Episode 2

I was on the brink of reaching my father's office when a sudden uneasy feeling gripped me—as though something was about to happen to me. I told myself it was nothing, but just then, out of nowhere, my father opened the door and called me in. I nodded affirmatively and hurried inside.

(sound of door closing)

Wagner, Beatriz's father: Hello Beatriz, how are you? (he asked, looking at me sternly)

Beatriz: I'm fine. What brings you to this godforsaken place? (I asked with a hint of irritation)

Wagner: Is that how you speak to your father? (he looked at me sternly)

Beatriz: Oh, now you remember you have a daughter, haha, that's funny. (I stared back but then quickly turned away)

Wagner: Stop the drama, Beatriz. I've never let you want for anything.

Beatriz: Just forgot about me. (I mumbled quietly)

Wagner: What was that you said? (he moved closer to me)

Beatriz: Nothing, it was nothing. (I lowered my head, ashamed)

Wagner: Good, I want you to sit down so we can talk. (he said, extending a chair to me)

Beatriz: About what???

Wagner: Your future. (he looked at me with a serious expression)

I was silent for 15 seconds, unable to grasp what was so important about my future that he had to discuss it now—he hadn't even commented on my outfit, which I must confess bothered me a bit. My nerves were so frayed that I hadn't even noticed my hands were clenched. I lowered my head before saying anything.

Beatriz: What about my future?

Wagner: You are going to marry the elder son of the Hastings, who has been managing the family business for a good while, and he will only inherit the company if he marries a lady, and that lady is going to be you. (he stated this with a smile that disgusted me)

I quickly stood up, slamming my hands on the table.

Beatriz: I'll never marry someone I don't even know. (Right after saying that, I ran out, heading straight for my room)

When I reached my room, I locked the door and threw myself onto the bed and began to cry. How could I possibly be forced into marriage, and what if he's old?! I can't even bear the thought of that. Does no one care if I'm unhappy? I should have suspected something like this from my father—that's why he always kept me isolated from the world, away from everyone and everything, even forbidding me from going to school despite knowing I've always been passionate about literature. Tears flowed relentlessly as I sobbed, drowning in my sorrows, when suddenly I heard a knock on the door.

Beatriz: Leave me alone. (I barely managed to get the words out)

Fatima: It's me, Beatriz. (I got up to let her in and then ran back to the bed)

(Silence)

Fatima: Your father told me everything that's happening. (she stroked my hair and offered me a glass of water)

Beatriz: What are you doing here, then? (I took the glass from her hand and drank it all, only to be hit by a severe headache that darkened my vision).