Episode 4

It was already late when the cartoon ended. Emma noticed that Isadora had fallen asleep and gave her a kiss on the forehead. She got up and covered her.

Diogo was in the living room when Emma came down the stairs. Vilma appeared, and she went up to her.

Emma: I think it's time for me to go, Isadora is sleeping.

Vilma: She liked you, it's amazing because she's always been hard to get used to or like anyone.

Emma: I'm glad we hit it off, she's a lovely girl.

Vilma: She is, my dear. Does that mean you'll stay with us?

Emma: Yes.

Vilma: Wonderful! I'm sure Isadora will be very happy; she needs a mother's love.

Emma: I hope to be up to it. I have no idea how to be more, but I will make her happy my way.

Vilma: That's right, when love is sincere, care, gestures... nothing else is needed. I'm sure you'll be a good mother, and Isadora will see you as one.

Emma: Give her a kiss for me.

Vilma: I'll let her know.

Emma: Goodbye.

Emma said goodbye to Vilma and walked to the door. She went to the condominium gate and stood outside, scrolling through her phone and ordering a taxi. The gates opened, and a luxury car drove out and stopped.

Diogo: Get in, I'll take you home.

Emma: That's not necessary, sir, I'm already calling a taxi.

Diogo: Get in, it's hard to find a taxi around here on Saturdays.

Emma: I don't want to bother you.

Diogo: Just get in the car, girl, don't make me lose my patience.

Emma remained silent and got in the back seat. Diogo looked at her without understanding but soon turned his attention back to the front.

As he already knew her address, he drove there, and they went in silence. On the way, Emma received a call and answered, speaking as little as possible and in a low voice.

Emma: Hi, Amelia.

Amelia: Honey, I miss you so much, you disappeared and didn't send any more messages.

Emma: I'm sorry, I was looking for a job and focused only on that.

Amelia: When are you coming here? I miss you.

Emma: Amelia, please don't touch on that subject. I already told you I'm not coming back, respect that.

Amelia: Sorry, I know what happened, I just miss you.

Emma: When I can, I'll pay for your ticket to come see me. Now I need to hang up.

Amelia: But first tell me if you got the job.

Emma: Yes, I did. I'm a secretary.

Amelia: Wonderful! Congratulations, I love you, friend.

Emma: I love you too, bye.

She hung up and took a deep breath, closing her eyes. Diogo couldn't help but notice her expression of sadness.

Diogo: Problems?

Emma: No, sir. Sorry for taking the call.

Diogo: You look sad.

Emma: I'm not, it's just that I miss a friend, but she'll be here soon.

Diogo: Okay.

Diogo sensed the lie in her eyes and in her lost way of speaking, as if she were searching for the words. He let it go because it was none of his business, and he wasn't interested anyway, or so he thought.

They arrived at a small group of houses, and Emma got out of the car.

Emma: Thank you so much for the ride, and sorry if I was any trouble.

Diogo: Be at the house early Monday morning.

Emma: I'll be there.

He drove off, and she went into her house. She went straight to her room and sat on the bed, running her hands over her face as various things ran through her mind - past and present.

She took a shower and then went to prepare dinner. She took a frozen meal and put it in the microwave. She took it to bed and ate while scrolling through her phone. The doorbell rang, and she went to answer it. It was her new friend and neighbor, Lara. She was the one who rented the house to Emma, and since then, they had become friends.