The problem is that all the neighbors in my building heard the whole mess, and ever since then, they haven’t stopped asking if I’m okay. I think they’re afraid I’ll do something reckless. But honestly, my life is already a complete mess. That’s why I decided to spend some time with my parents in the countryside. They moved there a while ago because life in the city was getting too difficult. They decided to look for a quieter, healthier life. So I’m going too. Maybe I’ll be able to get some rest, clear my head, and, as a bonus, give my neighbors a break. They’re always watching me and leaving little notes at my door. The first ones said: “You’re going to get over him!” Then others came: “Your life is precious. Don’t give up!” At first, I even thought it was kind of sweet. But when six months have gone by and you’re still receiving that kind of note... Something’s wrong, right? That’s when I decided to pack my bags, get on a bus, and head to the countryside. I don’t think my life can get any worse than this! But I’m not going to challenge the universe. What if it finds a way? I went to the São Paulo bus station with enough luggage to survive—in other words, the whole house. I don’t know how long I’ll stay there, but I’m guessing about two months, since I had accrued vacation time and my boss, who’s also my friend, gave me the time off. As soon as I got on the bus to Rio de Janeiro, my mom called me. “Hello, daughter... Can you hear me?” “Bless me, Mom. I can. Go ahead.” “Daughter, where are you now?” “Mom, I’m still in São Paulo. I just got on the bus.” “Okay. The connection is really bad, but I’ll text you the name of the person who’s going to pick you up at the bus station, okay?” “Okay, Mom. Thanks!” “May God get you there safely!” “Amen, Mom. Love you!” The bus continued on its way, and I even managed to get some rest during the trip. When I arrived in Rio, I saw lots of pretty things for sale at the bus station. I remembered that my mom had a collection of little porcelain animals that we called figurines, and that she also liked vases. I decided to buy her a few gifts. There were some beautiful pieces. The young man announced the specials, and I bought a hen, three chicks, and a rooster to complete the family. I also picked out a lovely miniature vase with a little flower and the name of the city. Everything cost only nineteen reais. Cheap, but it was just a souvenir. I handed over a two-hundred-real bill, but the young man didn’t have change. He wrapped up the gifts and went to get the money changed. My bus was leaving at exactly noon, and it was only eleven o’clock. It got to 11:40, and the young man still hadn’t come back. I realized that hen, rooster, chicks, and miniature vase were going to cost me a lot more than I’d imagined. So I simply gave up waiting and went to catch my bus to Campos dos Goytacazes, taking the gifts with me. I spent the entire trip holding the bag with the utmost care so nothing would break. After all, it was the most expensive present I’d ever bought! In the middle of the trip, I got a message from my mom: “A young man who works here at the farm with us is going to pick you up. He has a red pickup truck. His name is Valdemar. He’ll be waiting for you outside the bus station. Where are you now?” “I haven’t left Rio yet, Mommy. I’ll let you know when I get to Campos.” “Okay. Don’t forget to let me know!” My mom had always been very careful with me. She knows what kind of daughter she has, right? When I arrived at the Campos bus station, it was already late afternoon. I’d left home almost before dawn and was terribly worried about my “million-dollar family,” trying not to break anything. I ended up taking the bus to São Fidélis and completely forgot to let my mom know. It wasn’t until I arrived at the São Fidélis bus station that I remembered. My mom must have been frantic by then... and so was I, because the place was practically empty. It was already nighttime. I got off the bus alone, sat down on a bench, and started trying to call her. “My daughter, where are you? Why didn’t you call sooner? I thought something had happened! Are you okay?” “Yes, Mom. I forgot. I’m sorry. Can someone come pick me up? There’s no one else here. It’s completely deserted.” “I’ll call Valdemar. He’ll come get you.” About an hour and a half later, two headlights flashed in my direction. I was on the other side of the bus station...