Chapter LVIII

Maria

I was still unwell, but my friends continued to take care of me. I was so bad that the doctor asked for another sick leave for me due to the symptoms. I decided to resign because I didn't want things to be this way. I thought about opening a painting frame store. I know it might not sell much, but with the help of a marketing expert, I believe it can thrive. Lately, I've been having strange dreams about Alex transforming into a werewolf. I dream about it often, but I'm unsure of the cause. Is it a warning? Because I keep dreaming about the moment two years ago when I met Alex during my quest. I vividly remember that day, the encounter from two years ago. It started when I wanted to photograph the werewolf during the Crimson Moon, after Cledir told the story. I found Alex, transformed into a werewolf. I thought I would die as he looked at me with the intent to kill, but I survived. Now, at 25, I am sick but will recover. I'm not sure why I dream about this event almost every night. I thought about telling Rosa, and she said it might be a result of the events two years ago, internalized and marked in me. I agreed, understanding what was happening. Rosa looked at me, and I thought about something else, parallel to everything occurring.

"Are you okay, Maria?" she asked.

I replied, "Yes, I am. I'm just thinking about something, not sure if you'll agree."

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Rosa looked at me.

"Go on," she encouraged.

"I think I want to go back home," I said.

Rosa frowned, not fully understanding. "What do you mean, Maria? Go back home?"

I nodded, saying, "Yes. Honestly, I miss the people of Palmeira Vermelha. I don't know if things have changed, and I have no idea about my family and friend's current situation. I want to see them, especially after two years without news."

Rosa understood, confirming my perspective.

"You want to visit the village, right?" I nodded again. In fact, I wanted to live there, but visiting would suffice. Since Alex arrived, I was asleep, but I overheard Rosa talking to him about my desire to visit the village and how it might help me regain the light I supposedly lost. I don't understand why Rosa says I lost my light; it's unrelated.

"Yes, we can do that, but only after you get better," Alex said.

"Maria wants to recover first before seeing her family," Rosa added.

After a week and a half, I was feeling better, indicating it was time to visit Palmeira Vermelha. Finally, the moment arrived, and I was curious. Of course, we would bring my daughter Soraia. Who would take care of her? Maybe Andressa, but she also wanted to come. We haven't seen Aura since. In a week and a half, I was better, meaning it was time to visit Palmeira Vermelha. I was curious, and we decided to bring Soraia with us. Who would take care of her? Maybe Andressa, but she also wanted to come. Aura, we haven't seen her. Alex now had a car. He got his driver's license before I left the photography company two years ago. He's looking for a job, with a few interviews lined up. I hope it goes well for him.

"Ready?" Alex asked after we all got in. We nodded, and he smiled. "Okay, let's go."