Episode 7

Luna Vieira

I left my hometown with a heavy heart and tremendous pain because I am heading to a place where I know no one except my Aunt Magnolia whom I haven't seen in a long time. I remembered that I had turned off my cellphone, and when I last spoke to Guilherme, I realized I needed it to call Aunt Mag when I arrive in Sao Paulo, so I decide to turn it on while on the bus.

The bus left the station right on time, and knowing that the journey would take hours, I decided to sit quietly in my seat clutching the teddy bear my brother Cadu gave me for my 18th birthday. A woman sat next to me who had witnessed my farewell with my parents and, when she looked at me, I spoke.

Luna - I'm sorry, ma'am, I didn't even say good afternoon.

Woman - Don't worry, dear. I saw how hard it was for you to leave your parents, but believe me, you're not the only one who has gone through this. My name is Teresa, and I've been through the same process as you.

Luna - My name is Luna. Are you also going to downtown Sao Paulo?

Teresa - Yes, I've been living there for thirty years. I just came to visit some relatives because I was born and raised here.

Luna - Did you also have to leave for Sao Paulo for a bad reason?

Teresa - Worse than you can imagine. I fled to Sao Paulo at fourteen after suffering abuse from my stepfather. It was a hard few years, but God always took care of me and put a good person in my life who helped me, and today we're married. I have lived in Sao Paulo ever since, and only come to visit my relatives.

Luna - It saddens me to hear what happened, but I am glad that you're doing well. For me, leaving my hometown is very difficult, but I accidentally got pregnant by my boyfriend who forced me to abort my baby, so that's why I'm leaving. I don't want to terminate my pregnancy.

Teresa - That’s a tough situation, girl, but just by choosing not to abort, God will bless you. Children are joys, blessings, and will teach you what living truly means. I have three, two boys and a girl, and I'll give you the advice I give my children, will you accept it?

Luna - Of course, advice for the better is always welcome.

Teresa - Take care of yourself first and foremost, don’t do anything for others that may harm you. Don't be swayed by material things; things are just things. Do everything in its own time, live life without haste, and enjoy the experiences while there's time. Throughout life, we meet many people, but few are true friends. Cherish the real ones; they are the ones who will help you the most when you need it.

Luna - I’m going to stay with my mother’s best friend, she can get me a good job and I'll be able to have my baby in peace. I thought my boyfriend was the right man for me, but he turned into a monster, you know, and he even hit me. 😢😢😢😢

Teresa - Do you know who is the most special person in your life?

Luna - My parents, and now my baby.

Teresa - They are special indeed, but the most special person should be the one who agreed to share with you the life you chose and who wants to share theirs with you. When your child arrives, enjoy every moment, relish every stage with them. Children grow up so quickly, and lost time never returns.

Luna - Thank you for the advice, ma’am. I'll never forget them, truly. 😢😢😢😢

Teresa - Work hard, maintain your financial independence, but don’t put it above priorities like family and your own well-being. Listen to others, but put into practice what you truly believe will do you good.

Luna - I will do everything you've told me. Thank you so much. 😢😢😢😢

Teresa - You're welcome, my dear. Life is short, the years fly by too quickly, but don't rush. Don’t marry too soon, don't be too hard on yourself, travel, discover new places, do what you enjoy. Cherish each moment and be grateful for everything! Visit your relatives, take care of your family, set aside time for yourself, make that phone call you've been wanting to. Enjoy, partake!

Luna - It was so good to meet you, thank you for being with me now.

The woman just smiled and stroked my face; I think God sent this woman so I wouldn't have to travel alone. I think she is an angel. I remembered that I hadn't turned on my cellphone, and as soon as I did, I saw that there were several calls from Guilherme and some messages too. I decided to block him, but before that, I resolved to read the messages he sent.

🗨 I will find you, Luna. This damn baby won't get in the way of my plans to become the CEO of my father's company, I curse the day I started dating you. I should have just taken your virginity and nothing more. I will catch you, Luna, you can run wherever you want, but I will find you.

I took a deep breath and finally blocked him so that he wouldn't bother me anymore. I'm going to do everything to change my number when I arrive in Sao Paulo and definitively forget that Guilherme ever existed in my life, even though my child will carry his blood.

The journey was peaceful despite everything, and after a few hours, the bus arrived in Sao Paulo. I said goodbye to the woman with a hug and quickly took a taxi as soon as I got off the bus, having Aunt Magnolia's workplace address, the taxi driver headed straight there.

A few minutes later, we arrived at a huge, gated complex with beautiful houses, and as the car stopped at the address given, I marveled at the sight I beheld.