March 13, Friday

“Things are looking like they will change, it feels different this time.” Luiz looks up from his coffee and his optimism is contagious.

“What is different about today? I didn’t hear any whispers at work.” It feels good to sit at the kitchen table after a long week. Carlos is sleeping soundly and there’s a nice breeze coming in the window, bringing the scent of jasmine.

“President Jango gave a talk at the Center of Brazil rally in Rio today. He laid out all the basic reforms we’ve been asking for, including land, finances, elections and education.”

“But can the president get the Congress to go along?”

“I believe Jango will make these things happen. It makes all the strikes and protests worthwhile. Real change can happen if the people stick together.”

“It would be so good to not have to worry so much about money; if Jango can get prices to stabilize and make the kids’ schools better, that would be wonderful. I hope you’re right and Brazil is finally getting on the right track.”

“Do you and Sónia have a lot of orders for Easter? It’s just two weeks from now.”

“Quite a few, though less than last year since we had to raise our prices. And I’ve learned the hard way that we have to stockpile ingredients to know how much to charge. We’ll be busy on Good Friday and the day before. But I love making pretty Easter cakes.”

Luiz just laughs and shakes his head, reaching over to draw me close and kiss me.