Chapter 13 Divorce

For a few minutes, we stood there, each lost in our own thoughts. The silence was only broken by the cold wind rustling through the trees and the occasional sound of a car passing by on the street. The night had completely fallen, with the only illumination coming from the street lamps scattered around and the few lit windows of the nearby houses.

Paula broke the silence, her voice soft as a whisper in the night. "I'm so sorry," she said, sadness evident in her voice. "I'm so sorry for all of this. You shouldn't have to go through this."

I looked at her, tears still in my eyes. "It's not your fault, Paula," I said, my voice hoarse and laden with emotion. "We can't control other people's actions, only our own."

She nodded, a small sad smile forming on her lips. "You're right," she said, looking at my parents' house one last time. "Let's go. Let's go home."

The path to Paula's apartment felt longer than usual. Every step we took seemed to amplify the reality of what was happening. I was truly leaving my home, my family. I was leaving everything behind. And even though I knew it was the right decision, it didn't make things any easier.

Arriving at Paula's apartment was met with silence. She opened the door, and I followed her inside, my suitcase heavy in my hand. The apartment was small but cozy. The living room was adorned with pictures of my father's family and mine. "Wait a moment," my aunt's face turned red, and she grabbed the photos to keep, especially my parents', she must be feeling a bit awkward about the whole situation. For a moment, I felt uncomfortable. But I quickly reminded myself that from now on, this was my new home.

"Eugênio, we have a little obstacle," my aunt began, her voice filled with a mixture of hesitation and sincerity. She led me to the only bedroom in the apartment, a modest yet well-kept space. "We only have one bed here."

As she said that, she showed me the bed, a simple but inviting piece of furniture covered with a soft-looking knitted blanket. With a practical gesture, she grabbed the blankets with both hands and vigorously shook them, removing the accumulated dust. Tiny particles danced in the air before settling back down, the soft lighting in the room making them look like small points of light.

I realized that this could be uncomfortable for both of us, so I decided to break the ice. "You know, Aunt, I don't mind if we have to share the bed," I said. I tried to keep my voice steady despite the awkwardness of the situation. "I want you to know that I don't find it strange at all."

I was doing my best to ease her discomfort, despite my own uncertainty. After all, we were entering a new chapter in our lives, and the unknown always brings a certain level of anxiety. I knew we would have to learn to navigate these new waters together.

"Eugênio..." My aunt's voice trailed off, hesitant, as she nervously bit her lower lip. Her eyes studied me, searching for a response, any reaction that could guide her. But finding only the same serenity I was trying to convey, she seemed to compose herself, nodding gently in a silent affirmation.

"Eugênio," she repeated, this time with more firmness. She paused for a moment, as if collecting her thoughts, before continuing. "Tomorrow, I'm going to the hospital. The hospital where Cleber is." Her voice wavered slightly at the mention of the name, but she took a deep breath and continued. "I'm going to tell him that I want a divorce."

The words seemed to hang in the air, heavy and full of meaning. Paula didn't look at me as she spoke, her gaze fixed on some distant point. She appeared lost in her own thoughts, perhaps reliving memories of a time that now seemed distant.

Finally, she broke the silence, her movements paving the way for a new beginning, a new reality. With a resigned sigh, she picked up a towel that was neatly folded over a nearby chair and walked with determined steps towards the bathroom.

The sound of the bathroom door closing behind her was the only sign of her departure. I found myself alone in the room, the empty bed in front of me oddly inviting. I lay down, allowing the weariness of the day to wash over me. The distant sound of water running from the shower was almost hypnotic, a constant reminder that I wasn't alone, that someone was there with me, even if in another room.

And as I lay there, waiting for Paula's shower to end, I couldn't help but reflect on the strangeness of the entire situation. But deep down, I knew it was just the beginning. The beginning of a new life, a new chapter. And I was ready to face it, no matter what came next.

I remained lying in bed, staring at the ceiling as I listened to the sound of the water falling in the shower. The noise was strangely comforting, a temporary distraction from the reality I was facing.

After a few minutes, the sound of the water stopped, and I heard Paula exiting the bathroom. She was wearing a bathrobe, her wet hair cascading down her shoulders. Her face was much calmer now, as if the shower had washed away some of the sadness that hung over us.

"All set, Eugênio. Your turn," she said, with a gentle smile.

I got up, grabbing the towel she had left for me. "Thank you, Paula," I said before heading into the bathroom.

The shower was quick but refreshing. The warm water washed not only the sweat and dirt of the day but also some of the emotional weight I had been carrying. When I stepped out of the bathroom, Paula was already lying in bed, the lights off, only the faint moonlight streaming through the window illuminated the room.

I lay down beside her, the room's silence only interrupted by Paula's soft breathing. We stayed there in silence, each lost in our own thoughts.

"Aunt," I broke the silence. "Thank you. For everything."

She turned to look at me, her eyes shining in the moonlight. "You're welcome, Eugênio. You're family."

"Yes... you are mine. Tomorrow, I'll look for a job. I want to help with the apartment's expenses," I said, looking up at the ceiling. I didn't want to live in her house for free. "I already said you don't have to, right? You focus on your studies, don't worry about the bills," Paula replied, her voice soft.

"I know, but I want to help. I don't want to be a burden," I said, my voice firm. "And I need to keep busy, I need something to distract me."

Paula nodded, understanding. "Alright, Eugênio. If that's what you want, I support you."

We remained silent for a while, only the soft sound of Paula's breathing filling the room. Then, finally, she broke the silence.

"Eugênio," she began, her voice almost a whisper. "I know this is difficult for you. And I know you're trying to be strong. But remember, it's okay to feel sad. It's okay to feel lost. You don't have to hide your feelings, not from me."

I looked at her, Paula's words hitting me in a way I didn't expect. I nodded, feeling tears welling up in my eyes again. "Thank you, Paula," I said, my voice choked with emotion.

We didn't say anything more. Instead, we lay there, the faint moonlight illuminating the room, each lost in our own thoughts. And somehow, despite everything that was happening, I felt a little better. Because I knew that, no matter what happened, I wasn't alone. I had Paula, and that was enough.

I closed my eyes, allowing myself to be carried away by the darkness. And as I drifted to sleep, I knew that, despite it all, everything would be okay. Because I had Paula. And she was my family now.

As the first light of dawn filtered through the cracks in the window, my eyes slowly opened, revealing an unexpected sight: my aunt's bedroom door was slightly ajar, allowing the hallway to blend into the surroundings. A delightful and enveloping aroma, a mix of spices with a touch of sweetness, filled the space, caressing my nostrils and piquing my curiosity.

With a graceful movement, I rose from the bed, feeling the cold wooden floor beneath my feet. I walked to the living room, the soft sound of my breath and the almost imperceptible creaking of the old floor filling the morning silence.

Upon reaching the kitchen, which shared its space with the living room in an open and cozy design, the source of the wonderful aroma was revealed. My aunt had her back to me, immersed in her own joy, washing something in the sink with careful movements. The melody she sang filled the room, a cheerful song that seemed to reflect her mood.

Clad in an oversized T-shirt that almost resembled a dress, covering her body down to her thighs, she danced lightly to the tune of her own music, swaying her hips from side to side in a captivating rhythm. A smile formed on my lips as I witnessed that simple yet joyful scene.

Her long, black hair was tied in a ponytail, swaying in time with her movements. Movements that revealed a light and contented spirit, a scene that mirrored the tranquility of the morning and the satisfaction of a new day beginning.

I couldn't help but use my powers to see what she was thinking and feeling.

{---------------------

Emotional state: happy, hopeful, excited

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Current thoughts: "Today is the day I'm divorcing the man I married, yes it is today! But I can't wait to tell him and sign the divorce papers."

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"Good morning," I said, trying to appear as happy as possible.

"Good morning, Eugênio!" Paula replied, turning to look at me. She had a bright smile on her face, a welcome sight after everything we had been through. "I hope you slept well. I'm making breakfast. Please, sit down and make yourself at home."

I thanked her and sat at the kitchen table, watching Paula move around the kitchen with an ease that left me somewhat impressed. She seemed so comfortable, so at home.

I couldn't help but think about how life can change so rapidly. Yesterday, I was at home with my family, and today, I was here, starting a new life with Paula. I couldn't help but feel a bit lost, a bit out of place. But there was also a strange sense of relief. I was safe here, with Paula. I was home.

As I was lost in thought, Paula set the food on the table. The smell was delicious, and I realized I was famished.

"Let's eat, Eugênio," Paula said, sitting at the table with me.

We ate in silence, each lost in our own thoughts. I couldn't help but notice how calm Paula seemed, how determined. I knew she was about to make a difficult decision, but she seemed so sure, so confident.

"You'll be okay, Paula," I said, breaking the silence. Paula looked at me, seeming a bit surprised.

"I know, Eugênio," she said, with a gentle smile. "And you'll be okay too. We'll be okay."

And somehow, I believed her. Because I knew that, no matter what happened, we had each other. And that was enough.

After breakfast, Paula left to go to the hospital. I cleaned the table and did the dishes, getting lost in the monotony of the tasks. It was strange, but somehow comforting. It was a welcome distraction from the thoughts that were constantly swirling in my head.

Paula strides purposefully through the hospital corridors, determined to find her husband. Her eyes scan every sign and department, absorbing the information at the reception. Dressed elegantly, she wears a pristine button-up shirt that accentuates her slender figure, paired with a fitted black skirt that hugs her curves with sophistication. Her legs are adorned with black stockings, while her feet are encased in a pair of high-heeled shoes that accentuate her confident posture.

Her silky black hair is skillfully tied in a ponytail, revealing the delicacy of her face. Two loose strands frame her expression, gently dancing on each side of her face and accentuating her natural beauty. Every detail of her appearance is a testament to her self-assuredness and self-care.

As Paula approaches the room where her husband is, it's impossible to ignore the aura of determination surrounding her. Her graceful bearing and impeccable style capture the attention of everyone around her. She is an embodiment of grace and beauty, leaving an indelible impression on those who observe her.

Paula paused for a moment before entering the hospital room, taking a deep breath to calm herself. She wasn't sure how Cleber would react to the news of the divorce. All she knew was that she needed to do it. She opened the door and entered the room.