“Flávio”I was in the middle of a sting operation at the police station when I received a message from Manu saying that my father was in the apartment. My father alone with her wasn't something I wanted; he could be very cruel when he wanted to be. But I had to finish that sting operation before leaving, and it took longer than I wanted. As soon as it was over, I called the clerk on duty and asked him to cover for me, as I needed to leave due to a personal emergency, but I would be back as soon as possible. It was just enough time to get my father out and make sure Manu was okay.However, when I got home, the scene I saw wasn't what I expected. A boy on top of Manuela, pulling her hair. But who was that delinquent? I wanted to punch that kid's face until it was inside out. How dare he touch Manu?As soon as I saw the woman approach to defend her son, I understood the situation. I immediately recognized Rita, Manu's mother; it had only been a week since I'd seen a picture of her. But h

“Flávio”As soon as Manu fell asleep, I went back to the living room; I had a pending conversation with Manu's brother."Look, I've seen a lot of bad things, but what this woman does to Manu is too much even for me," I commented as soon as I sat down."It used to be worse. Manu used to get horrible beatings for anything. One day Rita hit her with a belt; Manu's body was covered in marks from the buckle, all because Manu ran into the house and bumped into some ornament that broke. Manu was only ten years old. Rita always threatened her that if she told our father about the beatings, she would get even more. By that time, I had already left home; I only found out because I suspected Manu was wearing a sweater in the summer, and I made her tell me." "Man, I almost hit Rita, but my dad arrived and we fought, Manu begged me not to tell him." – Camilo's eyes welled up with tears."And that wasn't the first, it wasn't the last, and it wasn't the worst." Olivia added. "I'm very surprised that

“Manuela”- Do you really have to go? – I asked my brother who had just put the suitcase in the car.- We do, Manu, but we'll come see you more often. – My brother hugged me very tightly.- Tell Dad I'm okay, so he doesn't worry. – I said goodbye to my brother and sister-in-law and watched the car drive away.- Shorty, I'm worried, that woman won't give up. She can't get into the building, but there's no way to stop her at the university. – Flávio had his arm around my waist; he'd been repeating the same thing since Saturday, and I knew he was right, but I didn't see how to stop it.- I know she won't give up, but I don't know what to do. – I said as we walked to the car, back to our routine of him taking me and picking me up everywhere.- You should file a complaint against her and Juliano. – Flávio was insisting that I go to the police station and report the assaults.– Flávio, she's my mother. It's not even about Juliano, he's my brother, but we'll never really be like siblings. Bu

“Flávio”My mother stared at me, not even looking at Lisandra when she gave her ultimatum. Lisandra stood in the middle of the stairs to the second floor, with a shocked expression.- Lisa, go pack your things. Later, when our mother is calmer, we'll deal with her. – I said without taking my eyes off my mother.An hour later I left my parents' house with my siblings. My mother didn't even say goodbye to her daughter, but I knew she was just pressuring my sister. My mother was an expert in emotional blackmail and always managed to manipulate my sister.- Flávio, now she hates me! What am I going to do? – Lisandra was crying in the car as we headed to the airport.- Lisa, Mom doesn't hate you. It seems you don't know her. She's like a spoiled child and says these things so that everyone does what she wants. Don't you see how she does it with Dad? – I tried to comfort my sister.- I don't understand why she wants me to marry that scoundrel. – Lisandra was upset.- About that, I think I c

“Manuela”I left college with PH by my side; he didn't leave me alone for a single moment. When we got outside, Flávio was already waiting for me outside the car.- Hi, Shorty! I missed you. – He pulled me into a hug. – Good evening, Paulo Henrique.- Good evening, detective. – PH replied somewhat awkwardly.- Dude, call me Flávio. I'm sorry about that day, but I think you can understand me. – Flávio was apologizing to my friend for the rude way he treated him when they met, and I thought that was sweet.- Don't worry, Flávio, I understand. And you're right to be jealous, Manu is really beautiful and very special. – PH smiled at me. – Manu, I'll wait for you here at the door tomorrow. – We said goodbye to my friend and got into the car.- Shorty, what happened? – Flávio asked as soon as he started the car.- Mr. Cândido showed up here. – I said, still processing that visit.- Who? – Flávio was confused.- Mr. Cândido, the father of the fiancé my mother arranged for me. – I explained.