The morning dragged on between meetings, spreadsheets, and an irritation that grew in the pit of my chest.
I tried to focus. Really. But it was as if all the voices in the room were muffled. Every word spoken in the meetings with the partners seemed distant, as if behind glass. The only thing I could really think was: will she show up?
Manoela.
After five months. After the silence. And now... after that mute revelation, in the middle of the café, when I saw her belly under the apron and everything collapsed.
Pedro walked into my office just before noon, leaning against the doorframe.
"You're going out, aren't you?" he asked, as if he already knew the answer.
"Yes."
He crossed his arms.
"Did she confirm?"
"No. But she doesn't need to."
Pedro nodded slowly, his eyes filled with con
