Episode 6

Luna

I'm Luna Souza, 22 years of age and a nursing student. I'm an outgoing, authentic person with a low tolerance for fakeness. I say what's on my mind, no games, and I have a vengeful streak.

Ever since I can remember, I've lived in my grandmother's house, along with my uncle, who is detestable.

My sister raised me—she's been my protector, often going hungry so I could eat, shielding me from our uncle's abuse, even enduring beatings from our grandmother due to the lies my uncle would spin about her. Leaving that house was a sigh of relief.

I've always wanted to help her, but she wouldn't have it. She urged me to focus solely on my education, and I can hardly wait to graduate so I can finally repay her for all she's done for me.

I never met my mother, but there's a curious part of me that longs to meet my father—I suspect I've inherited his temperament. My mother, according to my grandmother, was like Maisa: naive and kind-hearted.

I wake up early, tend to my hygiene, change, and prepare breakfast.

I let my sister sleep in a bit longer, though I'm worried about Maisa—I've never seen her like this. But I swear to prove her innocence. Whoever did this to her is going to pay dearly.

Natalia: Good morning! Making breakfast again, I see?

Luna: Of course. If we want to eat, someone has to do it since you're too lazy to help out with anything!

Natalia: What's your problem with me, Luna? As far as I know, I haven't done anything to you!

Luna: Nothing... that's the problem! You never do anything, and you even took my sister's job!

Natalia: I didn't take anything! It was Maisa who...

Luna: You'd better not finish that sentence, because I guarantee if you do, you'll be working with a busted face! My sister might buy into your sweet girl act, the one who helps her parents, but you don't fool me. And if you had any part in the injustice against my sister, I swear I will destroy you—you'll have to work overtime to afford surgery for your hypocritical face after I'm done with it!

I really said it. I've noticed for a while now that Natalia is full of envy. Ever since she moved in, she has wanted everything my sister has, and I've even caught her eyeing Diego. He's another one who rubs me the wrong way. He's helped us a lot, but he's a nuisance. Sometimes, I'm actually scared by his possessiveness over my sister. He wants her at his beck and call. Maisa doesn't see it, but she's with him out of gratitude, not love. I pray that before she does something crazy like marrying him, someone who truly loves and supports her will come into her life.

Maisa: Is everything okay here? - she asks, coming towards me.

Luna: All good, isn't that right, Natalia?!

Natalia: Ye... Yes! - she stammers.

Luna: Are you going to look for a job today, big sis?

Maisa: Yes! I won't give up until I find something!

Luna: That's the spirit!

I drink my coffee quickly and head for the hospital.

I love working here. I've been welcomed with open arms. The director is a very nice and understanding person, and her daughter, a medical student, is doing her internship here too. She's fun and cheerful, and we got along great, even started sharing meals. We've talked a lot about work and our dreams for the future. Seeing how nervous I was on my first day, she gave me a lot of support, especially since the head of our department is quite the pain.

Arriving at the hospital, I'm lost in thought and taken aback when Ava calls out to me.

Luna: You scared me!

Ava: Sorry! What's been going on with you lately? You've seemed distant.

Luna: Just some trouble at home.

Ava: I have to run to the emergency ward, but let's talk later, and you can fill me in!

She rushed into the elevator, heading to her station.

I change into my uniform and go to the nurse's station. Dr. Camila makes her rounds, doing a brief medical check on each patient. I'm impressed by how down-to-earth she is, despite her wealth, treating everyone with such kindness.

At lunchtime, I pick up my meal and head to a table. I notice Ava sitting with her mother, deeply engrossed in conversation. I head the other way when I hear her call my name.

Ava: Where do you think you're going? Come sit with us!

Luna: I don't want to intrude.

Camila: Please sit! Ava has said many good things about you, and she's not someone easily impressed!

Ava: I'm fair, Mom! - she says, light-heartedly.

Luna: It's your daughter who's truly kind.

We dine, talking shop, with Luna frequently checking her phone.

Camila: Put that phone down and eat properly!

Ava: I can't relax, Ricardo isn't answering my texts!

Camila: And staring at that phone will make him reply?

Ava: No, but I don't know what to do! He's really upset with me!

Camila: You should be more concerned about finding another nanny for your daughter. She should be your priority.

Ava: You're right! I already called the agency, they'll get back to me by the end of the day.

Luna: Sorry to butt in, but did I hear you need a nanny?

Ava: Yes. I let the last one go.

Luna: My sister is desperately looking for a job. Maybe you could give her a chance?

Ava: Didn't you say she worked at that diner? I even saw you celebrating her promotion to manager.

I take a deep breath and look down, knowing that once I tell the truth, they'll likely refuse outright.

Camila: Don't be embarrassed in front of us, dear. You can be honest!

I share our story with them, including the recent ordeal, and assure them that my sister is the most honest person on this planet and has always taught me to be the same. Ava and her mother exchange glances.

Camila: Your story is quite peculiar, Luna!

Ava: If she's innocent, you should be working to clear her name!

Luna: That's the plan, but as Maisa says, the weakest link always breaks first.

Camila: Here's what we'll do. Ava has the day off tomorrow, and I'll be in the hospital after lunch. Have your sister come to our house. We’ll get to know her, and if we like her, she'll be hired.

Overjoyed by the possibility, I feel hopeful; this could lift my sister's spirits. They give me their address, leaving me confident.

I resolve to tell her when I get back home.

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