing illnesses, and maintaining balance between the spiritual and physical worlds.
Interesting facts
Choi Dae-Hyun, Zayra's father, is part of a significant Korean community in Brazil—the largest in South America. Korean immigration to Brazil began officially in 1963, although some Koreans arrived in the 1950s. Today, it is estimated that around 50,000 Koreans live in Brazil.
Zayra's father, having a Brazilian mother, grew up near the Bolivian border, where he discovered and fell in love with Bolivian gemstones. He lived in Brazil until his mother passed away, after which—due to his father's decision—he moved to Seoul.
Later, he returned to Latin America, where he met Zayra's mother, fell in love, and decided to settle in Bolivia.
Ivor Amaro: Fictional character, antagonist of our story—a politician, drug trafficker, degenerate, and former president of Bolivia who will do anything to regain power. He manipulates events to expel Zayra's Indigenous community from their lands for illicit purposes.