Chapter LIX

Maria

A month goes by. Finally, I was feeling better, so much so that I decided to do something I had wanted to do for a long time, even when I was in the city, which was to visit my family. I'm sure they're all still rooting for me to do well here and to succeed in life. My grandmother always said I'm a smart and talented girl, especially talented. After discovering my passion for photography, I could express how happy I am to be doing something I love.

However, these days, I've set aside photography and turned to painting and art. I don't regret it, but I have to admit that I miss grabbing a camera and simply taking photos. Even in the city, I don't need a cellphone and don't want one because I'm not very tech-savvy; I prefer using a proper camera. Since printing photos is no longer an option for modern cameras, I don't worry about that, but maybe one day I'll buy a digital camera for myself.

I was returning from the market when I stopped in front of a store window and saw a digital camera on sale, with a twenty percent discount. I liked that discount, and why not go back to my roots? People always think of me as someone who takes pictures of everything in front of them, and I confess that makes sense. A significant part of me has always been connected to photos and cameras. I admit I miss that connection too.

I think it's worth buying a digital camera for myself. It would be a kind of throwback to the old times, and there's nothing better than that feeling of nostalgia. It's been two years, and I miss my family. Now I'm 25, imagine when they see me; it'll be a surprise visit. Heloísa is probably 20 now.

I decided to buy the camera on sale. It had a faint gray tone and was very shiny, rectangular in shape, with a few details in red. Happy with my purchase, I headed home.

As soon as I arrived, putting away groceries in the kitchen, I went to get the camera. When I left the kitchen, Rosa stopped me and said, "Look! Going back to your roots?"

I laughed at what she said and replied, "Yes, to be honest, I missed taking some photos. I want to go back to the old times."

Rosa smiled at my comment and said, "That's great. Did you know Alex even mentioned when you'll start taking photos again? Because you were really good at it."

"Yeah, I know. I confess I miss taking photos, but now that longing will pass, I'm sure of it," I replied.

Rosa smiled and said, "Alex is taking care of Soraia. I'm going to shower and get ready."

"I'll do the same," I replied, and so we both went our separate ways. I left the camera on the bed and went to take a shower, contemplating the changes in my life.

I began to wash my hair, noticing it had grown a few centimeters. Maybe I'll trim it, but I think it won't need much. My hair has always been short, just above the shoulders and slightly wavy. I maintained this cut because I didn't like long hair, and I still feel that way today.

I started to lather myself with soap, imagining everyone's reaction to seeing me. I'm sure they would like this surprise; I'm excited to see them. I want to catch them off guard. I know they must miss me a lot, but today, that feeling of longing will end on both sides.

I finished my shower and decided to wear another white shirt and a skirt, along with a new pair of sandals that were similar to the previous ones but more comfortable for long walks.

In the room, I saw Alex holding my new camera, admiring its appearance. When he saw me, a smile spread across his face. It seems he liked the idea of me returning to taking photos, and why not?

"Are you going to start taking photos again?" Alex asked.

I nodded with a smile on my face. "Yes, I want to do that again, especially because I think it suits me better, don't you think?" I replied, and Alex simply nodded.

"To be honest, I always pictured you with a camera rather than a brush," Alex argued. "It's something you enjoy, and people were amazed to see you taking photos and smiling at the same time. You showed that you liked doing it and did it with pleasure. I have no doubt that now would be the best time for you to start taking photos again."

I looked at Alex and nodded in agreement. What he said made sense.

After getting ready, we waited for Andressa. She would join us because she always wanted to visit Palmeira Vermelha, the place I often talked about.

After a few minutes, she arrived with her car. She managed to get her driver's license. She felt confident now that she was undergoing treatment for anxiety. I'm sure the best therapy for her now is nature, as there's no better place to feel at ease with oneself.

We got into the car with our suitcases and backpacks. I sat in the front to guide Andressa. I still remembered the route, and so we set off.