Episode 16

Renan

My life is going very well. In these five years, I've discovered that the world is much bigger than the bubble I lived in. Being with Rafael made me see that there are many different realities, and I thank destiny for bringing me such a precious friend.

And what about my little Andre? He's my godson, whom I love like a son. I was there when he arrived and haven't left his side to this day.

I'm a veterinarian specializing in small animal surgery, and I'm a partner in the clinic with a cousin. I live alone and remain a convinced bachelor.

Sometimes I still think about Isa, about what people experienced and what they could have experienced if she had allowed herself. I still remember her kiss, her touch, her face.

But like Rafael, I have Andre, who is my new reason to smile. He is the one I live for, he owns my heart and is the only man in my life.

Every time I arrive at his house, he comes running with open arms, shouting, "My dindinho has arrived!!" It makes me feel like the happiest and most fulfilled man in the world. We go out together in matching outfits, we've taken pictures in vet coats, and he's already been to my work to see the clinic and spent a day by my side.

As for Lipe, we have a war that I think is endless. He's the polar opposite of me, and the only thing we have in common is Andre and Rafael. Let's just say he's the bad godfather, and I'm the good godfather. But the three of us are as one because of Andre, and that's what matters.

Rafael

My routine is simple. I wake up at 6 am with Andre jumping on top of me, complaining that he's hungry. Oh, that child loves to eat! I get up, make breakfast, and get him ready for school. And when I get back, I go back to sleep because I work at night.

Thank God I have a helper who stays with Andre so I can work. She's been with me for a little over a year, and besides the godparents, she's the person I trust the most.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Rafael, I've arrived. Where's my little piece of heaven?"

"Goodness, Catarina, I've already told you not to call me sir, I'm only 4 years older than you."

"Sorry, it's force of habit."

"How are things at your studio?"

"Everything is going well, Mr. Rafa, slowly but surely."

Catarina is an artisan and makes beautiful things with resin. She's very meticulous, with an eye for detail that only she has. She's quiet and introverted but you can see how sweet and kind she is.

I met her when I put my old house up for rent, she came to me wanting to rent it. The first time I saw her, she was different from now, she was much thinner, bruised all over, and had a cast on one arm.

You know those people who have a life story and all? Well, Catarina is one of those people, but she never told me, and I'll wait. If one day she wants to, I'll be here to listen.

I got ready for work while Catarina bathed Andre to put on his pajamas. Today is one of those quiet days at the club where I can afford to arrive later and enjoy more time with my baby. When I arrive in the living room to say goodbye, I find the cutest child on earth sitting on the couch wearing astronaut pajamas.

"Daddy going to work?"

"Yes, my love, but Daddy will be here when you wake up in the morning, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy, will you bring me cheese bread?"

"Okay, Daddy will bring it."

My son is crazy about cheese bread; If I let him, he'd eat only that.

"Catarina, if Lipe comes here today, please ask him to sign the papers I left in the kitchen, okay? He knows what they are."

"Okay, Mr. Rafa."

"Ahh, Catarina, you're impossible!"

I kissed my son and went to the club.

Lipe

My life is not what I wanted it to be. I was supposed to be married, with children, and out of this world for good! But I got played, and after that experience, it's hard to trust.

After all the support Rafael gave me, he became the most important person in my life, besides Andre, whose place will always be first.

There was a time, a few years ago, when we thought we could work out, but when we kissed it was strange. It was frustrating, you know? I imagined it would be more... I don't know... more intense. I expected fireworks, and it was really just a handful of firecrackers. Rafael felt the same way, we laughed a lot that day, we understood that we are just friends, actually, more than that, we are brothers.

I'm watching Andre grow up; the boy is amazing; he's good at everything he does, even though he's so small. I keep thinking about his future. I can't stand still, knowing that I can help, help transform his future and that of other children.

Today I'm going to talk to Rafa. I got in touch with Rodrigo from Morro da Penha; I want to do the same thing here in Boa Vista that he did there. I will give my godson a better future. It's going to suck being almost a month there in Penha without seeing my little one. I miss him already.

I arrived at Rafa's house and already heard Andrezinho's voice.

"Unccccleeee!"

He runs to my lap, we play a lot of horsey, hide and seek, and then with the building blocks. Always with Catarina's shadow close by. Oh, strange woman. I already told her not to be afraid of me, but she won't listen. She doesn't even come close. I hardly ever hear her speak, and I've never seen her smile. She's always serious, hair tied up, and face closed. She's not a beauty queen, but if she let her hair down and dressed up more, I'm sure she could get someone. That grumpy face must be from lack of sex; there's no other explanation.

I played with Andre until he fell asleep, then went home, packed my bags, and prepared for the drama Rafael is going to make tomorrow when I tell him.

Morro da Penha, here I come.

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