Episode 6

Upon finishing her pizza, Luiza glanced back again, catching Allan's surreptitious gaze before he quickly turned his attention to Helen, the teacher.

Luiza - Lara?

The waitress, who had been jotting down notes, stopped writing and looked up.

Luiza - Where's the ladies' room?

Lara - At the end of that hallway, just go straight ahead.

Luiza - Could you please keep an eye on my bag while I go?

Lara - Sure! No problem.

She stood up, not looking back this time, and walked straight ahead. As she slowly made her way to the restroom, Luiza thought she shouldn't allow herself any flirtations just yet, given that Ryan would likely never leave her alone.

Luiza reached the restroom, pushed open the ladies' door which revealed three stalls and entered one to change her sanitary pad, as her period had arrived. Afterward, she approached the sink, turning the tap and wetting her hands when suddenly, she felt an overwhelming urge to cry.

Luiza - He will never leave me in peace, never!

...

Meanwhile, back at the table, everyone had finished eating, and Lara approached with the card machine. Allan paid and noticed little Judy was quite sleepy.

Helen - This dinner was simply wonderful! Thank you again for the invitation.

She planted a kiss on Judy's cheek.

Allan - I also enjoyed your company at dinner.

Aunt Beth was just watching the scene unfold, chuckling inwardly.

Allan - Anyone for dessert?

Beth - No, I'm full!

Helen - I'll pass this time too! (laughs)

He smiled and looked at his daughter.

Allan - And you, my love?

The little girl rubbed her eyes and yawned.

Judy - I want to go home, Daddy!

Beth - She can barely keep her eyes open!

He glanced again towards the restroom.

Judy - Come on, Daddy! I'm sleepy.

Only then did he let it go.

Allan - Let's go!

He bid farewell to Lara at the counter, scooped up his daughter in his arms, and the four of them left the pizzeria for the car. It was snowing heavily, and the cold was intensifying by the minute.

Allan - I'll drop you off at home!

Beth got in the front seat, and Helen in the back with Judy, comfortably chatting about the ballet recital on the drive.

Allan - There you go, Mother.

Beth - Thank you, my son!

Allan - Have a good night!

She stepped out of the car, opened the back door for a goodnight kiss to her granddaughter, and bid Helen farewell.

Beth - Why don't you sit upfront, Helen?

The teacher smiled and got out of the car, opened the front door, and got in. Allan honked the horn and continued driving along another route, enveloped by an awkward silence as neither of them spoke.

When they finally arrived in front of Helen's house, Allan decided to break the ice first.

Allan - I will try to come to school earlier tomorrow, so we may have that talk about Judy.

Helen - Ah... well...

They both smiled awkwardly, and Helen turned to glance back, smiling sweetly at the sight of the little ballerina asleep.

Helen - You know... I could tell you now, so you don't have to wake up early, I know you're very tired.

Allan - No problem, really! (laughs)

Their eyes met.

Helen - Lately, Judy has been displaying some worrisome behavior, especially in her expressions and mannerisms.

He furrowed his brow.

Allan - What kind of behavior?

Helen - She becomes very sad seeing other children's mothers involved in school events. Judy refuses to participate and isolates herself.

He glanced in the rearview mirror at his sleeping daughter.

Helen - Though Aunt Beth fills that role, Judy clearly knows the difference.

Allan - I don't know what to do, you know her mother passed away!

Helen - She drew something that really caught my attention; she pictured her mother in a hole, dressed in black clothes.

Allan - I can't explain it; I've never taken Judy to a cemetery, so even I'm surprised.

He grew thoughtful.

Helen - That's what I assumed too.

Allan - She must have seen it on TV, that's the only explanation.

He took a deep breath and exhaled.

Helen - I think you should take her to a psychologist; she's not comprehending death.

Allan - And who really understands death, Helen?

She lapsed into thoughtful silence, as she too lacked an answer.

Allan - When Sara passed, Judy was just a baby, so she doesn't really know what it's like to have a mother. She fantasizes about it, watching other kids with their moms at the park, school, the mall...

He paused.

Allan - The only mother figure she has is my mom.

Helen - Sara was my best friend, and I know she wouldn't want you to be alone or unhappy, blaming yourself.

She held his hand and he looked at her.

Helen - You need to move on with your life, Allan!

Allan - I...

She cut him off.

Helen - You have to give love another chance. Sara isn't coming back, and your daughter needs a mother, and you can't deny her that. Childhood flies by; soon she'll be a young lady.

Allan - Was the meeting you wanted about Judy's behavior or my purported relationships?

Helen - Both!

Allan - I don't want a mother for Judy; it sounds obligatory.

Helen - What do you mean?

Allan - If I'm to be in another relationship, my intentions are different.

Helen - Which are?

Allan - I want to fall in love, not worry about some woman suited to be my daughter's mother. That makes no sense.

Helen - Oh... of course! But being her mother would be a consequence of that.

He gazed at the car windshield, snow flakes slowly sticking to the glass, as if in slow motion. In a flash, it all brought back memories of the day of the accident.

Helen - Well, have a good night!

She surprised him with a quick peck on the lips, tenderly caressed his face, and with another peck, exited the car with a smile. Helen, the teacher, stepped out and went on her way.

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