Giulia

“I... I don't feel comfortable with that, Bernardo. In addition, I have no experience with animals in this way. "I tried to explain, feeling the frustration grow in me.

He didn't seem satisfied with my answer.

"That's no excuse, Giulia. You are here on the farm, and you need to learn how to deal with things as they are. It's not fair that you simply refuse to help. "he replied, visibly angry.

My emotions were on the surface, and I felt attacked. The tension between us increased, and before I could think better, I ended up saying things I didn't want.

"I'm not a farmer like you! I've never been raised like this! I'm just here to support my sisters, and not to be part of it all! "I exploded, letting my irritation escape.

He looked at me surprised, but his face was still loaded with irritation.

"You don't have to be a farmer to help. This is a matter of collaboration and being part of the family. "he said, with a calmer voice, but still hurt.

Before the discussion went on, I felt that it was better to get out of there and calm down. Snorting with frustration, I turned my back and went back into the house.

My heart was racing and my face was hot. I didn't want to fight with Bernardo, but I also didn't want to feel pressured to do something that made me uncomfortable. At that moment, the farm and all that new experience seemed like a completely strange world to me.

As I calmed down, I realized that we needed to talk and understand each other better. Perhaps, with a more open and comprehensive dialogue, we could overcome this divergence and find a point of balance.

When I got back to the farm house, I came across Gina, Gabriella and Bernardo's mother, Mrs. Lúcia, in the kitchen, helping to prepare lunch. They welcomed me with warm smiles, but they soon realized that something was wrong.

“Giulia, what happened? Are you okay? "Asked Gabriella, worried.

I ignored the question, trying to avoid showing my emotional fragility at that moment.

"I just... I just need some time alone. "I answered quickly, avoiding looking into their eyes.

They seemed surprised by my answer, but they respected my desire for space. With a nod, I went to the bedroom, hoping to find some distraction on the internet. However, when I turned on my cell phone, I came across the same lack of signal as the night before.

The frustration increased even more, and the tears began to arise. I felt isolated, distant from everything and everyone. The desire to be connected, even if virtually, was a way to escape the challenges and uncertainties of the farm.

Tears rolled down my face as I tried unsuccessfully to send a message or make a call. It was as if life in the city was so distant and unattainable at that moment, and the reality of the farm was increasingly immersed in my conflicting feelings.

Suddenly, the bedroom door opened slowly, and I turned to see who it was. It was Bernardo. His expression was different, less angry and more understanding.

"Giulia, I... I'm sorry I got mad. It wasn't my intention to pressure you to do something I didn't want. "he said, in a soft voice.

I wiped my tears quickly, trying to show that I was fine, even if I wasn't.

"All right, don't worry. I'm just not used to all this, and the lack of signal makes me even more frustrated. "I replied, trying to seem firm.

He came a little closer, and I could feel the sincerity in his words.

"I understand, and it's really hard. But we are all here to support you, and I don't want you to feel isolated. If you need to talk or vent, I'm here. "he said, with a kind look.

That gesture of understanding touched me, and I realized that maybe I was being very resistant to all that. The farm was a different place, with challenges and discomforts, but also with people who were willing to welcome me.

“Thank you, Bernardo. I... I just need some time to get used to all this. I think I'm feeling a little lost, but maybe I can try to help with something later. "I replied, revealing a little of my vulnerability.

He smiled softly, understanding that everything was a process and that I was trying to adapt to a completely new reality.

"Of course, do this in your own time. We are here to welcome you with open arms. "he said, giving a light touch to my shoulder.

At that moment, I felt a small spark of hope emerge in the midst of my insecurities. Maybe, over time, I could open up more to that experience and to the people around me.

While we sat at the table for lunch, Bernardo's father, Seu João, suggested that he take me to visit the small town in the countryside where they sold the cheeses and milk at the fair. The idea seemed interesting to me, because it would be an opportunity to leave the farm for a while and get to know a little more about the region.

Excited about the idea of going out, I decided to get ready for the occasion. Maybe it was a time to have fun and forget a little about the tensions of the last few days. However, my concept of extravagant clothing and their concept on the farm were quite different.

I wore a colorful and printed blouse, which seemed suitable for the city, but on the farm, where the style was more rustic, my choice was different. I noticed the curious looks of Gina, Gabriella and the men of the house when they saw me in that outfit.

"Giulia, I think that to go to the city, maybe you should wear something simpler. "suggested Gina, with a cautious tone.

"Oh, you don't have to worry so much about it. She'll be fine. "Bernardo intervened, trying to reassure me.

I felt a little embarrassed, but I insisted on my choice of clothes, still wanting to keep my own style.

After lunch, Bernardo led me towards the stable, where the horses were. It was at that moment that he warned me that the best way to get to the city was to ride the horses.

"Wait, you didn't tell me we were going on the horse! "I exclaimed, surprised and a little apprehensive.

"Oh, sorry, I thought you knew. It's the most practical and fastest way to get there. You'll see, it'll be fun. "he said, with a relaxed smile.

Despite my insecurity, I decided to move on and face the adventure. I got on the horse with the help of Bernardo and held myself firmly to his waist, feeling my heart accelerate with the excitement and nervousness of the experience.

As we rode the paths of the farm, I felt surrounded by the picturesque landscape, and my fear was giving way to admiration. Bernardo guided the horse safely, and I allowed myself to relax a little more with each step of the animal.

Arriving in the city, I realized the charm of that simple place, but full of life. The smell of typical fair foods and the joy of the people involved me in a welcoming atmosphere.