My daughter's XXL physical therapist

Nicole I have been a native of the Alemão favela for as long as I can remember. Born and raised running through these alleys. Today, I have a degree in physical therapy, working specifically in pediatric physical therapy. My entire journey up to this point has been built on a lot of effort, a lot of struggle, and moments where I thought I wouldn't make it. But I would take a deep breath and keep going. I had a goal, and I wasn't going to stop until I reached the next step. I was a scholarship student at one of the best colleges in the city. I stretched myself thin because I had to maintain excellent grades, do internships, and work. I never complained. I work like a dog, and I never shy away from a fight. My mother works at a diner here in the favela, where everyone involved in the local business eats every day. She works her ass off, and I do everything I can to honor her and give her a princess's life. Maybe one day. That's my biggest goal in life. After all, it's just the two of us. She separated from my dad and he left, just like in thousands of other families. I have no regard for him, because she's the one who always busted her ass to provide everything for me, and she's the one I have to honor every day of my life. I don't like hanging around here much. It's complicated. As much as I love this favela, I always get a headache here. Why? My body. I don't fit the usual stereotype. I'm plus-size, and I have no problem with that. Sure, it hurts when I hear the jokes, but honestly, I think I'm beautiful—a total hottie, actually. I've been asked to be a plus-size model multiple times, and I always declined, until Luana, my best friend, forced me to do a photoshoot and blow up my social media. That's what makes the girls from the favela so jealous. I don't need to seek attention; even when I keep a low profile, I get all of it. Even though it's not my focus and I don't even want it. Today, I work with children, all with unique needs that challenge me every day, and I always strive to be the best for them. I love kids in a way that can't be explained. They teach me a new lesson every passing day, and they don't even realize it. But I also model for plus-size clothing stores. Today, I have thousands of followers on social media. A lot of the cartel guys from the favela follow me. You know that pent-up desire? Yeah, as if I would ever give them the time of day. They want to hook up with me on the down-low, but I would never spread my legs for any of them. In front of their friends, they tease me and make jokes, but in my DMs, they humiliate themselves for a shot with me. I just laugh. I have too much going on in my life to entertain these losers. Today, I achieved one of my biggest dreams, and I'm going to show it to the most important person in my life. I never slacked off, and that's how I made it happen. It's not brand new, but it's well-maintained. It's second-hand, but it's fully paid off, and I did it all on my own, without needing a man, without needing anyone. This is the first real source of pride I'm going to give my mother. It took me a long time to accomplish. I fought hard to get here. It wasn't easy to achieve this dream; there were days I was taking photos in a studio at dawn, all alone, just to save up enough money to finally make it happen. I started driving up the favela, windows down, hazard lights on, with everyone staring at me curiously. The lookouts at the barricades almost jumped inside the car, eager for gossip. I went straight to the diner, choked up with tears—tears of pride, tears of accomplishment, tears of victory. No one knew I was working toward this, and I knew my mother was going to be so damn proud of me. I pulled up in front of the diner, and it was crowded with motorcycles. Even the boss of the favela's bike was there, but I didn't care about anything or anyone. I hadn't realized it was lunchtime. I couldn't contain myself. Even under all the curious gazes, I honked the horn. Everyone looked outside. My mother was standing nearby, serving Urso, the boss around here, and she looked back, startled. No way, whose car is this? she asked, leaving the tray on his table and turning to walk toward me. It's ours, Mom. I just bought it. It's ours, I said, holding back my tears as she started to cry. Everyone always underestimated me. They always judged me for being overweight, but I never needed to do what those sluts did to get fake boobs. This hug is the biggest reason for it all; it makes everything worth it. Oh, I'm so happy! You deserve this so much, my princess. I'm so proud of you, she said through her tears, and I wiped away the ones that kept falling down my own face. Thank you for everything, Mom. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be half the woman I am today. This achievement is ours, I told her, but she shook her head. This achievement is the result of your own hard work. You are the greatest pride of my life, an example of strength and dedication, she said, making me even more emotional, until one of the women called out to her. Dona Adriana, we're waiting for our lunch! The b***h was sitting at the table with the boss of the favela, his second-in-command, and a few other men. It was just her and one other slut sitting there among a bunch of guys. Oh, you didn't even tell me, you cow! Luana arrived and jumped to hug me. You deserve the world, bestie, she said, before stepping back and making a disgusted face at the second-in-command. They have a thing—or had one. Luana is crazy, and I get so lost trying to keep up with them that I just don't interfere. I noticed the boss of the favela staring at me seriously. He looked over my entire car, then gave me a slight nod and a half-smile. Daughter, come have lunch. Come on, Luana, you too, my mother called out to us. The only free table was right next to his... I took a deep breath, feeling my body heat up from how intensely he was looking at me, completely ignoring everyone who tried to talk to him. I went over and sat down with Luana to eat. My mother brought our food. We didn't even need to order because she already knows what we like best, especially since today is Friday—it's feijoada day! The favela was bustling. I figured there was going to be a baile tonight, which explained all the movement. I hadn't been to a baile in a long time due to a lack of time, but honestly, I love them. I'm not ashamed of my body. I like to dance, I like to shake it, I like to feel alive. And not just here in the favela, because I go everywhere. I'm loved by the people close to me, and I love the movement. I love life. And no matter how hard people try to sabotage me, sabotage my self-esteem, or break my confidence, they never succeed. They just make me stronger. Dona Adriana, this is not what I ordered. How annoying, I heard the slut complain rudely to my mother, and my posture instantly stiffened. These people don't want to work, so they just do everything wrong. When she said that, my blood boiled. I stood up immediately, but before I could open my mouth, Urso stepped in. You haven't even paid for this s**t, and you think you can talk to people like that? His deep, loud voice echoed throughout the room. Who the f**k do you think you are? He was completely ruthless with her, and my whole body shuddered. Don't you ever disrespect anyone in front of me, not even a beggar on the street. You have no authority here, and you ain't nobody to act like that. He spoke to her with pure arrogance, then walked past me. He stared deep into my eyes. While I was boiling with anger at the situation, I didn't break eye contact, and our intense exchange made me feel even hotter. He got on his bike, but before leaving, he looked over my entire car, analyzing every detail. Then he accelerated up the hill, his bodyguards hastening behind him. I sat back down, listening to the b***h grumble and talk s**t about him, until Luana called my name, bringing me back to reality. What was that about? she asked in a quiet voice. My throat felt dry, and I didn't even know how to respond to her...