December 18, Friday

It’s full summer and the glorious rains are upon us. Our little house is nothing fancy, but we are happy. I’m glad to do laundry with water from the pump, but I don’t wash Dona Maria Thereza’s clothes with the other women because the garments are so fashionable they would attract attention, envy and possibly larceny, and they also require extra care. It’s a labor of love for me and I’m glad to have the income, especially because there is not much work for women.

I always meet the driver a few blocks away from our house to receive the bundle that needs washing and then the next week to deliver the garments I carefully package in paper tied up with string. I’m at the usual place today when the car pulls up and the driver gets out instead of just rolling down the window and handing me the clothes like he usually does.

“Dona Eva, Dona Célia would like to invite you to come to visit next week on Tuesday, the 22nd, if you can have the clothes ready?” He is careful not to say the vice president’s wife’s name.

This surprises and thrills me. “Of course! I am happy to have it ready. What time?”

“They are inviting you for lunch, and Dona Célia says to bring the little one. I will come to pick you up at 12:30.”

“Yes, of course, it will be my pleasure.” I wonder how I will dress for the occasion but I don’t think I can ask the driver. I’ll just have to guess.

“Very good, then.” He hands me the bundle and drives away.