It was Friday morning when Joaquim dropped his niece off at work and then went with Lúcia to the main house.

After Mr. Caetano's death, he found himself with less to do, since he had worked as the old man's driver. Because Oliver drove his own car, Joaquim's responsibilities now mostly consisted of taking Liana or Túlio somewhere whenever they needed something. The rest of the day, he helped Lúcia in the kitchen or worked in the garden.

“The house is so quiet,” Joaquim commented as he peeled po