September 7, Friday

A couple of weeks ago I woke up in the middle of the night with a fierce pain in my belly. I thought it was my period starting a little early, though I usually don’t have bad cramps. My tummy ached and hurt and I felt sweaty, but it was gone by the morning.

My period is now two weeks late. This morning I woke up feeling sick. I went into the backyard and tried to throw up but just had dry heaves. There is no doubt in my mind what is happening. I watched Mamãe and then Madrasta go through this. I’m excited but I’m scared, because I don’t want to be here with a new baby without Luiz.

Sónia and I put the finishing touches on the evening snack and the table is ready. The two kids are in bed, and the four of us sit down to enjoy our café at the end of the day. Chico speaks first.

“Well, the foreman made it official today. Two more weeks and the project is complete. Luiz and I will need to find new work.”

Luiz jumps in. “We have been talking about the opportunities for skilled workers to help build the new capital. Chico and I will travel there right after this project is over. So we need to plan for that.”

The reality of this hits me at the same time as a wave of nausea. The café smells disgusting, but this is too much. I run to the bathroom and throw up. Luiz is right behind me.

“Querida, please don’t take it so hard. Everything will be all right. This is a great opportunity for us! Once I get established and find a place for us to live, I will send for you. We just need to be patient. I know you are upset or you wouldn’t be vomiting.”

I turn to him as I wipe my mouth and face. “Luiz, I’m upset about that. But it’s our baby that’s making me sick.”

His eyes open wide and he grins from ear to ear. “Oh, sweetheart, that is wonderful news! I didn’t think it would happen so quickly.” He wraps me in his arms.

I bury my face in his chest. “I didn’t either, Luiz. It shouldn’t be a surprise, but it is to me too.”