OthonThe routine of a hospital the size of Central Hospital always holds unwelcome surprises, but today is particularly hectic. I wouldn't be surprised if another challenge presented itself at any moment.As I try to quell the chaotic situations around me, my secretary interrupts my thoughts with information that initially bewilders me. Miss Buarque is waiting for the interview that, for some reason, I agreed to conduct this morning. A quick wave of self-criticism hits me, questioning why on earth I agreed to interview the daughter of my kind neighbors on such a chaotic day.The Buárques, Mr. Átila, and Mrs. Margareth are those people who radiate warmth. Since I moved into the house next to theirs, encountering them at the end of the day has become a kind of routine in my daily life. Additionally, I cannot ignore the sweet feeling that little Otávio's presence captivates in my heart. His complaints about how much his mother works and how little time she spends at home always tug at m
KarenI walk briskly through the bustling corridors, deliberately ignoring Othon's repeated calls. Anger boils inside me, blaming fate for putting us face to face so unpleasantly. In the distance, I spot the open elevator cabin, a momentary opportunity to escape him. I didn't want to talk; there were no words to be exchanged. I would prefer to spend the rest of my life without facing that liar's face again.I entered the elevator hastily, desperately trying to close the doors before Othon could get any closer. My aversion to any interaction with him was evident, but luck was not on my side. I wasn't fortunate enough to escape forever from the treacherous fate that brought us together. Othon, in an arrogant manner, held the elevator doors and entered the cabin against my will, provoking a snort of anger from me.
OthonI remain stagnant and incredulous.After years of trying, I finally encounter her again, but she simply doesn't recognize me. Karen leaves, and I stay there, unable to react. Various conflicting emotions hit me as I stand near the hospital reception, where I hold the position of director. Some people pass by me, looking at me curiously. I don't care that they must be wondering what I'm doing standing in the middle of that corridor. It's as if my feet are rooted to the ground, and I can't fully process what just happened.Still holding the phone after the abrupt end of the call with Colin, I notice the device vibrating again. I answer automatically and find Colin on the other end of the line."Is everything okay? I noticed something happened, but I did
KarenI hear Othon's question with contained fury. Is he trying to drive me crazy? Doesn't he know that Otávio is my son? But of course, he knows and he's just pretending otherwise. Incredulity washes over me, but I maintain my composure and respond firmly:"Yes, Otávio is my son. And I don't want you getting close to him."I'm not going to stand there, in the midst of a conversation with that liar. I grab my son's hand and prepare to walk towards my house when my father approaches, sensing the tension."What's going on here?" he asks, noticing the charged atmosphere.I look at my father with some irritation, especially when I see that he's accompanied by a huge dog. So, my father was out walking s
OthonThe revelation that Otávio is Karen's son hits me like a punch. Before I can articulate a response, she pulls Otávio away with her, ignoring my presence. I stand there, stunned, processing the information that the little friend I've come to appreciate so much is, in fact, the son of the same woman I've been searching for for years is mind-boggling.I watch with surprise as Karen leads Otávio into the house, his hand firmly held by hers, while my brain still tries to process what I just witnessed. "Surprise" is the word that best describes my reaction to the scene."I want to apologize, Dr. Arraes," Mr. Atila interrupts, bringing me back to reality. "This is not typical behavior for my daughter, believe me. Karen is usually kind, polite, and respectful."
KarenThe day didn't start well for me, and encountering Othon as soon as I leave home doesn't make it any more promising. I take a deep breath, trying to control the anger bubbling inside me at all the twists and turns fate is throwing my way. My car wouldn't start, my dad woke up with a bad flu, which prevents him from helping in any way, and my mom needs to take care of him. I'm running late to drop Otávio off at school, and trying to get to work on time seems like an impossible mission.I'm having a hard time calling a ride-sharing car, and it seems like the universe is conspiring against me. Othon's offer would be perfect under normal circumstances, but nothing is normal when it comes to him. I would never get into a car with him and Otávio, no matter how convenient it might be.I fe
OthonI arrived home from work at the usual time, but today I was more anxious than ever. As I passed by the neighbors' house, I noticed something unusual: Karen and Otávio were together. This change intrigued me, as it was always the grandparents who took care of Otávio at this time.I decided not to make a fuss and take the opportunity to find Karen and talk to her. I quickly changed clothes and took Bart out for a walk. How could she not recognize me? However, upon arriving in front of my house, disappointment flooded over me. Karen and Otávio were no longer there.Certainly, Karen saw my arrival and decided not to continue with Otávio in the same place. It was evident that she was avoiding me, there was no doubt about it.I w
KarenAs I sit at the table of that trendy nightclub next to Camila, I begin to question again if this is really a good idea. Camila, always perceptive to my internal dilemmas, scolds me with a mischievous smile, saying that I'm not dead and need to enjoy life a little more. I chuckle at her exaggeration but decide not to argue. I know Camila well enough to know that when she decides something, it's better not to go against it.Camila had decided that we needed to celebrate my recent achievement: the new job at Central Hospital. And Camila wouldn't take "no" for an answer. My parents also insisted that I should go out a bit, something rare since Otávio was born.So there we were, amidst pulsating music and colorful lights, celebrating a new phase of my life that had barely begun. I felt grateful