Chapter LXV

Alex

I know that the potion Aura prescribed will work. I've always trusted her abilities, and now is not the time to doubt. Aura has always assisted us, ensuring we don't face trouble, quite the opposite. She's been there in moments like this, and now is no exception.

Before leaving, Rosa and Andressa had a brief chat with Aura, curious about how things are going with the new little shop. Aura shared her experience, but I wasn't paying much attention because I was concerned about Maria, and Hogan's voice wouldn't stop in my head.

"The flaw of humanity is being too sentimental," Hogan said.

"It seems you only show up to bother me, don't you?" I inquired in thought.

I hear Hogan laugh and he says, "You really know how to make me laugh, Alex."

I decided to ignore him and refocused on reality. Aura looked at me with a hopeful smile, confident that her potion would save Maria.

"Don't forget, Alex, you can count on me. I don't want you to forget that, okay?" Aura affirmed.

I just nodded. I wouldn't forget, especially in a moment like this when I need it the most.

"Shall we go?" Andressa asked.

I nodded again. I had to trust Aura; she knows what she's doing, and now wouldn't be any different.

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Maria

I woke up to Alex looking at me with a smile on his face. It was as if he had found the solution to my problems, the way he approached and smiled at me. I just hope it's the remedy he mentioned bringing for me.

"Drink," he said.

I took a sip of the liquid he gave me and then I got up. I looked around, and suddenly, I fell back asleep.

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Alex

It seems the potion worked. Maria fell asleep quite suddenly after I gave her some of the potion. Now, she's going to be fine. I'm sure of it. I don't need to worry about anything else.

With Maria sleeping, I decided to check on Soraia. She was also asleep, just like Maria's grandmother. Manoela had left shortly after our arrival, mentioning that Maria decided to sleep to alleviate her symptoms. Interestingly, the potion I gave her was specifically for inducing sleep, and it seems it'll be a while before she wakes up again.

In short, almost everyone was asleep. The exceptions were Andressa and Rosa, who chose to stay awake and chat, eventually heading to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

I ended up sleeping too. I set up a hammock and dozed off. I woke up from a strange dream, but somehow, I don't remember it. I don't particularly care to remember, especially since I have more pressing concerns, like Maria's health.

Rosa woke me up, announcing that lunch was ready. As I ate, I checked on Maria. I administered her medication around two-thirty. She'll probably only wake up around that time and during the night. I can't stay awake until then, as I'm not capable, but for Maria, I might just try. Who knows, I might achieve that feat.

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Maria

I blacked out, and seeing Alex in front of me was the last thing I remember. Then, I woke up, and everything was dark. I checked the clock – it was two-thirty in the morning. I didn't feel anything anymore, not even sleepy. I don't know what happened, but Alex, I think he put something in what I was drinking that made me fall asleep.

Now I feel more energized, but I don't know how he managed to do that. I ended up seeing him sleeping beside me. He looked tired, and I didn't want to wake him up, but it was clear he felt that way. I decided not to disturb him and resolved to sit on the roof, gazing at the stars.