CHAPTER 87

Bruno's parents' house in Cuiabá was a quiet refuge amidst the bustle of the city. It was a spacious building, surrounded by a well-maintained garden, where palm trees stood out under the scorching sun of Mato Grosso. The sound of local birds filled the air as Helena and her children, Isabel, Antônio, and Emanoel, entered through the front door.

Helena instructed the children to go take a shower, allowing them to rest after the journey, while she took charge of preparing lunch herself. The kitchen was spacious and well-lit, with a window overlooking the backyard where some fruit trees grew, providing refreshing shade.

The golden sun peeked through the window, creating dancing shadows on the kitchen walls. As the pan heated on the stove, she found herself immersed in her thoughts, replaying the argument she had had with Bruno. Those harsh words echoed in her mind. She felt hurt and misunderstood, as if her decision to follow her heart and prioritize the safety of her children was inter