CHAPTER 96

The sun began to bid farewell on the horizon, painting the sky with gentle shades of orange and blue as Helena parked the pickup truck in the garage. She took a deep breath, feeling the tension of the afternoon still lingering, but seeing her children playing in the garden brought a sense of calm.

Isabel, Antônio, and Emanoel ran across the lawn, immersed in their games, oblivious to the challenges the adult world could bring. Helena approached slowly, admiring them. As she joined them, she crouched down to their level.

“Do you know how special you are?” Helena began, looking into her children's eyes.

The curious gazes of the children fixed on their mother, eager for the conversation. Helena continued with a gentle yet firm voice, “I want you to promise me something. Promise me that you will never let anyone treat you as if you are worth less than you truly are.”

Surprised by their mother's request, the children nodded in unison. “We promise, Mom,” Isabel replied, while Antônio and Em