Episode 2

In the beginning, my brother was furious.

And he wanted to go after Caio, but I didn't let him get himself into trouble; he's doing well at work.

But there's nothing a conversation can't solve.

Our mother talked to him and Bia; it was a difficult moment for me.

But with my mother's help encouraging me to go to college.

And when Luca was born, she was essential too. My sister-in-law helped me through this process, and thank God I managed to graduate; I had help from the people I love.

And about Caio, he never wanted to participate in anything, and he still spewed all his venom the day he came to bring my son's birth certificate.

He left without looking back.

Present day.

Currently, I work at a private institution; I'm a teacher.

I'm 29 years old.

This would be Valentina.

And I've been working here for five years; my son studies here, he got a full scholarship, which means I only pay for his school supplies.

I have no contact with his father, only with his grandparents who cover extra expenses, like language classes and martial arts.

He simply pays child support, from which I only take money to pay for supplies; the rest stays in a savings account for his future.

Luca, 8 years old.

Luca: Mommy, when is daddy coming to see me?

It breaks my heart when he asks about his father.

Valentina: I don't know, my love.

Luca: He's always traveling. When I call him, he doesn't answer.

Valentina: What did we talk about?

Luca: That my dad is a busy man.

Valentina: Exactly. I love you.

Luca: I love you too.

Am I going to my grandparents' house this weekend?

Valentina: Yes, my love, they arrive from their trip today.

His grandparents are always traveling; every 15 days they pick Luca up to spend the weekend.

The last news I had of Caio was that he was engaged.

And that was two years ago, and from the bottom of my heart, I wish him happiness, and that one day he realizes what a wonderful son he has.

Valentina: Let's go, it's time to leave.

Rosalina: Go carefully.

Valentina: Thank you, Mom.

Luca: Bye, Grandma.

We went to school. I dropped Luca off in his classroom and went to the other class, which also has 8-year-old children.

I love working with the little ones.

I noticed there's a new student in the class and decided to do a small introduction.

Valentina: Children, let's welcome our new little friend.

The children say "Welcome," and each one says their name.

Valentina: And yours, princess?

Heloisa: My name is Heloisa.

Valentina: Welcome.

Now let's continue the class.

I'm there teaching, and at the same time, my attention is on the children. I notice Heloisa is distant; I'll talk to her during recess.

Classes here are full-time.

Recess time came, and I called the girl.

Valentina: Why are you sad, princess?

Heloisa: My parents had an accident, and I'm staying with my uncle until they get better.

Everything is new here; I have no friends, nothing.

Valentina: I have a son who could be your friend.

What do you think?

Heloisa: Maybe.

As soon as I speak, Luca approaches.

Luca: Hi Mom, hi girl.

Valentina: Son, this is Heloisa, I'm her teacher, she's new here at school.

Luca: Welcome, my name is Luca.

Heloisa: Hi Luca.

I see the two of them start talking and I'm happy about that.

I leave without them noticing and head to the teachers' lounge, where there are comments about some CEO.

I just ignore it, grab my things, and leave.

Soon after, I return to the classroom and notice that Heloisa is happier.

The day went by normally.

Let's go home to rest after a day of work.

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My name is Henry Valença and I am 32 years old.

I have a brother named Heitor, who is 35. Unlike me, Heitor is married and has a daughter named Heloisa.

My father's name is Henrique and he is 60 years old.

My mother passed away five years ago.

I love my niece, I'm just not the type of man to show feelings; I deprive myself of any kind of more intense affection.

I used to be a cheerful man, full of life. I had a perfect fiancee, she was pregnant with our first child, and we got married quickly.

Everything was perfect, until she lost the baby. She couldn't bear the pain and fell into depression. I didn't notice the signs; she was always self-harming, or on medication, until one day I decided she had to get treatment and take care of herself. In the beginning, everything was going well, or so I thought.

Until one day I came home and found her lifeless in the bathtub. My world stopped there.

She was gone, and my life went with hers.

Today, I just survive one day at a time. It's been two years since she left.

And to make matters worse, my brother and his wife decide to take a trip and leave Heloisa here for a week.

Call:

Heitor: So, brother?

Henry: Is this really necessary?

Heitor: You know it is, Sabrina needs to have this surgery, brother, we're going by car.

And as soon as the old man arrives, he'll pick Heloisa up from there.

Henry: One week, Heitor. Dad lives here, have you forgotten?

Heitor: No, but you're always holed up in that company.

Henry: Alright, and what's this "sir" business?

I'm not old.

Heitor: Hahahaha relax, brother, you need to get a good lay.

Henry: Idiot, bye.

Heitor: Love you too.

When night comes, they arrive with my niece.

Henry: Hi, beautiful.

Heloisa: Hi, uncle.

She hugs me, and I try to reciprocate in the same way.

Heitor: We're going now, daughter, behave.

Heloisa: I know, Dad, I know very well that uncle doesn't like noise and blah blah blah.

Heitor: Hahahaha, don't worry, your grandpa will be here soon.

Henry: I'm still here.

Heitor: Thanks, brother.

Sabrina: Thank you, brother-in-law. Bye, daughter, Mommy loves you.

Sabrina, 31 years old, Heitor's wife.

Heitor, 35 years old.

They leave, and it's just the two of us in the house.

I have some trusted employees who stay here.

Henry: Want to watch a movie?

Heloisa: Yes, uncle.

Henry: Put your things away.

She goes upstairs, and I choose a comedy movie and call for a pizza.

We watch the movie, and when I realize it, she's asleep. I pick her up and carry her to her room.

I go to the home office to deal with some company matters when my phone rings.

Woman: Mr. Henry Valença?

Henry: Yes.

Woman: I'm a nurse from the hospital, and I'm calling to inform you that your brother Heitor Valença and his wife Sabrina Valença have been admitted to this hospital in serious condition. I suggest you come here immediately.

When she says that, my world stops. I can't lose anyone else, and at that moment, I think of Heloisa, who is sleeping.

I write down the name of the hospital.

Henry: Marta.

Marta: Sir, what happened for you to call me at this hour?

Henry: Sorry for the hour. My brother and sister-in-law had an accident. I don't know their condition; I'm going there now. Heloisa is at home, don't tell her anything.

And try to talk to my crazy father.

Marta: Yes, sir, and send news.

I grab the car keys and speed off to the hospital. I go to the reception and ask for information about them, and they tell me to wait until the doctor comes out, as both are in surgery.

Almost two hours and no news, and I'm already agonizing over this whole delay.

Until I see a doctor coming towards me.

Doctor: Are you a relative of the victims?

Henry: I'm Heitor's brother.

Doctor: I was operating on Mr. Heitor. The accident was serious. I did everything in my power. He is in a coma, and I don't know when he will wake up; it will all depend on him.

And regarding Mrs. Sabrina, I will get detailed information for you.

I stand there, numb, for a few minutes, processing all the information.

It doesn't take long for him to return.

Doctor: Your sister-in-law's condition is a bit more delicate. Besides the coma, she fractured a rib, and we don't know if she will walk again. Our physical therapist will still conduct some exams.

I'm very sorry.

My father arrives, desperate, and hugs me. I tell him everything the doctor told me.

Henrique: How is Heloisa?

Henry: She doesn't know yet.

Henrique: Now we have to take care of her and find a school for her.

Until your brother wakes up.

And we have to hire two nurses to take care of both of them.

Henry: You're right, sir, but how did you get here so quickly?

Henrique: I arrived this afternoon, but I needed to sort some things out. I was going home in the morning. I know your ways; even if you love Heloisa, you don't have the knack.

My son needs to overcome this and live.

Henry: This isn't the time, Dad.

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Darlings, from now on the story will follow the current timeline.

I told her story at the beginning.

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