April 22, Sunday

“Glory to God. Let us welcome our candidate, Luiz Carlos Caetano Lima.”

My father is doing the introductions. Everyone is gathered behind the church, where a large tank has been filled with water. The Pastor is wearing a loose white linen shirt and stands in the tank next to Luiz, also wearing all-white linen.

“Celebrant Pastor is our pastor, Dr. Aníbal Sousa Martins.”

Pastor raises his hands toward the congregation.

“Let us pray. Our dear God and father, we rejoice in you. And today your son Luiz through these waters this morning proclaims his faith. May this experience be one that is never forgotten by him, and let everyone here share this feeling of joy in the Lord.”

Luiz clasps his hands together in front of his heart, and Pastor puts his hand on his, and another behind his back, and dips him back into the water. He holds him there a bit longer than usual, and Luiz is lifted back up sputtering and gasping for breath. Everyone applauds and is murmuring prayers.

We all file into the church hall, and there are sweets and salgados and café. Luiz appears in his usual clothes, his hair wet and combed. Everyone congratulates him. He stands next to me and puts his arm around my waist where no one can see.

“I would do anything for you, Eva. Now you know.”

His eyes are smiling but his mouth is serious. Like someone keeping a secret.