The next day, as Marilena drives to work, the events of the previous evening weigh heavily on her mind. The memory of Rafael's unexpected appearance at her doorstep looms like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over her thoughts.
Unable to shake the feeling of unease that gnaws at her, Marilena reaches for her phone and dials Carla's number, her fingers trembling slightly with apprehension.
"Hey, Marilena, what's up?" Carla's cheerful voice fills the car, momentarily easing Marilena's troubled mind.
"Carla, it's me," Marilena begins, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I need to talk to you about something."
Carla senses the seriousness in Marilena's tone and immediately grows concerned. "Of course, Marilena. What's wrong?"
Marilena takes a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "It's Rafael," she confesses, the name leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. "He showed up at my door last night."
