At four years old, Alejandro began gathering the village children not just to play, but to organize. What started as simple games slowly transformed into structured activities. "You stand here," he would say calmly. "You watch that path." The others listened—not because he was stronger, but because he sounded certain.
During one game near the lake, two groups were formed. The goal was simple: protect a pile of stones representing the village storehouse. Alejandro studied both sides before choosing his team. He placed smaller children as watchers and stronger ones where the ground narrowed, forcing attackers to approach in a line.
When the game began, the attackers rushed forward loudly. Alejandro's group stayed quiet. At the right moment, they blocked the narrow path, forcing the attackers to retreat. The victory was swift and decisive.
The elders watching from a distance exchanged glances. "That child thinks ahead," one murmured.
Alejandro did not celebrate. Instead, he gathered the children and explained what worked and what did not. "If you rush, you get tired," he said simply. "If you wait, you choose the moment."
That evening, Don Emilio knelt beside his son. "Where did you learn that?" he asked.
Alejandro hesitated, then answered truthfully in the only way he could. "I watch. And I think."
Emilio placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Then I will teach you properly. A sharp mind needs discipline."
Alejandro nodded. Inside, he felt it clearly for the first time: this was his path. Leadership was not about shouting orders—it was about seeing what others could not, and guiding them safely through it.