New York, a bustling city full of opportunities. Valentine was amidst the crowd, her heart racing as she made her way to her first international casting. She had left her hometown in Brazil three years ago, determined to pursue her dream of becoming a successful model.
A young aspiring model, she was nervous, her hands trembling as she held her portfolio with photos and resume. She could hear the hurried footsteps, the honking cars, and the constant buzz of the city. She felt small and out of place amidst such grandeur.
Valentine was dressed in a simple and natural outfit, suitable for a casting. She opted for a white tank top, black jeans, and black high-heeled boots, complementing the look with a leather jacket. She knew that simplicity and a natural appearance were crucial for this type of occasion, as clients wanted to see models without too much production, as a true reflection of their potential.
With her heart pounding, Valentine quickened her pace. She was almost at the casting location when suddenly someone bumped into her with force. Valentine felt something cold and sticky splatter onto her clothes. She looked down and saw her shirt stained by the spilled milkshake.
Desperate, Valentine started to panic. Tears welled up in her eyes, mixing with the dirt on her face. She didn't know what to do. Her first casting was about to start, and she had her shirt stained.
As she tried to compose herself, Valentine saw the anger in the eyes of Henrique, the tall guy with dark hair and a black jacket. Henrique held an empty cup from the spilled milkshake.
"I'm sorry, really sorry!" Valentine stammered, trying to find words to apologize. "I... I didn't see you coming. It was an accident!"
Henrique sighed, trying to control his anger. He looked at Valentine, now understanding how much trouble she was in. Despite his own frustrations, something in his heart softened his gaze.
"It's okay. I guess it was an accident," Henrique said in a calmer voice. "I... I can help you clean your clothes. We have to sort this out before your casting, right?"
Valentine was surprised by the offer of help. She looked at Henrique, gratitude and hope in her eyes. "Really? Would you do that for me?"
Henrique nodded, giving a slight smile. "Well, I do have some part in this too. Come on, we have to be quick."
He grabbed Valentine's arm and pulled her into a nearby store, hoping to find a new shirt to replace the stained one. However, as they arrived there, the doors were closing, indicating that the store was about to close for the day.
Valentine looked at Henrique, worried. "Now what? I can't go to the casting with this stain on my shirt."
Henrique looked around for a quick solution. His eyes landed on himself, realizing that the only option would be to take off his own shirt so that Valentine could wear it. He knew it might seem strange and even cause discomfort to Valentine, but there was no other choice at the moment.
With a bit of hesitation, Henrique took off his jacket and then his shirt, revealing a tattoo that started on his abdomen and extended to his chest and arm. Valentine was momentarily captivated by the design, getting lost in its beauty and details.
Henrique saw Valentine's fascinated gaze and gave a slight smile. "Hey, we're running out of time. Here's the shirt. Let's solve this problem first."
Valentine, still slightly dazed by the allure of the tattoo, regained her composure and took Henrique's shirt. She thanked him with a shy smile. "Thank you. I don't know what I would do without your help."
Henrique shrugged, acting nonchalantly despite being shirtless on the street. "It happens. After all, I also have to apologize for bumping into you. Hopefully, this makes up for it in some way."
Valentine put on Henrique's shirt, which was a bit big for her but served as a temporary solution to the stained clothes problem. They exchanged a brief glance, a mix of gratitude and curiosity between them.
"Let's go, we need to get to the casting as quickly as possible," Henrique said, putting his leather jacket back on. "I'll accompany you there."
Valentine nodded, adjusting Henrique's shirt as they walked together towards the casting location. When they arrived at the door, Henry and Valentine looked at each other awkwardly. Henry broke the silence, speaking with a hint of shyness, "Well, I guess I should be going."
Valentine looked at him, wondering how she would return the shirt. Before she could say anything, Henry shrugged and said, "You can keep it. Don't worry about returning it."
With a grateful smile, Valentine thanked him, "Thank you so much. I really don't know how to repay you for all this help."
Henry nodded and turned away, quickly walking off. As Valentine prepared to enter the casting location, she felt a mix of gratitude and curiosity about that unexpected encounter.
There were only five minutes left until the casting began. Valentine participated with all her inspiration, showcasing her potential and talent. However, despite her efforts, she didn't make it through the selection. The news left her sad and discouraged.
Downcast, Valentine called her mother, tears streaming down her face as she vented about the disappointment. Her mother, on the other end of the line, listened attentively, offering words of comfort and encouragement. She encouraged Valentine to keep pursuing her dream, reminding her of all the effort she had put in thus far.
With the support and encouragement of her mother, Valentine wiped away her tears and decided not to give up. She knew she would face many challenges along the way but was determined to forge ahead, confident that her moment of success would come.
Valentine walked to the subway station, lost in her thoughts that seemed to be filled with the image of the tattoo of the guy she had met earlier. She felt her emotions involuntarily stirred as she boarded the train. Fifteen minutes later, she arrived at the station near her apartment building.
As she walked toward the entrance of the building, Valentine bumped into Dona Maria, a kind elderly lady who lived on the lower floor. Dona Maria always treated her to delicious homemade cookies and cakes. A friendly smile lit up Dona Maria's wrinkled face.
Dona Maria: Oh, my dear Valentine, how was the casting today? I'm sure you rocked it!
Valentine: Oh, Dona Maria! It's so nice to see you. The casting didn't go as I expected. Unfortunately, I didn't make it through the selection.
Dona Maria placed a comforting hand on Valentine's shoulder, conveying warmth and encouragement.
Dona Maria: Don't worry, my dear. I'm sure you shone in there. These things take time, and I know you're talented. Just keep believing in yourself.
Valentine smiled, grateful for Dona Maria's words of support. The unexpected invitation also piqued her interest.
Valentine: Thank you so much for your words, Dona Maria. They mean a lot to me. And about that piece of chocoberry pie with passion fruit juice... It would be wonderful to share that delight with you.
Dona Maria smiled, gently taking Valentine's arm.
Dona Maria: Well then, let's go! My pie is waiting for us. I'm sure it will help sweeten this afternoon a little. And my dear, remember that every challenge brings us one step closer to our dreams. Don't give up!
Valentine felt warmed by Dona Maria's kindness and support. Together, they entered the building, ready to enjoy a moment of sweetness and friendship, while Valentine found the strength to continue pursuing her dreams in the world of fashion.