Chapter LXIII

Maria

The months went by, and I continued living in the village, where it was my place of origin. However, I don't think that I'm doing well; on the contrary, I fell ill again. Suddenly, the weather turned cold, affecting my health. While I used to wear comfortable clothes before, now I'm dressed in warm attire. I haven't gone as far as wearing a coat, but instead, I put on a black hoodie I have. Instead of a skirt, I opted for jeans, and I wore socks, but still kept my sandals. Due to this, I couldn't work anymore, and I let Heloísa and Andressa take care of everything.

My grandmother and Alex took care of me, always ready to help or at my disposal. However, my grandmother also fell ill, leaving only Alex to look after me. Despite having friends, Alex and my grandmother were always available. My friends, though willing, didn't have as much free time. Alex was already on vacation, and my grandmother always stayed home taking care of things.

As the weeks passed, along with my flu, I ended up with a fever. Alex was desperate, and I could see it in his eyes.

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Alex

I hate seeing Maria like this. It worries me, and I feel desperate. Even Rosa's teas didn't work. Something needed to be done. Julieta revealed healing powers, but that was before Maria fell ill. Unfortunately, Julieta isn't here; she had to go to the city to address personal issues. Túlio went with her, leaving me trying to find a way to help Maria recover.

I discussed it with my friends, and Andressa spoke to me about the issue. "Well, I know what you should do," she said. "There's a shop in the city that sells potions. Yes, it's run by a witch, but no one has ever seen her face. Those who bought her products were satisfied and began recommending her potions. Maybe if we ask for a potion to cure what Maria is feeling, it might work."

I looked at Andressa. She seemed well-informed about everything happening in the city and gave a great idea. I started thinking about who could go with me. "I'll go," said Andressa. "I'll go too," affirmed Rosa. "I want to see if this shop Andressa mentioned is the same one I stumbled upon several times."

I was impressed, even Rosa might know this shop? "Well, then it's the three of us," I said. Indeed, among the two, Rosa is the most present in Maria's and my life, always ready to help, and I appreciate her support.

The girls and I got in the car and headed to the city. Before leaving, I asked Heloísa to take care of Maria, and she agreed. To avoid burdening Heloísa, Manoela offered to help since Maria's grandmother is also unwell.

After planning everything, we were ready to go to the city. One thing is certain: Maria will be fine, and I am sure of that, especially since she is a strong woman and will do everything to recover. I support her, that's a fact. I know she will be okay, and I'll be cheering for her. Besides, she'll have my support, as I've shown all this time while she was ill.

We left the village and were on our way to the city. Many thoughts crossed my mind, including who this mysterious witch everyone knows but doesn't. Apparently, she's only famous in appearance, but doubts linger, just as they do for me now, along with curiosity, adding another mystery. Another mystery is how Andressa and Rosa know her. Are they friends? Another question to ponder.