Chapter 11

— I can't, Thiago — I replied as I pushed him away from me. He got up angrily from the couch and walked towards the door. I remained seated, looking at him. I felt a knot in my throat choking me, and I silently cried after the sound of the door. The sound of the car confirmed his departure, and I felt devastated. The cold attacked my nakedness, and my strength as a woman was defeated. It was so difficult to give in to my instincts, and so easy to heed my conscience, to let the opportunity of my life slip away feeling completely rejected. I know what had happened wasn't right, but the truth was that nothing that was happening was right anymore. Still, I couldn't become just another one of his lovers, especially because, at his request, I had decided to continue with my pregnancy.

I got up slowly, completely numb, and turned off the lamp. I picked up my clothes in frustration and headed to the bedroom. I lay down and felt a heavy weight on me. I reached out my arm to the empty space on