"We are not criminals who need to be sought out by the police!" I snapped, watching him with my peripheral vision.I entered the house fast as lightning and up the stairs as quickly as possible, seeking refuge in my room, but he was on my heels, following close behind, glaring at me with a face contorted with a frightening rage.I was really screwed!- It is not about this! You know that your mother still poses a great risk to this child and to you! You can't go out there without security protection!“I was not without protection. There were two adult men with us. They weren't going to let my mother get close.I entered the room in a hurry and tried to close the door from the inside, but Athos was too close and ended up getting inside.Damn it!"And who were these men?" Who was that kid you were making out with? he yelled this time, stoking the rage inside me.My nerves on edge, I turned to face him. Looking directly into his face, I felt a thud inside, a mixture of passion and longin
I let Marina convince me that going out and having fun was the best way to get Athos out of my head. So, for the next few days, she would drag me wherever there was something interesting to do. Because of the pregnancy, we always went out during the day and I never drank alcohol. We went to the shopping center in Belize a lot, but also to a recreational club there, where we enjoyed playing sports and swimming in the waterslide. From time to time we camped and practiced other outdoor activities, such as fishing and picnics. The options weren't many. Young people in the city used to have fun in bars and clubs, but I could not sleep or drink.Matheus was always with us and from time to time Fernando showed up too. Marina's idea was that I would get to know Fernando better and end up getting involved with him, but the boy was unlucky. Almost every time we arranged to meet, something happened and he could not go. When it was not his car in trouble, it was someone in his family in trouble,
Forgiveness is an act of generosity and strength, but it can also be one of the most challenging tasks a human can undertake. Forgiveness involves letting go of resentments and negative feelings toward someone who has hurt us, and this is not something that can be done superficially or automatically. Instead, it is a deep and complex emotional process that requires time, understanding, and self-transformation.One of the reasons forgiveness is so difficult is the weight of the emotions we carry. When we are hurt, it is natural to feel anger, pain, sadness, and even a desire for revenge. These feelings are powerful and often keep us tied to the traumatic event. Setting aside these emotions and making room for forgiveness requires significant effort.Furthermore, forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting or excusing the actions that caused the pain. It is possible to forgive someone while still acknowledging the gravity of what was done. This can be a dilemma because it may seem
Five years later...RYLEELove, family, and a happy ending are elements that often intertwine in the stories of people's lives, creating a framework of contentment, affection, and fulfillment. This triad represents an essential part of the fabric of human relationships and is a shared goal for many.Love is the foundation that sustains the family, and, in turn, the family is where love finds a home. Love is a deep bond that can take various forms, whether between parents and children, siblings, spouses or partners, and even close friends. This feeling is the driving force that connects people, offering support, understanding, and unconditional affection.The family, in turn, is the intimate circle where love flourishes. It is the place where memories are created, where traditions are shared, and where life's challenges are faced together. The family is the sanctuary where individuals find security and a sense of belonging. It can be formed in various ways, including blood ties or conn
ATHOSThe Christmas House was wrapped in a magical and welcoming atmosphere. Lights twinkled on the facade, creating a dazzling sight that could be seen from afar. A grand decorative arch, made of pine, golden ornaments, and red ribbons, adorned the entrance of the house, inviting everyone to come in and celebrate the festivity.Inside, the main living room was the epicenter of the celebration. A majestic Christmas tree stood in the center, decorated with a profusion of sparkling ornaments, from colorful balls to handmade decorations. Twinkling lights filled the tree, casting a soft and festive glow throughout the room.The fireplace crackled, emanating warmth and a comforting scent of burning wood. A plush, soft rug lay in front of the fireplace, inviting people to gather around and share stories and laughter. The furniture was adorned with red covers and pillows featuring Christmas motifs, creating a cozy atmosphere.The dining table was elegantly set, with red and white tablecloths
RYLEEI tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. I had been staring at the ceiling for hours, my eyes glazed over, refusing to close. It was actually a sofa bed. I would slept there since Scarlet, my older sister, decided she needed privacy and kicked me out of the room. The second room in the small house was occupied by our mother.Not that I was complaining. There were worse things that happened in that house, like, for example, the harassment of the disgusting men who, from time to time, took advantage of it.The little world we lived in was sordid, and what kept me from running away from it was the certainty that everything was about to end. More specifically in four months, when I would turn eighteen and be free to do whatever I wanted with my life.When I gave my cry for freedom, I intended to move to the capital, together with my best friend, Marina, where we would share the rent of an apartment.I could not wait for it all to happen. By then, the school year would be o
"No way! Forget it!" I snapped.As if the space between us, or even the furniture in the room, could protect me from them, I positioned myself on the other side of the room, panic rising within me, with the certainty that if my mother really wanted to inseminate that semen in me, there was nothing I could do to stop her."I wouldn't be asking you if I had another way. Look at our situation. A child from that man could change our lives forever. It can pay for a good college for you. Isn't that what you want so much?" my mother tried to reason."Mom, wake up! I am not going to get pregnant by a man I do not even know. I will not be a part of this," I firmly replied.“You won't have to do anything. When your belly starts to grow, the school year will be over. You lock yourself in the house and do not come out until the child is born. You do not even have to go through the trouble of creating it; I'll do it for you," Scarlet added.“You promised my father that I would never get involved i
I could not believe this was really happening. My mother had always been mean and despicable, but this time she was surpassing herself."It is only for two days. So I can make sure you do not take a morning-after pill."I watched her bewildered, with a mixture of hatred and accumulated hurt taking care of me. Tears threatened to well up in my eyes, but I held them back."You can't do this to me," I muttered, my voice thin."Do not talk like this is the end of the world. You'll sleep in my room for two more nights. The day after tomorrow, you will be free. Until then, I'll keep your cell phone and bring all your meals here. And not looking at me like I am a two-headed monster."With that said, she unlocked the door and left, locking it again from the outside.Alone, I stood there for a long moment, stunned, disbelieving, processing all the events, making sure they were real, that this was really happening, that this was not just a bad nightmare that would soon be over. Eventually, I c
ATHOSThe Christmas House was wrapped in a magical and welcoming atmosphere. Lights twinkled on the facade, creating a dazzling sight that could be seen from afar. A grand decorative arch, made of pine, golden ornaments, and red ribbons, adorned the entrance of the house, inviting everyone to come in and celebrate the festivity.Inside, the main living room was the epicenter of the celebration. A majestic Christmas tree stood in the center, decorated with a profusion of sparkling ornaments, from colorful balls to handmade decorations. Twinkling lights filled the tree, casting a soft and festive glow throughout the room.The fireplace crackled, emanating warmth and a comforting scent of burning wood. A plush, soft rug lay in front of the fireplace, inviting people to gather around and share stories and laughter. The furniture was adorned with red covers and pillows featuring Christmas motifs, creating a cozy atmosphere.The dining table was elegantly set, with red and white tablecloths
Five years later...RYLEELove, family, and a happy ending are elements that often intertwine in the stories of people's lives, creating a framework of contentment, affection, and fulfillment. This triad represents an essential part of the fabric of human relationships and is a shared goal for many.Love is the foundation that sustains the family, and, in turn, the family is where love finds a home. Love is a deep bond that can take various forms, whether between parents and children, siblings, spouses or partners, and even close friends. This feeling is the driving force that connects people, offering support, understanding, and unconditional affection.The family, in turn, is the intimate circle where love flourishes. It is the place where memories are created, where traditions are shared, and where life's challenges are faced together. The family is the sanctuary where individuals find security and a sense of belonging. It can be formed in various ways, including blood ties or conn
Forgiveness is an act of generosity and strength, but it can also be one of the most challenging tasks a human can undertake. Forgiveness involves letting go of resentments and negative feelings toward someone who has hurt us, and this is not something that can be done superficially or automatically. Instead, it is a deep and complex emotional process that requires time, understanding, and self-transformation.One of the reasons forgiveness is so difficult is the weight of the emotions we carry. When we are hurt, it is natural to feel anger, pain, sadness, and even a desire for revenge. These feelings are powerful and often keep us tied to the traumatic event. Setting aside these emotions and making room for forgiveness requires significant effort.Furthermore, forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting or excusing the actions that caused the pain. It is possible to forgive someone while still acknowledging the gravity of what was done. This can be a dilemma because it may seem
I let Marina convince me that going out and having fun was the best way to get Athos out of my head. So, for the next few days, she would drag me wherever there was something interesting to do. Because of the pregnancy, we always went out during the day and I never drank alcohol. We went to the shopping center in Belize a lot, but also to a recreational club there, where we enjoyed playing sports and swimming in the waterslide. From time to time we camped and practiced other outdoor activities, such as fishing and picnics. The options weren't many. Young people in the city used to have fun in bars and clubs, but I could not sleep or drink.Matheus was always with us and from time to time Fernando showed up too. Marina's idea was that I would get to know Fernando better and end up getting involved with him, but the boy was unlucky. Almost every time we arranged to meet, something happened and he could not go. When it was not his car in trouble, it was someone in his family in trouble,
"We are not criminals who need to be sought out by the police!" I snapped, watching him with my peripheral vision.I entered the house fast as lightning and up the stairs as quickly as possible, seeking refuge in my room, but he was on my heels, following close behind, glaring at me with a face contorted with a frightening rage.I was really screwed!- It is not about this! You know that your mother still poses a great risk to this child and to you! You can't go out there without security protection!“I was not without protection. There were two adult men with us. They weren't going to let my mother get close.I entered the room in a hurry and tried to close the door from the inside, but Athos was too close and ended up getting inside.Damn it!"And who were these men?" Who was that kid you were making out with? he yelled this time, stoking the rage inside me.My nerves on edge, I turned to face him. Looking directly into his face, I felt a thud inside, a mixture of passion and longin
After examining me, he discharged me and I went back to Athos 's house , accommodated in the back seat of the car with Marina, while he drove it. Arriving there, that scoundrel had the audacity to take me in his arms and start carrying me up the stairs, in order to prevent me from going up alone."Would you please put me down?" I am not an invalid who can't get around on her own! I roared, pummeling his chest with my clenched fists, struggling in a feeble attempt to break free."Will you stop hitting me?" I am so much stronger, it is useless to try to break free.Defeated, I crossed my arms over my chest and turned my face away as I let the rascal take me."I am disgusted with you," I muttered through clenched teeth, not looking her in the face.“You hate me and I understand. Disgust is something else.- Everything that is bad, is what I feel for you.— Be careful that all this radiation does not affect the baby.The fact that he did not get upset, like he did not care how I felt, onl
The feeling of being betrayed is one of the most painful experiences one can go through. It's a blow to the heart that shatters trust and leaves deep emotional scars. Betrayal is like a shadow that looms over a relationship, leaving a sense of deceit and helplessness.Betrayal can take various forms, whether in the context of a romantic relationship, friendship, work, or family. Regardless of the context, the feeling of being betrayed is overwhelming. It triggers a whirlwind of emotions, including anger, pain, distrust, and sadness.The sense of betrayal is often accompanied by questioning one's trust in people and their ability to judge the character of others. The victim of betrayal may feel helpless, as if they have been thrown into an abyss of uncertainty and disappointment.Overcoming the feeling of betrayal is a lengthy and arduous process. It requires forgiveness, both for the person who betrayed and for oneself. It also involves rebuilding trust, which is a complex challenge.
“No, Rylee . What I want is for you not to run away with my son!”- I do not need it, thank you. I am fine. Just leave me alone.Clearly disappointed, she swept her gaze across the table, as if suspiciously checking to see if I was really involved with the work, or just avoiding her.- Clear. Sorry to bother.With that said, she left the office, head down, while I continued to sit behind the desk, overcome by that myriad of love and hate that burned in my veins, threatening to drive me crazy.I never left the office that night. After a few shots of whiskey, I ended up falling asleep right there, in an armchair, which made me wake up the next morning with a bad backache. Upon realizing that I was awakened by the insistent ringing of the cell phone, I answered the call, still sleepy. It was from the hospital, a nurse calling to say that Arnaldo had woken up, a miracle, according to her. In my opinion it was just the confirmation of that saying that a bad vase does not break.I analyzed
When the ambulance arrived, I was still in shock but a little calmer. Hastily, two nurses put Arnaldo on a stretcher and carried him towards the vehicle. For some unknown reason, I wanted to go with him, back there, with the security guards following us in another car. Ryleea also wanted to accompany us, but I asked her to stay at home, as the hospital where her mother had worked for several years was not a safe environment.At the hospital, I waited in a room for several hours until the only doctor in town came to see me.— Are you Arnaldo Brandao's companion? he asked, as if he did not know that I was the man's son and the only relative outside of jail.- Yes. How is he?- Not good. I managed to extract the bullet, but I am not a neurosurgeon. I won't know the extent of the damage done until after he wakes up. That if you wake up.I could put that damned old man in the helicopter and take him to a renowned neurosurgeon in São Paulo, if only to assuage my guilt in the slightest."Is