Karen
I am determined to avoid any encounter with Othon, especially after the embarrassment of the previous night. The fact that I'm dreaming about him is something that makes me extremely uncomfortable, and I fear he might come seeking explanations about it. So when Otávio calls me during lunch to go for a walk in the street while he rides his skateboard, I agree on the condition that we go earlier than usual.
I already have an idea of the time Othon usually goes out for a walk with his dog, and I plan to avoid any coincidence. I don't want to risk crossing paths with him.
As I accompany Otávio around the neighborhood, I watch him with pride as he gains more confidence on the skateboard with each turn. He seems so happy and focused that for a moment I find myself lost in thought.<
OthonWhen I arrived at Central Hospital on Monday morning, I felt my energy renewed, despite the busy weekend with Colin and Noah's visit. After several conversations and a succession of events with negative outcomes for me, I was determined to leave behind anything related to Karen and focus on what mattered: my work and my happiness.However, as soon as I stepped foot in the hospital that morning, everything changed. My spirits instantly evaporated when I came across Karen in the corridors, wearing the institution's uniform. That abrupt sight hit me like a punch to the gut, bringing forth a flood of conflicting emotions.I couldn't help but relive the moments of last Saturday, the cutting words and disdain Karen directed at me. And now there she was, occupying the same space as me, forcing me to act
OthonFor a moment that felt like an eternity, a dense silence, laden with tension, hung between us. Expectations pulsated in the air, and seconds stretched as I awaited Karen's reaction, my heart pounding so loudly it seemed to echo in the silence. Her eyes betrayed the whirlwind of thoughts assaulting her, every muscle in her face contorting into a complex array of emotions. Then, notably, an expression of disbelief formed on her face."You... you should be ashamed to utter such words!" Her voice was laden with resentment and hurt, filled with disgust and revolt.Those words struck like arrows, but what haunted me most was the look of pure disdain she cast upon me. That was anger, pure and unadulterated. How could she hate me so much?"Why... why should I
KarenI needed to vent to someone I trusted and invited Camila to dinner at my parents' house that night. Camila has always been my closest confidante, someone I can entrust with my deepest secrets.After hearing about my recent encounters with Othon, Camila makes an unpleasant suggestion."It's obvious that it's affecting you more than you want to admit," she tells me, her voice laden with concern.I take a deep breath, trying to control the avalanche of emotions threatening to overwhelm me."Having Othon living next door to my house and still having to work at the same hospital as him is proving to be more complicated than I could have imagined," I confess.After o
OthonI still couldn't believe Karen had agreed to Carlos Lopes's suggestion, the supervisor in charge of managing client reception, and appointed by the administrative manager to represent the department. Carlos suggested that one way to reduce the costs of the trip to the conference in Porto Alegre, which was scheduled for two days from now, would be for all of us to go together in the same car. The group designated to represent the Central Hospital consisted of four people, besides the director, which was me.I had the feeling that Karen wasn't entirely present in that meeting. She seemed distracted, and when I asked her again, expecting her to decline, I was surprised to see her accept the suggestion.I couldn't impose my will on the group, especially when the other four members had agreed to Carlos's suggestion. Karen's acceptance only reinforced this dynamic, although I suspected my colleague wasn't fully present in the meeting.With the group's decision already made, I realized
KarenAs I waited for Othon to open the door, my heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest from racing so fast. When the door finally swung open, I met his piercing gaze, staring at me with coldness and a question in his eyes."Miss Buarque..." Othon said, in a tone of realization, his voice sounding impersonal.I was momentarily speechless, my face likely revealing all the surprise I felt at Othon's icy reception."Yes?" he prompted, pressing me with his inquisitive gaze.I shook my head slightly to gather my thoughts. I then decided to adopt the same impersonal tone in response."I need to talk to you, Dr. Arraes."Othon looked at me with a mix of concern and caution as he asked if I preferred to talk right there or somewhere else. His expression said it all: he was nervous about the possibility of us being seen together. I took a deep breath before responding, aware that my choice could further increase the tension between us."It's better if we talk in your suite," I s
OthonThe impact of Karen's words hits me like a bomb, leaving me stunned and reeling. Her sincerity-laden gaze moves me, and for a moment, I find myself unable to process the enormity of what she has just revealed."You... were pregnant with me?" I murmur, my own words sounding distant and unreal to my ears.Karen nods slowly, her eyes reflecting the pain and truth contained in her words."Yes, Othon. I was pregnant, and... you have a five-year-old son," she replies, her voice choked with restrained emotion.Her confession leaves me dazed. A son... I'm a father. The idea seems so distant and surreal as if belonging to an alternate reality."A son...?" I whisper, my
KarenBefore Othon's lips met mine, his intention was already evident, yet it didn't deter him. Today, there were no excuses for my lack of awareness of what was happening, as on the night we met at the club and had a moment in his car. Today, I couldn't contain the flood of emotions that always overwhelms me when I'm near this persistent man, determined to disturb my peace.I decided not to rationalize, just to feel. I longed for that touch, that kiss, that moment. Othon is the father of my child, and all we shared was one night. It wasn't enough. He always knew he wanted more. And now, at this moment, I realize that Othon's hands gently but firmly and determinedly hold my face.I analyze nothing, just surrender fully to the moment, and the kiss, which started softly, intensifies, becoming hotter and
OthonAs Karen rose from the bed with wide eyes, wrapped in the sheet, I remained calmly lying down. I wouldn't confront her, nor engage in an argument with Karen right now, especially since we had finally come to understand each other and discovered that we have a son. No. I want to make the most of that night with her, and the next day, I want to meet Otávio and give my son a tight hug."Not using protection wasn't something I planned, Karen," I said calmly. "Nor did I hear you ask about it.""Are you blaming me?" Karen asked, placing her hand on her chest dramatically."My tests are up to date, Karen. And I'm sure you're not involved with anyone else either," I said, trying to reassure her. "There's no need to worry."