The literary group I don't remember what time I went to sleep the night before, but I wake up with my body completely sore. I exhale hard, and he presses the back of his hands over my eyes to, perhaps, wake me up from sleep. — Is everything okay, Aurora? Desiree reached up with one hand to brush back one of the strands that fell across my face. I'm so happy to look at her, looking good and smiling, it's like taking a long sip of strong, hot coffee first thing in the morning. It invigorates my strength. — I'm fine, mother – I offer her a smile, thus trying to disguise the pain in my shoulders – it's good to see you too. — You look so pale.– Are you sure you slept well? Although I don't like lying to my mother, I don't feel like telling her about my worries from yesterday, even though I know she doesn't know why. — I'm just tired. I stayed up late last night writing that book. — What wonderful news. It's good to see my mother smiling. — My father is staying with you this aft
Me and LukeThe house is silent. There are no women's shoes on the door, nor is the door unlocked. Claudio is not at home and things seem to stay where they are. I go to my old room. I can't imagine it any other way, it's old, like it's from the past and doesn't belong to me anymore. Likewise, I felt that I didn't belong there and that as soon as my mother left that hospital and came home, I would leave again. A few hours later, Geane sent me a message canceling the meeting without explaining the reasons.A week later, the meeting finally took place.Since meeting Luke, I haven't had much time to think about him and how my feelings confused me when my eyes landed on his. But now that I'm here in front of my wardrobe making sure I don't have anything cool to wear, I'm thinking about giving up, calling Geane and making up some excuse and giving up on seeing Luke again. I rummage through it, hoping I've left behind some decent-looking clothes, but all I find are old, torn, faded, outdate
The conversation between us — Want some ice cream? – I asked her. I'm not the type of guy who takes turns in conversations, in fact I'm pretty direct and objective. The expression on her face is one of surprise and I even tried to disguise my admiration for her, but I know I failed miserably. — Since you arrived, you haven't asked for anything – I continue – don't worry, I'll pay. — Is it so obvious that I don't have any money? I break out a smile and see her cheeks immediately redden. — Not really – I'm lying – I'm just exercising my gentlemanly side. — I'll accept, – she says, looking me straight in the eye, – but only out of chivalry. — Can I choose the flavor? — Sure, – he answers. I got up and walked over to the counter. I turn to look at her one last time before deciding a flavor. Surely Aurora must have thought that something was going on between me and Geane, by the way we left the ice cream parlor a few minutes ago. I thought about explaining to her that Ge
— I wanted to buy new shelves for my books – I swallow hard, trying to hide the fact that the world has just collapsed on my head at that very moment – but they're over there in Rio, and I'm here. I wonder every day if they are being well cared for.She was amused by the way I talked about the books. And even though I was telling yet another lie, I realized how passionate I was about reading.— If you want, I'll lend you mine – there's still a silly smile on his lips – it's not the same as in your books, but it's enough to kill the nostalgia.— I'll think about the proposal – I scratched my beard, trying to throw all my worries away – there isn't a bookstore in this town. And the stores here open at nine.— A pity – I watched her take the last sip of ice cream and start biting the crunchy cone – although there isn't much to buy here, so it doesn't matter if it opens at nine or eleven.— I hate shopping online – I said with a despondent air, because I hadn't known how it felt to buy
Rebecca, the traitor. I walk towards the hospital with my head completely on the moon, or rather on Luke. I mentally go over every moment we lived together that afternoon, and it felt like a script for a romantic movie. Likewise, I don't even notice or realize what time it is. I follow all the bureaucracy of the hospital concierge and head to my mother's room, when that shadow hovers over me. She wears the same shoes as the day I picked her up from my mother's house. The same upturned nose, the same hatred. She's standing in the hall, a few steps from my mother's room. Arms crossed, he seems not to care about the ridiculous role he is playing. Fury surges through me, leaving me rooted to the spot. I can't take a single step. The traitor came to visit my mother. It's a very straight face. Any misstep would ruin everything. Hate takes over me. A heat runs through my whole body, while my cheeks burn and my eyes don't leave that woman. She doesn't notice I'm there. She holds a small mi
— Are you all right, Aurora? – she looks at me in astonishment – it looks like she saw a ghost.I saw the devil in human form.I'm fine, mom – she stammered and the crying started, but I have to swallow so I don't worry Desiree.Furthermore, I walk towards her and hug her. Not only that, but I feel safe in her arms, and I wish I never left here. How I missed that hug, the smell of chamomile that exudes from her hair, her skin so soft, and the love that only she has for me, shown in every gesture, attitude, and word. If only I could transfer all my vitality to her. If I could just switch places with my mom, I certainly would.— Rebeca came to visit me – I walk away, looking at the smile that formed on her lips when she said her name. Traitor – very kind of her to come here, don't you think?She came to make sure you had your foot in the grave.— I don't think so – the words come out harshly, but I don't regret or apologize – I don't like her.— Why are you saying this? – he a
Luke is GonzaloI got home that afternoon, wondering if Magdalena knew that Gonzalo was coming to see me. It would be better if she didn't know, that way she wouldn't pretend normalcy to him. Magdalena wasn't home, but her husband was. He was rummaging through her things, as if looking for something to grab. Immediately, the idea that he was the one who had taken her money that day hit me hard. Of course! The only explanation would be this. And to imagine that he saw me suffering the retaliation for the crime he committed, without asking my favor, made me sure I was in a den of vipers.Who could I trust?I approached him, he didn't notice me approaching, getting scared when he looked at me.— Where is Magdalena? I leaned against the door frame. That room stank, in addition to being completely messed up.— It's in trade. – He wiped his hands on his already dirty shorts and continued to look around the messy surroundings.— Need help? I asked, as he widened his eyes at me.— Not! – he
My mother's love.There was nothing in the wide world like her talent.Desiree knew how to do a little of everything, or rather, she learned how to do it. I grew up watching her create things like newspaper baskets, pantyhose flowers and fridge magnets. She loved the craft. She had never gone beyond the limits of the state of Goiás, lost in the cerrado like someone who didn't know the vast world in which she lived. But the whole world seemed to be there, inside our house. It didn't matter if she didn't know the sound of the oceans or the touch of the sea, or had never learned another language besides Portuguese, what she wanted to learn, she learned. He sat in his rocking chair, already worn out, and only got up from there when his mission was over. I have never met a more talented and intelligent woman than her. Creating a career like this, learning and teaching other women to earn their own income from handicrafts.The house is full of his creations, on the walls, furniture, picture
FinalPOV: LukeToday is the thirty-seventh day since Aurora was shot and nearly perished. Every day I come here and spend most of the time with her, telling her about how things in her life have changed, even if she is not awake, they are happening. I read books; I convert. The most important fact was when Rebeca was arrested, still in the hospital. She finally got the punishment she deserved. He spent the rest of his life in severe pain, even though he was free. We know Brazilian laws well.It was already late at night. I should have gone to Luke’s house to rest, but for some reason I couldn’t explain, I decided to sleep there, in the hospital with her. Sitting in the armchair, I read a book and ended up falling asleep. That’s when I heard a cry of “Mom” and when I opened my eyes, Aurora was sitting wide-eyed, panting. My eyes widened too, in surprise, but most of all, happiness. Aurora is back. I got up in a hurry and sat next to her. I don’t remember what I said or if I said anythi
Luke— They set Aurora’s house on fire. – I was leaning against a hospital counter, waiting for the receptionist to come back with information about empty ICU beds, when Naldo dropped that bombshell on me.— That’s not possible! – I exclaimed, completely dumbfounded. But I knew it was possible.— I spoke with Claudio, – he continued. – He was desperate on the phone, saying that Rebeca entered the house and set fire to it, until she left with severe burns.— Does that woman have no limits? - really the nightmare that Aurora lived, it seemed to never end – and how is Claudio doing? I asked him to go home.— He said he’s fine - Naldo, he was completely ecstatic, but he forgot to give me more information – I need to go back. Claudio needs my help.I agreed with Naldo and let him go towards Aurora’s house, if there was still a house, without knowing the rest of the story. For a moment, I wished she would die, for all the harm she was causing me and Aurora. The thought of her in a hospital
POV: third person written by the authorClaudioClaudio watched Luke carrying Aurora in his arms, under a heavy rain, still unable to believe that it was actually happening. The tears mixed with the raindrops, and no one could tell if her face was soaked by the weather or the pain.The distant voice, at least he had this impression, that Rebeca was running away, generated a great doubt in him: catch the woman who tried to murder his daughter, or stay at Aurora’s side, begging God not to take her only one. Daughter. It was at that time that the maternal feeling, which had been hidden for a long time, surfaced within him. The police had an obligation to capture Rebeca, so he would stay there, holding Aurora’s hand until the last moment.They took her, unconscious, in the police car. Speeding through the empty city streets, Luke watched his heartbeat every ten seconds. By a miracle, Aurora made it to the hospital alive. They took her straight to the operating room, and Claudio almost col
POV: third person written by the authorNataliaIt’s been more than six hours since Luke had left for Brasília, putting the responsibility of foreseeing the beta gonsales on Natalia’s shoulders. She knew how almost impossible that mission would be, in a company where male command predominated. Gonzalo never considered handing over the management of his company to a woman, much less one so inexperienced.Natalia thought about it a lot, so much so that she even lost her appetite. The problem was that outside; it was already dark and if she wanted to save the family company, she would have less than twelve hours to decide.She got up from the sofa once more, because anxiety was on the point of driving her crazy, when she saw that man enter the mansion. Watched the slow steps walk towards her. Hector Fagundes, her grandfather, Gonzalo’s father, hadn’t been to that house to visit her for many years. When he looked at her, the man gave her a smile and his eyes filled with tears. Despite the
Luke— We should separate, – Naldo suggested, but I didn’t like the idea. – that way they would cover a larger area.— I don’t agree. – Claudio expanded the same thought I had on that subject.— Any suggestion where Rebeca would take Aurora? – I looked at Claudio, and for the first time, he was being clear in the accusation against Rebeca.— I have no idea – he confessed, and a sadness expanded even more on his features – it’s strange to say that, but I lived so long with this woman and I don’t know her favorite places.I looked at Naldo, as if we were talking through signs. We understood, just looking at each other, that silence was the best answer.—I shouldn’t have put that woman in our house,– he whispered, lamenting.What I had also noticed was that he no longer pronounced Rebeca’s name, as if he couldn’t, or it was too difficult for him.— Guilt won’t help you find Aurora, – I said, looking at him. – You need to concentrate now.During that entire afternoon, we walked around the
Aurora.The smell of wet grass, mixed with the wind that hit my exfoliated skin, gave me a feeling of peace and despair. As I slowly opened my eyes, I felt a throbbing pain in my head. I looked up at the sky, which felt really weird. I was tied up in the open air. The shades of gray and black blended together perfectly, and I had this perception because lightning streaked across the sky, indicating an approaching storm.I observed the surrounding environment. Even though it was already getting dark, I realized that I was surrounded by woods. I had no idea where I was. Until I heard footsteps towards me and saw those hideous shoes. She loved to wear so much.Rebeca crouched down to look into my eyes. Sitting on the cold floor, hair disheveled in my face and clothes completely dirty, I looked up at her, panting.— Hi, Aurora, – she said, with an ironic smile on her lips. – Do you know why you’re here?I did not answer.— I heard that you have a relationship with the son of a man who die
LukeI drove like crazy through the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Next to me, on the passenger seat, my cell phone kept ringing. The screen indicated that it was Dionysus. It was clear to me that he wasn’t going to accept my decision that easily, but I didn’t care. I was giving up on Gonzalo’s plans, and they would have to accept Natalia in my place. I parked the car outside the mansion and ran into the house, scaring Helena and Natalia who had gathered in the garden. — What happened? – Natalia was right behind me, going up the stairs. — I’m going to Brasília – I informed as soon as I entered my room and took the dusty suitcase off the top of the wardrobe – I need you to assume the presidency of beta gonsales. — You must be going crazy. – The second piece of information made her forget the importance of the first one. — Aurora disappeared. – I widened my eyes when I looked at her – I can’t stay here, managing a company while the woman I love is at risk of life. — I agree with you, –
Aurora There was no sun outside. The thick drops of rain fell steadily and ferociously on the roof, causing a loud noise that made me wake up. I was having a nightmare where huge hands grabbed me and pulled me into a puddle of black mud. I could feel the air escaping my lungs, and when I was close to dying, the rain came and saved me. Likewise, I sighed in relief when I realized it had been a dream. But I was drenched in sweat. In addition to the rain, another sound came from outside. A woman’s voice mingled with Claudio’s laughter. I knew that timbre; it was Lourdes. I looked at the clock, which was hanging on the wall, it was about to strike nine o’clock in the morning. Not only that, but I changed clothes and went to meet them two. — Good morning, Aurora – Lourdes held a cup in one hand and smiled when she saw me. – are you okay? I didn’t understand the reason for the question, or why I was so concerned about my appearance that it could show that I had had a nightmare. In fact,
Luke I pulled away almost immediately. The sweet taste of coffee coming off her lips reminded me of Aurora. For doing this, I felt like a traitor. I walked around the table, headed down and walked towards the window. Julie was behind me when I heard her footsteps. — I’m sorry, – she didn’t seem sorry – I was sad and ended up mixing things up. I looked at her and realized how embarrassed I was at that moment. Then I, Luke Fagundes, whose favorite hobby was making out with beautiful women, awkwardly because he had kissed one. — Julie, – I took a deep breath – I… But the words stopped right in the middle of my throat. I didn’t know how to say it. — You have a girlfriend, – he stated with almost certainty. – I shouldn’t have done that. — It shouldn’t,– I said finally. – I hope our relationship is just professional.” — Clear! – he let out a dull smile. – Gonzalo spoke so highly of you, that I thought… — Was it in Gonzalo’s plans for you to conquer me, too? She looked at me, startl