Story The Turn Of The Draw- Rewrite
- Thread starter Lylythye
- Start date
Chapter 27
The walk home seemed longer than usual, perhaps because my body still carried the traces of the apathy that had taken over me in the morning. I arrived and took a deep breath, letting the gentle breeze hit my face. Before anything else, I started to delimit the campfire area, carefully surrounding it with stones I found on the ground, creating a barrier for greater safety.
Then, I went to the house and opened all the windows and doors to let fresh air circulate through the rooms. The light breeze swept through the space, clearing the feeling of stagnation. It gave me a small feeling of control, as if I was organizing something inside myself by preparing everything around it.
As I finished arranging the fire, I heard familiar voices and turned to see the group arriving. They were loaded with backpacks and sleeping bags, each with their own equipment. As soon as they arrived, we started setting up the tents. Izzy, with her usual energy, was next to me, but soon noticed my less excited expression.
— Hey, Anna, you seem a little distant today — she said with a tone of concern, setting up the tent and glancing in my direction from time to time.
I smiled lightly, trying to hide it. — I've had a bit of a rough week, that's all.
Izzy nodded with an understanding look, leaving space for me to speak, but without pressing. We talked about trivial things while we set up the tents, which brought a little lightness to the moment. I felt that that environment and their presence were beginning to fulfill the role I had hoped for: removing the shadows of relapse.
With everything organized and the group installed, we started the night in a more relaxed mood, and, little by little, I started to feel some of my energy returning.
When we finished we did a draw to decide what the first activity would be and it ended up being card games.
Sitting around the makeshift table, the entire group was focused on a heated game of Uno. The laughter and shouts of “Buy four!” echoed throughout the land, leaving the atmosphere light and relaxed. It was fun to see everyone's competitiveness come to the fore, with strategies to make the opponent accumulate cards or to turn the game around at the last minute. I also entered the spirit, allowing myself to laugh without reservation, slowly forgetting the remnants of sadness that still lingered in me.
When the sky began to darken, Vânia got up and went to the makeshift stove to check the food. The delicious aroma was already beginning to spread, awakening the group's appetite even more. While we waited, someone brought up a classic camp song, and soon everyone was singing along. It was as if we had gone back in time, remembering songs that seemed to be part of some distant and nostalgic summer. The voices mixed with the sound of the wind and the crackling of the fire that was beginning to form, creating an almost magical scene.
Soon the food was ready, we had dinner amid laughter and funny stories, with the sky already full of stars. It was cold, but the heat from the fire kept us warm and close. After eating, we stayed there for a while longer, each wrapped in a blanket, and then the inevitable idea of telling horror stories came. We were adults, but it seemed impossible to resist a good legend around the campfire.
Izzy was the first to start, with a story about a traveler who got lost on a deserted road and encountered a specter that guided him back to the same point he started from, night after night. The shadows of the surrounding trees and the dim light of the fire created a gloomy atmosphere, leaving every little sound amplified and a little scarier than it should have been. A shiver ran down my spine, and I found myself looking back, just to make sure we were truly alone there.
Then, it was Marcus's turn, who told about a house haunted by a woman who waited forever for the return of her husband lost at sea. He described the woman's figure as pale, with empty eyes and a floating veil, which made the whole group cower a little closer to the fire, although we tried to laugh at the situation. Each legend made us look at each other in silence, as if a monster could appear at any moment from the other side of the trees.
It was late when we finished, exhausted and laughing nervously as we each got ready for bed. That night around the campfire, between laughter, singing and scares, seemed to have been exactly what I needed.
The walk home seemed longer than usual, perhaps because my body still carried the traces of the apathy that had taken over me in the morning. I arrived and took a deep breath, letting the gentle breeze hit my face. Before anything else, I started to delimit the campfire area, carefully surrounding it with stones I found on the ground, creating a barrier for greater safety.
Then, I went to the house and opened all the windows and doors to let fresh air circulate through the rooms. The light breeze swept through the space, clearing the feeling of stagnation. It gave me a small feeling of control, as if I was organizing something inside myself by preparing everything around it.
As I finished arranging the fire, I heard familiar voices and turned to see the group arriving. They were loaded with backpacks and sleeping bags, each with their own equipment. As soon as they arrived, we started setting up the tents. Izzy, with her usual energy, was next to me, but soon noticed my less excited expression.
— Hey, Anna, you seem a little distant today — she said with a tone of concern, setting up the tent and glancing in my direction from time to time.
I smiled lightly, trying to hide it. — I've had a bit of a rough week, that's all.
Izzy nodded with an understanding look, leaving space for me to speak, but without pressing. We talked about trivial things while we set up the tents, which brought a little lightness to the moment. I felt that that environment and their presence were beginning to fulfill the role I had hoped for: removing the shadows of relapse.
With everything organized and the group installed, we started the night in a more relaxed mood, and, little by little, I started to feel some of my energy returning.
When we finished we did a draw to decide what the first activity would be and it ended up being card games.
Sitting around the makeshift table, the entire group was focused on a heated game of Uno. The laughter and shouts of “Buy four!” echoed throughout the land, leaving the atmosphere light and relaxed. It was fun to see everyone's competitiveness come to the fore, with strategies to make the opponent accumulate cards or to turn the game around at the last minute. I also entered the spirit, allowing myself to laugh without reservation, slowly forgetting the remnants of sadness that still lingered in me.
When the sky began to darken, Vânia got up and went to the makeshift stove to check the food. The delicious aroma was already beginning to spread, awakening the group's appetite even more. While we waited, someone brought up a classic camp song, and soon everyone was singing along. It was as if we had gone back in time, remembering songs that seemed to be part of some distant and nostalgic summer. The voices mixed with the sound of the wind and the crackling of the fire that was beginning to form, creating an almost magical scene.
Soon the food was ready, we had dinner amid laughter and funny stories, with the sky already full of stars. It was cold, but the heat from the fire kept us warm and close. After eating, we stayed there for a while longer, each wrapped in a blanket, and then the inevitable idea of telling horror stories came. We were adults, but it seemed impossible to resist a good legend around the campfire.
Izzy was the first to start, with a story about a traveler who got lost on a deserted road and encountered a specter that guided him back to the same point he started from, night after night. The shadows of the surrounding trees and the dim light of the fire created a gloomy atmosphere, leaving every little sound amplified and a little scarier than it should have been. A shiver ran down my spine, and I found myself looking back, just to make sure we were truly alone there.
Then, it was Marcus's turn, who told about a house haunted by a woman who waited forever for the return of her husband lost at sea. He described the woman's figure as pale, with empty eyes and a floating veil, which made the whole group cower a little closer to the fire, although we tried to laugh at the situation. Each legend made us look at each other in silence, as if a monster could appear at any moment from the other side of the trees.
It was late when we finished, exhausted and laughing nervously as we each got ready for bed. That night around the campfire, between laughter, singing and scares, seemed to have been exactly what I needed.
Chapter 28
I woke up with that peaceful feeling, without major positive or negative emotions. When I left the tent, I noticed that everyone in the camp was still sleeping, so I decided to take advantage of the moment to prepare breakfast. I remembered that I could record a video of cooking outside, something new that might catch the public's attention.
I turned on the camera and, smiling a little to hide my sleepiness, started recording:
- Good morning guys! I woke up early here at camp and, taking advantage of the fact that everything is still quiet, I'm going to show you a homemade pancake recipe, in larger proportions, which serves twenty-four portions. So, let's go!
As I spoke, I separated the ingredients and explained:
— We will use four cups of wheat flour, four tablespoons of chemical yeast, one teaspoon of salt, nine tablespoons of margarine, four cups of water and four cups of sugar.
I mixed everything until the dough was homogeneous, and I poured it onto the hot plate, which was already on top of the stove. Meanwhile I put the coffee water to boil. The smell of frying dough started to spread throughout the camp, and I saw some tents starting to move.
A short time later, the coffee was ready and the pancakes, with that golden color and delicious smell, were stacked. I turned off the camera and, within a few minutes, the group left the tents. Peter, smiling, came to me:
— Thanks for breakfast, Anna. I saw that he was recording, so I decided not to disturb him.
- No problem! - I respond with a smile. – I made enough so that everyone can eat two pancakes. – I keep increasing the volume of my voice so everyone can hear.
Everyone took their pancakes and added peanut butter or honey and banana. Sitting around the fire, eating together, it was easy to forget any worries.
While we were eating, Lucas sat next to me and started a conversation:
— So, Anna, tell me a little about the house. Are you excited?
I talked about the plans and challenges, and he mentioned that he was a plumber. Before long, we were talking about the bathroom, and he gave me several helpful tips.
When we finished breakfast, the group of eleven people began preparing for the trail to the waterfall. Everyone was adjusting their backpacks enthusiastically, laughing and exchanging stories about past trails. Vânia came to me, smiling, and invited me to come along:
— Anna, let's take a bath in the waterfall! It will be invigorating.
I declined with a smile, explaining:
— I would love to, but I need to organize the house. I brought some boxes that need to be packed and there are still a lot of things to put in their place.
With an understanding nod, Vânia nodded, and, after dismantling the camp, the group said goodbye, promising to share photos later. I was alone again, and the tranquility of that place enveloped me.
I took the opportunity to get the car, parked on the side of the street near the house, and brought it closer. I decided to start a live and show a little of my organization routine. I turned on the car stereo to make the task easier and started:
- Hey guys! Today is organization day in the new house! I'll fix a few things and show you the process. Stay with me!
The first task was to fix a bookshelf that was crooked. I grabbed the tools and concentrated, adjusting the screws until it was tight and aligned. Then, I brought a box full of books and organized them on the shelf, taking the opportunity to share my opinions about each one.
— Come on, these are the ‘Mortal Instruments’ books. It was the first time I shipped a gay couple, my favorite literary battle couple Magnus Bane and Alec LightWood, for Malec fans. They have a dynamic that I love! I always thought that Alec's story could yield a lot if it were told in the first person, with him narrating his own life.
As I put on the Bridgertons volume, I continued:
— The Bridgertons... Ah, family full of controversy, I have mixed feelings for the family so I almost left it. But it was Penelope, our queen, who made me continue reading until the end of the series. She's incredible, right?
Finally, I picked up the Harry Potter volumes, feeling the weight of nostalgia:
— These have accompanied me since childhood. I find it impressive how the themes remain so complex and timeless. Every time I read it, I see something new and interpret it differently.
After all the books were properly organized, I went to the bedroom to put my shoes in the closet. I was exhausted, but the feeling of having everything in place gave me peace of mind.
I turned off the live stream, saved the video, and, with the house tidier, I picked up my things and returned to the apartment, where I would have dinner with the girls, recharging my energy for another day.
I woke up with that peaceful feeling, without major positive or negative emotions. When I left the tent, I noticed that everyone in the camp was still sleeping, so I decided to take advantage of the moment to prepare breakfast. I remembered that I could record a video of cooking outside, something new that might catch the public's attention.
I turned on the camera and, smiling a little to hide my sleepiness, started recording:
- Good morning guys! I woke up early here at camp and, taking advantage of the fact that everything is still quiet, I'm going to show you a homemade pancake recipe, in larger proportions, which serves twenty-four portions. So, let's go!
As I spoke, I separated the ingredients and explained:
— We will use four cups of wheat flour, four tablespoons of chemical yeast, one teaspoon of salt, nine tablespoons of margarine, four cups of water and four cups of sugar.
I mixed everything until the dough was homogeneous, and I poured it onto the hot plate, which was already on top of the stove. Meanwhile I put the coffee water to boil. The smell of frying dough started to spread throughout the camp, and I saw some tents starting to move.
A short time later, the coffee was ready and the pancakes, with that golden color and delicious smell, were stacked. I turned off the camera and, within a few minutes, the group left the tents. Peter, smiling, came to me:
— Thanks for breakfast, Anna. I saw that he was recording, so I decided not to disturb him.
- No problem! - I respond with a smile. – I made enough so that everyone can eat two pancakes. – I keep increasing the volume of my voice so everyone can hear.
Everyone took their pancakes and added peanut butter or honey and banana. Sitting around the fire, eating together, it was easy to forget any worries.
While we were eating, Lucas sat next to me and started a conversation:
— So, Anna, tell me a little about the house. Are you excited?
I talked about the plans and challenges, and he mentioned that he was a plumber. Before long, we were talking about the bathroom, and he gave me several helpful tips.
When we finished breakfast, the group of eleven people began preparing for the trail to the waterfall. Everyone was adjusting their backpacks enthusiastically, laughing and exchanging stories about past trails. Vânia came to me, smiling, and invited me to come along:
— Anna, let's take a bath in the waterfall! It will be invigorating.
I declined with a smile, explaining:
— I would love to, but I need to organize the house. I brought some boxes that need to be packed and there are still a lot of things to put in their place.
With an understanding nod, Vânia nodded, and, after dismantling the camp, the group said goodbye, promising to share photos later. I was alone again, and the tranquility of that place enveloped me.
I took the opportunity to get the car, parked on the side of the street near the house, and brought it closer. I decided to start a live and show a little of my organization routine. I turned on the car stereo to make the task easier and started:
- Hey guys! Today is organization day in the new house! I'll fix a few things and show you the process. Stay with me!
The first task was to fix a bookshelf that was crooked. I grabbed the tools and concentrated, adjusting the screws until it was tight and aligned. Then, I brought a box full of books and organized them on the shelf, taking the opportunity to share my opinions about each one.
— Come on, these are the ‘Mortal Instruments’ books. It was the first time I shipped a gay couple, my favorite literary battle couple Magnus Bane and Alec LightWood, for Malec fans. They have a dynamic that I love! I always thought that Alec's story could yield a lot if it were told in the first person, with him narrating his own life.
As I put on the Bridgertons volume, I continued:
— The Bridgertons... Ah, family full of controversy, I have mixed feelings for the family so I almost left it. But it was Penelope, our queen, who made me continue reading until the end of the series. She's incredible, right?
Finally, I picked up the Harry Potter volumes, feeling the weight of nostalgia:
— These have accompanied me since childhood. I find it impressive how the themes remain so complex and timeless. Every time I read it, I see something new and interpret it differently.
After all the books were properly organized, I went to the bedroom to put my shoes in the closet. I was exhausted, but the feeling of having everything in place gave me peace of mind.
I turned off the live stream, saved the video, and, with the house tidier, I picked up my things and returned to the apartment, where I would have dinner with the girls, recharging my energy for another day.
Chapter 29
When the video started gaining views, I couldn't believe what was happening. My hands shook as I refreshed the screen again and again, watching the numbers grow like never before. "This can't be real," I thought, barely breathing, as the likes and comments rose at breakneck speed. A mix of euphoria and disbelief overwhelmed me, as if something big was finally happening, something I had waited for without knowing it. Each new notification was a reaffirmation that people were actually watching, that my video of cooking outside at camp had touched more people than I ever imagined.
Little by little, I began to realize the scale of this. I… I had gone viral, my video had really trended. That word resonated in my head like a song I wanted to repeat over and over again. Everything I had been doing was paying off. Suddenly, I felt recognized in a way I could barely describe, as if all the effort and every little attempt to grow had finally come together into something big.
Unable to contain my joy, I let out a scream of emotion, a spontaneous and loud sound that echoed throughout the apartment. Carla and Vânia, scared by the commotion, came running to see what was happening. Without hesitation, I jumped at them, squeezing them in a strong hug, and, unable to contain my happiness, I babbled repeatedly:
— I went viral! I went viral!
My eyes shone, and the words came out mixed with laughter and tears. It didn't matter if it was making sense or not, because at that moment, all I wanted was to share that feeling with them, to feel like it was real. I wasn't dreaming.
When the video started gaining views, I couldn't believe what was happening. My hands shook as I refreshed the screen again and again, watching the numbers grow like never before. "This can't be real," I thought, barely breathing, as the likes and comments rose at breakneck speed. A mix of euphoria and disbelief overwhelmed me, as if something big was finally happening, something I had waited for without knowing it. Each new notification was a reaffirmation that people were actually watching, that my video of cooking outside at camp had touched more people than I ever imagined.
Little by little, I began to realize the scale of this. I… I had gone viral, my video had really trended. That word resonated in my head like a song I wanted to repeat over and over again. Everything I had been doing was paying off. Suddenly, I felt recognized in a way I could barely describe, as if all the effort and every little attempt to grow had finally come together into something big.
Unable to contain my joy, I let out a scream of emotion, a spontaneous and loud sound that echoed throughout the apartment. Carla and Vânia, scared by the commotion, came running to see what was happening. Without hesitation, I jumped at them, squeezing them in a strong hug, and, unable to contain my happiness, I babbled repeatedly:
— I went viral! I went viral!
My eyes shone, and the words came out mixed with laughter and tears. It didn't matter if it was making sense or not, because at that moment, all I wanted was to share that feeling with them, to feel like it was real. I wasn't dreaming.
Chapter 30
With a plan in mind thanks to my conversation with Lucas over the weekend and a tight budget, I went straight to shopping after work. I knew exactly what I needed to create a functional bathroom, even without running water, so I did the math while choosing each item, trying to maintain a balance between practicality and cost.
First, I put two 10-gallon aluminum buckets in the cart, which cost me $16 in total. Then, I found a simple shower with a built-in valve for just $4.80, and soon I also picked up a small children's pool for $7.61, which would serve as a floor for the bath. I continued passing through the hallways until I found a rustic solid wood chair that seemed perfect for the improvised “vase”; it was the most expensive item, at $23.92, but it would be worth it for the stability. The toilet seat cost another $4, and I finished the purchase by getting a 5 kg bag of gravel for $2.56 and a 4 kg bag of cat litter, to complete the bathroom structure.
Totaling all items, the final value was $58.89. Deducting this amount from the $1249.82 I had saved, I was left with $1190.93. I smiled with satisfaction, feeling that every penny was being well invested in making the house more livable.
The next day, with everything in hand, I went straight home after work and turned on the camera for a live stream, excited to show the entire process to whoever was watching.
"Hi, everyone! Today I'm going to show you how to set up a basic bathroom without running water," I began, explaining step by step while placing the materials in front of the camera.
First, I improvised the toilet with the wooden chair. I removed the seat boards and fitted the toilet seat there, securing it carefully so that it was firm. Then, I positioned the bucket with gravel and cat litter under the chair, explaining the choice of these materials to help with absorption and avoid odors.
With the "vase" ready, I headed to the shower. I took the second bucket, drilled a hole in the bottom, installed the shower with the built-in valve and hung the bucket on a hook in the ceiling. The children's pool was right below, serving as a base for bathing.
I finished the video with a smile of mission accomplished, saying goodbye to those watching I saved the video feeling that this was another step towards transforming the place into a true home.
With a plan in mind thanks to my conversation with Lucas over the weekend and a tight budget, I went straight to shopping after work. I knew exactly what I needed to create a functional bathroom, even without running water, so I did the math while choosing each item, trying to maintain a balance between practicality and cost.
First, I put two 10-gallon aluminum buckets in the cart, which cost me $16 in total. Then, I found a simple shower with a built-in valve for just $4.80, and soon I also picked up a small children's pool for $7.61, which would serve as a floor for the bath. I continued passing through the hallways until I found a rustic solid wood chair that seemed perfect for the improvised “vase”; it was the most expensive item, at $23.92, but it would be worth it for the stability. The toilet seat cost another $4, and I finished the purchase by getting a 5 kg bag of gravel for $2.56 and a 4 kg bag of cat litter, to complete the bathroom structure.
Totaling all items, the final value was $58.89. Deducting this amount from the $1249.82 I had saved, I was left with $1190.93. I smiled with satisfaction, feeling that every penny was being well invested in making the house more livable.
The next day, with everything in hand, I went straight home after work and turned on the camera for a live stream, excited to show the entire process to whoever was watching.
"Hi, everyone! Today I'm going to show you how to set up a basic bathroom without running water," I began, explaining step by step while placing the materials in front of the camera.
First, I improvised the toilet with the wooden chair. I removed the seat boards and fitted the toilet seat there, securing it carefully so that it was firm. Then, I positioned the bucket with gravel and cat litter under the chair, explaining the choice of these materials to help with absorption and avoid odors.
With the "vase" ready, I headed to the shower. I took the second bucket, drilled a hole in the bottom, installed the shower with the built-in valve and hung the bucket on a hook in the ceiling. The children's pool was right below, serving as a base for bathing.
I finished the video with a smile of mission accomplished, saying goodbye to those watching I saved the video feeling that this was another step towards transforming the place into a true home.
Chapter 31
The day started like any other Wednesday at the restaurant. I was ready for another journey, moving between tables, taking orders and filling glasses with water, but trying to keep the pace light. Between one order and another, the movement began to grow, and I was already preparing myself for the frantic routine that was repeated at each lunch.
It was then that he arrived, a new, handsome customer, with that easy smile that I could almost bet he used for everything. Sitting at one of the tables next to the counter, he ordered a coffee and a slice of cake. I took the order and, without meaning to, noticed when he looked at me, holding his gaze a little longer than expected. I looked away, smiling to hide it.
— Coffee and cake. Anything else? I asked, trying to maintain a professional tone.
He smiled, that casual smile that almost made me forget where I was.
— Maybe another chance to talk? Or a recommendation of what else is good here besides the coffee?
The comment made me smile a little more. — Well, they say the house's cheese bread is the perfect combination with coffee. But, of course, it will depend on taste.
Conversation goes on, conversation comes, he was clearly trying to extend the conversation, and I, between one delivery and another, couldn't help but make a little conversation. It was one of those changes that made the day lighter, leaving a different energy in the air. Still, I soon had to get back into the rhythm. Between tables and orders, I could only notice when he finished his coffee, gave me one last look and left the payment on the table with a smile and a “See you next time.”
At the end of the day, I returned to the apartment with that tired look, but my mind was still stuck on that flirtation, wondering if I would see him again. And as soon as I entered, Carla was at the door with a big smile and... roses! Rose bushes, in fact, with tiny flower buds in a vibrant yellow that seemed to light up the room.
— Gift for you! — she said, with a sparkle in her eyes. — I thought you might want to plant something pretty in your new home.
— Carla, I loved it! — he said, hugging her. I could already imagine these rose bushes planted close to the facade, giving life to the entrance and making the place feel even more like mine.
— I remembered that you said you painted the inside of the house creamy yellow and the outside walls white, so I thought it would look amazing to have the flowers outside reflecting the interior decoration — Carla explained, excited and visibly proud of her choice.
— You chose your job well, your taste is impeccable! — I said as we sat on the couch.
We talked about her work in the garden, while I looked at the flowers. Little by little, I felt like every detail was finally taking shape, filling the house and my life with new colors and meanings.
With a renewed feeling of gratitude, I decided to research the meaning of the yellow roses that Carla had given me. It was fascinating to discover how this gift carried deep layers and symbolism. In addition to matching the decor, yellow roses are a symbol of friendship, joy, gratitude, happiness, light and renewal. The color yellow is associated with positive emotions such as optimism, relaxation, warmth and light.
Gifting someone with yellow roses is a way of showing affection and appreciation, especially in moments of gratitude and celebration. I shared this discovery with Carla, who opened a surprised smile and said:
— Working with flowers really requires knowing these things, but I didn't expect you to research them!
“I couldn't help it,” I replied, smiling. — Knowing the meaning makes the gift even more special.
The conversation continued, and we spent the rest of the evening talking about my garden and ideas for the currently empty backyard. With every detail discussed, I could almost visualize the rose bushes in full bloom, their yellow petals bringing life to the white facade and reflecting the welcoming tone of the interior. Carla's gift, so carefully chosen, seemed like the first step in transforming the house into a real home.
The day started like any other Wednesday at the restaurant. I was ready for another journey, moving between tables, taking orders and filling glasses with water, but trying to keep the pace light. Between one order and another, the movement began to grow, and I was already preparing myself for the frantic routine that was repeated at each lunch.
It was then that he arrived, a new, handsome customer, with that easy smile that I could almost bet he used for everything. Sitting at one of the tables next to the counter, he ordered a coffee and a slice of cake. I took the order and, without meaning to, noticed when he looked at me, holding his gaze a little longer than expected. I looked away, smiling to hide it.
— Coffee and cake. Anything else? I asked, trying to maintain a professional tone.
He smiled, that casual smile that almost made me forget where I was.
— Maybe another chance to talk? Or a recommendation of what else is good here besides the coffee?
The comment made me smile a little more. — Well, they say the house's cheese bread is the perfect combination with coffee. But, of course, it will depend on taste.
Conversation goes on, conversation comes, he was clearly trying to extend the conversation, and I, between one delivery and another, couldn't help but make a little conversation. It was one of those changes that made the day lighter, leaving a different energy in the air. Still, I soon had to get back into the rhythm. Between tables and orders, I could only notice when he finished his coffee, gave me one last look and left the payment on the table with a smile and a “See you next time.”
At the end of the day, I returned to the apartment with that tired look, but my mind was still stuck on that flirtation, wondering if I would see him again. And as soon as I entered, Carla was at the door with a big smile and... roses! Rose bushes, in fact, with tiny flower buds in a vibrant yellow that seemed to light up the room.
— Gift for you! — she said, with a sparkle in her eyes. — I thought you might want to plant something pretty in your new home.
— Carla, I loved it! — he said, hugging her. I could already imagine these rose bushes planted close to the facade, giving life to the entrance and making the place feel even more like mine.
— I remembered that you said you painted the inside of the house creamy yellow and the outside walls white, so I thought it would look amazing to have the flowers outside reflecting the interior decoration — Carla explained, excited and visibly proud of her choice.
— You chose your job well, your taste is impeccable! — I said as we sat on the couch.
We talked about her work in the garden, while I looked at the flowers. Little by little, I felt like every detail was finally taking shape, filling the house and my life with new colors and meanings.
With a renewed feeling of gratitude, I decided to research the meaning of the yellow roses that Carla had given me. It was fascinating to discover how this gift carried deep layers and symbolism. In addition to matching the decor, yellow roses are a symbol of friendship, joy, gratitude, happiness, light and renewal. The color yellow is associated with positive emotions such as optimism, relaxation, warmth and light.
Gifting someone with yellow roses is a way of showing affection and appreciation, especially in moments of gratitude and celebration. I shared this discovery with Carla, who opened a surprised smile and said:
— Working with flowers really requires knowing these things, but I didn't expect you to research them!
“I couldn't help it,” I replied, smiling. — Knowing the meaning makes the gift even more special.
The conversation continued, and we spent the rest of the evening talking about my garden and ideas for the currently empty backyard. With every detail discussed, I could almost visualize the rose bushes in full bloom, their yellow petals bringing life to the white facade and reflecting the welcoming tone of the interior. Carla's gift, so carefully chosen, seemed like the first step in transforming the house into a real home.
Chapter 32
After investing $120 in airtight glass jars, I went to work as usual, but deep down, I was eager to put my new idea into practice. As soon as I arrived at the apartment, I set up the camera and started recording.
— Hello, I'm Anna and I'm moving to a house that doesn't have electricity — I said, smiling. — One of the biggest challenges will be the lack of a refrigerator, so today I'm going to show you how to preserve food so it doesn't spoil. And the first of them will be pork! I'm going to do it like I used to, preserving meat in a can... or, in this case, in glass jars.
I started by seasoning the pork and cutting it into pieces, explaining the details. Then, while the lard was heating, I continued the process: I fried the pieces in the very hot fat and, when finished, I added a layer of lard to the bottom of the pot and waited for it to harden a little before adding the meat. With the airtight pot filled, I finished with another layer of lard, sealing the meat.
— Now, the red meat! — I continued. — I'm using duckling, but you can adapt it with the meat of your choice. I remove any sinew or fat and cut into three centimeter strips. Then season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper. I'm going to let it rest for six hours in the fridge, and in the meantime, I'm going to store other items.
I took the pots and, one by one, I filled them with white rice, spaghetti, finely flaked oats, tapioca starch, corn flakes, white flour and dried black beans, while I explained the precautions to preserve each one of them. . The next step was to prepare the vegetables, such as cabbage and lettuce: I washed, dried and cut them into thin strips, interspersing them with paper towels between layers to absorb moisture and increase durability.
— Potatoes, sweet potatoes, radishes, beets, cassava, turnips and carrots are simpler. They need a dry, airy place away from light to preserve them better — I added, taking the opportunity to organize everything in the coolest corner of the room.
When the red meat's time in the fridge had passed, I removed it and placed it in a pan to dehydrate in the oven. I finished the process, packed it in airtight containers, and after saying goodbye to the recording, I felt that relief and pride.
I turned off the camera, happy with the progress and preparation for the new life in the house. That night, I went to sleep with a different peace, knowing that tomorrow was Friday, my last day in the apartment before starting this new chapter.
After investing $120 in airtight glass jars, I went to work as usual, but deep down, I was eager to put my new idea into practice. As soon as I arrived at the apartment, I set up the camera and started recording.
— Hello, I'm Anna and I'm moving to a house that doesn't have electricity — I said, smiling. — One of the biggest challenges will be the lack of a refrigerator, so today I'm going to show you how to preserve food so it doesn't spoil. And the first of them will be pork! I'm going to do it like I used to, preserving meat in a can... or, in this case, in glass jars.
I started by seasoning the pork and cutting it into pieces, explaining the details. Then, while the lard was heating, I continued the process: I fried the pieces in the very hot fat and, when finished, I added a layer of lard to the bottom of the pot and waited for it to harden a little before adding the meat. With the airtight pot filled, I finished with another layer of lard, sealing the meat.
— Now, the red meat! — I continued. — I'm using duckling, but you can adapt it with the meat of your choice. I remove any sinew or fat and cut into three centimeter strips. Then season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper. I'm going to let it rest for six hours in the fridge, and in the meantime, I'm going to store other items.
I took the pots and, one by one, I filled them with white rice, spaghetti, finely flaked oats, tapioca starch, corn flakes, white flour and dried black beans, while I explained the precautions to preserve each one of them. . The next step was to prepare the vegetables, such as cabbage and lettuce: I washed, dried and cut them into thin strips, interspersing them with paper towels between layers to absorb moisture and increase durability.
— Potatoes, sweet potatoes, radishes, beets, cassava, turnips and carrots are simpler. They need a dry, airy place away from light to preserve them better — I added, taking the opportunity to organize everything in the coolest corner of the room.
When the red meat's time in the fridge had passed, I removed it and placed it in a pan to dehydrate in the oven. I finished the process, packed it in airtight containers, and after saying goodbye to the recording, I felt that relief and pride.
I turned off the camera, happy with the progress and preparation for the new life in the house. That night, I went to sleep with a different peace, knowing that tomorrow was Friday, my last day in the apartment before starting this new chapter.
Chapter 33
I woke up with a mix of emotions. Every detail of the apartment seemed to contain a piece of me, as if, when I said goodbye, I was leaving behind an old version of who I was. I walked to the bathroom, and when I saw the small mirror cracked at the end, a memory came to me so vivid it almost seemed recent: that time the sink pipe leaked. I remember how excited I was to decide to fix it myself—except I forgot to turn off the water valve. It was complete chaos, with water running all over the bathroom as I desperately tried to turn the valve, soaked from head to toe. In the midst of that mess, between nervous laughter and a flooded bathroom, I realized how much my stubbornness in doing everything alone was an inseparable part of me.
I walked to the kitchen and saw the counter where I made so many recipes, trying new combinations, dishes that were sometimes great, sometimes… well, too experimental. Each recipe gave me a sense of achievement, of seeing something taking shape. Among these memories, I remembered the challenges and victories I experienced in those few square meters, realizing how special that space was. Taking a deep breath and thinking about leaving him definitely gave me butterflies. I was ready for this next step, but a hint of sadness was already beginning to appear.
I arrived at the restaurant late, too distracted by my own reflections to notice the time. The workday was light, without rushing, and this allowed me to talk to Vânia, who excitedly talked about two clients who she swore had an undeniable connection and who just needed a “little push.” I laughed, calling her the restaurant's cupid. Even though she just laughed, I noticed the sparkle in her eyes as she described her plans to the "potential couple." These moments reminded me that, no matter how much everything changed, some people were always trying to do good, and it was Vânia's light spirit that made our work more fun.
At the end of the day, I went to the apartment, where I finished packing the last things. The sight of the room, practically empty except for the mattress and bedding, brought a strange feeling. It was as if the place had become a shell, holding memories that would soon be left behind. I knew the next step was close, but I couldn't avoid the emptiness that came with seeing everything ready to be left.
When Carla and Jane arrived with pizzas and beers, they brought an air of excitement that changed the atmosphere of the night. It was as if, for one last time, we wanted to enjoy every detail of that space we shared. We sat on the living room floor, eating pizza and laughing as stories from the past began to emerge.
We remember the time we did a horror movie marathon that left Jane paranoid for days. Every time I passed through a dark corridor, I jumped, imagining some creature emerging from the shadow. Carla, who was the most practical, laughed at her, but there was one time when we took advantage of Jane's distraction to play a prank, hiding a stuffed doll behind the sofa. Jane nearly had a fit when she saw “the creature” waiting for her. The memory made us laugh to this day.
The famous incident of the "gourmet night" we had to try new recipes also came to light. I decided to prepare a risotto, but I ended up adding too much wine and the rice turned into a purple mess. Jane made a pasta dish that looked like it came out of a horror book, and Carla, who didn't want to take any chances in the kitchen, saved the night with a simple roast chicken. Every time we talked about “cooking”, it was impossible not to remember the fiasco of that night and how we laughed at our “haute cuisine.”
As we talked and remembered these moments, a different peace came over me. I knew that, no matter how uncertain the next step was, what I experienced there would always be with me. When the night finally ended and the apartment returned to silence, I felt ready. I knew that tomorrow would bring something new, but that night, I was at peace with what I would leave behind.
I woke up with a mix of emotions. Every detail of the apartment seemed to contain a piece of me, as if, when I said goodbye, I was leaving behind an old version of who I was. I walked to the bathroom, and when I saw the small mirror cracked at the end, a memory came to me so vivid it almost seemed recent: that time the sink pipe leaked. I remember how excited I was to decide to fix it myself—except I forgot to turn off the water valve. It was complete chaos, with water running all over the bathroom as I desperately tried to turn the valve, soaked from head to toe. In the midst of that mess, between nervous laughter and a flooded bathroom, I realized how much my stubbornness in doing everything alone was an inseparable part of me.
I walked to the kitchen and saw the counter where I made so many recipes, trying new combinations, dishes that were sometimes great, sometimes… well, too experimental. Each recipe gave me a sense of achievement, of seeing something taking shape. Among these memories, I remembered the challenges and victories I experienced in those few square meters, realizing how special that space was. Taking a deep breath and thinking about leaving him definitely gave me butterflies. I was ready for this next step, but a hint of sadness was already beginning to appear.
I arrived at the restaurant late, too distracted by my own reflections to notice the time. The workday was light, without rushing, and this allowed me to talk to Vânia, who excitedly talked about two clients who she swore had an undeniable connection and who just needed a “little push.” I laughed, calling her the restaurant's cupid. Even though she just laughed, I noticed the sparkle in her eyes as she described her plans to the "potential couple." These moments reminded me that, no matter how much everything changed, some people were always trying to do good, and it was Vânia's light spirit that made our work more fun.
At the end of the day, I went to the apartment, where I finished packing the last things. The sight of the room, practically empty except for the mattress and bedding, brought a strange feeling. It was as if the place had become a shell, holding memories that would soon be left behind. I knew the next step was close, but I couldn't avoid the emptiness that came with seeing everything ready to be left.
When Carla and Jane arrived with pizzas and beers, they brought an air of excitement that changed the atmosphere of the night. It was as if, for one last time, we wanted to enjoy every detail of that space we shared. We sat on the living room floor, eating pizza and laughing as stories from the past began to emerge.
We remember the time we did a horror movie marathon that left Jane paranoid for days. Every time I passed through a dark corridor, I jumped, imagining some creature emerging from the shadow. Carla, who was the most practical, laughed at her, but there was one time when we took advantage of Jane's distraction to play a prank, hiding a stuffed doll behind the sofa. Jane nearly had a fit when she saw “the creature” waiting for her. The memory made us laugh to this day.
The famous incident of the "gourmet night" we had to try new recipes also came to light. I decided to prepare a risotto, but I ended up adding too much wine and the rice turned into a purple mess. Jane made a pasta dish that looked like it came out of a horror book, and Carla, who didn't want to take any chances in the kitchen, saved the night with a simple roast chicken. Every time we talked about “cooking”, it was impossible not to remember the fiasco of that night and how we laughed at our “haute cuisine.”
As we talked and remembered these moments, a different peace came over me. I knew that, no matter how uncertain the next step was, what I experienced there would always be with me. When the night finally ended and the apartment returned to silence, I felt ready. I knew that tomorrow would bring something new, but that night, I was at peace with what I would leave behind.
No, Anna is growing up on her own.
Her reality and personality are very different from mine, she has all this personal growth and different experiences that she lives with friends, whereas I am more antisocial and always busy with studies or writing when inspiration comes.
Chap 34
The delicious smell of breakfast wakes me up before I even open my eyes completely. When I get to the living room, I see Carla finishing something in the kitchen and Jane setting the table, with that carefree manner she always has.
“It smells great,” I compliment, looking at the table with a mix of curiosity and hunger. “What did you make?”
Jane gives an amused laugh. “Oh, you know I’m a real disaster in the kitchen. If it were up to me, we’d be eating cereal and milk!”
“Okay, okay…” she jokes. “So, Carla, what deliciousness did you prepare?”
“I made pizza bread, orange cake, cream biscuits and coffee, because I thought it was a special occasion,” she replies, placing the cake on the table with a proud smile.
We sit down, and as I take my first bite, I can't help but sigh with satisfaction. — Wow, Carla, you can get married now... or, better yet, open a bakery!
She laughs, rolling her eyes. — God forbid! That's too much work. I'll stick to my plants, which tire me out a lot less.
— As long as you keep baking here, what's the point in changing professions? — Jane says, covering her mouth with her hand as she chews.
Breakfast unfolds in a light and familiar atmosphere. Between one bite and another, gossip and jokes arise naturally, and even knowing that this is the last breakfast we'll have together here, the energy is calm and happy. It's good to see how a farewell can have such a celebratory tone.
Later, with almost everything already packed and placed in the truck, we get together to lower the mattress and load the last of the bed linens. When we stop at the door, I can't help but take one last look at the apartment, a silent goodbye that goes beyond words.
— It’s been a long journey, hasn’t it? — I murmur, feeling the memories come flooding back. — Almost four years. For some people, it may seem like a short stay, but... after my parents died, I never had a place that was truly mine, a safe haven. This apartment was that. It gave me stability, it allowed me to grow and change. That eighteen-year-old girl who arrived here wouldn’t even recognize herself today.
As I speak, tears of emotion roll down my face, and the girls watch me in respectful silence. — Thank you for everything — I whisper, addressing the apartment as if it could hear. — I’m sure the next resident will treat you well; Jane and Carla wouldn’t accept anything less than that.
I close the door with an emotional weight that’s hard to explain, but also with a sense of closure. It feels like the explicit end of an important chapter in my life.
The delicious smell of breakfast wakes me up before I even open my eyes completely. When I get to the living room, I see Carla finishing something in the kitchen and Jane setting the table, with that carefree manner she always has.
“It smells great,” I compliment, looking at the table with a mix of curiosity and hunger. “What did you make?”
Jane gives an amused laugh. “Oh, you know I’m a real disaster in the kitchen. If it were up to me, we’d be eating cereal and milk!”
“Okay, okay…” she jokes. “So, Carla, what deliciousness did you prepare?”
“I made pizza bread, orange cake, cream biscuits and coffee, because I thought it was a special occasion,” she replies, placing the cake on the table with a proud smile.
We sit down, and as I take my first bite, I can't help but sigh with satisfaction. — Wow, Carla, you can get married now... or, better yet, open a bakery!
She laughs, rolling her eyes. — God forbid! That's too much work. I'll stick to my plants, which tire me out a lot less.
— As long as you keep baking here, what's the point in changing professions? — Jane says, covering her mouth with her hand as she chews.
Breakfast unfolds in a light and familiar atmosphere. Between one bite and another, gossip and jokes arise naturally, and even knowing that this is the last breakfast we'll have together here, the energy is calm and happy. It's good to see how a farewell can have such a celebratory tone.
Later, with almost everything already packed and placed in the truck, we get together to lower the mattress and load the last of the bed linens. When we stop at the door, I can't help but take one last look at the apartment, a silent goodbye that goes beyond words.
— It’s been a long journey, hasn’t it? — I murmur, feeling the memories come flooding back. — Almost four years. For some people, it may seem like a short stay, but... after my parents died, I never had a place that was truly mine, a safe haven. This apartment was that. It gave me stability, it allowed me to grow and change. That eighteen-year-old girl who arrived here wouldn’t even recognize herself today.
As I speak, tears of emotion roll down my face, and the girls watch me in respectful silence. — Thank you for everything — I whisper, addressing the apartment as if it could hear. — I’m sure the next resident will treat you well; Jane and Carla wouldn’t accept anything less than that.
I close the door with an emotional weight that’s hard to explain, but also with a sense of closure. It feels like the explicit end of an important chapter in my life.
Chap 35
Outside, I turn to Jane and Carla and hug them tightly, feeling the longing begin to set in. In silence, I walk towards the steering wheel, absorbing the feeling of finally finishing the move.
I arrive at my new home and open all the windows and doors, letting the air circulate, removing that smell of closed space and stale air while I absorb the environment with a mixture of euphoria and peace. I quickly grab my cell phone and start recording.
“Hi, everyone! Today is the big day, I’m officially moving, so come with me to organize the first day of living!” I say excitedly.
I start by placing the airtight glass jars on the kitchen shelves, arranging the dishes in the glass-fronted cabinet.
On the counter, I set up my one-burner camping stove and place the gas container in the corner, right next to the floor. I complete the counter with the hand blender and my super-technological thermos.
When I get to my room, I struggle to climb up and put the mattress back in place. After a few attempts and almost falling down the stairs, I finally manage it. The space, simple and empty, is taking shape, and it's funny how each item I put in brings me closer to the feeling of being truly at home.
My stomach is grumbling, and the clock is already ticking down to lunchtime.
"I came prepared today!" I show off some cup noodles, holding my beloved thermos. "It's not at all healthy, but it's what we have for today!" I say with a smile.
While I eat, I take the opportunity to respond to some comments on previous videos. "Someone asked how I'm going to record without electricity. So, I have a portable solar charger, and if there's no sunlight, I recharge it at work. And as for what I do outside of the internet... I'm a waitress. I know, nothing surprising or fancy," I say, laughing at myself.
When I finish lunch, I go back to tidying up. In my future studio, I organize my sewing machine, threads, fabrics, and all the other tools I have, already imagining the projects I will create there. Then, I sweep the floor and mop everything, giving the final touch to make the space feel truly clean and welcoming.
At the end of the afternoon, I see that the sun is setting, and I take the opportunity to start the last task of the day: planting the four yellow rose bushes on the front of the house. With the hoe, I carefully dig the holes and, with my hands dirty with earth and the smell of greenery around me, I finish planting. The rose bushes right there, right in front, bring life to the place and the promise of cheerful flowers.
With the video over, I light a candle to illuminate the darkened room because it took longer than expected to plant them, and I go to take a shower. The bucket shower is not the most comfortable, but it serves its purpose. It is refreshing and even satisfying, but I can already imagine the relief of being able to heat the water when I have time in the future.
Exhausted, I blow out the candle, finally lie down on the bed and, without delay, fall asleep.
Outside, I turn to Jane and Carla and hug them tightly, feeling the longing begin to set in. In silence, I walk towards the steering wheel, absorbing the feeling of finally finishing the move.
I arrive at my new home and open all the windows and doors, letting the air circulate, removing that smell of closed space and stale air while I absorb the environment with a mixture of euphoria and peace. I quickly grab my cell phone and start recording.
“Hi, everyone! Today is the big day, I’m officially moving, so come with me to organize the first day of living!” I say excitedly.
I start by placing the airtight glass jars on the kitchen shelves, arranging the dishes in the glass-fronted cabinet.
On the counter, I set up my one-burner camping stove and place the gas container in the corner, right next to the floor. I complete the counter with the hand blender and my super-technological thermos.
When I get to my room, I struggle to climb up and put the mattress back in place. After a few attempts and almost falling down the stairs, I finally manage it. The space, simple and empty, is taking shape, and it's funny how each item I put in brings me closer to the feeling of being truly at home.
My stomach is grumbling, and the clock is already ticking down to lunchtime.
"I came prepared today!" I show off some cup noodles, holding my beloved thermos. "It's not at all healthy, but it's what we have for today!" I say with a smile.
While I eat, I take the opportunity to respond to some comments on previous videos. "Someone asked how I'm going to record without electricity. So, I have a portable solar charger, and if there's no sunlight, I recharge it at work. And as for what I do outside of the internet... I'm a waitress. I know, nothing surprising or fancy," I say, laughing at myself.
When I finish lunch, I go back to tidying up. In my future studio, I organize my sewing machine, threads, fabrics, and all the other tools I have, already imagining the projects I will create there. Then, I sweep the floor and mop everything, giving the final touch to make the space feel truly clean and welcoming.
At the end of the afternoon, I see that the sun is setting, and I take the opportunity to start the last task of the day: planting the four yellow rose bushes on the front of the house. With the hoe, I carefully dig the holes and, with my hands dirty with earth and the smell of greenery around me, I finish planting. The rose bushes right there, right in front, bring life to the place and the promise of cheerful flowers.
With the video over, I light a candle to illuminate the darkened room because it took longer than expected to plant them, and I go to take a shower. The bucket shower is not the most comfortable, but it serves its purpose. It is refreshing and even satisfying, but I can already imagine the relief of being able to heat the water when I have time in the future.
Exhausted, I blow out the candle, finally lie down on the bed and, without delay, fall asleep.
Hey guys!!!
Disappearing for a while, right?!
Between college exams, parties and end-of-year vacations, I forgot to post.
Actually, I already finished the story, so yes, it wasn't abandoned.
I just didn't post it again when I got back to school because I started writing another one and didn't remember that I didn't finish posting it here.
You know how it is, right?! You get into a new zone when you get inspired and everything gets left behind.
But now that I remembered, I'll finish it here.
I hope you like it and sorry for forgetting.
Disappearing for a while, right?!
Between college exams, parties and end-of-year vacations, I forgot to post.
Actually, I already finished the story, so yes, it wasn't abandoned.
I just didn't post it again when I got back to school because I started writing another one and didn't remember that I didn't finish posting it here.
You know how it is, right?! You get into a new zone when you get inspired and everything gets left behind.
But now that I remembered, I'll finish it here.
I hope you like it and sorry for forgetting.
Kiwibutterfly
Contributing Member
Welcome back, I'm enjoying your story....
feralferret
Veteran Member
Same here. Thank you.
Chap 36
I wake up with the first sign of daylight, feeling the absolute serenity of dawn. I go to the window and am greeted by a sight that takes my breath away: the sky begins to take on soft hues of orange and pink, a spectacle that silently glides over the sleeping landscape. Below me, the vast terrain stretches out, still shrouded in a light mist, with the trees in the distance casting long shadows against the rising glow. The air is fresh, with that subtle scent of damp earth and leaves, and I take a deep breath, feeling at peace in a way I haven’t felt in a long time.
I decide that I want to take advantage of this connection with the surroundings and go for a peaceful walk around the terrain. Walking around there makes me feel part of this space. I pick up some dry twigs and fallen leaves, and the crackle of the twigs under my feet echoes pleasantly in the still-silent morning. As I walk, I notice the details: the colors of the fallen leaves, which vary from dark green to yellow and brown; the reflection of the sun that begins to touch the dew on the plants; and, in the distance, the sound of birds beginning to sing, like a discreet symphony greeting the day.
When I return to the kitchen, I start arranging the branches on the wood stove, my attention fully focused on the movements. As I light the fire, the woody aroma of the burning wood fills the room, creating a feeling of comfort and warmth. I take out the couscous and add a little butter to the pan, which melts and crackles as it touches the hot iron. The smell is unmistakable: a mix of browned butter and cooked corn, a combination that awakens my hunger.
While the couscous cooks, I start preparing a simple and comforting soup. I add peeled tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin, potatoes, and onions, and season with garlic powder and a pinch of black pepper. The mixture begins to release its aromas as soon as the vegetables meet the boiling water. With each new ingredient, the kitchen becomes a mix of fresh and earthy fragrances, and I leave the pan on low heat, knowing that it will cook slowly while I rehydrate some strips of meat.
With the soup on the stove, I take the opportunity to take some time for self-care. I go to my room, which still has that fresh morning air, and grab my nail polish bag and face mask. I gently cleanse my face and apply the green clay mask, feeling the slight cooling sensation on my skin. Painting my nails also becomes a peaceful ritual: I choose a lilac nail polish for my hands, a delicate touch that contrasts with the green of the mask, and a pearl nail polish for my feet, which shines subtly in the light.
Back in the kitchen, the aroma of the soup greets me, now intense and inviting. The vegetables have dissolved in the broth, forming a flavor that I imagine creamy and nutritious. I take the rehydrated meat and fry it until it is golden and crispy on the outside, but tender on the inside. As I assemble my plate, the meat mixes with the soup broth, and the first spoonful is like a warm hug. The flavor is comforting, with the sweetness of the carrots and the earthy flavor of the pumpkin, seasoned by the subtle spiciness of the garlic and pepper. Each piece connects me even more to this new home, a space that is already beginning to take on a life of its own and welcome me.
The afternoon occupied me with small tasks, but they somehow gave shape and life to this place. First, I watered the rose bushes. Each drop of water seemed to strengthen the soil around the roots, which darkened and firmed under the humidity. The bright green of the leaves contrasted with the yellow petals that were already beginning to open, creating a sight that brought an indescribable calm. Their presence at the entrance, greeting the space, made the environment seem more welcoming, as if it were transforming into a real home.
Then, I went back inside and sat down with my frayed blouse. The loose thread had almost ripped open the entire side, but I patiently adjusted each stitch until the seam was firm again. Feeling the fabric between my fingers brought a small but genuine satisfaction, as if, as I sewed, I was also sewing parts of myself into this space — building, line by line, my place in this new chapter of life.
With these tasks completed, I decided to grab a notebook and design a solution for the next problem to solve: the lack of a washing machine. The idea of saving money and thinking of something practical and adaptable is a challenge that motivates me. As I sketch out possible ideas, I think of something I could do with my own hands, without relying on a complete structure.
With the sky already starting to get dark, I go inside and turn on the solar lamps I bought along with the thermos. I position the lights in strategic spots, creating a soft and peaceful atmosphere in the house. The soft light seems to lull every corner into an aura of rest, making the environment almost magical, serene, as if each thing in its place tells a silent story.
Before the room gets too cold — after all, being surrounded by nature, the temperature drops quickly at dusk — I heat the water on the wood stove. After it boils, I switch the pot of water with the soup pot and go upstairs to take a long shower. The hot water running down my skin feels like a luxury, and even though the improvised shower isn't perfect, adapting this way of bathing with the ten-liter bucket was a success. The feeling of comfort grows, and the tranquility of the shower makes me forget my limitations, remembering only each small victory I managed to achieve.
After my shower, I put on some warm clothes and help myself to some of the soup left over from lunch, this time without meat, just the thick broth of vegetables, with its smooth and comforting flavor. It is a relief to be able to eat in peace, without rushing. When I finish, I realize that it is not even nine o'clock yet, but what can I do? Without a television to distract me, and without enough light to read without straining my eyes, I understand that long, silent nights can be a challenge. I sigh deeply and realize that thinking of solutions for these moments of stillness will be essential. After brushing my teeth, I lie down, but sleep takes a long time to come. The absence of urban noises makes every sound of the night much more intense. The wind whispers through the trees, small animals move in the vegetation... everything is a new world of noises and silences. The contrast with the constant noise of the city is overwhelming. The night drags on between alerts and attempts to relax, and, as each sound echoes in the darkness, I realize that, just like this home, I am also learning to adapt to this new reality.
I wake up with the first sign of daylight, feeling the absolute serenity of dawn. I go to the window and am greeted by a sight that takes my breath away: the sky begins to take on soft hues of orange and pink, a spectacle that silently glides over the sleeping landscape. Below me, the vast terrain stretches out, still shrouded in a light mist, with the trees in the distance casting long shadows against the rising glow. The air is fresh, with that subtle scent of damp earth and leaves, and I take a deep breath, feeling at peace in a way I haven’t felt in a long time.
I decide that I want to take advantage of this connection with the surroundings and go for a peaceful walk around the terrain. Walking around there makes me feel part of this space. I pick up some dry twigs and fallen leaves, and the crackle of the twigs under my feet echoes pleasantly in the still-silent morning. As I walk, I notice the details: the colors of the fallen leaves, which vary from dark green to yellow and brown; the reflection of the sun that begins to touch the dew on the plants; and, in the distance, the sound of birds beginning to sing, like a discreet symphony greeting the day.
When I return to the kitchen, I start arranging the branches on the wood stove, my attention fully focused on the movements. As I light the fire, the woody aroma of the burning wood fills the room, creating a feeling of comfort and warmth. I take out the couscous and add a little butter to the pan, which melts and crackles as it touches the hot iron. The smell is unmistakable: a mix of browned butter and cooked corn, a combination that awakens my hunger.
While the couscous cooks, I start preparing a simple and comforting soup. I add peeled tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin, potatoes, and onions, and season with garlic powder and a pinch of black pepper. The mixture begins to release its aromas as soon as the vegetables meet the boiling water. With each new ingredient, the kitchen becomes a mix of fresh and earthy fragrances, and I leave the pan on low heat, knowing that it will cook slowly while I rehydrate some strips of meat.
With the soup on the stove, I take the opportunity to take some time for self-care. I go to my room, which still has that fresh morning air, and grab my nail polish bag and face mask. I gently cleanse my face and apply the green clay mask, feeling the slight cooling sensation on my skin. Painting my nails also becomes a peaceful ritual: I choose a lilac nail polish for my hands, a delicate touch that contrasts with the green of the mask, and a pearl nail polish for my feet, which shines subtly in the light.
Back in the kitchen, the aroma of the soup greets me, now intense and inviting. The vegetables have dissolved in the broth, forming a flavor that I imagine creamy and nutritious. I take the rehydrated meat and fry it until it is golden and crispy on the outside, but tender on the inside. As I assemble my plate, the meat mixes with the soup broth, and the first spoonful is like a warm hug. The flavor is comforting, with the sweetness of the carrots and the earthy flavor of the pumpkin, seasoned by the subtle spiciness of the garlic and pepper. Each piece connects me even more to this new home, a space that is already beginning to take on a life of its own and welcome me.
The afternoon occupied me with small tasks, but they somehow gave shape and life to this place. First, I watered the rose bushes. Each drop of water seemed to strengthen the soil around the roots, which darkened and firmed under the humidity. The bright green of the leaves contrasted with the yellow petals that were already beginning to open, creating a sight that brought an indescribable calm. Their presence at the entrance, greeting the space, made the environment seem more welcoming, as if it were transforming into a real home.
Then, I went back inside and sat down with my frayed blouse. The loose thread had almost ripped open the entire side, but I patiently adjusted each stitch until the seam was firm again. Feeling the fabric between my fingers brought a small but genuine satisfaction, as if, as I sewed, I was also sewing parts of myself into this space — building, line by line, my place in this new chapter of life.
With these tasks completed, I decided to grab a notebook and design a solution for the next problem to solve: the lack of a washing machine. The idea of saving money and thinking of something practical and adaptable is a challenge that motivates me. As I sketch out possible ideas, I think of something I could do with my own hands, without relying on a complete structure.
With the sky already starting to get dark, I go inside and turn on the solar lamps I bought along with the thermos. I position the lights in strategic spots, creating a soft and peaceful atmosphere in the house. The soft light seems to lull every corner into an aura of rest, making the environment almost magical, serene, as if each thing in its place tells a silent story.
Before the room gets too cold — after all, being surrounded by nature, the temperature drops quickly at dusk — I heat the water on the wood stove. After it boils, I switch the pot of water with the soup pot and go upstairs to take a long shower. The hot water running down my skin feels like a luxury, and even though the improvised shower isn't perfect, adapting this way of bathing with the ten-liter bucket was a success. The feeling of comfort grows, and the tranquility of the shower makes me forget my limitations, remembering only each small victory I managed to achieve.
After my shower, I put on some warm clothes and help myself to some of the soup left over from lunch, this time without meat, just the thick broth of vegetables, with its smooth and comforting flavor. It is a relief to be able to eat in peace, without rushing. When I finish, I realize that it is not even nine o'clock yet, but what can I do? Without a television to distract me, and without enough light to read without straining my eyes, I understand that long, silent nights can be a challenge. I sigh deeply and realize that thinking of solutions for these moments of stillness will be essential. After brushing my teeth, I lie down, but sleep takes a long time to come. The absence of urban noises makes every sound of the night much more intense. The wind whispers through the trees, small animals move in the vegetation... everything is a new world of noises and silences. The contrast with the constant noise of the city is overwhelming. The night drags on between alerts and attempts to relax, and, as each sound echoes in the darkness, I realize that, just like this home, I am also learning to adapt to this new reality.
Chap 37
I woke up before sunrise, having gone to bed so early the night before. Everything was silent, but the air seemed to promise something good. I pulled out my phone and started recording the sunrise, watching as the first golden rays painted the sky. Each new light gave me a strange peace, a feeling that my day would be special. I took advantage of this morning time to walk around, breathing in the fresh air, and I felt that each step strengthened something inside me.
Afterwards, I took all my solar-powered devices to charge outside and went to take a quick shower. The cold water made my mind wake up completely, invigorating me. When I finished, I grabbed an apple to eat in the car while I drove to work. On the way, the thought that I was taking care of every detail of my routine brought me a calmness that is hard to explain. I felt self-sufficient, ready for whatever the day would bring.
When I got to work, I realized that I was still early. I took the opportunity to get a coffee and sat with the cleaning staff, who were finishing their morning tasks. João gave me a friendly smile and commented:
— You woke up early today, huh, Anna?
I smiled, taking a sip of coffee.
— Yeah, I guess the early bird bug got me and now I have to get up with the sun. — I joke, and it was good to see his infectious laugh.
That moment of conversation with the cleaning staff was something comforting, it really made me feel part of the place.
Later, during my lunch break, I met Vânia and we started talking. As always, she was full of stories and about her “attempts at cupid” that today targeted the office staff.
— I'm telling you, Anna, they just need a little push! — Vânia spoke excitedly, gesturing as she told me about her colleagues in HR. I couldn't help but smile. It was funny to see how much she cared about other people's romances.
I laughed at her excitement and jokingly made a suggestion:
— So, how about using a casual approach? You can drop some hints about what the guy is thinking. Who knows, maybe they'll take the initiative.
She laughed, nodding, and gave me a quick hug.
— You know, Anna, you even have a knack for being Cupid! — she said, laughing. At these moments, my friendship with Vânia seemed to grow even more. Talking to her was always light and without challenges.
Towards the end of my shift, I spotted a customer sitting at one of the tables in my service area. I looked at him a little more closely, and a sudden recognition made me smile internally. It was the friendly customer with the charming smile from last week, the one who flirted with me. When he saw me, he looked up and gave me that same captivating smile, and I felt my face heat up. I wasn't used to this kind of attention, but a part of me felt strangely happy.
I approached him with a good deal of nervousness, and he got straight to the point, with a confident expression:
— Hello!
— Hi, what would you like?— I asked professionally.
— I'll have a slice of cake of your choice... as long as it's as sweet as you are. - He flirted.
My face flushed, and I found myself biting my lips, awkwardly, but the smile didn't escape.
— Do you like strawberry cream cake? — I asked, trying to sound casual, but feeling my heart racing.
He smiled, leaning back in his chair, and answered in an almost serious voice, but full of charm.
— As sweet as a strawberry? Good taste… I like how complex strawberries are, you know? They have that sour shock at the beginning, but in the end, they’re sweet. — He tilted his head, his eyes fixed on mine, and I felt my face blush even more. His unexpected description took me by surprise.
-I’ll be right back with the cake and coffee - I muttered, smiling embarrassedly and turning away quickly to hide it.
I prepared the order with my heart racing, trying to compose myself. When I came back, I had already composed myself, and he looked at me with that same smile. He then extended his hand and said:
-My name is Leonardo, by the way. I came back here last week, but you weren’t there.
I smiled, shaking his hand quickly, and replied:
- I’m Anna. I work here until 4:30 p.m., so you got lucky today.
Our eyes met again, and for a moment, everything around us seemed to disappear. There was an intensity in his eyes that made me feel a little awkward, but at the same time, it attracted me. I've never been much of a flirt, I didn't feel confident enough and at most I'd hooked up with someone at parties and even that was rare so everything was new to me. The thought that someone so interesting could have that impact made me feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Another table called me, and with one last glance, I went back to work, noticing that Leonardo was still watching. My eyes met his every now and then, and that made me even more agitated inside. I confess that it moved me, it was a different emotion, one of those that you only feel in special moments. Deep down, I've always been more reserved, but with him there was a curiosity, a desire to see where it would lead.
In the end, he paid the bill and, when he said goodbye, he said with a slight smile:
-See you next time, Anna.
When I went to change, Vânia appeared with a curious and amused look.
-What was that, huh?- she said, crossing her arms with a mischievous smile.
I laughed, embarrassed, and told him everything that had happened the last few times he came. Vânia looked at me with an enchanted expression and exclaimed:
-Wow, he's really into you, Anna!- I laughed, shaking my head and saying:
-Stop it, Vânia.- I patted her arm lightly, feeling her cheeks flush.
She, in turn, smiled even more and finished enthusiastically:
— I'll want updates! You know I live for romantic stories!
I left rolling my eyes and laughing in her way, but inside I felt a different emotion, a pleasant warmth. I was experiencing something I had never imagined, and it was too good to ignore.
When I got home, I put away everything that was out of place, feeling that I needed to put even the little things in order. I put on some music and let my body loosen up to the rhythm, dancing from one side to the other with a lightness that didn't remind me of Anna's everyday life. I was having one of those days when everything seems right.
After taking a shower and putting on something comfortable, I decided to record a recipe for vegan onion soup. I turned on the camera and started preparing it, explaining each step, until the pan began to release the delicious aroma of caramelized onion.
—Hey guys, just add the flour and mix well… and, of course, add the vegetable broth — I commented, feeling that, more than talking, I was sharing that special moment.
When I was done, I toasted two slices of bread in the pan to go with the soup. I turned off the camera and sat down to dinner, feeling fulfilled. The day had been long, full of surprises, but at the same time so intimate that it felt like a new chapter in my life. I closed my eyes before going to sleep, with a slight smile, and thought about how anxious I was for what was to come, but for now, I was happy just to feel that something inside me was awakening.
I woke up before sunrise, having gone to bed so early the night before. Everything was silent, but the air seemed to promise something good. I pulled out my phone and started recording the sunrise, watching as the first golden rays painted the sky. Each new light gave me a strange peace, a feeling that my day would be special. I took advantage of this morning time to walk around, breathing in the fresh air, and I felt that each step strengthened something inside me.
Afterwards, I took all my solar-powered devices to charge outside and went to take a quick shower. The cold water made my mind wake up completely, invigorating me. When I finished, I grabbed an apple to eat in the car while I drove to work. On the way, the thought that I was taking care of every detail of my routine brought me a calmness that is hard to explain. I felt self-sufficient, ready for whatever the day would bring.
When I got to work, I realized that I was still early. I took the opportunity to get a coffee and sat with the cleaning staff, who were finishing their morning tasks. João gave me a friendly smile and commented:
— You woke up early today, huh, Anna?
I smiled, taking a sip of coffee.
— Yeah, I guess the early bird bug got me and now I have to get up with the sun. — I joke, and it was good to see his infectious laugh.
That moment of conversation with the cleaning staff was something comforting, it really made me feel part of the place.
Later, during my lunch break, I met Vânia and we started talking. As always, she was full of stories and about her “attempts at cupid” that today targeted the office staff.
— I'm telling you, Anna, they just need a little push! — Vânia spoke excitedly, gesturing as she told me about her colleagues in HR. I couldn't help but smile. It was funny to see how much she cared about other people's romances.
I laughed at her excitement and jokingly made a suggestion:
— So, how about using a casual approach? You can drop some hints about what the guy is thinking. Who knows, maybe they'll take the initiative.
She laughed, nodding, and gave me a quick hug.
— You know, Anna, you even have a knack for being Cupid! — she said, laughing. At these moments, my friendship with Vânia seemed to grow even more. Talking to her was always light and without challenges.
Towards the end of my shift, I spotted a customer sitting at one of the tables in my service area. I looked at him a little more closely, and a sudden recognition made me smile internally. It was the friendly customer with the charming smile from last week, the one who flirted with me. When he saw me, he looked up and gave me that same captivating smile, and I felt my face heat up. I wasn't used to this kind of attention, but a part of me felt strangely happy.
I approached him with a good deal of nervousness, and he got straight to the point, with a confident expression:
— Hello!
— Hi, what would you like?— I asked professionally.
— I'll have a slice of cake of your choice... as long as it's as sweet as you are. - He flirted.
My face flushed, and I found myself biting my lips, awkwardly, but the smile didn't escape.
— Do you like strawberry cream cake? — I asked, trying to sound casual, but feeling my heart racing.
He smiled, leaning back in his chair, and answered in an almost serious voice, but full of charm.
— As sweet as a strawberry? Good taste… I like how complex strawberries are, you know? They have that sour shock at the beginning, but in the end, they’re sweet. — He tilted his head, his eyes fixed on mine, and I felt my face blush even more. His unexpected description took me by surprise.
-I’ll be right back with the cake and coffee - I muttered, smiling embarrassedly and turning away quickly to hide it.
I prepared the order with my heart racing, trying to compose myself. When I came back, I had already composed myself, and he looked at me with that same smile. He then extended his hand and said:
-My name is Leonardo, by the way. I came back here last week, but you weren’t there.
I smiled, shaking his hand quickly, and replied:
- I’m Anna. I work here until 4:30 p.m., so you got lucky today.
Our eyes met again, and for a moment, everything around us seemed to disappear. There was an intensity in his eyes that made me feel a little awkward, but at the same time, it attracted me. I've never been much of a flirt, I didn't feel confident enough and at most I'd hooked up with someone at parties and even that was rare so everything was new to me. The thought that someone so interesting could have that impact made me feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Another table called me, and with one last glance, I went back to work, noticing that Leonardo was still watching. My eyes met his every now and then, and that made me even more agitated inside. I confess that it moved me, it was a different emotion, one of those that you only feel in special moments. Deep down, I've always been more reserved, but with him there was a curiosity, a desire to see where it would lead.
In the end, he paid the bill and, when he said goodbye, he said with a slight smile:
-See you next time, Anna.
When I went to change, Vânia appeared with a curious and amused look.
-What was that, huh?- she said, crossing her arms with a mischievous smile.
I laughed, embarrassed, and told him everything that had happened the last few times he came. Vânia looked at me with an enchanted expression and exclaimed:
-Wow, he's really into you, Anna!- I laughed, shaking my head and saying:
-Stop it, Vânia.- I patted her arm lightly, feeling her cheeks flush.
She, in turn, smiled even more and finished enthusiastically:
— I'll want updates! You know I live for romantic stories!
I left rolling my eyes and laughing in her way, but inside I felt a different emotion, a pleasant warmth. I was experiencing something I had never imagined, and it was too good to ignore.
When I got home, I put away everything that was out of place, feeling that I needed to put even the little things in order. I put on some music and let my body loosen up to the rhythm, dancing from one side to the other with a lightness that didn't remind me of Anna's everyday life. I was having one of those days when everything seems right.
After taking a shower and putting on something comfortable, I decided to record a recipe for vegan onion soup. I turned on the camera and started preparing it, explaining each step, until the pan began to release the delicious aroma of caramelized onion.
—Hey guys, just add the flour and mix well… and, of course, add the vegetable broth — I commented, feeling that, more than talking, I was sharing that special moment.
When I was done, I toasted two slices of bread in the pan to go with the soup. I turned off the camera and sat down to dinner, feeling fulfilled. The day had been long, full of surprises, but at the same time so intimate that it felt like a new chapter in my life. I closed my eyes before going to sleep, with a slight smile, and thought about how anxious I was for what was to come, but for now, I was happy just to feel that something inside me was awakening.
feralferret
Veteran Member
Thank you.
Chap 38
On Wednesday, while I was busy with my usual tasks at the restaurant, an unexpected surprise happened. As I was picking up some cups from a table, I felt someone watching me. I looked up and saw a skinny, short teenager with a slightly awkward bun on top of her head standing in front of me, her eyes shining with anticipation.
-Hi! You're Anna... from the VivaComigo channel, right?- She asked, her voice soft but full of excitement.
I felt my heart skip a beat. Being recognized there, so unexpectedly, brought a mixture of surprise and happiness.
-Yes, it's me! - I confirmed with a smile, trying to contain my shyness.
She smiled even wider, with an enthusiasm that made me blush a little.
-I knew it! I love your channel. You're so genuine, you know? Watching your videos is so... calming.
Hearing that, a wave of gratitude washed over me. I always wanted the channel to convey sincerity and lightness, but I was never sure if that was the effect people felt. Knowing that someone found a bit of tranquility and authenticity in my videos was a confirmation that warmed me inside.
-I'm very happy to hear that. Really.- I smiled back, a little emotional.
-Can I take a picture with you?- she asked, her gaze pleading but respectful.
-Sure!-, I replied, and we positioned ourselves for the photo, her cell phone shaking slightly in her hands.
After we said goodbye, I went back to my tasks with renewed energy. The interaction seemed small, but the feeling of recognition, that my work had touched someone, brought me an incredible lightness. That girl may not have known it, but her enthusiasm motivated me in a new way, reminding me why I started the channel.
As soon as my shift ended, I went to the locker room, got changed, and took some time to edit videos. As I ran the scenes through the editor, I found myself smiling, thinking about the teenager and how that interaction made everything more meaningful. Between cuts, I continued researching washing machine options and finally found one that fit perfectly with my plans and that would make a great video for the channel.
At the end of the afternoon, as I finished my burger and Coke, a pleasant tiredness took over. With the satisfaction of a full belly and a new idea for the channel, I headed home before the sun set, eager for the next video and the new possibilities that came with it.
On Wednesday, while I was busy with my usual tasks at the restaurant, an unexpected surprise happened. As I was picking up some cups from a table, I felt someone watching me. I looked up and saw a skinny, short teenager with a slightly awkward bun on top of her head standing in front of me, her eyes shining with anticipation.
-Hi! You're Anna... from the VivaComigo channel, right?- She asked, her voice soft but full of excitement.
I felt my heart skip a beat. Being recognized there, so unexpectedly, brought a mixture of surprise and happiness.
-Yes, it's me! - I confirmed with a smile, trying to contain my shyness.
She smiled even wider, with an enthusiasm that made me blush a little.
-I knew it! I love your channel. You're so genuine, you know? Watching your videos is so... calming.
Hearing that, a wave of gratitude washed over me. I always wanted the channel to convey sincerity and lightness, but I was never sure if that was the effect people felt. Knowing that someone found a bit of tranquility and authenticity in my videos was a confirmation that warmed me inside.
-I'm very happy to hear that. Really.- I smiled back, a little emotional.
-Can I take a picture with you?- she asked, her gaze pleading but respectful.
-Sure!-, I replied, and we positioned ourselves for the photo, her cell phone shaking slightly in her hands.
After we said goodbye, I went back to my tasks with renewed energy. The interaction seemed small, but the feeling of recognition, that my work had touched someone, brought me an incredible lightness. That girl may not have known it, but her enthusiasm motivated me in a new way, reminding me why I started the channel.
As soon as my shift ended, I went to the locker room, got changed, and took some time to edit videos. As I ran the scenes through the editor, I found myself smiling, thinking about the teenager and how that interaction made everything more meaningful. Between cuts, I continued researching washing machine options and finally found one that fit perfectly with my plans and that would make a great video for the channel.
At the end of the afternoon, as I finished my burger and Coke, a pleasant tiredness took over. With the satisfaction of a full belly and a new idea for the channel, I headed home before the sun set, eager for the next video and the new possibilities that came with it.
Chap 39
The next morning, I woke up before my alarm, excited about the plan I was finally going to put into practice. It’s not every day that a creative idea comes to me like this, and I couldn’t wait to put it into practice.
In the afternoon, Leonardo showed up at the restaurant and walked towards me. He greeted me with a smile, tilting his head slightly, his light brown eyes fixed on mine.
-Hey, Anna, is everything okay? - he asked, his voice soft.
-Yes, things are pretty quiet today. - I replied, trying to sound casual.
-Good for us, then.- He rubbed his eyes, letting out a tired sigh. -I’m super busy. I got an urgent case that’s a real mess.
-A case?- I asked, curious.
-Oh, yes, I don’t think I told you.
He smiled, relaxing a little.
-Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Dr. Leonardo Kaar, a lawyer specializing in tax law.
I laughed, unable to keep my tone from being joking.
-I knew you were too charming!
- Your job must really require charisma and smooth talking, right? - He laughed, apparently amused by the comment.
- So, doctor, what will you order today?
- I'll have a natural sandwich, orange juice, a brownie and a coffee. - He listed his order without even looking at the menu.
- I'll bring everything in a moment. - I replied.
I went to pick up the order, and when I came back, I saw Vânia checking out his account. She gave me a knowing look and a smile that almost made me laugh, already knowing what she was up to: of course she was trying to play cupid. I decided not to think too much about it, but I felt butterflies in my stomach knowing that she had probably done something to "help."
Just before I left, I received a message from Carla. She knew my schedule by heart, so I wasn't surprised that it was after she stopped working, and we agreed that she would come over on Saturday to help me decide what to plant in the yard. She worked in this field and always had good ideas, so I was excited.
After work, I looked around a few stores and found a used exercise bike for $80—perfect for the washing machine project! I bought it without thinking twice, already visualizing how I was going to show it in the video, all proud of my new invention.
The next morning, I woke up before my alarm, excited about the plan I was finally going to put into practice. It’s not every day that a creative idea comes to me like this, and I couldn’t wait to put it into practice.
In the afternoon, Leonardo showed up at the restaurant and walked towards me. He greeted me with a smile, tilting his head slightly, his light brown eyes fixed on mine.
-Hey, Anna, is everything okay? - he asked, his voice soft.
-Yes, things are pretty quiet today. - I replied, trying to sound casual.
-Good for us, then.- He rubbed his eyes, letting out a tired sigh. -I’m super busy. I got an urgent case that’s a real mess.
-A case?- I asked, curious.
-Oh, yes, I don’t think I told you.
He smiled, relaxing a little.
-Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Dr. Leonardo Kaar, a lawyer specializing in tax law.
I laughed, unable to keep my tone from being joking.
-I knew you were too charming!
- Your job must really require charisma and smooth talking, right? - He laughed, apparently amused by the comment.
- So, doctor, what will you order today?
- I'll have a natural sandwich, orange juice, a brownie and a coffee. - He listed his order without even looking at the menu.
- I'll bring everything in a moment. - I replied.
I went to pick up the order, and when I came back, I saw Vânia checking out his account. She gave me a knowing look and a smile that almost made me laugh, already knowing what she was up to: of course she was trying to play cupid. I decided not to think too much about it, but I felt butterflies in my stomach knowing that she had probably done something to "help."
Just before I left, I received a message from Carla. She knew my schedule by heart, so I wasn't surprised that it was after she stopped working, and we agreed that she would come over on Saturday to help me decide what to plant in the yard. She worked in this field and always had good ideas, so I was excited.
After work, I looked around a few stores and found a used exercise bike for $80—perfect for the washing machine project! I bought it without thinking twice, already visualizing how I was going to show it in the video, all proud of my new invention.
feralferret
Veteran Member
Thank you.
Chap 40
On Friday, I woke up to the sound of soft rain and looked out the window to see the sun shining in the background, one of those classic days of “sun and rain, widow’s wedding; rain and sun, Spanish wedding.” It was a peculiar and beautiful scene, and I watched it for a few minutes before getting ready for the day. When I finally got to the diner, the rain had stopped, but the business there was frantic. I didn’t have a second to breathe all day.
When my shift ended, I felt exhausted, but before heading home, I stopped by to buy the materials I needed to build my washing machine bicycle. It was a bold project, but I was excited to see how it would turn out.
Saturday morning flew by. I had slept in late when I woke up to the phone ringing. It was Carla, who was telling me she was on her way to help me with the plants in the backyard. I got up and put on a mint green dress with a flared skirt, perfect for the hot, sunny day, and quickly tied my hair into a bun.
When she arrived, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen, and the cookies I had prepared were almost ready. I had made a simple batch, mixing a can of condensed milk with 500g of cornstarch — enough for 30 delicious cookies. We sat at the table, chatting and sharing the latest news. I told her all about Leonardo and how surprised I was to discover he was a tax lawyer. She looked at me with a knowing smile, clearly finding the story funny.
-And you, Carla? What’s new?- I asked, trying to hide how much I expected a good answer from her too.
She then shared that she had decided to go back to college to finish her degree in environmental engineering, something she had left behind a long time ago.
-Seeing you follow your dreams inspired me to do the same.- she admitted, her eyes serene and determined. My heart warmed; I could hardly believe that I had helped in any way.
After the conversation, we went for a walk around the backyard to plan the landscaping. We decided to put ferns in hanging pots and olive trees in larger jars. In the front yard, we decided to plant a mango tree and in the backyard, a banana tree next to the well, with nearby bromeliad beds to complement it. The conversation about plants and the planning made me even more excited to make the house welcoming and lively.
For lunch, I made pasta with pesto sauce, and we ate it leisurely. Soon after, Carla said goodbye, and I changed into jean shorts and a plain blue T-shirt.
With everything ready, I started recording the assembly video of the washing machine bicycle, explaining each material and step in detail.
— First, we have the exercise bike, which is the heart of our improvised washing machine. We need a rubber belt that will connect the 50-liter plastic drum to the drive wheel. In addition, we need the pulleys that will help transmit the movement and keep the structure stable.
Pausing at each step, I showed how to fix the bike to the ground, connect the pulley to the drive wheel, and prepare the drum to receive the central gear. The process was more laborious than it seemed, but seeing everything take shape on camera was exciting. I detailed each movement until the final moment.
— For the final test, I get on the bike and start pedaling slowly, waiting for the drum to turn without fail. And... voilà! We have our handmade washing machine!
As soon as I finished filming, the sky was starting to darken, and I went inside to light up the room, satisfied with the productive day. I couldn't wait to edit the video and share it with anyone who, like me, wants to reinvent their lives or just live off the grid.
On Friday, I woke up to the sound of soft rain and looked out the window to see the sun shining in the background, one of those classic days of “sun and rain, widow’s wedding; rain and sun, Spanish wedding.” It was a peculiar and beautiful scene, and I watched it for a few minutes before getting ready for the day. When I finally got to the diner, the rain had stopped, but the business there was frantic. I didn’t have a second to breathe all day.
When my shift ended, I felt exhausted, but before heading home, I stopped by to buy the materials I needed to build my washing machine bicycle. It was a bold project, but I was excited to see how it would turn out.
Saturday morning flew by. I had slept in late when I woke up to the phone ringing. It was Carla, who was telling me she was on her way to help me with the plants in the backyard. I got up and put on a mint green dress with a flared skirt, perfect for the hot, sunny day, and quickly tied my hair into a bun.
When she arrived, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen, and the cookies I had prepared were almost ready. I had made a simple batch, mixing a can of condensed milk with 500g of cornstarch — enough for 30 delicious cookies. We sat at the table, chatting and sharing the latest news. I told her all about Leonardo and how surprised I was to discover he was a tax lawyer. She looked at me with a knowing smile, clearly finding the story funny.
-And you, Carla? What’s new?- I asked, trying to hide how much I expected a good answer from her too.
She then shared that she had decided to go back to college to finish her degree in environmental engineering, something she had left behind a long time ago.
-Seeing you follow your dreams inspired me to do the same.- she admitted, her eyes serene and determined. My heart warmed; I could hardly believe that I had helped in any way.
After the conversation, we went for a walk around the backyard to plan the landscaping. We decided to put ferns in hanging pots and olive trees in larger jars. In the front yard, we decided to plant a mango tree and in the backyard, a banana tree next to the well, with nearby bromeliad beds to complement it. The conversation about plants and the planning made me even more excited to make the house welcoming and lively.
For lunch, I made pasta with pesto sauce, and we ate it leisurely. Soon after, Carla said goodbye, and I changed into jean shorts and a plain blue T-shirt.
With everything ready, I started recording the assembly video of the washing machine bicycle, explaining each material and step in detail.
— First, we have the exercise bike, which is the heart of our improvised washing machine. We need a rubber belt that will connect the 50-liter plastic drum to the drive wheel. In addition, we need the pulleys that will help transmit the movement and keep the structure stable.
Pausing at each step, I showed how to fix the bike to the ground, connect the pulley to the drive wheel, and prepare the drum to receive the central gear. The process was more laborious than it seemed, but seeing everything take shape on camera was exciting. I detailed each movement until the final moment.
— For the final test, I get on the bike and start pedaling slowly, waiting for the drum to turn without fail. And... voilà! We have our handmade washing machine!
As soon as I finished filming, the sky was starting to darken, and I went inside to light up the room, satisfied with the productive day. I couldn't wait to edit the video and share it with anyone who, like me, wants to reinvent their lives or just live off the grid.
Chap 41
I woke up that new Sunday with the perfect weather to record: a clear and serene morning, the sun gently streaming in through the kitchen windows, illuminating everything with a soft light. Perfect for making guava paste, something I had wanted to share for a long time.
Before starting, I organized the space on the counter, prepared the camera and fixed my hair, tying it in a loose ponytail so it wouldn't get in the way while I cooked. I put on a floral apron, giving the video a homey look. With everything ready, I began the process, detailing each step of the recipe with care:
— So, for the guava paste, I start with 1000 grams of red guava, already washed, peeled and cut in half — I explained, taking a bowl with the fresh guava pieces.
In a large pan, I placed the guavas and added 500 ml of water, bringing it to a low boil. As the water began to bubble, the kitchen was filled with that sweet and unmistakable aroma. I recorded the steam rising and the texture of the fruit softening. After 10 minutes of boiling, I took the pan off the heat and let it cool, and explained the next step:
— After it cools, we will grind the guava pulp in the blender. Here, I use a manual blender, so it takes longer to reach a soft texture.
Little by little, I strained the pulp, discarding the residue, and transferred the smooth cream to another pan, where I added 800 grams of refined sugar. With the heat back on low, I stirred constantly to prevent it from sticking. The vibrant colors of the mixture looked beautiful in the video, the orange tone becoming increasingly deeper and more caramelized.
“Now, when the jam is at the soft candy stage, we add 20 ml of lemon juice to enhance the flavor,” he said, showing the trick to recognize the ideal point: put a little bit of the jam in a bowl with cold water and see if it stays whole until the bottom.
At the end, I poured the hot guava paste into a lightly greased pan and let it cool, promising my followers that, as soon as it cooled, I would show how to cut it and how to package it.
After finishing the recording, I quickly cleaned up the mess in the kitchen and, with the day already advancing, I went to get ready to go out. I chose a simple and comfortable look: khaki tailored shorts, a white sleeveless button-down blouse and khaki sandals with thin straps. I applied a little blush and a touch of mascara, just to add some color. With everything ready, I felt light and fresh for the outing.
When I arrived at the coffee shop, the atmosphere was welcoming, a mix of aromas of fresh coffee and freshly baked cakes. The dark wooden tables and the upholstery in shades of green and beige gave the place a cozy atmosphere, inviting you to sit down and relax. There were flowers in small vases on the tables, and some plants hung from the ceiling, giving the space a natural touch. The background music was soft, almost imperceptible, perfect for a quiet conversation.
While I waited, I took some photos of the place and started editing the images, taking the opportunity to enjoy the moment before Jane arrived. I was finishing the editing when my cell phone vibrated with a notification from Instagram. When I saw that it was Leonardo, I was almost sure: this was Vânia's interference in action. I smiled, not knowing whether to laugh at the coincidence or scold Vânia for her insistence on playing cupid. Either way, I accepted the request, with a mix of curiosity and amusement. As I was posting the photos that I was most happy with after editing, I saw Jane arrive with an enthusiastic smile. As soon as we sat down, she started telling me the latest about her work. As an event planner, she had had an intense few weeks: a birthday, a gender reveal party, and an engagement. Each party was planned down to the smallest detail, and she loved sharing behind-the-scenes stories. Soon, the conversation turned to something more unusual, and before I finished my coffee, she told me about the chaos that was happening in the building where I lived.
— You won't believe it! — she said, and I just shook my head, already hoping it was something good. — A neighbor's wife caught her husband red-handed with the... husband of the building manager!
I blinked in disbelief, and Jane told me that her wife, who was a flight attendant, had a flight canceled, which made her return home early. When she entered the apartment, she caught the two of them together and, without thinking twice, recorded the scene and posted it in the group of residents of the building. It was no surprise: it turned into a scandal. The wife is asking for a divorce, but her husband, who was living off her, doesn't want to leave the house and now wants to stay with the... husband of the building manager, who in turn refuses to leave her partner and is furious with the situation.
As Jane told the story, I could hardly believe what I was hearing. All I could do was react with expressions like "I can't believe it!", "Did he really do that?", completely shocked.
— Wow, Jane, look, when I lived there, these things didn't happen! It was only when I left that everything got interesting — I joked, and we laughed together at the bizarre situation.
I ordered a chicken pie and a pineapple and mint juice, and we continued talking about everything.
Once home, after the fun meeting with Jane, I put on a playlist of light music and started cleaning the house. The cleaning went much faster than I expected and, when I finished, the sky was already dark, but the night was clear and starry. I grabbed a blanket, sat in the backyard and spent some time trying to recognize some constellations.
I woke up that new Sunday with the perfect weather to record: a clear and serene morning, the sun gently streaming in through the kitchen windows, illuminating everything with a soft light. Perfect for making guava paste, something I had wanted to share for a long time.
Before starting, I organized the space on the counter, prepared the camera and fixed my hair, tying it in a loose ponytail so it wouldn't get in the way while I cooked. I put on a floral apron, giving the video a homey look. With everything ready, I began the process, detailing each step of the recipe with care:
— So, for the guava paste, I start with 1000 grams of red guava, already washed, peeled and cut in half — I explained, taking a bowl with the fresh guava pieces.
In a large pan, I placed the guavas and added 500 ml of water, bringing it to a low boil. As the water began to bubble, the kitchen was filled with that sweet and unmistakable aroma. I recorded the steam rising and the texture of the fruit softening. After 10 minutes of boiling, I took the pan off the heat and let it cool, and explained the next step:
— After it cools, we will grind the guava pulp in the blender. Here, I use a manual blender, so it takes longer to reach a soft texture.
Little by little, I strained the pulp, discarding the residue, and transferred the smooth cream to another pan, where I added 800 grams of refined sugar. With the heat back on low, I stirred constantly to prevent it from sticking. The vibrant colors of the mixture looked beautiful in the video, the orange tone becoming increasingly deeper and more caramelized.
“Now, when the jam is at the soft candy stage, we add 20 ml of lemon juice to enhance the flavor,” he said, showing the trick to recognize the ideal point: put a little bit of the jam in a bowl with cold water and see if it stays whole until the bottom.
At the end, I poured the hot guava paste into a lightly greased pan and let it cool, promising my followers that, as soon as it cooled, I would show how to cut it and how to package it.
After finishing the recording, I quickly cleaned up the mess in the kitchen and, with the day already advancing, I went to get ready to go out. I chose a simple and comfortable look: khaki tailored shorts, a white sleeveless button-down blouse and khaki sandals with thin straps. I applied a little blush and a touch of mascara, just to add some color. With everything ready, I felt light and fresh for the outing.
When I arrived at the coffee shop, the atmosphere was welcoming, a mix of aromas of fresh coffee and freshly baked cakes. The dark wooden tables and the upholstery in shades of green and beige gave the place a cozy atmosphere, inviting you to sit down and relax. There were flowers in small vases on the tables, and some plants hung from the ceiling, giving the space a natural touch. The background music was soft, almost imperceptible, perfect for a quiet conversation.
While I waited, I took some photos of the place and started editing the images, taking the opportunity to enjoy the moment before Jane arrived. I was finishing the editing when my cell phone vibrated with a notification from Instagram. When I saw that it was Leonardo, I was almost sure: this was Vânia's interference in action. I smiled, not knowing whether to laugh at the coincidence or scold Vânia for her insistence on playing cupid. Either way, I accepted the request, with a mix of curiosity and amusement. As I was posting the photos that I was most happy with after editing, I saw Jane arrive with an enthusiastic smile. As soon as we sat down, she started telling me the latest about her work. As an event planner, she had had an intense few weeks: a birthday, a gender reveal party, and an engagement. Each party was planned down to the smallest detail, and she loved sharing behind-the-scenes stories. Soon, the conversation turned to something more unusual, and before I finished my coffee, she told me about the chaos that was happening in the building where I lived.
— You won't believe it! — she said, and I just shook my head, already hoping it was something good. — A neighbor's wife caught her husband red-handed with the... husband of the building manager!
I blinked in disbelief, and Jane told me that her wife, who was a flight attendant, had a flight canceled, which made her return home early. When she entered the apartment, she caught the two of them together and, without thinking twice, recorded the scene and posted it in the group of residents of the building. It was no surprise: it turned into a scandal. The wife is asking for a divorce, but her husband, who was living off her, doesn't want to leave the house and now wants to stay with the... husband of the building manager, who in turn refuses to leave her partner and is furious with the situation.
As Jane told the story, I could hardly believe what I was hearing. All I could do was react with expressions like "I can't believe it!", "Did he really do that?", completely shocked.
— Wow, Jane, look, when I lived there, these things didn't happen! It was only when I left that everything got interesting — I joked, and we laughed together at the bizarre situation.
I ordered a chicken pie and a pineapple and mint juice, and we continued talking about everything.
Once home, after the fun meeting with Jane, I put on a playlist of light music and started cleaning the house. The cleaning went much faster than I expected and, when I finished, the sky was already dark, but the night was clear and starry. I grabbed a blanket, sat in the backyard and spent some time trying to recognize some constellations.
feralferret
Veteran Member
Thank you.
Chap 42
On Monday, the restaurant routine came like a whirlwind, taking away any semblance of rest from the weekend. Between waiting tables and organizing orders, I felt twice as tired. But, amidst all the hustle and bustle, I took advantage of the break to check my social media notifications. To my surprise, the guava paste video had been a hit. Reading the affectionate comments brought me a discreet but profound joy. There were people praising the simplicity of the recipe, thanking me for something homemade and authentic. Seeing that my content was touching people gave me a little bit of pride — something that, honestly, I hadn't felt to this extent in a long time.
When I finally got home, my body was asking for rest, but my mind was still restless. I received a message from Izzy inviting me to a pool party, and when I read the phrase "all in the pool and not just around it", I felt butterflies in my stomach. I quickly started looking for an excuse to escape the situation. I tried to change the subject, but she noticed and insisted. She asked me bluntly why I never participated in activities involving water. It was hard to admit, but I ended up telling her, feeling a bit embarrassed. I didn’t know how to swim. And, worse, the fear of learning paralyzed me. Explaining this fear to someone close to me was almost as uncomfortable as the fear itself. I always thought that if I tried to learn from strangers, they wouldn’t pay attention, and I would end up drowning or being left behind, as if I were a burden. To my surprise, Izzy didn’t laugh or judge. On the contrary, she was so caring and empathetic that my heart almost softened right there. She offered to teach me. At first, I hesitated and told her that she didn’t need to bother. But, with that direct way, she asked: “You trust me, right?” That question got to me. In a few words, she reminded me that this journey, even if scary, could be different with someone I trusted by my side. I felt like I had no way out, so I agreed. It was like opening a door to something I had been trying to avoid for years.
I started recording the classes, without really knowing why. Maybe, subconsciously, I wanted to see my progress or, who knows, face my fear head on, but also share this vulnerability with other people. In the first videos, my nervousness was evident. Embarrassment at learning something so basic in adult life and fear of failure were constant companions. But, when I read the comments, I found strength and support that I never imagined. People said that they could relate, that they were also overcoming their own fears and that, when they saw my courage, they felt inspired.
With each class, the fear was still there, but it began to share space with a different feeling, something stronger: overcoming. It was as if the water was no longer just a threat; it represented my effort to overcome a part of myself that I had always wanted to hide. And that made me come back for more, week after week.
And so the days went by. Between recipes, recordings, swimming lessons and small interactions with Leonardo — who, to Vânia’s constant frustration, hadn’t asked me out yet — I found myself growing in ways I hadn’t expected. My routine was fuller, and I felt more alive. It was as if, with each step, I was getting closer to the person I always wanted to be.
On Monday, the restaurant routine came like a whirlwind, taking away any semblance of rest from the weekend. Between waiting tables and organizing orders, I felt twice as tired. But, amidst all the hustle and bustle, I took advantage of the break to check my social media notifications. To my surprise, the guava paste video had been a hit. Reading the affectionate comments brought me a discreet but profound joy. There were people praising the simplicity of the recipe, thanking me for something homemade and authentic. Seeing that my content was touching people gave me a little bit of pride — something that, honestly, I hadn't felt to this extent in a long time.
When I finally got home, my body was asking for rest, but my mind was still restless. I received a message from Izzy inviting me to a pool party, and when I read the phrase "all in the pool and not just around it", I felt butterflies in my stomach. I quickly started looking for an excuse to escape the situation. I tried to change the subject, but she noticed and insisted. She asked me bluntly why I never participated in activities involving water. It was hard to admit, but I ended up telling her, feeling a bit embarrassed. I didn’t know how to swim. And, worse, the fear of learning paralyzed me. Explaining this fear to someone close to me was almost as uncomfortable as the fear itself. I always thought that if I tried to learn from strangers, they wouldn’t pay attention, and I would end up drowning or being left behind, as if I were a burden. To my surprise, Izzy didn’t laugh or judge. On the contrary, she was so caring and empathetic that my heart almost softened right there. She offered to teach me. At first, I hesitated and told her that she didn’t need to bother. But, with that direct way, she asked: “You trust me, right?” That question got to me. In a few words, she reminded me that this journey, even if scary, could be different with someone I trusted by my side. I felt like I had no way out, so I agreed. It was like opening a door to something I had been trying to avoid for years.
I started recording the classes, without really knowing why. Maybe, subconsciously, I wanted to see my progress or, who knows, face my fear head on, but also share this vulnerability with other people. In the first videos, my nervousness was evident. Embarrassment at learning something so basic in adult life and fear of failure were constant companions. But, when I read the comments, I found strength and support that I never imagined. People said that they could relate, that they were also overcoming their own fears and that, when they saw my courage, they felt inspired.
With each class, the fear was still there, but it began to share space with a different feeling, something stronger: overcoming. It was as if the water was no longer just a threat; it represented my effort to overcome a part of myself that I had always wanted to hide. And that made me come back for more, week after week.
And so the days went by. Between recipes, recordings, swimming lessons and small interactions with Leonardo — who, to Vânia’s constant frustration, hadn’t asked me out yet — I found myself growing in ways I hadn’t expected. My routine was fuller, and I felt more alive. It was as if, with each step, I was getting closer to the person I always wanted to be.
Chap 43
After weeks of waiting, all the plants I wanted were finally available! As soon as Carla told me, I arranged for her to come the next day with some colleagues to help with the planting. We took the opportunity to plan a picnic with Jane, since it had been a while since the three of us had gotten together. There was always someone busy, with work, college or other obligations. We agreed enthusiastically, and I decided to prepare one of my special recipes, specifically my favorite cake recipe, for us to eat tomorrow.
I put on something comfortable and took the opportunity to record a video of the chocolate cake recipe. I began narrating as calmly as I could: “First, we’re going to beat the egg whites until stiff.” My voice was calm as I stirred the egg whites until they were firm. “Now, we’ll add the egg yolks and sugar, beating a little more.” I separated a cup of water and mixed in three tablespoons of powdered milk, stirring until it dissolved. “Now we’re going to add the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder.” I felt genuine satisfaction in each step, savoring the sweet aroma that began to fill the kitchen. With the cake in the oven, I prepared the syrup – boiling water and sugar until it turned into a light syrup. “After the cake cooled, I cut it in half and used the syrup to soak the discs. Tomorrow, I’m going to make brigadeiro for the filling. This will be one of our desserts for tomorrow’s picnic!”
The rest of the night was quiet; I exchanged messages with friends, researched the videos that had recently gone viral and wrote down topics for future videos.
The next morning, I prepared the brigadeiro: a can of condensed milk, a can of cream and 50 grams of semisweet chocolate, stirring until, when I passed the spoon through the middle of the pan, the brigadeiro remained and did not come together again. I used half as the filling and half as the topping. Carla arrived with some colleagues from work to help. While I filmed, capturing the energy of the moment, they began to dig and organize the garden. The newly planted grass smelled fresh, and along the walls we hung ferns that swayed gently in the wind. We planted olive trees in larger pots, and Carla helped me arrange the pots at the entrance to the property, where they would give a sense of welcome, lush and elegant.
“Imagine when these olive trees are bigger,” Carla said, smiling at the final arrangement. “It’s going to be a haven here!” I laughed as I moved a pot to the side. “I’m going to feel like I’m in an Italian villa every time I leave or come home,” I joked.
In the front yard, in the middle of the lot between the gate and the house, we planted a young mango tree, thinking about the freshness and the fruit it would bring over time. I smiled as I imagined its shade in the future. In the back yard, next to the well, we planted a banana tree, and around it we planted beds of bromeliads, which added vibrant splashes of color with their varying shades of red, orange, and yellow. I looked at the finished work with a pride that warmed my heart; it was as if, finally, the house was taking shape the way I had always dreamed.
After everything was planted and organized, Jane arrived, carrying a colorful bowl of fruit salad and fresh orange juice. I took the cake already filled with brigadeiro and the freshly brewed coffee, while Carla brought mini cheese and ham rolls, toast and turkey breast pâté. We set up an improvised setup in the backyard, spreading a blue tablecloth on the lawn. The sun was shining, and the smell of the grass, mixed with the fresh plants, brought a sense of peace.
"I can't believe we managed to get together!" Jane exclaimed, laughing as she sat on the towel. "The last time we did something like this was... when exactly?" Carla smiled. "Definitely before Anna moved out of the apartment. By the way, how is the new occupant of the room?" Jane shrugged. "The new girl, Geovana... She's, well, interesting." In the first week, I found out that she lied about nonsensical things. Like, who lies about their favorite color?
-That's really weird!- Carla laughed, and I nodded as I ate a piece of toast. -But at least you have stories to tell.
-Speaking of which, I also have new stories to tell,- Carla continued. -I joined an environmental protection group at college. We're studying the impact of improper waste disposal and trying to raise awareness. I'm writing an article about it.
-That's great, Carla! Maybe you could share something on my channel, whether you like it or not. ‘Viva Comigo’ has a strong audience for people who like recycling and outdoor activities- I suggested, excited about the idea. -People might love learning about sustainability.
We ate and laughed, each of us sharing stories and news, until the sun began to set. I took a slice of the cake, noticing its fluffy texture and the creamy brigadeiro dripping slightly on the sides. As I took the first bite, I felt the intense flavor of the chocolate and the
touch of the syrup that had absorbed so well. It was sweet, with a hint of bitterness from the filling, perfect for a day of celebration.
-This cake is perfect, Anna!- Jane said, taking another slice. -You have to teach this recipe to Carla!
-Really? I'll think about it.- I replied, joking.
At the end of the afternoon, with the sun painting the sky orange, Carla and Jane said goodbye, promising to meet us again soon. After they left, I took a deep breath, feeling tired and satisfied at seeing the garden transformed and the day well spent with my friends. I took a hot shower, feeling the water relax my muscles, and lay down, already thinking about how that space, my new home, was almost finished.
After weeks of waiting, all the plants I wanted were finally available! As soon as Carla told me, I arranged for her to come the next day with some colleagues to help with the planting. We took the opportunity to plan a picnic with Jane, since it had been a while since the three of us had gotten together. There was always someone busy, with work, college or other obligations. We agreed enthusiastically, and I decided to prepare one of my special recipes, specifically my favorite cake recipe, for us to eat tomorrow.
I put on something comfortable and took the opportunity to record a video of the chocolate cake recipe. I began narrating as calmly as I could: “First, we’re going to beat the egg whites until stiff.” My voice was calm as I stirred the egg whites until they were firm. “Now, we’ll add the egg yolks and sugar, beating a little more.” I separated a cup of water and mixed in three tablespoons of powdered milk, stirring until it dissolved. “Now we’re going to add the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder.” I felt genuine satisfaction in each step, savoring the sweet aroma that began to fill the kitchen. With the cake in the oven, I prepared the syrup – boiling water and sugar until it turned into a light syrup. “After the cake cooled, I cut it in half and used the syrup to soak the discs. Tomorrow, I’m going to make brigadeiro for the filling. This will be one of our desserts for tomorrow’s picnic!”
The rest of the night was quiet; I exchanged messages with friends, researched the videos that had recently gone viral and wrote down topics for future videos.
The next morning, I prepared the brigadeiro: a can of condensed milk, a can of cream and 50 grams of semisweet chocolate, stirring until, when I passed the spoon through the middle of the pan, the brigadeiro remained and did not come together again. I used half as the filling and half as the topping. Carla arrived with some colleagues from work to help. While I filmed, capturing the energy of the moment, they began to dig and organize the garden. The newly planted grass smelled fresh, and along the walls we hung ferns that swayed gently in the wind. We planted olive trees in larger pots, and Carla helped me arrange the pots at the entrance to the property, where they would give a sense of welcome, lush and elegant.
“Imagine when these olive trees are bigger,” Carla said, smiling at the final arrangement. “It’s going to be a haven here!” I laughed as I moved a pot to the side. “I’m going to feel like I’m in an Italian villa every time I leave or come home,” I joked.
In the front yard, in the middle of the lot between the gate and the house, we planted a young mango tree, thinking about the freshness and the fruit it would bring over time. I smiled as I imagined its shade in the future. In the back yard, next to the well, we planted a banana tree, and around it we planted beds of bromeliads, which added vibrant splashes of color with their varying shades of red, orange, and yellow. I looked at the finished work with a pride that warmed my heart; it was as if, finally, the house was taking shape the way I had always dreamed.
After everything was planted and organized, Jane arrived, carrying a colorful bowl of fruit salad and fresh orange juice. I took the cake already filled with brigadeiro and the freshly brewed coffee, while Carla brought mini cheese and ham rolls, toast and turkey breast pâté. We set up an improvised setup in the backyard, spreading a blue tablecloth on the lawn. The sun was shining, and the smell of the grass, mixed with the fresh plants, brought a sense of peace.
"I can't believe we managed to get together!" Jane exclaimed, laughing as she sat on the towel. "The last time we did something like this was... when exactly?" Carla smiled. "Definitely before Anna moved out of the apartment. By the way, how is the new occupant of the room?" Jane shrugged. "The new girl, Geovana... She's, well, interesting." In the first week, I found out that she lied about nonsensical things. Like, who lies about their favorite color?
-That's really weird!- Carla laughed, and I nodded as I ate a piece of toast. -But at least you have stories to tell.
-Speaking of which, I also have new stories to tell,- Carla continued. -I joined an environmental protection group at college. We're studying the impact of improper waste disposal and trying to raise awareness. I'm writing an article about it.
-That's great, Carla! Maybe you could share something on my channel, whether you like it or not. ‘Viva Comigo’ has a strong audience for people who like recycling and outdoor activities- I suggested, excited about the idea. -People might love learning about sustainability.
We ate and laughed, each of us sharing stories and news, until the sun began to set. I took a slice of the cake, noticing its fluffy texture and the creamy brigadeiro dripping slightly on the sides. As I took the first bite, I felt the intense flavor of the chocolate and the
touch of the syrup that had absorbed so well. It was sweet, with a hint of bitterness from the filling, perfect for a day of celebration.
-This cake is perfect, Anna!- Jane said, taking another slice. -You have to teach this recipe to Carla!
-Really? I'll think about it.- I replied, joking.
At the end of the afternoon, with the sun painting the sky orange, Carla and Jane said goodbye, promising to meet us again soon. After they left, I took a deep breath, feeling tired and satisfied at seeing the garden transformed and the day well spent with my friends. I took a hot shower, feeling the water relax my muscles, and lay down, already thinking about how that space, my new home, was almost finished.
Chap 44
After a long day of work, I sat down with Leonardo, who was waiting for me to finish work, feeling nervousness heat up my cheeks. He was sitting in a quiet corner, watching me with a gentle smile, that attentive look that always made me lose the rhythm of my words. We ordered something to eat and, as soon as the dishes arrived, he started talking about a case he was working on at the law firm where he works.
“You won’t believe how confusing this inheritance is, Anna.” Leonardo began, with that sparkle in his eyes, like someone caught up in a mystery. “Ernesto Moreira, a well-known businessman, died and left behind a huge estate… but full of debts and legal problems. It seems like a never-ending puzzle.”
“So, let me get this straight…” I interrupted, trying to process everything. “Ernesto Moreira was a well-known businessman, but he died leaving behind a ton of debts and… secrets?”
Leonardo laughed, but it was almost bitter.
“Exactly.” Ernesto was one of those men who seemed to have two lives: the public and the private. In front of the cameras, he was the visionary businessman, a respected leader. But behind that, he had hidden debts, undocumented agreements, and... a list of enemies long enough to fill a book. And now, what's left of his 'inheritance' are pieces of a puzzle that no one wants to put together. "That's crazy! And his family... how are they dealing with this?" I asked, trying to imagine what it would be like to discover secrets about someone you love only after that person dies. He took a deep breath, as if thinking about the best way to explain. "The family is... a disaster, to say the least. The children discovered that their father was not the hero they imagined. Amanda, the oldest daughter, is a lawyer who is determined to take control and 'solve everything'. She believes that the only way to 'clean up' her father's image is to take over the reins of the company, but in her own way." I listened to him attentively, but more than that, I found myself fascinated by the intensity with which he spoke about the case. When he mentioned his children fighting among themselves, each with a different way of dealing with their father's financial chaos, I felt almost transported into that story.
"So she wants power?" I asked, trying to imagine this Amanda. She sounded like someone intense, with a dominant presence.
"Yes, and she's not exactly subtle. Amanda has this way of someone who is used to giving orders, and the rest of the family doesn't like that. For her, everything boils down to 'organizing the house' as if she were the CEO of a shell company." Leonardo gave a slightly ironic smile. "But deep down, I think she still wants to prove that she is worthy of her father. She wants to 'save the empire' as if, by doing so, she could erase all his mistakes." I shook my head, beginning to imagine the weight Amanda carried.
— It must be hard for her too... discovering all this, all this dark past, and still feeling like she needs to take care of his legacy.
Leonardo sighed, nodding.
— Yes, but the problem is that her idea of 'taking care' doesn't include anyone else. She wants to do everything her way, without caring about what her brothers think.
I was curious about the others.
— And Gustavo? He seems very different from her, from the way you spoke before.
— Very different. Gustavo is the type who avoids conflict. He wants to distance himself from all this mess and just wants to get his share. It's like he's... resigned, you know? He just wants the money so he can move on with his life, without ever hearing the name 'Moreira' again. He doesn't care much about the inheritance or his father's image, as long as he goes out with his.
— It almost seems like he's saying goodbye to his family, right?
Leonardo shrugged.
— In a way, yes. Gustavo has never been very close to anyone, not even his father. He only shows up at the meetings because he wants to make sure Amanda doesn't take everything, but he doesn't seem interested in fighting for anything beyond that.
There was a brief silence, as if we were both reflecting on the kind of relationship these siblings had. I finally asked:
"And the youngest? I bet he's a separate character in this story."
Leonardo laughed.
"Ah, Lucas... he's the real 'rebel'. While Amanda and Gustavo argue about the assets and debts, Lucas is more interested in... exposing his father. He's always had a troubled relationship with Ernesto, and now it seems he wants to prove that the Moreira empire was a sham."
"What do you mean 'expose'?" I leaned forward, completely absorbed.
"He wants me to find out everything bad I can about Ernesto. It's like he's trying to resolve years of hurt by unearthing his father's darkest secrets. Lucas believes that Ernesto used questionable methods to maintain the company and the family's status, and he is determined to show this to the world.
— So he doesn't even want to know about inheritance, power, anything like of this
so?
Leonardo paused, looking at me with a serious expression.
—Exactly. For Lucas, proving that his father was a fraud is more important than any money. He thinks that by exposing the truth, he will finally find some peace.
I found myself thinking about what it would be like to grow up in a family like that, full of pressure and secrets.
—It must be hard for him… for all of them, actually. They lived a life based on illusions and now they have to deal with a truth that no one was prepared to face.
—Yes, and that's where things get complicated for me. They expect me to choose a side. Amanda wants me to support her, to say that she is the best choice to take control of the company. Gustavo just wants me to finish the process quickly, so he can take the money and disappear. And Lucas… well, he wants me to become some kind of ‘detective’, as if I were there to dig up their father's dirty past. —Wow, it almost sounds like a soap opera drama! — I commented, laughing. — And how are you dealing with this? It can't be easy...
He looked at me for a moment, his expression softer, but also filled with a certain sadness.
He sighed, looking away for a second before answering:
— It's not, really. Every meeting, it's a festival of accusations, secrets and fights between the brothers. I try to be impartial, but... it's hard not to get involved. I think each of them has their reasons, you know? They all have old wounds that have never been dealt with. And, in a way, each one just wants to feel... validated. — He sighed and stirred his coffee cup. — When I'm with them, I realize that, more than any inheritance, they just want someone to listen to what they have to say. Maybe that's why they're so caught up in this power game.
I watched his face for a moment, and a thought crossed my mind. — Maybe, by dealing with this case, you'll be the first person to really listen to what they feel. And maybe this will help each of us see each other a little better, beyond the role of rivals we’ve taken on.
He smiled, with a gleam of gratitude in his eyes, and held my hand for a moment, as if that small gesture was a silent way of saying “thank you” for being there.
“You know, Anna, you have a way of seeing things that I really admire. Sometimes, you remind me of why I chose this profession... even when everything seems so chaotic.”
I was silent for a moment, amazed by his patience. Somehow, seeing Leonardo in that intense environment, navigating strong emotions and family conflicts, made me see him in an even deeper way.
When we finished eating, I decided I couldn’t put it off any longer. I had to ask, even if it was a little bold on my part. I took a deep breath and, trying to sound casual, I said:
“Leo, can I ask you a question?” He looked up, curious, and I felt my heart race. “Why haven’t you ever asked me out? I mean… you flirt with me every time we see each other.” My voice came out quieter than I expected, and I almost regretted asking.
To my surprise, he smiled, and his eyes softened, as if he was relieved that I had brought it up.
“I think it’s about time I told you the truth, don’t you think?” He leaned forward a little, his gaze sincere. “I like to flirt with people I find interesting. And you… well, you’re definitely interesting, Anna. But there’s a catch.” He paused, and I could almost feel the tension in the air. “If I get too close, I end up getting involved too quickly. And… as you know, I only got divorced four months ago. I’m still processing a lot. I don’t want to jump into another relationship without resolving the last one. I need to clear out all the lingering lingering feelings before I can open myself up to something new.”
His words hit me hard. For a moment, all I could do was look at him, absorbing the maturity and sincerity that shone on his face. Most people don't think like that, and I was surprised—and a little delighted—by the way he allowed himself to be so honest.
"You know... I think few people are as mature as that." I smiled, trying to ignore the slight tremor in my hands. "I've never asked you out in the almost three months we've known each other because..." I swallowed hard, knowing I was about to open up like never before. "I've never dated before. I never thought I had enough courage." The surprise on his face was almost palpable, but he just smiled back, with a look of understanding that made me relax a little.
"That just makes you even more special, Anna." We were silent for a moment, just absorbing the truth of what we'd said. Then, in a slightly lower voice, he asked:
"Would you wait for me?" I felt my heart race, and without hesitation, I smiled, answering:
— I promise to give it a chance.
That pleasant silence hung between us, until, remembering the
Next week, I decided to extend a special invitation.
— Oh, next weekend I'm having a barbecue at home to celebrate my birthday. I'm going to have some friends over and... I'd love it if you could come too.
Leonardo smiled broadly and, without hesitation, accepted the invitation. We said goodbye right away, with a hug that lasted a little longer than necessary, and I went home feeling light, warm and full of anticipation. I knew something was growing between us, something that, despite the pauses and fears, I couldn't wait to see where it would take us.
After a long day of work, I sat down with Leonardo, who was waiting for me to finish work, feeling nervousness heat up my cheeks. He was sitting in a quiet corner, watching me with a gentle smile, that attentive look that always made me lose the rhythm of my words. We ordered something to eat and, as soon as the dishes arrived, he started talking about a case he was working on at the law firm where he works.
“You won’t believe how confusing this inheritance is, Anna.” Leonardo began, with that sparkle in his eyes, like someone caught up in a mystery. “Ernesto Moreira, a well-known businessman, died and left behind a huge estate… but full of debts and legal problems. It seems like a never-ending puzzle.”
“So, let me get this straight…” I interrupted, trying to process everything. “Ernesto Moreira was a well-known businessman, but he died leaving behind a ton of debts and… secrets?”
Leonardo laughed, but it was almost bitter.
“Exactly.” Ernesto was one of those men who seemed to have two lives: the public and the private. In front of the cameras, he was the visionary businessman, a respected leader. But behind that, he had hidden debts, undocumented agreements, and... a list of enemies long enough to fill a book. And now, what's left of his 'inheritance' are pieces of a puzzle that no one wants to put together. "That's crazy! And his family... how are they dealing with this?" I asked, trying to imagine what it would be like to discover secrets about someone you love only after that person dies. He took a deep breath, as if thinking about the best way to explain. "The family is... a disaster, to say the least. The children discovered that their father was not the hero they imagined. Amanda, the oldest daughter, is a lawyer who is determined to take control and 'solve everything'. She believes that the only way to 'clean up' her father's image is to take over the reins of the company, but in her own way." I listened to him attentively, but more than that, I found myself fascinated by the intensity with which he spoke about the case. When he mentioned his children fighting among themselves, each with a different way of dealing with their father's financial chaos, I felt almost transported into that story.
"So she wants power?" I asked, trying to imagine this Amanda. She sounded like someone intense, with a dominant presence.
"Yes, and she's not exactly subtle. Amanda has this way of someone who is used to giving orders, and the rest of the family doesn't like that. For her, everything boils down to 'organizing the house' as if she were the CEO of a shell company." Leonardo gave a slightly ironic smile. "But deep down, I think she still wants to prove that she is worthy of her father. She wants to 'save the empire' as if, by doing so, she could erase all his mistakes." I shook my head, beginning to imagine the weight Amanda carried.
— It must be hard for her too... discovering all this, all this dark past, and still feeling like she needs to take care of his legacy.
Leonardo sighed, nodding.
— Yes, but the problem is that her idea of 'taking care' doesn't include anyone else. She wants to do everything her way, without caring about what her brothers think.
I was curious about the others.
— And Gustavo? He seems very different from her, from the way you spoke before.
— Very different. Gustavo is the type who avoids conflict. He wants to distance himself from all this mess and just wants to get his share. It's like he's... resigned, you know? He just wants the money so he can move on with his life, without ever hearing the name 'Moreira' again. He doesn't care much about the inheritance or his father's image, as long as he goes out with his.
— It almost seems like he's saying goodbye to his family, right?
Leonardo shrugged.
— In a way, yes. Gustavo has never been very close to anyone, not even his father. He only shows up at the meetings because he wants to make sure Amanda doesn't take everything, but he doesn't seem interested in fighting for anything beyond that.
There was a brief silence, as if we were both reflecting on the kind of relationship these siblings had. I finally asked:
"And the youngest? I bet he's a separate character in this story."
Leonardo laughed.
"Ah, Lucas... he's the real 'rebel'. While Amanda and Gustavo argue about the assets and debts, Lucas is more interested in... exposing his father. He's always had a troubled relationship with Ernesto, and now it seems he wants to prove that the Moreira empire was a sham."
"What do you mean 'expose'?" I leaned forward, completely absorbed.
"He wants me to find out everything bad I can about Ernesto. It's like he's trying to resolve years of hurt by unearthing his father's darkest secrets. Lucas believes that Ernesto used questionable methods to maintain the company and the family's status, and he is determined to show this to the world.
— So he doesn't even want to know about inheritance, power, anything like of this
so?
Leonardo paused, looking at me with a serious expression.
—Exactly. For Lucas, proving that his father was a fraud is more important than any money. He thinks that by exposing the truth, he will finally find some peace.
I found myself thinking about what it would be like to grow up in a family like that, full of pressure and secrets.
—It must be hard for him… for all of them, actually. They lived a life based on illusions and now they have to deal with a truth that no one was prepared to face.
—Yes, and that's where things get complicated for me. They expect me to choose a side. Amanda wants me to support her, to say that she is the best choice to take control of the company. Gustavo just wants me to finish the process quickly, so he can take the money and disappear. And Lucas… well, he wants me to become some kind of ‘detective’, as if I were there to dig up their father's dirty past. —Wow, it almost sounds like a soap opera drama! — I commented, laughing. — And how are you dealing with this? It can't be easy...
He looked at me for a moment, his expression softer, but also filled with a certain sadness.
He sighed, looking away for a second before answering:
— It's not, really. Every meeting, it's a festival of accusations, secrets and fights between the brothers. I try to be impartial, but... it's hard not to get involved. I think each of them has their reasons, you know? They all have old wounds that have never been dealt with. And, in a way, each one just wants to feel... validated. — He sighed and stirred his coffee cup. — When I'm with them, I realize that, more than any inheritance, they just want someone to listen to what they have to say. Maybe that's why they're so caught up in this power game.
I watched his face for a moment, and a thought crossed my mind. — Maybe, by dealing with this case, you'll be the first person to really listen to what they feel. And maybe this will help each of us see each other a little better, beyond the role of rivals we’ve taken on.
He smiled, with a gleam of gratitude in his eyes, and held my hand for a moment, as if that small gesture was a silent way of saying “thank you” for being there.
“You know, Anna, you have a way of seeing things that I really admire. Sometimes, you remind me of why I chose this profession... even when everything seems so chaotic.”
I was silent for a moment, amazed by his patience. Somehow, seeing Leonardo in that intense environment, navigating strong emotions and family conflicts, made me see him in an even deeper way.
When we finished eating, I decided I couldn’t put it off any longer. I had to ask, even if it was a little bold on my part. I took a deep breath and, trying to sound casual, I said:
“Leo, can I ask you a question?” He looked up, curious, and I felt my heart race. “Why haven’t you ever asked me out? I mean… you flirt with me every time we see each other.” My voice came out quieter than I expected, and I almost regretted asking.
To my surprise, he smiled, and his eyes softened, as if he was relieved that I had brought it up.
“I think it’s about time I told you the truth, don’t you think?” He leaned forward a little, his gaze sincere. “I like to flirt with people I find interesting. And you… well, you’re definitely interesting, Anna. But there’s a catch.” He paused, and I could almost feel the tension in the air. “If I get too close, I end up getting involved too quickly. And… as you know, I only got divorced four months ago. I’m still processing a lot. I don’t want to jump into another relationship without resolving the last one. I need to clear out all the lingering lingering feelings before I can open myself up to something new.”
His words hit me hard. For a moment, all I could do was look at him, absorbing the maturity and sincerity that shone on his face. Most people don't think like that, and I was surprised—and a little delighted—by the way he allowed himself to be so honest.
"You know... I think few people are as mature as that." I smiled, trying to ignore the slight tremor in my hands. "I've never asked you out in the almost three months we've known each other because..." I swallowed hard, knowing I was about to open up like never before. "I've never dated before. I never thought I had enough courage." The surprise on his face was almost palpable, but he just smiled back, with a look of understanding that made me relax a little.
"That just makes you even more special, Anna." We were silent for a moment, just absorbing the truth of what we'd said. Then, in a slightly lower voice, he asked:
"Would you wait for me?" I felt my heart race, and without hesitation, I smiled, answering:
— I promise to give it a chance.
That pleasant silence hung between us, until, remembering the
Next week, I decided to extend a special invitation.
— Oh, next weekend I'm having a barbecue at home to celebrate my birthday. I'm going to have some friends over and... I'd love it if you could come too.
Leonardo smiled broadly and, without hesitation, accepted the invitation. We said goodbye right away, with a hug that lasted a little longer than necessary, and I went home feeling light, warm and full of anticipation. I knew something was growing between us, something that, despite the pauses and fears, I couldn't wait to see where it would take us.
Chap 45
The morning was colder than I had imagined, and the weather was subtly but noticeably clouding my mood. I found myself in the store, walking through the wide aisles, surrounded by shelves with everything a home needs: utensils, decorative items, furniture that would make any home more cozy. I was no longer counting pennies like before. The relief of no longer having to worry about the accumulated bills, the electricity, the rent, the anxiety of debts, made me realize how life had changed. Somehow, I felt like I had moved up a social class. An unusual feeling, but one that made me smile to myself, even without realizing it.
“I need some picture frames and something pretty for the centerpiece,” I said to myself, choosing the pieces with more care than expected. A vase of flowers, something simple, but that would bring life to the room.
I almost felt like I was choosing items for a future, a future that had once seemed so distant, but now seemed within my reach. The shopping cart was filling up, and I soon realized that the purchases were becoming more than just objects. They were symbols of a new life, something I had never experienced before. I went to the crafts section and, on impulse, chose materials for my next video. I wanted to capture the feeling of how these small things could turn into something more meaningful.
“I never imagined I could buy these things without worrying so much,” I said with an incredulous smile on my face. But the strangest thing was to realize that I was dealing with the costs naturally, as if it were a reflection of my new way of living. The pressure seemed to disappear.
After a lot of shopping, I went to the rental section and chose a party kit, with tables, chairs and tablecloths. It was something simple, but somehow it made me feel ready to celebrate my own life.
. In the end, before returning home, I developed several photos that had been kept for so long. Each one of them carried a different story, a piece of me that perhaps I had kept for a long time. Arriving home, I looked around. It was as if every corner of the house now had a reason for being. I wanted to share this with my followers, I wanted them to see what was happening to me, the small victories, the moments that were becoming big. I decided to start a live stream while I decorated the room, talking about each photo I chose to put in its place.
- I'm going to tell you a little about these photos that I put on the walls - I began, while the camera focused on the images and the simple and cozy decoration of my home.
The first photo I showed was an old black and white photo of my grandmother. She was young, smiling with a lively expression, with her hair tied in an elegant bun. The image had a touch of nostalgia, as if it captured not only a memory, but a piece of her essence. I picked it up gently and said:
- This is my grandmother. She was always very creative, and she always said that anything in life can be done with love. When I was younger, she taught me how to cook, sew, and even do crafts. This photo is of her when she was young, when she lived in the countryside. She loved to plant flowers and the most striking memory I have of her is when she taught me how to make a wind chime, one that I remember hearing in her house, in a huge garden full of roses. Every time I look at this photo, I feel as if she is still here, reminding me that creativity and affection are everywhere. The camera captured my soft expression as I watched her, feeling that nostalgic warmth. It was not just a photo; it was a story of love and learning. I had planted flowers in my garden like she did, and now the wind chime was my own way of honoring her. I smiled, gently touching the photo, and continued. - I remember very much how she taught me that art is everywhere, and so is life. Every little corner of my house is a way of keeping her alive inside me. The second photo I showed was more recent, a photo of me with Carla and Jane, my roommates. In it, we were all smiling, taking a photo after a long night of movie marathons. I commented to the camera:
- This one is from a night we had at the apartment. The three of us love a good movie session, and it was funny because, in the end, we ended up having a marathon of old comedies. I remember how I felt welcomed by these two. We were in a moment of change, of adjustments, but the feeling of being with them, laughing and talking about life, was like an escape valve. Sometimes, only their support helped me see the beauty in the little things.
I ran my hand over the photo, feeling the joy of the moment. Those nights were full of genuine laughter and small gestures of friendship that made everything lighter. The warmth of home was
there, in the simplicity of what we shared.
The last photo I revealed was a picture of me, alone, from a trip I took to the beach a few years ago. I was sitting on the sand, staring into the distance, almost as if I were reflecting on life. The soft light of the sunset enveloped my silhouette, and I commented as I pointed to the image:
- This one was taken on a trip I took, when I really needed some time alone. I had just gone through some difficult changes and went to the beach to rethink a lot of things. It was a moment of finding myself. I sat on the sand, looked at the sea, and realized that all I needed was to let time pass and give myself permission to be myself. Every time I see this photo, I remember that, in the end, it's about finding balance, even in the loneliest moments. Loneliness is not necessarily a bad thing, it can be a space for growth.
I smiled at the camera, feeling a sense of accomplishment. By showing these photos, I shared not only pieces of my story, but the lessons I had learned along the way. It was as if each one was a reminder of how past experiences shaped who I am today, how they helped me build the confidence I needed to get to where I am, facing challenges and celebrating victories, big and small.
And it was in that moment, as I hung the last photos on the wall, that I realized how much this simple act of recording and reflecting on what had been important in my life made me feel more connected to who I am and what I was building. It wasn't just a house, it was a space that, little by little, was becoming more full of meaning, stories and memories.
-These photos are not just memories. They are my roots, my foundation. They remind me of where I came from and who I am, and they help me keep my feet on the ground while I seek new horizons," I finished, looking at the camera with a satisfied smile. I ended the live and started the next filming, this time of a recording.
The backyard was silent, with the fresh morning breeze passing through the trees, and a feeling of peace took over me.
First, I prepared the environment. The backyard still bore the marks of the last cleaning I had done, and Carla's yellow rose bushes, which were now growing strongly, brought a renewed energy to the space. I placed the cell phone in the right position, with the tripod already adjusted, and took a deep breath. I felt that something good was about to happen.
-Hi, everyone! - I began, as the camera focused on me and the materials spread out in front of me. -Today I brought a really cool project, something that I'm super excited to share with you. We're going to make a wind chime, but not just any bell... today, we're going to use tubes of different metals so that the sound is more diverse, and I hope you can capture the difference between the sounds!
As I spoke, I showed the materials. There were PVC pipes, but there was also aluminum and copper, which I hoped would generate lower and more melodious sounds, respectively.
-To do this, we will need some basic things: strong rope, PVC pipes, aluminum pipe, copper pipe, a wooden base to hang the pipes and some colored beads, if you want to give your bell a special touch. But the big secret here is the different types of metal. Each metal will generate a unique sound, and that is what will give this extra charm to our project.
I looked at the camera and smiled. Excitement took over me. I laid the pipes on the table, arranging them in order. I showed the PVC pipes first.
-This one here, the PVC, is the simplest of all. It has a higher-pitched sound, and is super affordable. I cut it to 30 cm long, so that it is neither too low nor too high. It will be a good starting point.
I picked up the PVC pipe, shook it gently, and moved on to the aluminum.
-Here's the aluminum. Just look at the difference in weight... it's much lighter, but it has a very interesting resonance. Its sound will be more metallic and light. I chose this piece that is approximately 25 cm long. The sound will be softer, but very beautiful.
I showed the aluminum pipe on the camera and did the same test, tapping it lightly with my fingers. The metallic sound echoed in the room and I could already hear the difference there, in the silence of the yard.
Finally, I picked up the copper pipe, and the difference was even more evident.
-Now, the copper... copper has a deeper sound, but it's also a little warmer, you know? It resonates longer in the air. This pipe here is 35 cm long, and it will be one of the most interesting.
I was so excited that I even stopped for a moment to admire the soft glow of the copper in the sunlight. It looked even more beautiful than I had imagined.
- With these three types of tubes, we will create a unique melody. Now, the next step is to assemble our bell.
I started preparing the wooden base. I chose a piece of twig, which was quite rough.
stic, as I like, and I made holes in the ends to pass the rope through. The idea was to hang the tubes so that they would not touch each other, so that the sound of each one could be heard individually, but that, when the wind blew, they would mix harmoniously.
-Now, to hang them, we will tie each tube in a different way. For the PVC, which has a higher-pitched sound, I will leave it a little shorter, near the center of the base. The aluminum will go to the right end, with a little more space, so that the low sound of the copper does not interfere too much. The copper tube will go to the left end, because its sound will mix well with the other two.
Carefully, I passed the rope through the holes in the branch and tied each tube. The rope needed to be strong enough to support the weight of the tubes and also to ensure that they would hang evenly.
After tying everything, there was still the final touch: the colored beads. I loved these little additions. They not only decorated the bell, but also added a bit of sparkle to the whole thing, and in the wind, they would make a slightly rhythmic sound, like a finishing touch to the sound of the pipes.
-Now, just hang it up and test it. Let's see how it turns out.
I took the bell to the corner of the yard where the hose is and the wind was more constant, and the result was surprising. The sound was much more varied than I expected, with each pipe playing a different note, but at the same time they all came together to form a soft melody.
I looked at the camera, trying to capture the audience's reaction, and said:
-I'm so happy with the result! As you can see, the three types of metal really make a difference in the sound. PVC has that clear, high-pitched sound, aluminum is softer and more metallic, and copper... well, copper is magical. It has a deep, warm resonance. I hope you can hear the difference from where you're standing! As I spoke, the wind began to pick up a bit and the tubes began to sway, creating a soft music that filled the air.
-Seriously, guys, there's nothing more delightful than the sound of the wind in a bell you made yourself.
When I speak, I can't help but remember my grandmother and feel a soft, nostalgic smile involuntarily appear on my lips.
-If you try to make your own wind chime, don't forget to tell me how it turned out! I'd love to hear the differences in the sound of the materials you chose. See you in the next video!
I took one last look at the bell, listening to the sounds blend together, and let the breeze carry a little peace of mind inside me.
The morning was colder than I had imagined, and the weather was subtly but noticeably clouding my mood. I found myself in the store, walking through the wide aisles, surrounded by shelves with everything a home needs: utensils, decorative items, furniture that would make any home more cozy. I was no longer counting pennies like before. The relief of no longer having to worry about the accumulated bills, the electricity, the rent, the anxiety of debts, made me realize how life had changed. Somehow, I felt like I had moved up a social class. An unusual feeling, but one that made me smile to myself, even without realizing it.
“I need some picture frames and something pretty for the centerpiece,” I said to myself, choosing the pieces with more care than expected. A vase of flowers, something simple, but that would bring life to the room.
I almost felt like I was choosing items for a future, a future that had once seemed so distant, but now seemed within my reach. The shopping cart was filling up, and I soon realized that the purchases were becoming more than just objects. They were symbols of a new life, something I had never experienced before. I went to the crafts section and, on impulse, chose materials for my next video. I wanted to capture the feeling of how these small things could turn into something more meaningful.
“I never imagined I could buy these things without worrying so much,” I said with an incredulous smile on my face. But the strangest thing was to realize that I was dealing with the costs naturally, as if it were a reflection of my new way of living. The pressure seemed to disappear.
After a lot of shopping, I went to the rental section and chose a party kit, with tables, chairs and tablecloths. It was something simple, but somehow it made me feel ready to celebrate my own life.
. In the end, before returning home, I developed several photos that had been kept for so long. Each one of them carried a different story, a piece of me that perhaps I had kept for a long time. Arriving home, I looked around. It was as if every corner of the house now had a reason for being. I wanted to share this with my followers, I wanted them to see what was happening to me, the small victories, the moments that were becoming big. I decided to start a live stream while I decorated the room, talking about each photo I chose to put in its place.
- I'm going to tell you a little about these photos that I put on the walls - I began, while the camera focused on the images and the simple and cozy decoration of my home.
The first photo I showed was an old black and white photo of my grandmother. She was young, smiling with a lively expression, with her hair tied in an elegant bun. The image had a touch of nostalgia, as if it captured not only a memory, but a piece of her essence. I picked it up gently and said:
- This is my grandmother. She was always very creative, and she always said that anything in life can be done with love. When I was younger, she taught me how to cook, sew, and even do crafts. This photo is of her when she was young, when she lived in the countryside. She loved to plant flowers and the most striking memory I have of her is when she taught me how to make a wind chime, one that I remember hearing in her house, in a huge garden full of roses. Every time I look at this photo, I feel as if she is still here, reminding me that creativity and affection are everywhere. The camera captured my soft expression as I watched her, feeling that nostalgic warmth. It was not just a photo; it was a story of love and learning. I had planted flowers in my garden like she did, and now the wind chime was my own way of honoring her. I smiled, gently touching the photo, and continued. - I remember very much how she taught me that art is everywhere, and so is life. Every little corner of my house is a way of keeping her alive inside me. The second photo I showed was more recent, a photo of me with Carla and Jane, my roommates. In it, we were all smiling, taking a photo after a long night of movie marathons. I commented to the camera:
- This one is from a night we had at the apartment. The three of us love a good movie session, and it was funny because, in the end, we ended up having a marathon of old comedies. I remember how I felt welcomed by these two. We were in a moment of change, of adjustments, but the feeling of being with them, laughing and talking about life, was like an escape valve. Sometimes, only their support helped me see the beauty in the little things.
I ran my hand over the photo, feeling the joy of the moment. Those nights were full of genuine laughter and small gestures of friendship that made everything lighter. The warmth of home was
there, in the simplicity of what we shared.
The last photo I revealed was a picture of me, alone, from a trip I took to the beach a few years ago. I was sitting on the sand, staring into the distance, almost as if I were reflecting on life. The soft light of the sunset enveloped my silhouette, and I commented as I pointed to the image:
- This one was taken on a trip I took, when I really needed some time alone. I had just gone through some difficult changes and went to the beach to rethink a lot of things. It was a moment of finding myself. I sat on the sand, looked at the sea, and realized that all I needed was to let time pass and give myself permission to be myself. Every time I see this photo, I remember that, in the end, it's about finding balance, even in the loneliest moments. Loneliness is not necessarily a bad thing, it can be a space for growth.
I smiled at the camera, feeling a sense of accomplishment. By showing these photos, I shared not only pieces of my story, but the lessons I had learned along the way. It was as if each one was a reminder of how past experiences shaped who I am today, how they helped me build the confidence I needed to get to where I am, facing challenges and celebrating victories, big and small.
And it was in that moment, as I hung the last photos on the wall, that I realized how much this simple act of recording and reflecting on what had been important in my life made me feel more connected to who I am and what I was building. It wasn't just a house, it was a space that, little by little, was becoming more full of meaning, stories and memories.
-These photos are not just memories. They are my roots, my foundation. They remind me of where I came from and who I am, and they help me keep my feet on the ground while I seek new horizons," I finished, looking at the camera with a satisfied smile. I ended the live and started the next filming, this time of a recording.
The backyard was silent, with the fresh morning breeze passing through the trees, and a feeling of peace took over me.
First, I prepared the environment. The backyard still bore the marks of the last cleaning I had done, and Carla's yellow rose bushes, which were now growing strongly, brought a renewed energy to the space. I placed the cell phone in the right position, with the tripod already adjusted, and took a deep breath. I felt that something good was about to happen.
-Hi, everyone! - I began, as the camera focused on me and the materials spread out in front of me. -Today I brought a really cool project, something that I'm super excited to share with you. We're going to make a wind chime, but not just any bell... today, we're going to use tubes of different metals so that the sound is more diverse, and I hope you can capture the difference between the sounds!
As I spoke, I showed the materials. There were PVC pipes, but there was also aluminum and copper, which I hoped would generate lower and more melodious sounds, respectively.
-To do this, we will need some basic things: strong rope, PVC pipes, aluminum pipe, copper pipe, a wooden base to hang the pipes and some colored beads, if you want to give your bell a special touch. But the big secret here is the different types of metal. Each metal will generate a unique sound, and that is what will give this extra charm to our project.
I looked at the camera and smiled. Excitement took over me. I laid the pipes on the table, arranging them in order. I showed the PVC pipes first.
-This one here, the PVC, is the simplest of all. It has a higher-pitched sound, and is super affordable. I cut it to 30 cm long, so that it is neither too low nor too high. It will be a good starting point.
I picked up the PVC pipe, shook it gently, and moved on to the aluminum.
-Here's the aluminum. Just look at the difference in weight... it's much lighter, but it has a very interesting resonance. Its sound will be more metallic and light. I chose this piece that is approximately 25 cm long. The sound will be softer, but very beautiful.
I showed the aluminum pipe on the camera and did the same test, tapping it lightly with my fingers. The metallic sound echoed in the room and I could already hear the difference there, in the silence of the yard.
Finally, I picked up the copper pipe, and the difference was even more evident.
-Now, the copper... copper has a deeper sound, but it's also a little warmer, you know? It resonates longer in the air. This pipe here is 35 cm long, and it will be one of the most interesting.
I was so excited that I even stopped for a moment to admire the soft glow of the copper in the sunlight. It looked even more beautiful than I had imagined.
- With these three types of tubes, we will create a unique melody. Now, the next step is to assemble our bell.
I started preparing the wooden base. I chose a piece of twig, which was quite rough.
stic, as I like, and I made holes in the ends to pass the rope through. The idea was to hang the tubes so that they would not touch each other, so that the sound of each one could be heard individually, but that, when the wind blew, they would mix harmoniously.
-Now, to hang them, we will tie each tube in a different way. For the PVC, which has a higher-pitched sound, I will leave it a little shorter, near the center of the base. The aluminum will go to the right end, with a little more space, so that the low sound of the copper does not interfere too much. The copper tube will go to the left end, because its sound will mix well with the other two.
Carefully, I passed the rope through the holes in the branch and tied each tube. The rope needed to be strong enough to support the weight of the tubes and also to ensure that they would hang evenly.
After tying everything, there was still the final touch: the colored beads. I loved these little additions. They not only decorated the bell, but also added a bit of sparkle to the whole thing, and in the wind, they would make a slightly rhythmic sound, like a finishing touch to the sound of the pipes.
-Now, just hang it up and test it. Let's see how it turns out.
I took the bell to the corner of the yard where the hose is and the wind was more constant, and the result was surprising. The sound was much more varied than I expected, with each pipe playing a different note, but at the same time they all came together to form a soft melody.
I looked at the camera, trying to capture the audience's reaction, and said:
-I'm so happy with the result! As you can see, the three types of metal really make a difference in the sound. PVC has that clear, high-pitched sound, aluminum is softer and more metallic, and copper... well, copper is magical. It has a deep, warm resonance. I hope you can hear the difference from where you're standing! As I spoke, the wind began to pick up a bit and the tubes began to sway, creating a soft music that filled the air.
-Seriously, guys, there's nothing more delightful than the sound of the wind in a bell you made yourself.
When I speak, I can't help but remember my grandmother and feel a soft, nostalgic smile involuntarily appear on my lips.
-If you try to make your own wind chime, don't forget to tell me how it turned out! I'd love to hear the differences in the sound of the materials you chose. See you in the next video!
I took one last look at the bell, listening to the sounds blend together, and let the breeze carry a little peace of mind inside me.