After a while, Christian expresses his gratitude for the hospitality. "Ms Marta, I thank you for your kindness, but I think it's time for me to go. I hope Marilena gets better soon."
Marta thanks him, "thank you, Christian, for helping my daughter. If you ever need anything, know that you are always welcome here."
Christian says goodbye cordially, promising to visit again, and Marilena walks him to the door. The feeling of support, even from a stranger, leaves a comforting mark.
When the door closes, Marta looks at Marilena with concern in her eyes. "Honey, what really happened? You don't look well, and this visit to Rafael's company... is there something you're not telling me?"
Marilena sighs, feeling the pressure of hiding the truth from her mother. "Mom, I... I needed to get out of the apartment for a bit. Everything about it reminds me of Rafael. And, I was outside, trying to clear my head."
Marta hugs her tenderly. "My love, I understand. You lived here with him almost for three years after your engagement... I'm sorry, didn't mean to bring that up."
Marilena smiles weakly, thanking her mother for her unconditional love. "It's okay, Mom. I'll try to get some rest now."
As Christian walks away from Marilene's building, a mix of feelings accompanies him. The kindness and compassion he shared with her create a soft echo in her mind. He wonders about the complexities of the stories that cross his path and how destinies intertwine in unpredictable ways.
Walking towards the parking lot, Christian reflects on the encounter. Marilene's tired expression, the shadows in her eyes, resonate in his mind. He wonders about the journey she is going through and wonders if there will be more opportunities to help.
Returning to his usual routine, Christian drives through the city streets, his hands firmly on the steering wheel and his mind involved in the events that have just transpired. The persistent rain creates a gentle rhythm on the car's windshield, reflecting the introspective state of the man who, for a brief moment, found himself entwined in Isabela's tumultuous world.
The city lights flicker all around, like silent witnesses to the personal dramas unfolding in its depths. Christian, immersed in thought, reflects on the ephemerality of human connections, on how life weaves its unexpected plots.
Marta accompanies her to her room, expressing a silent promise to be there for her daughter. As Marilena lies down, the shadows of the previous conversation with Rafael still linger, but her mother's loving presence offer a ray of hope in the darkness.
Suddenly, Marta suggests, "Honey, maybe it's time to think about changing apartments. If this place is bringing back so many difficult memories, a new environment might be refreshing. How does that sound?"
Marilena reflects on her mother's suggestion, recognising the wisdom behind the words. The future looks uncertain, but the idea of change begins to take shape in his mind.
Marilena, lying in her bed, ponders her mother's words. The idea of changing apartments seems like an intriguing and, in a way, liberating proposal. The echoes of memories with Rafael wouldn't be so painful in a new environment. Marta, noticing her daughter's contemplation, offers an encouraging smile.
"Honey, I know it's a significant decision, but sometimes, a change can bring a freshness to our lives. I will be by your side, whatever choice you make."
Marilena nods, thanking her mother for her support. The conversation about changes, however, is interrupted when Marilena's cell phone vibrates, indicating a message. She takes the device and sees that it belongs to Carla, her best friend.
Carla's message reads: "Hi, friend! How are you feeling? Just checking up on you. I'll pass by on my way home."
Marilena responds, thanking Carla for her concern. Carla has been a constant pillar of support, and the prospect of her visiting brings additional comfort.
Upon arriving at the company, Christian parks the car, but instead of entering immediately, he remains for a moment, looking at the building that rises before him. The building, normally just a workplace, now carries additional emotional weight, tied to Marilena and Rafael's tumultuous history.
He sighs, realizing that as much as he tries to maintain a certain emotional distance, Isabela's journey has affected him in ways he hadn't anticipated. However, the decision to return to the company is made, and he heads inside the building, ready to resume his daily life.
As he enters the building, the receptionist offers him a friendly wave. Christian is greeted by the familiar buzz of the office. Colleagues greet each other, phones ring, and corporate life continues its usual course. However, for Christian, the normality of the environment is a marked contrast to the complexity of recent events.
As he returns to his office, he meets his assistant's curious gaze. "How was the rest of the day, Mr. Ngale?" She asks.
Christian, maintaining his professional composure, responds, "It's been an unusual day, but things are under control. Any important messages while I was gone?"
"Yes, Sir. I've shared it with you..." The secretary reports some operational details, but Christian's mind continues to wander to the meeting with Marilene.
"Thank you, Sarah."
He heads to the office, where the atmosphere seems calmer, faced with his computer and the pile of tasks waiting for his attention. He settles into the chair, but his mind is still elsewhere, revisiting the moments shared with Marilena and the feeling of being on the edge of the unknown.
The day stretches on, marked by anxious waiting and continuous routine. Marilena, enveloped in the family warmth provided by Ms Marta, experiences brief periods of restful sleep. The apartment, once echoing with the emotional storm, gradually begins to quiet.
A knock on the door catches Christian's attention, and he turns to find his co-worker, Jordão, looking at him curiously. "Rafael, how are you? You seem a little distant."
Christian forces a smile, trying to push away the intrusive thoughts. "I'm fine, Jordão. Just a little unusual day, you know?"
Jordão nods understandingly. "It happens to all of us. If you need to talk, I'm here."
Christian thanks him and dives into the responsibilities of the day, but the images of Marilena and the complexity of her emotions persist. Work offers a momentary distraction, but the look in Marilena's eyes stayed in his mind.
Lunch period arrives, and the office fills with a bustling atmosphere as colleagues head to the common area. Rafael, still wrapped up in his thoughts, decides to isolate himself for a moment and chooses to have lunch in a more private place.
As he walks through the halls, he notices curious glances and discreet whispers among his colleagues. The news of the breakup with Isabela has already spread like wildfire, and Rafael feels uncomfortable under the weight of silent judgment.
Upon entering the small break room, he finds his boss, André, sitting at the table, leafing through some documents. André looks up when he notices Rafael's arrival, and his serious expression changes to a mixture of understanding and concern.
"Rafael, can we talk for a moment?" André invites, indicating the empty chair in front of him.
Rafael nods, sitting down, ready to face whatever comes next.
André sighs before starting. "I heard about you and Isabela. I'm sorry about that. Relationships are complicated, especially when they involve co-workers."
Rafael thanks him with a nod, his gratitude mixed with the awareness that the situation goes beyond the professional scope.
"I know it can be difficult to maintain a balance between personal and professional life, but it's important that things don't affect the work environment. Count on me if you need support, whether personal or professional", offers André, showing an understanding beyond the formalities from office.
Rafael appreciates the gesture of empathy. "Thanks, Andre. I just... didn't expect things to come to this."
André nods, sharing a compassionate look. "Relationships are unpredictable, but the important thing is to learn from them. If you need time, I understand. But remember, we are here to support you."
While André returns to work, Rafael remains in the break room, absorbing his friend's words. Lunch becomes a time for reflection and a break from the emotional turmoil that surrounds you.
While Marilene rests in her room, immersed in reflections and tumultuous emotions, Ms Marta decides to prepare a comforting lunch for her daughter. With care, she selects light and nutritious ingredients, assembling a tray with care.
Upon entering Marilene's room, Ms Marta finds her daughter staring into space, lost in her thoughts. A gentle smile lights up Ms Marta's face as she sees the opportunity to bring a little comfort to that difficult time.
"Daughter, I brought you something to eat. I know things are difficult, but it's important to take care of yourself", says Ms Marta, placing the tray on the table next to the bed.
Marilene looks at her mother with gratitude, appreciating the affectionate gesture. "Thanks, Mom. I wasn't very hungry, but I'll try."
Ms Marta sits on the edge of the bed, concern evident in her eyes. "You need to eat to take your medicine. I don't want your health to deteriorate further."
Marilene nods, understanding her mother's concern. While Ms Marta remains beside her, Marilene begins to enjoy the meal prepared with such care. The silence between mother and daughter is filled with the soft clink of cutlery and sighs of comfort.
When finished, Ms Marta collects the utensils and sets the tray aside. She watches Isabela for a moment, before gently touching her shoulder.
"I'm here for you, dear. If you need to talk, vent or just be silent, I'm here. We'll get through this together", says Ms Marta, transmitting the strength of maternal love.
Marilene smiles, feeling welcomed. "Thank you, mom. Your presence makes all the difference."
Ms Marta gets up to let Marilene rest, but before leaving, she leaves a message of hope. "I know it seems difficult right now, but time heals many wounds. We will get through this and emerge stronger."
With one last look of affection, Ms Marta leaves the room, leaving Marilene enveloped in maternal understanding and the promise of unconditional support.
In the late afternoon, Carla, finally freed from her professional responsibilities, drives back to Marilena's house, eager to reunite with Marilena and Ms Marta. Opening the door, she finds a peaceful silence, interrupted only by the soft murmur of conversations coming from the room.
Ms Marta, upon seeing her, offers a grateful smile. "Carla, I'm glad you're here. Marilena is resting now. The doctor came by, and it looks like the fever is going down."
Carla sighs with relief and joins them in the living room. "That's wonderful, Miss Marta. How is she feeling emotionally?"
Ms Marta, with affectionate eyes, responds. "It's still difficult for her to process everything, but we are here for each other. Your presence and support, Carla, have been invaluable."
"It's okay, Marilena has been there for me when I need. Now it's my turn. I'm going to her room to see how she's doing."
Carla gets in Marilena's bedroom, finding her lost in thought and her eyes swollen from recent tears. Without waiting for a greeting, Carla hugs her friend, sharing the weight of the suffering she carries.
"Mari, you don't deserve this. You don't deserve to be treated like this."
Marilena, with her voice breaking, tries to explain the inexplicable. "I went to the company to talk to him. Trying to understand, maybe... but he just rejected me, Carla. This time, it's definitive."
Carla's anger grows when she hears the narrative. "And he just rejected you, without a proper explanation? That's unacceptable, Marilena. No one deserves to be treated like that."
Marilena sighs, a mixture of pain and resignation reflecting in her eyes. "He said our paths have parted. That I need to accept that."
Carla cannot contain her indignation. "Accept this? He's just making things more complicated. You deserve better, Mari. And he, frankly, doesn't deserve your consideration."
As the two friends share their emotions, Carla's anger turns to determination. "We need to confront him, Mari. He can't just get away with it after everything he's done."
Marilena hesitates, but Carla's support encourages her to reconsider. "I don't know, Carla. Maybe it's better to leave it alone. I don't want to suffer anymore."
Carla, despite understanding Marilena's pain, does not easily accept the idea of letting Rafael escape unharmed. "Mari, you need answers. We can't allow him to get away with messing up your life so much."
The night goes on, leaving the two friends at an emotional impasse. While Marilena ponders accepting the pain and moving on, Carla remains determined to confront Rafael and demand the explanation Marilena deserves.