Four years later...
Malú's agile hands arrange her hair in a long, majestic black braid. She analyzes the cream dress with a wide strap, slightly transparent, which goes up to her knee, chosen precisely for this important moment. Finally, put on your shoes of the same color. She smiles at the result she receives from the mirror, then hears two light knocks on her bedroom door, which is open, causing her to turn around and face a pleasant surprise: Benjamin with a beautiful bouquet of lilies and a rectangular box of blue velvet.
He approaches and hands the two gifts to his girlfriend who smiles with emotion at the gift. She places the gifts on his bed and hugs him tight, sealing a light kiss.
—You look beautiful, my love. – praises Benjamin admiring Malú.
—Thank you, Ben. – Malú replies, sitting on the bed.
First, she holds and smells the lilies, remembering her mother and how happy she must be for her daughter. Then picks up the velvet box being watched by Benjamin.
She slowly opens it to find a golden chain with a generous oval–shaped reliquary pendant.
—Wow, it's beautiful. – praises Malú admiring the beautiful jewel.
“Open” asks Benjamin nervously “I hope you like it”
She opens it and what she sees makes her burst into tears: A picture of her mother with the words Always Together .
“That way you'll have her close to you at all times... and you'll never forget her” explains Benjamin.
Malú hugs him once more while crying with the beautiful gift. She pulls away from her boyfriend trying to smile and wipe away tears at the same time.
“You're the most amazing boyfriend, you know? Thank you for the gift, it means a lot to me... Help me put it on?” asks Malú turning her back towards her boyfriend.
He passes the chain through Malú's neck, gently closing the beam. He gives a light kiss on the back of his girlfriend's neck and on her shoulder. She smiles turning to Benjamin who reciprocates.
“I don't even know how to repay this gift” Malú holding the pendant right away.
"I have an idea..." Benjamin with a smug smile. "And you know"
"Are you sure?" asks Malu smiling.
“Absolute” says Benjamin stealing a kiss from his girlfriend.
“Ben, you know you can ask for other things if you want” explains Malú.
“But I want this” reinforces Benjamin “It's the only thing I want”
“But it's so simple...” claims Malú.
“But it's one and only mine. Please,” insists Benjamin. Malú takes a deep breath, he convinced her. Ben smiles and asks "Say"
—I love you. – Malú declares, watching Benjamin close his eyes as he hears those words leave his lips once more.
“I love you too” Benjamin kissing his girlfriend who matches.
The kiss is light, Malú caresses the face of her boyfriend who keeps his eyes closed while he wraps his arms around her waist bringing her closer to his body. They pull away slowly, looking at each other... Using the best language of love to say it will be forever.
—It's time. – Adelaide warns at the door.
— Have my father and Aunt Aline arrived yet? My grandmother? – asks Malú to Adelaide.
—They've sent word that they'll find you there. – the housekeeper replies.
—We will? – asks Benjamin, noting Malú's apprehensive look.
—Let's go. – replies the girlfriend taking a golden package from the dressing table.
Malú smiles at Benjamin who holds her hand, the two get up from the bed heading towards the big day of the blue–eyed young woman.
***
Aline is analyzing some papers on her desk at the headquarters of this year's electoral campaign, when she is awakened by a knock on her door by Thiago.
— I knew I'd find you here–Thiago puts his hands on Aline's table — I already told you at home that we'll go straight there.
—Thank you – thanks Aline putting the papers on the table — I'm reviewing some actions for the next year... Including the project to include Libras in public schools for students from preschool onwards.
— Hey… – Thiago calls, heading towards Aline and holding her shoulder — You did it.
— I know, but it doesn't hurt to take another look – explains Aline, taking the papers again — I may have missed something.
— Senator Aline – calls Thiago, seriously — Put down those papers now, because we have something much more important to do.
—Future senator, I haven't taken office yet – corrects Aline, getting up and approaching Thiago. —But thank you for staying by my side.
—A friend is for these things. You're not going to get emotional now, are you? That doesn't suit you. – jokes Thiago walking towards the door — Now let's go, because we don't have much time and I don't want to be lectured by Malú for lack of punctuality. In that, she took after my mother.
— I hate it when you're right – agrees Aline walking beside him, opening the door for her to go through — And will Malú Grandma go too?
— She said yes, she even left very early – says Thiago, closing the door.
***
Maria Luísa parks her silver car, stays inside the vehicle for a few moments, building up the courage for what she is about to do. She then opens her car door and walks towards the place that has the following words on the facade:
Ahu Penitentiary
She approaches the access gate, but does not enter, as she is only there to do something she should have done many years ago: support. He looks at his wristwatch, checking that he might be late, but that doesn't matter, not right now. You feel your heart tighten and your breath stop every time you see the gate open. Maybe he should leave, but his heart said no. Your place is there.
Then the gate opens once more, Maria holds her breath, little by little the one she had been waiting for appears: Ícaro who, seeing her there, paralyzes near the gate. Of all the people he could think of who would come pick him up on his first day of probation, she wasn't even on the list. She approaches slowly, counting her steps as she tries to figure out what's on his mind, what to say to that thin man with a defeated face standing in front of her. The two stay still for a few moments just analyzing each other.
—Welcome back, Ícaro–says Maria Luisa, breaking the silence.
— Thank you, Maria – thanks Ícaro, trying to analyze what that woman was doing there.
Then she holds Ícaro' hand with one, while the other slides lightly caressing. Tears appear in Maria's eyes, rarely seen by Ícaro during all these years.
— I'm glad you're back – Maria comments, still holding Ícaro' hand — I know you've been through a lot...
—I wasn't on vacation, I was paying for my actions. – Interrupts Ícaro, harshly taking his hand away.
— I'm so sorry. – Asks Maria crying while facing Ícaro — I know that nothing I say will reverse the things I did to you, Ícaro. I was mean when I should have been nice to you. You deserved a mother and received an executioner. You deserved a family and received loneliness. And yet, through everything he's been through, he's taken care of his brother's family when he can't... He saved his brother from death. I didn't know how to recognize it at the time, but today... Today I know the sacrifice he made for all of us. For your family. We cannot go back and change the past, even if we wish to do so every day. But know, Ícaro, that I want to fight to make you feel at home. And that this chance you received to come back to us, I can also enjoy it together with you. Ícaro, know that even though I refused, fighting you... And I hated loving you, because I didn't deserve to have your love when it hurt you so much. But deep down, you were always my son, and I know it took me too long to come to terms with that. I may not change the past, but I am here to change our future.
— Well... Pleasure, my name is Ícaro, son of your husband – presents Ícaro, extending his hand to Maria Luisa.
—Pleasure, Ícaro – Maria replies, shaking her stepson's hand — I'm Maria Luisa, your future mother.
—That's what we'll see, Mrs. Maria – comments Ícaro, looking toward the approaching cars with a slight smile on his lips.
— They arrived – informs Maria along with Ícaro towards the rest of the Almeida family members who had just arrived. Your child holds his breath as he approaches them. The matriarch holds Ícaro' hand, surprising him— I'm here for whatever.
—Thank you. – thanks Ícaro, watching
— Hello, brother – greets Thiago hugging his brother. He lightly slaps Ícaro on the back — Welcome back.
— Thank you, brother. – thanks Ícaro while watching Aline approach, stopping beside Thiago — Hi, Aline.
— Hi, Ícaro – Aline replies, apprehensive —Welcome.
— Thank you – thanks Ícaro, extending his hand to Aline — Are we okay?
—We're fine. – Aline replies, squeezing Ícaro' hand.
Malú walks slowly beside her boyfriend, holding Benjamin's hand tightly. After everything that had happened, she avoided talking to her uncle as much as possible, leaving him wondering if she would ever really be able to forgive him. The young woman approaches Ícaro and then hands the golden package to him who rips it in moments, letting the worn cover of The Little Prince appear, opening the book:
—You become eternally responsible for what you captivate… – reads Ícaro the dedication written by Malú. For a few moments, holding back the tears and then continues — you captivated me and now you are responsible for me... Because the time and affection you dedicate to me is what shows how important I am to you.
—Welcome back, uncle. – Malú says with a slight smile. She turns to her boyfriend —Benjamin, this is my uncle... And second father, Ícaro de Almeida. Dad, this is my boyfriend Benjamin.
—Nice to meet you, my boy. – replies Ícaro, extending his hand toward Benjamin, who shakes it. He turns to everyone present — Thank you all for caring about me. I want you to know that I will do anything to redeem myself for my actions and make this second chance worthwhile.
Everyone smiles hugging Ícaro and then walks back to the cars, leaving Maria to take Ícaro in hers. He sits in the passenger seat, closing his eyes:
—All I want is a good bath. – says Ícaro.
— That won't be possible – Maria Luisa refuses, getting into her car and starting it, while Ícaro looks at her in surprise — First we have to go to an event that only happened thanks to you.
***
Malú finally arrives at the Fernanda Montenegro Theater accompanied by Benjamin. The two walk to the theater aisle, where they meet the rest of the group that will be part of the performance. After months of rehearsal, their day finally arrived.
—I'm so nervous. – says Beatriz, who wears the same dress as Malú. —And if I miss the lyrics.
“I'm worried about the steps” says Pedro, receiving encouragement from his friends.
“Relax, folks. No matter the result, the important thing is that we came to represent the importance of our cause: the inclusion of pounds for the entire population” Benjamin reassuring everyone.
"It's about to start" warns the organizer in pounds "Place yourself in your seats."
Benjamin hugs Malú, feels his girlfriend's body trembling with nervousness, then slowly pulls away, touches her face and kisses her forehead, making her close her eyes.
“Good luck” wishes Benjamin walking away slowly.
One by one the people move away and head towards the stage, leaving Malú completely alone in the shadows of the backstage behind the curtain. She closes her eyes clutching the pendant, praying that wherever her mother is now, cheer for her. His hand is then held by another, causing him to open his eyes and turn his head to the side finding his mother with a beautiful smile on her face.
—I'm here with you.–Anna — Until the end.
— Welcome, Maria Luísa Braga de Almeida – announces the ceremony, being followed by the applause of the audience. — Interpreting the song “Nuvole Bianche” by Ludovico Einaudi on the piano. On vocals, Ariadne Lacerda and the group “As Mãos que Cantam”, which are also part of the Anna Braga social project, sing the translated song. A round of applause to all – he concludes.
—Thiago – calls Ícaro approaching his brother.
—Yes. – answers Thiago, stopping halfway. —What's it?
— I know you like Aline – reveals Ícaro, surprising his brother.
—I'm sorry, Ícaro – asks Thiago, confirming — But I want you to know that I won't be a problem for you...
— Thiago – interrupts Ícaro — Aline doesn't love me anymore.
— That's not true – denies Thiago, watching Aline sitting in one of the rows. She turns smiling in his direction.
— I saw it in her eyes today – confirms Ícaro — And I understand perfectly. So I want you to know that if you still have feelings for her, you have my support to try. You are a worthy man and I know you deserve each other.
— Thank you, brother – thanks Thiago, hugging Ícaro — Thank you very much.
—Now go, be happy. – replies Ícaro.
Thiago goes down the hall, excited towards the place next to Aline, while Ícaro watches them.
—Hi, have I been announced yet?
— Hello – answers Ícaro turning towards the woman with curly hair, a little surprised by her beauty — Eh... And what's your name?
— Excuse me – asks the woman, awkwardly extending her hand towards Ícaro — My name is Ariadne Lacerda.
— Pleasure – replies Ícaro, admiringly shaking Ariadne's hand — My name is Ícaro... Ícaro de Almeida.
— Oh, you're Maria Luisa's uncle, right? – Ariadne recognizes — I am her psychologist and I will also sing today.
—Very nice then. – reinforces Icaro, incarnated the psychologist intensely. He clears his throat and then turns around — Uh… I think you've been announced, yes… Ariadne.
— Oh my God. – Ariadne exclaims, hurrying towards the backstage. She turns around for a few moments — Thank you, I hope I can have the opportunity to talk to you at the end of the show. Malú has talked so much about you in recent years.
—I'll be waiting. – says Icaro, receiving a smile in return.
***
The theater's curtains open and Maria Luísa is taken by the strong light of the spotlight. She smiles and walks towards her most esteemed companion: Essenfelder, her family's piano, as the group splits across the stage, attracting the attention and silence of the audience.
Malú arranges the music score in its proper place, takes a deep breath and then gently places his hands on the keyboards, starting the melody that disappears through the air, filling all the spaces in the place.
Malú's eyes are closed as her nimble fingers run across the entire piano, playing by instinct. Her mind flies to a place far away... In a time where she saw herself fragile, a young woman who had lost everything and had no voice to express her feelings anymore... That young woman was at the bottom of the well and believed that no one could help her... I was alone... And nothing else mattered... I had lost... And nothing could take away that pain...
Malú's hands remain steady on the piano making the audience sigh. At that moment she remembers the battles she faced against herself to get back on her feet and the people she met... Adelaide... Her grandmother... Graziela... Vera... Ariadne... Ricardo... Thiago. .. Benjamin... The most lively group of pounds he's ever met in his life.
She resisted, she didn't want those new people, nor her new one... She wanted her world, the one in which she lived carefree with her mother and that was taken away from her. That world where she could sing and talk about banal things, but that place no longer existed and she didn't want to let go. He didn't want to move so he wouldn't have another change in his life.
Malú's perfect posture and the music impress his grandmother who had just come close to Ícaro. They sit in the last seats of the theater. Malú's uncle observes that young woman playing divinely, very different from the teenager he had left behind. He feels every feeling that comes out of the piano and the delivery of his niece.
—Thanks to you. – Maria whispers, pointing to the stage.
— No, that's your thing – claims Ícaro — I always thought she was cursed for having your genius. But today I see that it was a blessing and she became a strong woman. I never thought she would be able to forgive me.
—Well, if there's one thing this young woman inherited from her mother, it's compassion.
Thiago is sitting with Aline watching his daughter give herself completely to the presentation. He runs his hand over his face several times trying to hide the tears of pride.
— You did it – celebrates Aline smiling.
— We did it. I owe it all to you – thanks Thiago, moved.
—You can pay for all that by calling me out for coffee. – Aline proposes smiling.
— Does that mean you'll finally agree to go out on a date with me? – asks Thiago, surprised.
—Yes – confirms Aline, holding Thiago's hand, who reciprocates.
Malú smiles remembering when he met this piano and with it he learned a new way of expressing himself: with music. With each key, a feeling emerged, a mixture of sensations and how she felt alive again.
The piano became his all–time friend, giving much more than he expected to receive. So she opens her eyes looking for Benjamin in the middle of the group, finds him in the middle of the group, expressing himself with body and soul. It was with them that he discovered that it is possible to express what you want without words, without a voice and be happy like that because nothing limits you but yourself. He discovered a new way of expressing himself through Libras and how that language was so special. Gained new friends, a new family, a father and a love in the midst of it all...
The body talks all the time, it's only a matter of time before it learns to make it talk. Benjamin's hands float through the air, as do hers over the piano... Their facial expressions... They rock a dance of their own... In the same rhythm, in tune... Just like in life.
Malú plays the final keys and then lets silence take its place. She breathes heavily, gave it her all. She closes the piano and then turns her head to find her mother with tears streaming down her face, but still with her beautiful smile. Malú feels in her heart that it is the last time she will see her mother, but that doesn't shake her, because now she understands that even if she never sees her mother again, she will always be present in her heart and in all her memories.
Maria Luísa Braga de Almeida gets up and walks to the center of the stage, accompanied by Ariadne and the Grupo Mãos que cantam. She watches the audience stand up, raise their hands and wave them, the best applause she's ever received in her life.
End
Paraná Women's Penitentiary
Graziela walks through the penitentiary corridor while listening to screams, whistles and the most diverse types of profanity and harassment to her person, a normal day within those four years in which she has been imprisoned. The prison guard opens the door that gives access to the visitors' wing and pushes Grazi to enter that part of the jail. There, the families of the prisoners gather.
Grazi stays still looking for Vera, who doesn't take long to appear, standing out with her beautiful white suit and skirt and her bright red lipstick. She waves to her prisoner sister who walks very slowly as if she never wants to arrive and sits down.
— Wow, you're finished – exclaims Vera, watching her sister. She touches her sister's hair and then wipes her hand, disgusted — There's no shampoo here, is there?
— What do you want? – Asks Grazi cutting her sister — I said that you were only supposed to come here when you had a solution to get me out of here... Or that you had finished what I started.
—I know, but I came even though I didn't do any of those things – Vera says, looking at her sister. —Forget them, for they have already forgotten you. – Vera claims that she goes through the inside pocket of her suit and takes out a newspaper clipping with yesterday's date — Learn.
Grazi takes the clipping and sees the main news printed in bold letters:
Inauguration of the school “Anna Braga”
THE EVENT IS MARKED WITH THE PRESENTATION OF THE HONORED DAUGHTER, MARIA LUÍSA BRAGA DE ALMEIDA, MAKING A SPECIAL CONCERT.
— Forget about them – asks Vera once more — It's over, Grazi, now you need to get back on your feet and get out of here.
—It's not over. – Grazi denies, smiling nervously. She points to the newspaper — It's not over yet. They can't... They can't move on. No, without me. Thiago needs me, this family needs me! And if they are not with me, they are against me. And you can be sure that I will do everything to destroy them.
—You tried, remember? You almost got me in trouble when you asked me to tell you Thiago's schedule for that day, have you forgotten? – Vera asks. — And that's how you ended up here. Look, I don't want to keep repeating the same thing over and over...
—So what did you come here for? Huh, came to see me at the worst? Came to feed your perfect daughter ego? – provokes Grazi.
—I'm leaving. – Vera warns, staring at her sister.
— But already? We haven't even started to prick ourselves about the past – claims Grazi, sarcastically.
—I'm moving to Brasília – reveals Vera. —I'm going there today.
—You…you can't go. – Denies Grazi, nervously biting her fingernails, or what little remains — You can't leave me.
—I know it's hard, but – Vera starts getting up — You know I'm only on the side of whoever wins. And in this case, it's not you. I'm sorry, but I need to move on with my life and achieve my goals. And for that, I'll have to get away from you. Take care Grazi, goodbye.
Vera walks towards the exit of that place for the last time, being watched by Graziela who is still trying to process everything that happened. She gets up from her seat and walks back to her cell with the newspaper clipping in her hand.
— It's not over yet – he whispers, watching the news — This is just beginning... .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pauliny Nunes was born in Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul. An assiduous reader, she fell in love with authors, hated characters and traveled to different places. In each of them he found a lesson. About to graduate from college, she decided to embark on an adventure, where she herself guided several people to the story she was interested in telling and thus came the first book, A Chance. They just forgot to warn her that after the first time, her writing addiction would increase with every written word. Now he writes his books in search of taking his words to the world .