Episode 5

Maisa...

Yesterday was the worst day of my life. Diego came back in the evening to see me, but he didn't want to talk to anyone. I'm shattered on the inside, and the shame of such humiliation still seems to burn my face. Worse is the worry of having to find a job. It was so hard to land that job, now I have to start again from scratch, once more my dreams dashed by the cruelty and unfairness of the world. Every time I go through tough times, I have a horrific nightmare: my pregnant mother holding me in her arms, running through a dense forest surrounded by many trees and underbrush. At one point, she falls and we see blood on her clothes. I don't know what happens next because I always wake up at that moment, sweating profusely.

Luna was the only one I let into my room, she spent the night here, comforting me. She tries to be strong, but last night, she could not bear to see my suffering and we cried together in an embrace.

I wake up and my little sister is by my side, stroking my hair.

Luna: Good morning, big sis!

Maisa: I truly hope it is a good morning, little sister!

Luna: It will be, I'm sure!

Maisa: I don't have the strength to get out of this bed and face the world outside!

Luna: Yes, you do! You're not just anyone, you're Maisa Souza, the strongest and most determined woman I know! You won't let this stop you!

Maisa: You're right. - I smile weakly. -Things have never been easy for us, and this will be nothing compared to what we've already been through!

Luna: That's the spirit! Now I'm going to prepare breakfast for us!

I agree, get up, go to the bathroom to freshen up, change, and head to the kitchen to help Luna. I notice Natalia's purse on the couch.

Maisa: Did Natalia sleep here last night?

Luna: No idea, but it seems like it, right?! Her purse has been there since I came over to your room!

Natalia enters the kitchen all happy.

Natalia: Good morning, girls! How are you, Ma?

Maisa: Much better!

Natalia: I hope you don't mind, Maisa! The boss offered me your manager position and I couldn't refuse, you know how much this job will help with my parents!

I won't lie, I felt like crying, not out of envy, but because I fought so hard to earn my place there, and just when things were settling down I am forced to give up everything.

Luna: How can you be so two-faced, Natalia?! That position is my sister's – if you were a true friend, you'd try to prove her innocence instead of taking her place!

Natalia: Look Luna, I haven't gone crazy enough to turn down such a good job! Your sister was fired, I wasn't!

Maisa: Please, Luna! No more arguing, Natalia is right, she couldn't miss the opportunity, let it go! I'm sure I'll find something soon!

Natalia: It won't be easy, friend!

Luna: What do you mean by that?

Natalia: Your sister was accused of theft, she won't have good references anymore! Besides, she doesn't need them, she has Diego who can support her!

Maisa: I don't want and won't depend on Diego for anything! The money is his, not mine!

Natalia: You're such a fool, that's why you suffer! Diego wants to marry you, if only I had a rich man who loved me like that!

Maisa: I thought you were in a relationship!

Natalia: We broke up yesterday! He doesn't want to take me seriously, and I don't want him by halves!

Luna: Diego wants my sister all to himself, as if she were a prisoner! Doesn't want her to work or study! He only wants her to be his wife, like she's some kind of a trophy ... and for her to look after him, the house, the kids! His parents don't even like her!

Maisa: Diego very well knows what I want, and if he wants to stay with me, he has to accept that I won't depend on him! I do dream of building a family, but I also want to have a career!

She rolled her eyes and drank her coffee in silence.

As soon as she left, my sister and I got ready; she went to the hospital, and I went to look for work.

I scoured the entire city in search of a job, but to no avail, everyone asks for references, and when they learn what happened, they immediately deny me, especially at employment agencies.

I came home at night, not only exhausted with sore feet, but also overcome with sadness.

As soon as I entered, Diego was sitting on one of the couches, Natalia was preparing dinner, a rare sight. He approached me, gave me a peck on my lips, apologized for what he said yesterday, and drew me to sit beside him on the couch.

Diego: Where were you, love? I called all day, I was worried!

Maisa: Looking for a job, I left my phone at home!

Diego: This again, Maisa?

Maisa: I'm too tired to argue, Diego! You know I'm like this and if that doesn't satisfy you, it's better we break up! - I said, irritated, and locked myself in my room.

Knock, knock, knock... I hear knocking at the door.

Diego: Maisa, I'm sorry! Let's talk, please!

Maisa: I'm not up for anything, Diego! Leave, we'll talk tomorrow!

I hear him huff, punch the wall, then soon after, the door slams.

I go to the bathroom, take a long shower which mixes with my tears, towel off, and lay in bed.

Luna: Ma! It's me, open the door!

Totally drained, I ask to be left alone. I confess to feeling very weak. I didn't even have time to eat today, and all I want is to sleep.

I fall asleep and am woken up by Luna calling for me.

Maisa: How did you get in?

Luna: Spare key! Brought you food, you can relax, I made sure and it's not poisoned! - she joked.

Maisa: You never give up, little sis! - I smile weakly.

I sit up in bed, and as I eat, I tell her how the day was discouraging.