CHAPTER NINE

SALLY, THE DERCY GONÇALVES OF THE GROUP

The hours went by and more friends woke up, some went to their own houses right there inside the condominium, others to the big house. Soon the pool and leisure areas were crowded with people and Clara walked around, getting to know them and getting to know each other.

" Is there a river around here? " Clara asked Nica as she and the young woman prepared the charcoal to spread on a barbecue grill.

" Yes, mister hair, then ask someone to take you there while I take care of the meat here. It's more like a little pond, really.”

Clara helped her fill the grill and light it, and went in search of someone to show her the lake. He had wet, luminous black hair and had changed clothes, now wearing fluorescent green tactel shorts and a black tank top that made him look younger. He wore strappy slippers and seemed much more relaxed.

" Did you get some sleep? " she asked him with a smile.

" A couple of hours and that was enough.”

" Wow. So, do you know the