First Impressions
Mom, this is Leonor, Rodrigo introduced, his cheeks flushed as he brought the girl home late at night.
Good evening, Fernanda replied, eyeing the unexpected visitor with annoyance. What a wonderful hour for introductions! Half an hour to midnight
I told Rodrigo it was already late, the girl retorted quickly. But does he listen? Hes so stubborn!
Smart move, Fernanda thought. She excuses herself and blames him. How unpleasant.
Come in, then, the mother said, adding nothing else before disappearing down the hall toward the bedroom.
What else could she do? She wasnt going to kick her only son out in the middle of the night, especially not because of a stranger. If they wanted to live together, they would. A mothers role is to protect her child and open his eyes, and Fernanda would do that swiftly. Eventually Rodrigo would send Leonor away without remorse, perhaps even feeling relieved to be rid of her.
The whole night passed awake as she plotted how to evict the intruder.
She wasnt against Rodrigos marriage. He was already thirty, more than ready for a shared life.
But not with her!
First, Leonor was clearly youngera sign of immaturity and instability.
What kind of wife, mother, or housewife could she be?
Second, her character spoke volumes: she showed up at someone elses house at night, didnt even apologize! Worse, she blamed her son for nothing
And she still stayed the night!
Was this her first time or a habit?
Third, she simply didnt like her.
Soon Rodrigo would stop liking her too.
Why waste time?
In the end, the plan proved unnecessary. Leonor gave Fernanda plenty of reasons to restore order in the house.
The first warning came in the morning.
Leonor entered the bathroom and didnt emerge for almost an hour. Rodrigo paced back and forth, seething with irritation.
Son, whats happening? Fernanda asked, overly sweetly. The girl is getting ready, she wants to please you
But I have to work!
Knock on the door and explain youre not alone in the flat, the mother suggested.
No way, he grumbled. Well talk later. And you, Mother, wont be late?
Me? No. Im already dressed. I made some cheese pastries. Come have breakfast.
I havent even showered yet!
Thats fine, you can wash later. Now make the most of the time you have and eat well. Youve got the whole day ahead.
Rodrigo sat down at the table.
Just then Leonor emerged from the shower, a towel wrapped around her hair, looking lovely.
Finally! Rodrigo exclaimed, throwing himself at the fogged mirror. He rushed a quick wash, shaved hastily, swallowed the smallest pastry, and, as he left, shouted:
See you tonight! Hope you both get along.
Rodrigo! Leonor called. We were supposed to pick up my things today, remember?
Well go tonight. Dont be upset! a voice from the building replied.
Fernanda got up, went to the entrance, closed the door behind her son, turned to Leonor and asked bluntly:
Arent you ashamed?
No, the girl smiled. Should I be?
Rodrigo will be late because of you!
He wont. Hell probably take a taxi. Dont worry, everything will be fine.
Anyway, remember: youre not alone here. If you want an hours shower in the morning, get up earlier. Good thing Im not working today.
I wont do that again, Leonor replied simply. Im sorry.
Fernanda was a little stunned. She expected a fight, but this
Fine, she muttered, heading to the bathroom.
The first thing she saw was a toothpaste tube, brandnew and opened, even though the old one still had some left.
Leonor, why did you open a new tube?
I prefer this one
I hope you bring your own toothpaste, and your shampoo too!
Of course, Mrs. Fernanda
And towels!
Ill bring them
No matter how hard she tried to spark a quarrel, Leonor gave her no opening. She agreed with everything, nodded obediently, took note of the obligations she would have to fulfill.
Tired of inventing excuses, Fernanda went straight to the point.
What are you doing here?
Rodrigo and I love each other
Of course you love a guy like that! I just dont understand one thing: what does he see in you?
Ive never asked him
Who are your parents?
My mother works as a seamstress in a factory.
And your father?
I never met him.
I see. Raised without a father. And how do you think youll be a good wife for my son?
Ill try
Try, dont even attempt. Nothing will work with you, girl. My son doesnt love you. He thinks he does! I know him better! Youll never marry him! Why? Youve already given yourself everything.
He loves me, Leonors voice trembled. Im sure.
Youre wrong. Do you think youre the first?
No, I dont think that but it doesnt matter
It doesnt matter? In a week Ill be sick of you! Youre not even in the same league! Intellect! Have you heard that word?
Yes. It just doesnt make sense here.
Why?
I have a university degree.
And then?
Look, girl, youd better go home. This isnt a place for you. I spent the morning trying to explain, and you dont get it.
Fine, Ill leave. But what will you say to Rodrigo? He wont like it.
Its none of your business! Go and dont come back. Youre not welcome.
Fernanda kept talking, amazed at herself: what had possessed her? She had never said to anyone a fraction of what she threw at Leonor. The sharp words poured out like poison.
And Leonor?
The girl looked at Fernanda and understood everything.
The mother was jealous of her son! Theyd known each other less than a day, yet as the sun set over Lisbon, Fernanda felt, for the first time, the weight of silence in an apartment where a grandchilds laughter would never echo.
