September 21, Friday

Luiz and Chico had their last day of work today and I hate to think of Luiz leaving. The smell of food makes me sick. I can keep down dry bread, and I take little sips of water to keep from feeling dizzy. Sónia understands and she does all the cooking so I can I rest. I feel better lying on my bed but fresh air outside helps too.

“Dona Eva, we’re home!” Luiz comes into the bedroom and bends down to kiss me, brushing my hair back from my face. “I brought you something special to help your tummy. Come join us in the kitchen.”

Luis stopped at Senhor Mendes’s store and brought me a cold bottle of Coca-Cola, which looks good to me right now. I swallow it in little sips, and it goes down easier as it warms up.

“We have good news!” Sónia and I look up from the table as Chico makes the announcement. “We have jobs already, and they are even paying for us to take an airplane from Recife to Brasília. We just have to take a truck to Recife.”

“Oh that is good news, but so soon?” I look at Luiz.

“Querida, this is a great opportunity. The big construction company Severo Villares is taking us on, and they pay very well. President J.K. wants the capital built in three years, so we will be working seven days a week.”

“Luiz, can’t I come with you?”

“Eva, I don’t want to be away from you, but we have to be patient. Workers are living in tents, and the baby will arrive in the spring. You and Sónia will keep each other company here until the city is more established and Chico and I find a place for us all to live.”

“But Luiz, how soon will you and Chico leave?” I am trying not to cry.

“Monday, querida. We have the weekend to pack our necessities, and then we get the ‘parrot perch’ truck—it’s a bumpy ride but I’m excited about flying on an airplane!”