February 23, Sunday

I’m helping Madrasta clean up after lunch, and Papai is sitting under the mango tree in the shade. It is very hot. Once everything is tidy, I take Papai a glass of maracujá juice and sit down next to him.

“Thank you, Eva.”

“Papai, I have something to tell you but I hope you can keep it a secret for a few days.”

He looks at me and stops drinking his juice.

“Papai, I have decided to go to Brasília to be with Luiz. I have everything organized and planned but it will be a surprise to Luiz. He keeps telling me to be patient but Carlos is nine months old and hasn’t even met his father yet.”

“Eva, are you sure? I hear it is a very rough place. Everyone living in tents and shacks. It will be difficult for a young mother and baby. Perhaps you should reconsider.”

“Papai, I’m sorry but I have made up my mind. I have saved plenty of money so you don’t need to worry about that. I leave on Thursday. I know it won’t be easy, but I will be careful, I promise.”

He looks at me and his eyes are wet. “You are very brave and independent, Eva. Just like your mother. May God bless you and Carlos and keep you safe. And don’t forget about us here in Picuí.”

“Oh Papai, of course I won’t! I’ll come by in the evening on Wednesday to let the family know.”

I walk home through the dusty streets, holding Carlos on my hip and singing a little song to him.