That day, I woke up alone. The house was silent. I walked around the living room, tidying up small things; it was a house with potential. Then I heard knocks on the door. I sighed, with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
When I opened it, it was the man they called João, one of the Captain's guys.
"Alemão told me to take you to the Captain's mistress' kitchen.
The word "mistress" always sounded strange to me in that context, but I didn't show it. I just stared at him, trying to process the idea.
"Do I have a choice not to go?" I asked, crossing my arms.
João shrugged, as if the decision made no difference to him.
"You do."
I sighed again, relieved but still uncomfortable with the situation.
"I'll stay here. Sorry, but I'd prefer to."
He nodded without insisting and walked away w
