A Curvy Girl on My Hill

Chapter 5 - Larissa

NARRATED BY LARISSA

I grabbed my few belongings and followed Milena to the car where her brother's security team was waiting for us. I still felt lost and shaken by the loss of my parents and the fire that destroyed everything we had. I looked back one last time, seeing Dona Maria at the door, waving sadly. I silently thanked her for all the care she had given me in the past few days.

In the car, while Milena talked to the driver, I got lost in my thoughts. I couldn't believe her generosity, offering to help me in such a way. Everything seemed like a confusing and frightening dream.

We arrived at the mall and Milena took me to a plus-size clothing store. She insisted on choosing everything for me, from underwear to a completely new wardrobe. I felt grateful and uncomfortable at the same time, accepting her help with a lump in my throat.

“Milena, I don't know how to thank you,” I murmured while trying on a dress she had chosen for me. “You're doing so much for me.”

She smiled gently, her green eyes shining with tenderness.

“You don't need to thank me, Larissa. You're my friend, and friends help each other, right?” I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions.

“I just... I'm not used to such kindness. People have never been like this with me before.” Milena placed her hand over mine.

“Well, you deserve all the kindness in the world, Larissa. And we're just getting started. We're going to make this work.”

The feeling of having someone by my side, someone who genuinely cared about me, began to soothe some of the pain I had been carrying since the fire. I knew the road would be long and full of challenges, but now, with Milena by my side, I felt a little stronger to face it.

We also stopped by stores that sold shoes, accessories, and hygiene and beauty products. Milena's staff carried our bags to the car while we headed to the food court. We had a snack at McDonald's, each with our soda. After we were satisfied, we left and went to the parking lot where the security guards were waiting for us. We got into the car, and the driver began the journey.

As the car drove through the streets of Rio de Janeiro, I couldn't stop thinking about how drastically my life had changed in such a short time. I looked out the window, watching the familiar landscapes transform as we approached Morro do Alemão, a well-known favela in the city.

“Larissa, are you okay?” Milena asked, noticing my silence.

“Yes, I'm just trying to process everything,” I replied, trying to smile. “It still feels like a dream, or maybe a nightmare.”

Milena placed her hand over mine, offering silent comfort.

“I know it's hard, but we'll get through this together. I promise. I know what you're feeling. I've also lost my parents,” she said, giving me a tight hug.

We arrived at a checkpoint, and Milena explained to me that it was called containment. It was a kind of control for those entering and leaving the hill. There were several armed men, some quite young, with large firearms. My heart raced at the sight, but Milena seemed calm, which gave me a bit of courage.

“Don't worry, Larissa. They know who I am,” said Milena with a reassuring smile.

When the men saw the car, they made way and let us pass smoothly. I looked at Milena, who waved to some of them.

“These are my brother's security lookouts,” she explained. “They ensure no one enters without permission.”

I nodded, trying to absorb everything that was happening. It was a completely new world for me, full of rules and customs that I still didn't fully understand.

We continued up the hill, and soon the car stopped in front of a house larger and better tended to than I expected to see there. It was a mansion. Milena looked at me with an encouraging smile.

“We've arrived,” she said. “This is my house... our house, for as long as you want and need.”

I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. I got out of the car and helped carry some bags. I looked around, observing the children playing in the street and people talking at their doorsteps. The environment was vibrant, despite the visible hardships.

We entered the house, and I was greeted by a welcoming environment, with high-end furniture, really fancy. Milena showed me the room where I would stay, decorated cozily.

“I hope you feel at home here, Larissa,” she said, placing a hand on my shoulder. “We're in this together, and I'm here to help you with whatever you need.”

I smiled, feeling a twinge of gratitude.

“Thank you, Milena. Truly. I don't know what I would do without you.”

She hugged me tightly, and at that moment, I knew that despite the challenges, I had a true friend by my side. It was the beginning of a new phase, and I was ready to face it, one day at a time.

I was exhausted, both emotionally and physically, but the room Milena showed me gave me a sense of security that I hadn't felt in a long time. I put my few belongings in the closet, left all the bags on the floor to organize later, and threw myself onto the bed, looking at the ceiling and trying to process everything that had happened in the past few days.