Chapter LX

Maria

Everything was ready for us to return to the village, and I was excited because it had been two years since I left to make a living in the city. I believe things will be different now. I want to reclaim my life in the village, but I'm contemplating whether it's worth it or not because I have to move forward with my life. These are just possibilities.

After hours of travel, we finally arrived in the village, and I was surprised that not much had changed, except that the village had expanded. When people saw me, they were happy to have seen me, not just me but also Alex, Andressa, Rosa, and Soraia. Everyone rushed to hug us, except Andressa and Soraia because they didn't know who she was. People wished us a good return, and I could see happiness on their faces when they saw me. I had always been well-liked by them, and now was no different. I bet they even speculated on the moment and the right time for me to appear.

"Your grandmother will be so happy to see you!"

"It's so good to see you again, Maria!"

"How you've grown!"

"How are you?!"

"Welcome back, Maria!"

People said these things to me, leaving Alex, Rosa, and Andressa impressed. They were surprised because they didn't imagine I would be so popular, but the truth is, I have my moments of popularity, just like they do. What could I do? I lived in this village since I was a child, and people already knew who I was, and they knew me for the kindness and humility I had, not to mention the eagerness to discover new things and capture them with a camera, as I always did.

Next, the Saraiva Brothers appeared. When they saw me, they were also happy and rushed to hug me. They also hugged Alex and Rosa. Andressa was with Soraia, observing the moment.

"How good it is to see you, Maria," Manoela said with a smile.

"How are you?" Heitor asked.

I looked at Alex, Rosa, and Andressa and then back at them.

"Everything is fine with me, and you?"

"We're fine too," Heitor replied.

Everyone in the village continued to chat with us. Some women didn't leave Alex's side, which made me a bit jealous, but I knew he wouldn't do anything against my will. Rosa was surrounded by men, and I stayed with the children because they were attached to me, and I always helped take care of each one of them.

Andressa observed everything and seemed impressed by the life I had before going to the city, and indeed, that was my life before.

After all this, I introduced Andressa and Soraia to everyone, and they were impressed. Maybe it was because I gained a daughter, but that wouldn't be a problem because they always asked when I would start my family, and this is the result.

"Your grandmother will love to see you all!" Manoela said, and everyone agreed.

We walked to my grandmother's house, all together. It felt like a group of protesters, to be more specific.

When we arrived at my grandmother's house, she was sitting in front, talking to my uncle, who had his jaguar by his side. As soon as she saw us, she seemed to stand out in recognizing me. She pushed her glasses to confirm it was really me, then smiled from ear to ear. My uncle was also happy to see me and came running to hug me.

"My niece!"

"My granddaughter!" my grandmother said, also coming to hug me.

I was so happy to hug the people who raised me and took on the roles of father and mother. It was very gratifying, and I was having this moment of happiness with them by my side.

I felt that Alex, Rosa, and Andressa were watching me. They were also happy that I was experiencing this moment with them, and how could I not be happy? After two years without seeing them, this was the moment I had been eagerly waiting for.

Everyone in the village applauded, but I feel that one more person is needed to share this moment, my childhood friend, Heloísa. I'm sure she will be very happy to see me, just like everyone else.

After talking a bit about my life, I introduced them to the great-grandson and nephew I gained. When I introduced Soraia to them, both were happy. My grandmother was the first to hold her, followed by my uncle. They were moved. I don't think they ever imagined that I would have a daughter like Soraia.

Then, I asked about Heloísa.

"Heloísa got her own place, but she lives far from our village," my grandmother replied. "I think it's on the other side."

When I looked to where my grandmother pointed, I just nodded.

"I want to see Heloísa," I said.

Then, I left my grandmother and uncle aside and walked to see my friend. Along with me, my friends and the villagers accompanied me. With that in mind, we all went to Heloísa's house because I wanted to know how she was.

"She lives here," Heitor said, pointing to a house with a thatched roof and wooden construction.

I just nodded, and then, I knocked on the door. I hoped to surprise her, and I'm sure Heloísa will be happy to see me.

As soon as I heard the sound of the door opening, I was finally looking face to face with my friend, who seemed happy to see me, and we both hugged. She hadn't changed at all; she's even more beautiful. I'm so happy to see her again after two years.