Chapter 81

Silence hovered between them, thick and heavy with everything that had gone unsaid over the past month. Patrícia still seemed in shock, her eyes watery, her lips trembling. Augusto was there, flesh and bone… and a tight heart.

She took a deep breath, trying to regain control of her emotions.

“Joel…” she began, her voice still low. “He takes care of the vegetable garden, the orchard, the yard. He’s a good man, helps me with everything around here.”

Augusto nodded, relieved. Maybe he h