Doctor, My Son is Yours!

KarenFatigue enveloped me completely after long hours on duty at the hospital. The smell of clean corridors, permeated by the antiseptic odor, became suffocating. My head throbbed, and a growing sense of malaise began to overwhelm me. Ignoring the signs wasn't an option, so finally, I succumbed to weakness and sought help in the same place where I used to offer it: the hospital.The doctor, solemn and thoughtful, explained the stress overload and the need for immediate rest. I understood the gravity of the situation, but my mind insisted on focusing on another concern. Max, my fiancé, wasn't answering my calls. Where could he be? Why wasn't he answering just when I needed him the most?I decided to go straight to Max's apartment, ignoring the advice to rest, longing for the comforting embrace of my fiancé. Upon arriving at the apartment and turning the key in the lock, the scene before my eyes was confusing. Clothes scattered on the floor, and a heavy silence hung in the air, despite

OthonThe night is progressing, and how much I've already drunk is a mystery to me. I'm in a state of relaxation that only vacations can provide. I still maintain enough sobriety to admire the natural beauty before me. And when I talk about natural beauty, I'm not exactly thinking about nature itself. I make this observation to my friends, who laugh in response."The problem is you only keep looking, Othon," Colin complains."And I don't understand why. Are you saving yourself for the love of your life?" The question comes from Noah, who grimaces just at the mention of the word "love.""Maybe…" I give the same answer as always.The atmosphere is quite lively on another day of vacation in Fernando de Noronha. Colin, Noah, and I are making the most of this paradise of sun and sea. We're completely different, but from the moment we met, we became inseparable friends, always choosing the same destination for our vacations.I continue sipping my drink calmly when I notice the entrance of a

KarenI looked at Camila with a mix of emotions. Horror and happiness mingled within me as I absorbed the news, and I was soon rewarded with a strong, tight hug."You're going to be a mom, Karen!" my friend said softly, the emotion evident in her words."Yes..." It was all I could say. "I'm going to be a mother."That word sounds so beautiful, but at that moment, it left me scared.The magnitude of the word, "mother," resonated deeply within me. It's a role that carries immense responsibility, the gift of giving life and caring for another human being. The awe of the new reality began to blend with joy.I couldn't understand how this could have happened. Othon and I used protection every time we had sex that night, but when my cycle was weeks late, I did not doubt taking a pregnancy test. Everything was happening in my life at that moment, and a pregnancy would only crown all those changes.I wondered if I would be ready for this if I would be able to offer everything my future child

KarenArriving home after an exhausting twenty-four-hour shift, exhaustion settles into every fiber of my being. What I desire most, in fact, is simply to rest. But, as is customary when I return home, consciousness sets in: I have a six-year-old son who longs for my attention after so many hours apart.With a strength bordering on superhuman, after taking a shower to wake up and a hot bowl of soup, I muster enough energy to collapse onto the living room carpet, a silent invitation for Otávio's playtime. His eyes shine with anticipation, and even in the face of my exhaustion, I search within myself for the energy needed to share that moment with him.The outlines of a puzzle spread out before us, and I, barely able to keep my eyes open, try to focus on the task at hand. Little Otávio, with his boundless energy, seems not to grasp the extent of my exhaustion. He shows me piece by piece, and with a forced smile, I dive into the activity, offering what little patience and attention I hav

KarenWhen I arrived home that evening, I was met with the hilarious sight of Camila still in front of my house, engrossed with Otávio. A spontaneous laugh escaped me, unable to believe that Camila had actually come to my house with the sole purpose of meeting the new neighbor. Our laughter echoed through the quiet neighborhood as we entered the house.My mother, always helpful, took responsibility for looking after Otávio, allowing Camila and me to head to my room. I disguised my curiosity but secretly longed to know how Camila's encounter with the new neighbor went. As I took a shower, Camila settled on the edge of the tub, remaining silent, just watching me attentively with a playful smile on her face."Tell me already, Camila! I'm dying to know how the meeting with the new neighbor went," I pleaded, trying to focus on washing my hair while eagerly awaiting her response.Camila laughed at my impatience, still sporting a mischievous smile."Well, actually, I didn't have the privileg