Chapter 73

Nine hours later, Patrícia got off at the Belo Horizonte bus terminal, in Minas Gerais. Her body ached from the long journey, and exhaustion weighed on her—but not as heavily as the anguish lodged in her chest.

She entered the terminal almost silently, heading straight for the restroom. She needed to wash her face, to breathe. Even without an appetite, she knew she had to eat something—not for herself, but for the tiny hearts beating inside her.

In front of the mirror, she splashed w