Rafa rushed after Diogo, placing a hand on his shoulder, as Pêro walked away from the Fabrica.
“Padre Pêro is very sad,” Diogo said, looking up at his father.
“You’re right, Son. Stay here, keep tending to Paulinha’s favorite flowers. I’ll see after him.” Rafa hurried into the road as Pêro rounded the corner.
Rafa stopped. Better to let Padre Pêro be alone with his thoughts and instead carry out Pêro’s wishes and keep things going here. It must be stifling and painful for him to be living at the shop now without his family. For his home in the city center was swallowed by the earth, along with all their possessions, connections, and memories.
Alone, on the deserted way Rafa turned towards a steely melancholy sound that floated towards him. He squinted, rubbing his hands together, blowi
