I woke up with a heavy body but a lit-up mind.This time, I didn't cry.
The pillow was still damp, my face marked, but the sadness had turned into something else…something warmer, steadier.
Anger.
If Rafael really liked me and pushed me away because he was afraid of hurting me, then he was a coward.If he didn't like me — if all of it had been disguised pity — then it was even worse.Either way, something had to change.Even if this turned into the fastest first love breakup in history.
I jumped out of bed with an energy I didn't know I still had, opened the wardrobe, grabbed a dress I hadn't worn in ages.Simple, but pretty.
Tied my hair, applied a light lipstick.
I needed my body to convince my brain that everything was fine — even if it was a lie.
I stared at my reflection for a long moment… the girl in the mirror looked different.Stronger, more tired too, but determined.Maybe that's how we turn the page: pretending until it becomes true.
The day was beautiful… the kind of sky that feels like it's mocking you when everything inside is still cloudy.I opened the door, and the morning air wrapped around me.
Mr. Joaquim was in the garden, watering the roses.He moved slowly, but the look he gave me wasn't his usual one.There was concern there — contained, discreet.The kind of look of someone who heard more than he wanted to.
Even so, he greeted me with his usual gentle tone:
— Good morning, Helena. Sleep well?
I smiled, acting lighter than I felt.
— I did. I'm going for a walk.
He nodded, resting the watering can on the ground.
— That's good. Fresh air helps clear the mind.
— That's exactly what I need — I answered, trying to hide the irony that slipped into my voice.
He smiled faintly, but his eyes stayed attentive.
— Just don't go too far. You're still recovering, remember?
— Don't worry. — I waved a hand, pretending it was no big deal, even though it wasn't just my leg that needed recovery.
I passed through the gate and walked aimlessly, letting the sun guide the pace of my steps.The streets felt more alive than I remembered — distant cars, bicycles, the smell of bread from some bakery.
It was like the world was moving normally, unaware that everything inside me had turned into rubble.
I crossed the square, now full of kids, laughter, and loose dogs chasing pigeons.Kept walking until a sign caught my attention… a small corner café, tables outside, and the smell of fresh coffee warming the air.
I went in.
The little doorbell chimed softly, and the warmth inside felt like a timid hug.I ordered a cappuccino and sat by the window, watching life go by.I stayed there for a long time, watching people walk past, each carrying their own world on their backs.
The cappuccino had already cooled, but I kept stirring it, watching the foam drawing little shapes that faded.
I grabbed my phone and stared at the screen for a while — until Evelyn's name came to mind.I smiled to myself.
She always had that good energy, the kind that pushes the world forward.Maybe talking to her would remind me that life existed outside my own chaos.
I dialed her number. She picked up on the second ring.
— Helena! When are you coming back to class?
— Monday — I answered, trying to sound upbeat.
— That's great! — She sighed dramatically on the other end. — This week is chaos. But tell me, what are you doing now?
I looked around — the busy café, the sun outside.
— Nothing much. I'm at a café, trying not to think about anything.
— Good strategy. — Why don't you come to the university soon? — she suggested, excited. — We can have lunch together in the cafeteria before my afternoon class.
I smiled.
— Deal.
I walked back the same way, and when I passed a small hair salon, the window made me stop.Inside, a curly-haired woman with an easy smile chatted while combing a client's hair.The smell of shampoo filled the air as the door opened.
I walked in before I could change my mind.
— Good morning — I said, a bit shy. — I wanted to know if you have time for a haircut.
The hairdresser looked at me through the mirror.
— I do — she replied. — I'm almost done here. You can sit for a minute.
I sat down.As I waited, I watched the movement: the snipping of scissors, soft laughter, the light catching on the client's hair.It felt strange being there. I'd never been the type who cared about trendy cuts or styles.I always cut my hair straight just to make life easier. Never wondered if it suited me.
The woman finished and came over, wiping her hands on a towel.
— So, what are we doing with this beautiful hair?
I looked at my reflection — tired eyes, a face that didn't feel like mine.
— I want something light — I said softly. — Something that suits my face. I haven't felt very pretty lately.
She nodded, smiling warmly.
— Oh, that's easy. Your hair is thin and heavy. Any fresh cut will look great. I'll give it some movement, brighten your face. You'll see.
When the first strands fell, I felt a strange release — like part of the weight of the last few days was falling with them.
When she finished, she turned the chair so I could see.
— There. What do you think?
I looked slowly. It was pretty… prettier than I expected.
I gave a small smile.
— I like it. A lot.
I paid, thanked her, and stepped outside.
I checked the time. It was still early — I could go home and wait for lunchtime, but the idea of being alone bothered me.
So I walked slowly toward the university.I'll admit: I didn't want to face that garden, or those stairs, or any corner that reminded me of what I wanted to forget.
I put on my headphones, let a song start, and walked — carefully, not pushing my knee.Every step felt like a small rehearsal for a new beginning.
I just needed to get to Evelyn.And maybe breathe a little better.