Malú

Belo Horizonte, June 25, 1998.

Maria Luisa. – Anna says, running her hand over her belly over the beige dress she wears.

She is lying on the grass with her boyfriend, Thiago, looking up at the blue sky that Anna believes is the color of her lover's eyes.

- What has my mother's name on? – Asks Thiago, leaning over his girlfriend.

- The baby's name will be Maria Luisa. – Anna replied smiling.

- My mother will surely love the tribute. – Thiago comments, smiling too. He looks at his girlfriend's belly, passing his hand and murmurs - Maria Luísa...

- Yes. – answers the blonde with long flowing hair.

-But what if it's a boy? – Asks Thiago.

-It will be a girl. – Anna replies confidently.

-How can you be so sure? – Asks the black-haired boy.

- I dream about her. – Anna replies thoughtfully - Every night I dream about my beautiful girl with hair as black as night and eyes as blue as this sky. She will be like you in many ways.

- So, you don't really know if it's a girl? – Asks Thiago.

- No. – Anna answers taking a deep breath while caressing her belly - Confirmation only at five months.

- In two months. – concludes Thiago. He runs his hand over Anna's belly - I hope I'll be back when I go to find out the sex.

- Yes, he will be. – Anna affirms - I'm sure that by then your father will be in better health and will be able to meet his granddaughter.

- You should go with me. – proposes Thiago, sitting down - That way you would already meet the whole family.

- You know I can't. – Anna refuses, hugging Thiago's back - I'm in exam season, I have my job that they'll definitely send me away when they find out I'm pregnant. I need to save as much money as possible.

- I already told you that I'll support you two... That we're getting married, you don't have to do any of that. I have money for both of us... Three. – argues Thiago.

- I don't want to. – Anna refuses once more - For now I prefer to stay like this. At least until I meet your family.

- Don't worry. – Asks Thiago - They'll love you... Just like me.

- I love you Thiago. – Declares Anna - Don't forget that.

- I won't forget. – Answers Thiago, kissing his girlfriend. -Promise you'll quit your job from now on.

- But how am I going to pay my rent? – Asks Anna worriedly. - Support me?

- Here. – Says Thiago, taking a key from his key ring - This is the key to my apartment, stay in it until I get back.

- I can't accept it. – Anna refuses, embarrassed.

- Please, I just want you to have a smooth pregnancy. – Asks Thiago - I'll be back soon and we'll see a better place.

- Fine. – Anna agrees reluctantly, taking the key. -Just until you get back.

- I'll be back before you know it. – Says Thiago smiling.

***

Belo Horizonte, September 1998.

Anna walks calmly along the sidewalk holding her shopping bags, only two blocks to the apartment. As soon as he turns the last block, he notices a beautiful black car parked, he's sure it doesn't belong to anyone who lives on that street, because he's become everyone's friend. He approaches the car and checks that the license plate was for Curitiba, Paraná. That information brought a smile to Anna's face that had long since disappeared. He's back, thinks running towards the apartment.

She nervously opens the apartment door, realizes that the room is empty, but that she inhales a different feminine scent from hers. He checks the kitchen, the bathroom and when he gets to the bedroom, he finds a female figure. A woman in her late fifties, with beautiful black hair pulled back in a bun, wears a black suit and sunglasses.

- Hello – greets Anna curiously with that imposing figure - Can I help?

- Are you Anna Braga? – asks, the lady standing up elegantly. She takes off her glasses showing the beautiful pair of blue eyes.

- Yes – Anna answers - And who are you?

- Maria Luísa Assunção de Almeida – the woman answers - Thiago's mother.

- Nice to meet you. – Anna says, holding out her hand happily, but is repelled by the woman's icy gaze - I've heard very good things about you.

- Well... I can't say the same about you – the woman replies, making Anna frown without understanding - My son asked to come to you and send you a message.

- That's great! – exclaims Anna, running her hand over her belly, calling Maria Luisa's attention - We were worried.

- Thiago told you not to wait any longer for him. – reveals Maria Luísa - He said you should move on and forget that you ever had anything.

- Which? As well? – Anna asks shocked - He couldn't have said that... He was happy... He was happy with the arrival of our daughter!

- Daughter? – Maria Luísa asks with a look of contempt – Well, know that my son, like me, doesn't believe it's his... How long have you been together? One year... Two?

-Almost a year... – Anna replies.

-But it's not a year old, right? – Asks Mrs. Almeida - How do you think my son will trust a person who may be giving the blow to the belly. Someone who agreed to live in the apartment and live practically at the expense of it. Look, I know it must be hard for you to have invested so much in my son, but know that you won't achieve your goal. If this child is really his, we will give him a decent pension. But that's all you'll have of our family.

-I don't want your money! – Anna reacts, upset – I want my Thiago! Please, let me talk to him. I know it was a misunderstanding.

- He doesn't want to talk to you. – Maria Luisa claims - And now I know why. ... You are insistent, cunning... With that saintly face, you manipulate him, poison him against his family. But you don't fool me. I've known worse than you.

- Please... – Anna pleads. - I love him, I never wanted anything from him. I just want to love him and for him to love me... And I want him to meet his daughter.

- Don't force a situation, dear. – Maria Luisa - Who can guarantee that this child is his? From what I've seen you may be with that child's father right now.

- How dare you? – Anna asks, offended - I would never do such a thing...

-Well... How am I supposed to know it's not like that? – asks Maria Luísa - After all, you don't even have a family... It can be anyone who just wants to get along... A woman of life.

- Stop! – Anna shouts, slapping her mother–in–law. - Don't you ever dare say such a thing about me again!

- Finally, the little saint from the hollow wood showed up. – says Maria Luísa, getting ready - Give me the keys to the apartment. Get back on the street, it's what you deserve.

- Here. - Anna hands over the keys to Maria - You can stay... I just want you to remember the harm you're doing to Maria Luisa.

- Who is Maria Luisa? – asks Maria Luisa intrigued.

- Your granddaughter. Maria Luisa. – Answers Anna, seriously.

-Do you really think putting the same name as mine will make you accepted in the family? – Questions the skeptical matriarch - How silly you are.

- You have nothing to do with the choice of my daughter's name. – Anna counters -It's the name she deserves... She will live up to the name different from you.

- Look, Anna. – begins Maria Luisa thoughtfully - know that I'm inclined to make a deal.

- I don't want any deals with you. – Anna refuses angrily.

-It's not for you, but for this child who is not to blame for anything. – the matriarch replies dryly.

- I don't need your handouts – Anna claims.

- This child will need support. – Maria argues - So stop being falsely proud and accept the proposal that Thiago made.

- Thiago would never make such a proposal. – Claims Anna.

- But wasn't it a proposal that made you move here? – Asks Maria Luisa.

- It was. – Anna admits bitterly - But it's because I made this mistake that I won't make any deal... ever.

- I bet it will, when you press it. – Maria Luísa comments, narrowing her eyes - Even more so now that it's on the street.

-I won't. I'll find my way... – Anna retorts seriously. She opens the wardrobe and takes out her few clothes, tossing them into her old suitcase.

- You don't have to leave now. – says Maria approaching -I'll allow you to stay until the end of the week.

-No. – Anna refuses nervously. She closes the suitcase and faces Maria - You can stay... With everything. But know that I don't believe anything I said... As soon as Thiago shows up, I'll tell him.

- As you wish. – Maria Luisa agrees, opening her purse - But if you get tired of being proud, take my card. As soon as he calls me, I'll tell him to send the pension.

- Keep your card. – Anna counters, holding the suitcase in both hands.

-Young fool. – Maria Luisa comments, putting the card in Anna's jacket pocket - I know you'll call.

Anna turns and leaves the apartment practically running. He didn't think his day would end like this. It's on the street and has nowhere to go. He sits on the sidewalk crying, he can't believe that Thiago would be behind all that. He runs his hand over his belly, where the baby kicks hard. Now it's you and me against the world.

She dries her tears and starts walking down the street, when she finds Aline, a young woman with red punk hair who lived in the front building, Anna was the only one on the street who talked to the girl. She stares at the worried blonde as she approaches.

- Are you okay? – she asks holding Anna's arm, which is staggering. - What are you doing out here? And what bag is this?

- His mother touched me from the apartment, I'm on the street. – Anna replies stupidly.

- Come, let's go to my house. – determines Aline taking the pregnant woman's suitcase - Come live with me.

- You don't understand. – Anna claims crying - I can't pay you.

- Anna, don't worry. – Assures Aline - One day you'll return this favor. What I can't do is leave her here in the middle of the street. We will.

- Thank you, Aline. – Thanks Anna, touched - I promise that one day I will return the favor.

- I know. – Agrees Aline walking beside Anna.

The following week she was called by her boss and sent away. The justification was the budget cut, low sales, but she knew the real reason was under her uniform oblivious to that injustice. Aline started to pay the house bills, but Anna doesn't like her to be supporting the three of them. He needs to fix that situation, but the only way would be to contact Thiago and demand that he at least recognize his daughter. But the phone left by him was always off.

She feels lost, until she remembers the business card that Mrs. Almeida had left. It took a few weeks to actually call the card number, after all, it only called because they had to move out of the apartment as they couldn't keep it and go somewhere else, being forced to listen to the voice of the one who had turned their world upside down.

- Maria Luísa, this is Anna. – says the serious young woman on the phone - We need to talk.

- So, you mean you're willing to accept the deal? – concludes Maria Luísa, going straight to the point.

- Yes. – Anna answers - But first, I want to hear the proposal from Thiago's mouth. I want to make the deal with him... Personally.

- Impossible. – Maria Luísa refuses dryly - Thiago won't be able to do that... He's busy.

-This is more important than anything that's keeping him from talking to me. – Anna pleads irritably. -I need to make this deal with him.

- He's organizing his father's wake... – Reveals Maria Luisa without any regrets - And I won't bother him with this... problem. We'll work this out between us and I'll let you know everything, don't worry.

-My condolences, but I don't trust you. – Anna confesses angrily.

- Save your condolences for those in need. And I don't trust you either. – Maria Luísa retorts - But this agreement is for the good of this child... So be mature and let's get down to business.

- What is the proposal? – Asks Anna.

- She will receive a monthly amount to meet all her needs and ensure that she always has the best opportunities. However, we want confidentiality about this little incident in my son's life. – Proposes Maria Luisa.

- So, you don't want anyone to know about Maria Luisa? – Anna asks horrified.

- Exactly. – Says Maria - I think that this small slip could damage my son and his career, permanently. But don't worry, we'll find a way for her to have a comfortable life.

- I want you to recognize her as a member of your family. – Demands an upset Anna - I want your name on my daughter. Otherwise, I'll take this slip up public.

- As you wish. As soon as this child is born, I will send a lawyer with the paperwork and authorization to put our name on it. However, from the moment she uses our name, we will have the right to custody and we can claim the child whenever we want. Do you accept the deal? – Asks Mary.

-Yes. – Anna replies, feeling disgusted when she accepts.

- Then you will soon receive all the necessary documentation. Have a good time. – concludes Maria Luísa.

She still takes time to put the phone on the hook, trying to convince herself that it would be good for her daughter, even though she felt she had sold her soul to the Devil. She touches her belly, crying:

"I'm sorry I'm doing this to you, my baby. I hope one day you understand that it's for your own good."

As soon as Aline arrives from work, Anna tells about the unpleasant conversation she had, leaving her friend upset.

- I don't want these people's money! – Aline shouts, punching the kitchen table - I'd rather keep taking extra shifts at the hotel bar than accepting anything from them! How could you do that?

- You're not obligated to support us, Aline. – Anna argues - I appreciate what you're doing, but I don't want you to kill yourself working for both of us.

- Anna, you are the family that... I never had. – Replies Aline - I can't accept this. I would never let a sister of mine have to submit to that kind of thing. And you are my sister, Malú doesn't need them. – He mentions the nickname he gave the child, as he hated to speak the name that was the same as the matriarch of the Almeida. -I'll do anything for her.

- It's too late. – Claims Anna - I accepted. And even if you're against it and you hate me, I can't change that. I am really sorry.

- Then promise that this money will only be used with Malú. – Asks Aline, frustrated - At least she will have everything she needs.

-I thought of that when I called. – Confessed Anna emotionally - I want my daughter to have the opportunity to be someone I lost for loving... For loving her father unconditionally.

-After all this, do you still love him? – Asks Aline -After all the proof that Thiago is a bad character?

-Yes. I do, and unfortunately, I think I'm doomed to love him forever. – Anna admits crying. -That he doesn't even know what his mother is doing. I know that one day I will see him again and everything will come to light and I hope Malú welcomes him with open arms. I have a request for you.

- Say. I'll do anything – Replies Aline

- I don't want Malú to find out about any of this. I want her to have the opportunity to meet her father without any influence. I want her to have her own thoughts about him. Promise you will, even if I ever miss my daughter, I don't want her to know any of this.

- Okay. – Agrees Aline, annoyed - I don't agree, but you're the mother and you know what's best for her.

- I hope so. – Anna replies, touching her belly.

***

Belo Horizonte, December 24, 1998.

Aline nervously looks for something on the sofa, where Anna is lying with her swollen feet and her nine–month–old belly. She hadn't noticed how the last few months had gone by so quickly.

-Are you sure you'll be okay? – Asks Aline for the tenth time - I stay at home, you know I don't like celebrations very much. We eat a brain, watch a Christmas movie, cry a little and laugh. Or you go with me and we have fun gossiping about the hotel staff.

- I appreciate the invitation, but no one will want a baby duck dancing in the hall .– Anna refuses, smiling - Not to mention that I can't anymore, since Malú still doesn't want to go out. And I don't want you to stay here with me, you need to have fun. These last few months you've only worked, it's not fair that you stay at home. Go and have fun for both of us.

- Okay – Agrees Aline, taking a deep breath - But promise you'll call the number I left on the fridge, if anything happens. ANYTHING! Until a kick, you call me.

-Don't worry. – Anna asks –- If something happens, it will be the first to know. Now go and I hope you do well tonight.

- The night promises, but I intend to go home early – Comments Aline.

- Aline. – Scolds Anna - There's only one pregnant woman here and that's me.

- Yes, but I won't leave your side until Malú is born, forget it. – She walks to the door - Don't forget to call.

- All right. – Says Anna looking at Aline close the door and murmurs - Lucky will be the man who has you by his side.

***

Anna wakes up feeling her wet bed get up and realizes her water has broken. He goes to the kitchen and looks at the clock, it's still ten o'clock. She tries for some time to contact Aline without success, until her first contraction happens. She then decides to put on a dress and try to catch a taxi or bus to take her to the maternity hospital.

As soon as you reach the street, you notice that it will be difficult to get a transport, as the taxi rank is empty and a bus will not pass at that time. Tries to call the manager, but he was no longer in the building. He goes up once more to his apartment and tries to call Aline, but no one answers. She takes a deep breath and tries to call maternity and ask for an ambulance, but the line is busy. She picks up her maternity bag and walks out onto the street again. She walks slowly until she has one more contraction that makes her hold on to one of the gates on her street. At this rate, she would end up giving birth on the street, she concludes worriedly. Take a deep breath and straighten up, hold the next contractions as long as you can.

You are already close to the main street, when you see a bus leaning against the line. He tries to walk faster, raising his arms to get the driver's attention. It was just over a block away, when a strong contraction makes her arch over her belly, when she looks at the bus stop, she sees the bus pulling away, oblivious to her pain. She tries to scream, but only a stop whisper comes out of her throat.

Walk slowly, the pain is almost unbearable . "My God, I can't have my baby here. Please help me. Do not forsake us now. For all that is most sacred, for my daughter, help me. That's all I ask of you", Anna pleads, looking at the almost starless night.

- Come on, I'll help – Says the male voice behind Anna.

The girl's pleas were granted.

***

Ícaro is the name of the man who accelerates his car to motherhood. Anna didn't have time to ask much about him, as her contractions barely allowed her to breathe. His appearance reveals that he is in his thirties, hair in a coppery brown tone very well cut, in addition to wearing a dark suit that looks more like a uniform. Security, perhaps, Anna thinks, glancing at him. She has the feeling that she knows him from somewhere.

They enter the emergency room of the Emergency Room, but do not allow Ícaro to accompany her to the delivery room.

- Thank you so much for everything – Thanks Anna excitedly holding his hand, while the nurse pushes the wheelchair. - May God bless you and give you everything you want. I hope one day to repay him for that act, if we meet again.

- We'll meet again sooner than you think Anna – Reveals Ícaro enigmatic, letting go of Anna's hand that looks at him confused.

She tries to look at Ícaro one more time, but the emergency doors stop her. She takes a deep breath and tries to focus on what is most important at that moment: Maria Luísa.

***

- Push! – Doctor orders between Anna's legs. As soon as the obstetrician evaluated the girl's dilation, he decided that normal delivery would be the most indicated, since the baby was in the correct position - Go Anna!

-Errrrrrrrrrr... AAAAAAHHHHH – Anna moans, forcing her daughter out more and more. She lies on the bed, tired and desperate - I can't take it anymore! It wasn't supposed to be like this... I can't do this alone... I won't make it.

- Anna, you can do it – Assures the nurse next to the girl - This will be a nice gift that you will give to all of us. So, if you want this child, earn it and help him get to know the world.

- Is ready? – Asks the doctor - I need you to push with all your strength. Now!

- Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrr... Rrrrrrrrrr... Errrrrr... Aaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa hhhhhhhhhhhhhhh – Anna screams, squirming on the bed, as she feels a tug on her belly. She throws herself back on the bed, panting. Feel the sweat from your forehead run down your face. But none of that mattered, he just wants to see his daughter.

In a few minutes the baby's cry echoes through the operating room, making Anna smile and cry at the same time, relieved. The nurse tidies the newborn and puts her in the arms of the blonde who cries with emotion. She touches her daughter's black hair and kisses her forehead. Holding her small hand, then says smiling through her tears:

-Welcome to the world Maria Luisa, my Malú.

sixteen years later...

The fine rain is the missing detail for that melancholy scenario that took place in the cemetery. It didn't take long for her to fall, taking everyone at the funeral by surprise. But Maria Luísa Braga de Almeida didn't care about the rain, about the people, or about the fact that her father was holding her shoulder, as if he were a person present in her life. She pushes him away and approaches the coffin, lilies in her hands, her mother's favorite flowers. Her long black hair fell like a cape over her face as she threw the flowers on top of the coffin, running her hand all over it, until she reached where the face of the one she loved would be: Anna Braga, her mother. Tears stream down the face of the sixteen–year–old who can't imagine what her life will be like from that moment on.

"You promised me, said you'd never leave me and now? Why do I feel so alone? Why don't I feel you close to me? Why are you leaving me with him? Say something! react! Show that this is all a lie! Get up from there! Give me a hug! Sing me to sleep! Do something! You said it was the two of us against the world, but you left me alone!" Malú thinks, closing her hands and lightly tapping the coffin while crying harder. The father takes her away from the coffin so that it could finally be buried.

As the gravedigger threw the earth into the ditch, Malú felt his life going with him. The pain was unbearable, when it finally ended, she no longer had the strength to continue standing, being supported by her father. The people who attended the funeral held his hand, offering their condolences. Some fast, some slow, but all with the word condolences at the end. Malú didn't pay attention to any of that, he just wanted his mother back.

-Let's go, Malú. – orders his father in a sad voice. He looks at the sky that is darker, looking like night - We need to go soon before the rain gets worse.

Malú doesn't answer, doesn't feel the slightest desire to make any decisions from now on. For her, he would stay there forever, just like his mother. Not receiving an answer, he ushers her out of the cemetery. He opens the door of his black Maseratti Quattroporte parked in the driveway, making Malú sit in the passenger seat. He enters through the driver's door and starts the car, driving through the streets of Belo Horizonte.

- Where would you like to go? – asks the father as he is standing at the light.

- Six feet off the ground – Malú replies, looking out the window. She looks at him with her big blue eyes - Or as far away from you as possible, Thiago.

***

Thiago de Almeida, that's the name of Maria Luísa's father, also known for bad tongues, as the playboy who ran away when he discovered his girlfriend's pregnancy. Son of an important judge from Curitiba, he came to Minas Gerais to study Law at the federal government of the state. There he met the academic of Letters, Anna Braga and from that love, Maria Luísa emerged. Rejected by her father before she was born, being raised by Anna, who stopped college and went to work as a receptionist at a hotel to support her daughter, alone, as her parents were already deceased.

Despite everything, Maria Luísa grew up in a happy home, even without her father's presence. Anna never spoke of him to her daughter, as she didn't think it necessary for her to know what kind of person her father was. Malú already knew the story since she was seven years old, when she got home from school she heard Anna's best friend, Aline, talking about Thiago. She knew he'd been a coward and run away when his mother needed him most.

Aside from the fact that he sent money monthly as a way of preventing Anna from revealing that secret to the media, he had no contact with him. Only when the mother forgot some newspaper clipping from Curitiba showing that he had run for state senator, or some magazine talking about his engagement to a lawyer, but nothing about her. Malú always believed that she was the secret unwanted by her father, despite her mother's efforts to get that idea out of her head. Anna used the money to pay Maria Luísa a good school, clothes, food and everything else the girl wanted, which in this case, always had a book addiction. Heavily influenced by Ícaro who became a longtime friend of her mother and Aline's "complicated relationship".

Although he was a figure present in the lives of the three, none of them knew much about this mysterious man's life, except that his work required him to travel every week. Over the years, that was no longer important, as he did everything for them, including getting them a job at the most renowned hotel in Belo Horizonte, among other things whenever they needed it. He ended up becoming the father figure Malú needed.

The years passed quietly, until a year ago, when Anna passed out on the job, being taken to the doctor, where she discovered that she had an inoperable brain tumor and little time to live. When he told Malú, he knew it was time to tell him about her father and call him out.

- You need to be strong. – asks his mother - For both of us.

- But I don't want to be strong. – Malú retorts crying - I want you to stay with me.

- I will always be with you, my dear. – Anna claims hugging her daughter.

- But I want you, here with me, alive. – Maria Luisa replies, walking away.

- It won't be possible. – Anna denies with a sad smile - God wanted me to have to go so you can meet your father and be with him.

- I hate him, I prefer that he die instead of you. – shouts Malú, angry.

- Don't ever say that again! – Anna exclaims angry - He's not bad, as you think. Once you meet him, you'll change your mind. – She touches her daughter's long hair - You have the same hair color as your father, the same eyes, the same mouth and the same temperament. Don't be angry with him. Love him as I do, for he gave you to me.

- I can't. – Malú refuses, closing her eyes.

- Do it for me. – asks Anna touching her daughter's face - When I'm gone, I want you to love him as I love you, promise?

- I'll try. – Malú replies, hugging her mother again.

Thiago did not appear in the first months of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Much less when Anna lost her blond hair. It hurt in Malú, to see his mother waiting anxiously every time his door opened, or when a man with Thiago's characteristics passed by. After a while, Ícaro told them that he needed to travel, this time he wasn't sure if he would come back.

- Goodbye, my dear friend – says goodbye Anna, struggling to smile. Her voice is getting weaker and weaker -Thank you so much for all you've done for us.

- I thank you Anna. You are an angel, I'm sure you'll go to a better place. – says Ícaro kissing her hands - Forgive me for everything I've done... Forgive me for any harm I've done to your family.

- You were an angel in my life. – praises Anna, letting a tear fall down her face - And in the life of my Malú. You are a good man, Ícaro. I'm sure about that. I have no reason to forgive you, because there is nothing to forgive.

He lets go of Anna's hands and leaves the room practically running. He leans against the wall, crying.

-So, you're really leaving? – Aline asks, approaching the one to whom she gave her heart all these years. She holds back all her tears, because she doesn't think he deserves any of them - Will you leave Malú when she needs you most?

- It's needed. – Answers Ícaro controlling himself - It's harder for me than any of you can imagine. If I stay, it will be worse. But believe me, I will always be on Malú's side in some way.

- What about me? – Asks Aline approaching - As for us? Did you think about it too?

- Aline. – calls Ícaro, hugging her - You're the best thing that ever happened to me, but we can't be together. One day you will understand the reason and I hope you understand my reasons... I hope your love overcomes... Everything...

- There's no reason when you love... That's what you told me... Or have you forgotten?

- I'm so sorry. – Ask for Ícaro.

Before Aline could answer, he walks away towards Malú who has just arrived at the hospital, still dressed in her school uniform. He hugs her.

- Don't go. – whispers Malú leaning her head on Ícaro' chest - How am I going to get through this without you?

-You're stronger than you look. – argues Ícaro. He opens his suit, taking a book out of it - I hope you like it.

- I hope to see you again one day. – Malú comments sadly.

-This will happen sooner than you can imagine. – comments Ícaro, giving Malú a kiss on the forehead. - even young lady

- See you. – says Malú, seeing Ícaro walk away. She runs to him and hugs him once more - I wish you were my father, because I already love you as if you were.

- I love you as if you were my daughter, since the first day. – reveals Ícaro, moved. After a few minutes, he pushes the young woman away and walks away saying - See you soon.

***

Anna no longer got out of bed and was barely awake when Thiago appeared. That week had been the happiest for Anna, making Maria Luisa forget her anger at him. One night, Anna asked him to let Thiago be alone with her, leaving Malú worried. The next morning, Anna asked to speak with Aline. As soon as the woman entered the room, she felt that it would be her farewell.

- Hello, my sister. – greets Anna with a weak smile. -I will miss you, my great life companion.

- Hello, my dear sister. – Aline returns holding the hand of the one who has been her friend for over a decade -I will miss you much more than you can imagine.

- It's the end. – Anna confesses sadly - But I can't leave without asking you for a favor first... I promise it will be the last.

-I never bothered to do anything for you. I would do it all over again, a thousand times – comments Aline, feeling the tears roll down her tired face. Can't remember the last time he slept that week.

- I know, but this favor will demand a lot of you. – Anna claims, as she settles in bed. The morphine was no longer effective at that point - I need you to help Thiago be Malú's father.

- No... Not that Anna. – refuses Aline, unhappy - He doesn't deserve it. Ask me for anything but helping that bastard.

- You don't understand now, but one day...you'll know...the whole truth." I talked... With him... And I know everything... About Ícaro... About him... About us...

- What do you know? – Aline asks curiously.

- I can't tell you now, because we have company – explains Anna looking at the door. She takes a deep breath and says aloud - Enter Malú, we need to talk.

Malú enters the room, wondering how her mother knew she was listening near the door.

- Hi, my love. – Anna says trying to get ready in bed - How beautiful you look.

- Thank you. – murmurs Malú - How are you?

- Happy. – Anna replies with a weak smile - You know... We need to talk.

- I'm not ready, Mom. – reveals Malú crying.

- Don't cry, my baby. – asks Anna, trying not to cry - The time has come. You know this would happen... I need to tell you something.

-You can talk. – Malú says, head down.

- I talked to Thiago. – begins Anna slowly - He will take care of you. Don't look at me like that... It's the best thing to do... I know one day you'll understand... He will need you... As much as you will need him...

- Leave me with Aunt Aline, mother. – argues Malú, desperate - I don't even know him.

- But you'll know... I know they'll get along well... – Anna claims, holding Malú's hand. - He's your family now... He'll make a good father. I just want you to know that I will love you forever and I will always be with you. Whenever you need me, I'll be by your side. And in the name of that love, I want you to promise to be nice to him... Promise...?

- Mom... If I promise... You'll leave. – Malú claims nervously crying - I don't want you to go, I won't be able to be nice to him.

- Please, my angel... – she asks in a weak voice - Please... Promise... Promise...

The device fires next to Malú, her mother was without a heartbeat. A team quickly enters the room, trying to revive her, in vain. Anna had died. Maria Luísa crosses the hospital behind Thiago when she finds him and punches him in the chest.

-You killed my mother! I hate you! I hate you! You should have died! – explodes being held by him who hugs her.

***

Now they are in Maria Luísa's house, in her living room. Thiago stretches, taking off his black suit and looks at her seriously.

- Tomorrow morning, we will go to Curitiba, I already spoke with your grandmother and she already got a place in the best school, besides seeing that your room is the best. – Informs Thiago, trying to bring up the subject. He smiles slightly pointing to his daughter's hair and confesses - You remind me a little of your mother... Your haircut... It's the same one she used...

-When did you abandon her? – Malú interrupts harshly.

- Sorry if I've been away all these years. – asks Thiago with his head down.

-It was sixteen years, to be exact. – Corrects an angry Malú. - My life without a father was great. I do not need you! Do yourself a favor: Don't talk to me.

Before Thiago could argue, Malú runs up the stairs. She locks the door to her mother's room and looks into the mirror. It really did remind her a little of her mother, but instead of being happy, she was angry at the image. She takes the scissors from the dresser drawer and looks in the mirror once more.

She holds a lock of her hair and cuts it, while crying. He didn't want to remember his mother... He takes another bunch of his hair and cuts it angrily, not caring if it would be uneven... He didn't want Thiago to say that anymore... He takes his bangs and cuts them mercilessly. Every time she remembers the day she had, she feels more like cutting her hair, being overcome by anger. Strand after strand falls onto the bedroom carpet, along with the young woman's tears. When he finished, his hair was very short and in some spots his scalp showed. She drops the scissors on the dresser and goes to her mother's bed, where she cries herself to sleep.

***

Malú wakes up to a knock on her door, she opens it letting Aline in. As soon as her aunt sees her, she was perplexed.

- What did you do with your hair, Malú? – Asks Aline irritated. She touches Malú's head - You ruined your hair, girl. Why did it?

Maria Luísa opens her lips to answer her aunt, but something is wrong. She doesn't hear anything coming out of her mouth. Aline continues to stare at her, making the young woman more nervous. His voice didn't come out despairing.

- Malú? Are you okay? – Aline asks nervously, holding Malú by the shoulders - Answer! Say something! Come on.

But nothing came out even if Maria Luisa tried. She tries her best, but no grunt comes out, nothing. I was voiceless. She panics, breathing harder. The young woman begins to see the room spin more and more. He feels his strength fading and the last thing he sees is the portrait of his mother on the nightstand.

- Thiago! Help! – shouts Aline holding Malú already fainted. - Malú is not well! Help me! Someone help me!