NELLY Tears fall from my eyes and reach the black velvet, I cry for him, for Lígia, for Luís Miguel and for the baby who never had the chance to live. I cry for all the innocent victims who died because of irresponsible drivers, drunk idiots who only think about themselves and how drunk they can get. I cry as I put everything back in its place, I continue to allow the tears to fall as I slide the tape and close the boxes, but I wince when I hear footsteps coming, I wipe the tears with the wrist of the shirt I wear and drop the work in half, walking on tiptoe and turning off the light before peeping through the door and escaping to the pool area, diving into the cold water to hide the tears, a few minutes later I hear my name in his mouth and he comes through the door like a rocket, eyes sharp and a serious face. He knows. I hug my own body, feeling the fabric of the blouse stick to my skin with the help of the water. David Rosna and ergolook into his, finding hunger in place of ange

DAVID "You really don't want me to take you to the hospital?" I squeezed my partner and friend's shoulder, understanding the intensity of the pain he was feeling. Years ago it was me, the same lost look and countenance. My chest tightens, because it's like looking in the mirror. But there is still hope for him. "No, I called her parents. I... Uh." Her gaze meets mine, stunned, and I can see the tears welling up in her eyes. "She's my life, man. I can't lose this woman." I sigh and pull into a hug. Giulliard cries like a frightened child in my arms. "You won't." I say, though I have not the slightest idea of your bride's present state, because that is the only comfort I can offer, and I hope it is all that a tormented heart needs. "She's so perfect, man. So full of life that even when she's grieving and having big problems to solve, she's the most amazing person I've ever met." I keep quiet, realizing it's a vent, he needs it and all I'm going to do is listen. "We never got b

NELLY I stare at my best friend's face in disbelief, my eyes blink, and a few tears come down. By the time I thought it was too late, my feet had carried me to the outside of the restaurant. I stopped in front of Alice and pulled my best friend's arm, leading her away from Edward. The expression on her face was the same as mine, disbelief and dread. ''Nelly.'' My name came out like an uncertain whisper from his mouth, and I couldn't stop blinking. This can only be a dream. "You're here..." I mean, still incredulous. "How are you here? How did I not know you were coming back?" The flurry of questions, picking up a loose strand of her hair and assessing the new hue. Platinum blonde, almost as white as your skin. "I can explain, it's not what it seems." My eyes returned to Edward at the same moment, realizing that his attention is also focused on me. I look back at Alice, expecting a logical explanation for the scene that I had come to believe there was one. "How did this happen? I

NELLY"Are you okay?" I wipe away the first tears with my fingertips and stare into Kiara's eyes, forcing a closed-mouth smile. Not knowing what to say, I just bang my head in denial. "Okay, come here." She pulls me into a hug, stroking my back with the tips of her nails like only a cat would."Get me out of here." I can tell, feeling such an emptiness in my chest that it's hard to breathe. ''Please, Kiara.''''Shiiii... Let's go, honey."I bring the air into my lungs and then let it out, counting the seconds in thought. She wraps her arms around us and I walk to her rhythm, taking it one step at a time."I don't feel anything." I check, bringing my right hand to my chest to check the heartbeat and make sure I still have the heart beating. "It's like I'm numb" I add.''Just breathe,'' Kiara whispers, opening the exit door as she looks at me sideways and waits for me to take a step."He doesn't love me, I've never had any chance.""Who?" she asks, dragging her open hand down my back in

NELLYI walk home with my thoughts far away, feeling a knot in my stomach and vomit come up to my throat. I lean against a random wall and count how long it will take me to get into my apartment. My cell phone rings in my purse and I ignore it, going back to walking when I feel better, but suddenly the idea of ​​going home and not finding anyone turns me off, my cell phone rings again and I stop to answer it. Surprise and acting on autoTheticO, I confirm to Octávio that I'm on my way to his lecture.Where was it again?''Yes, of course I know where it is. ''I speak convincingly, not wanting to poke holes in my own lie. Even so, he speaks the address slowly, insisting on repeating it twice more for me to memorize. I turn off the phone, pack my bags in my purse, and hail a cab.Twenty-three minutes later, I get out of the car and parachute into the courtyard of a college crowded with women.The mix of voices causes an echo even outdoors and I feel diminished in front of so many eyes.''I