Maya was watering the garden when her phone rang. She thought it was Anastacia, but it was a strange number. When she answered, she recognized the voice at the other end: it was her mother, Cícera. Maya heard Cícera's desperate crying on the other side.
"Why did you call?" Maya asked. "For ten years, you never cared, not once..." Maya stated.
"Anésio is terrorizing me, Maya. I am your mother."
Maya took a deep breath, trying to control the emotions swirling in her heart. Painful memories of the past invaded her mind, bringing to the surface the abandonment and neglect she had suffered. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to push the memories away.
"You left me alone when I needed you the most, Cícera. Ten years without a word, without caring. And now you want my help?"
"I know I
