September 29, Sunday

My new sister’s name is Miriam, and she is two weeks old. Today is Sunday and we are going to dedicate the new baby to the church. When all the kids are ready, I help Madrasta dress Miriam in a long white gown that all the babies in our family have worn, which I washed and ironed carefully yesterday. Our family walks slowly up the street toward the church, Madrasta leaning on Papai’s arm. It is almost October and the sun is higher in the sky.

Today Papai does not preach. We all sit down in our usual pew. Papai nods to people as they come in and sit down in their places. He is very quiet and serious, not smiling or talking with anyone. After the service, as people are leaving, I see some of the sisters trying to catch a look at Miriam but pretending they’re not. Madrasta keeps her wrapped in her blanket with her face covered. Miriam is quiet and doesn’t cry.

We walk home without talking, and Cacilda and I get lunch on the table with Daniel and Ana’s help. Madrasta sits at the table with us; the kids talk quietly and Papai looks out the window while he eats. We have cocadas for dessert, chewy sweets made with coconut, canned milk and sugar. It is the first sweet Dona Francisca taught me to make because it is very easy. Madrasta seems happy as she eats and drinks her café.

Miriam lets out a little cry from her crib in the bedroom. I jump up.

“Senhora, don’t worry, I will go get her and keep her happy for a few minutes while you finish your cocada.”

Madrasta looks at me and nods, then looks over at Papai, but he is still looking out the window. I bring Miriam into the kitchen, bouncing her a little to keep her from crying.

“Senhora, it’s nice on the veranda, why don’t you sit out there with her? I will bring her to you.”

“Yeah, I guess I will.” She gets up and walks slowly out the kitchen door.

I get busy cleaning up with Cacilda and the older kids. They are getting to be good helpers, and we go outside to play, and to get some mangos off the tree. Madrasta is sitting with the sun on her face, giving Miriam mamar. I feel happy when everyone is calm and content.