My daughter's XXL physical therapist

Chapter 04

Nicole

I couldn't believe I was going to that man's house. My fate seemed like a joke. How was that possible?

My face was burning, and my legs wouldn't respond.

I went to the kitchen but couldn't eat. I drank a glass of water, grabbed my car keys, and left the house. I got in the car, taking deep breaths, trying to understand how, after that whole scene at the bar and all his uncomfortable staring, I was going to have to walk into that man's house and take care of his daughter.

Everyone knows the story of when his ex left him. I thought it was cruel to the child. As for him, I didn't care. They say he suffered and all that, but it didn't matter to me. It makes no difference to me.

I felt sorry for the girl. So young, poor thing... I knew she had that condition, but they had never called me to take care of her, and I never saw his mother, who was the one taking care of the girl. I wasn't going to approach him to offer my services, especially since I'd never had contact with him, right?

I headed to his house with a strange feeling in my chest. The music played on the car stereo, but my mind was far away. I was going to his house... the house of the boss of the favela. The man who, just yesterday, looked at me as if he wanted to undress me with his mind.

I used my turn signal and parked right in front of the house. It was big and renovated, with a sliding gate and high walls. Everything was very clean and organized, with no unnecessary ostentation. It was the kind of house that commanded respect just by looking at it.

I turned off the car and took a deep breath. I grabbed my folder, adjusted my blouse, and pulled down the mirror to check if my hair was in place. It was. But my face... my face was burning just from remembering the way he looked at me at the bar. s**t. That was messing with my peace.

The guards let me through after I told them I was there to take care of the girl. They radioed inside the house, and I heard my authorization coming from a woman.

I walked through the gate, and before gathering the courage to ring the doorbell, I took a deep breath, hoping he wouldn't be there and wouldn't be the one answering the door.

I rang the doorbell. It didn't take long for the front door to open. A friendly older lady with her hair tied back and a tired look appeared with a smile on her face. She was the spitting image of Urso. Or rather, he was her spitting image...

Hi, are you Nicole? she asked while opening the door further.

Yes, I am. How are you? I extended my hand, and she shook it firmly with a genuine smile.

Oh, I'm so glad you came, dear. Welcome. Come in, please. I'm Dona Vera, Urso's mother, but you probably already know that, right? she said playfully, and I nodded.

Hearing her speak like that, with that proud motherly air, felt... too intimate. I got nervous, feeling my face heat up instantly.

Nice to meet you, Dona Vera. I have everything ready here. I just need to meet Sophia and understand her routine.

Sophia is sleeping right now, but it's almost time for her to wake up. Come, sit down for a bit. Would you like some water or coffee?

A glass of water, if it's not too much trouble.

Of course! she said as she guided me inside the house.

The house was beautiful. Simple, but cozy. There was a smell of lavender in the air. Some toys sat in the corner of the living room, a TV was on mute playing cartoons, and there was a large couch with cushions clearly arranged by someone who cared about the details. Everything had a homey feel. And that... touched me.

She brought me the glass of water, sat next to me, and started talking about Sophia. I listened attentively, mentally noting every detail: schedules, meals, medications, and her history of hospital admissions.

She means everything to my son. That little girl saved him, you know? After what her mother did... She shook her head and sighed deeply.

I didn't want to be intrusive, but her pain was overflowing. And I know how to recognize when a woman is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. So, I just listened.

And he's a great father, Nicole. Very protective, very demanding. I'll warn you right now... She smiled to herself. But rightfully so, right? Our little one's health is no trivial matter.

Don't worry, Dona Vera. I am very professional, and I love what I do. I promise to do my absolute best for her.

I already like you, you know? she said sincerely. I always pray before someone new comes to care for her, asking for someone who truly cares. God sent you.

I smiled, not knowing exactly how to respond, but it warmed my heart. To be recognized like that right away was rare. Especially by a woman from the favela. I know how it is, and I respect it a lot.

Come on, let's go to her room. She must be waking up by now... She got up, and I followed her down the hallway.

The house was decorated with photos of Sophia everywhere. Her little room was completely delicate. Pastel colors, stuffed animals, a crib, a toddler bed with pink sheets, and a cabinet with neatly organized medications.

Good morning, my love, she said softly, gently opening the curtain. Look who's here to take care of you...

Sophia was beautiful. Small and slim, with messy curly hair and the liveliest eyes I had ever seen. When she looked at me, she smiled in a shy but sweet way.

My heart went out to her right then and there.

Hi, princess... I said, crouching down to her level. Can I take care of you?

She nodded and grabbed a stuffed animal. A little bunny.

She's much more lively today, Dona Vera commented with a smile.

I set up the mat, prepared my materials, and started her evaluation with all the gentleness in the world. I got so involved that I didn't even realize the time passing...

Sophia was a sweetheart, such a sweet child.

Now show me your foot, I said, laughing with her in the middle of an exercise. She lifted her foot up in the air, and I clapped to celebrate. Hmm... is Sophia good at balancing? Let's see! I used playful and interactive strategies so she wouldn't feel pressured, making it feel like she was just playing.

Yes, Auntie, I know, she said. She stood up, trying to balance herself while I delicately supported her little body, smiling and completely focused on her.

Everything was going perfectly well, until I caught that scent again. The same one from the bar. Strong, woody, intense.

I looked up, and there he was. Standing in the doorway of the room. Shirtless, wearing black shorts, a gold chain hanging around his neck, and giving me that look...

He didn't say anything. He just stood there. Watching me. Watching his daughter. Watching the way I handled her with care, attentiveness, and respect.

And I held his gaze. Without looking away.

The tension between us was palpable, as if the air in the room had suddenly gotten heavier. My heart raced, but I took a deep breath and continued my work. He wasn't going to intimidate me. Or distract me.

But damn, that man was dangerous.

You're doing a great job, doctor, he said in a low, deep voice. Sophia smiled, and that's rare.

Thank you. She's an incredible little girl.

He nodded and stayed there with his arms crossed, observing my every move.

And I pretended everything was completely normal...

But inside? Inside, I was a hurricane, and I couldn't let him realize that.

The session continued, and I pretended there wasn't a man sculpted by God and refined by hell standing in the doorway staring at me. Total concentration, absolute control... at least, that's what I tried to maintain. Because with each step he took closer, it felt like the oxygen in the room was depleting right along with my self-control.

Sophia was incredible. Attentive, clever, and affectionate. It didn't take long for her to warm up to me, and when she realized we were going to play during the exercises, she grabbed her bunny and came right to the mat. With every bit of progress she made, my heart squeezed. So little... yet with so much to teach. I was already completely committed to her.

She has good muscle tone, Dona Vera, but we'll need to adjust some of her routines and review a few exercises. I'm going to put together a specific plan for her, very personalized, okay?

Feel free, dear. I trust your work, his mother replied with a sparkle in her eyes that seemed to scrutinize me on a level far beyond professional.

She sat down on the mat with us to observe the rest of the session.

Meanwhile, he... he was still there, leaning against the wall, his eyes fixed on me. He wasn't even trying to hide it. And when Sophia decided, out of the blue, to lie down in my lap, it was as if the world had gone completely silent for two seconds.

She put the bunny on my shoulder and snuggled against my chest. Her little head nestled into my arm as if this was already our routine. Natural. Warm. Affectionate.

And it was in that exact moment that I looked at him. Unintentionally. Without planning to.

And he had the most indecipherable expression on his face. A mixture of surprise, emotion, respect... and desire. It was as if that scene had struck a chord in a place he didn't even remember existed inside him.

I didn't look away. I held his gaze. And I swear, for a split second, it was as if only the three of us existed in that room.

She already adopted you, see? Dona Vera joked with a small smile on her lips while folding some clothes in the corner.

I'm already in love with her... I said without thinking. I spoke softly, caressing Sophia's hair as she practically snoozed in my lap again.

Then stay, Dona Vera said, throwing out surefire bait.

Hmm? I looked up in surprise.

Stay for lunch. It's almost ready. I made chicken with okra and bacon farofa. She'll love having you here when she wakes up again, and honestly? She winked at me. So will I. It's the first time in months I've seen her so engaged and comfortable. She surprised me with that comment, even more than with the invitation itself.

Urso was still there. Silent. But now he had come closer, standing right by my side. He was so close I could feel his body heat. His scent. His energy.

Accept it, he said in a tone that wasn't a request. It was a statement. Low. Deep. Almost a command.

I looked up at him.

And for the first time, he smiled. Slightly. Without showing his teeth. Just the corner of his mouth lifting. The kind of smile that says, "Today's not the day you escape from me."

And I accepted.

Only if I can help set the table, I replied, trying to keep my composure, with Sophia still nestled in my lap as if she already belonged to me.

And he... he let out a hoarse chuckle and ran a hand over his mouth, looking away for the first time.

Damn.

This man is going to be a handful.

I can't let myself get distracted. I'm here for my job, and I need to keep going. This little girl needs me...

I can't let myself get carried away by this man, because that is a path of no return...