Iolanda, Im broke! The last bit I gave to Natinha yesterday! You know she has two kids! Overcome with tears, Mrs. Amélia Silva hung up the phone.
The words her daughter had spoken cut like knives, and she didnt even want to recall them.
Why did it have to be like this? I raised three children with my António, did everything for them, everything! All of them got university degrees, all secured good jobs. And now, in my old age, I receive neither peace nor any help.
António, my love, why did you leave so early? Everything was easier with you! she thought, addressing her late husband.
Her heart clenched hard, and her hand automatically reached for the pills: Only one or two left. If things get worse, I wont be able to help myself. I need to get to the pharmacy.
She tried to stand, but her legs gave way and she fell back into the armchair. The world spun like a top.
It doesnt matter, the tablet will work, and everything will pass.
But the minutes ticked by and relief never arrived.
Mrs. Amélia dialed her youngest daughters number:
Natinha she barely managed to say before a sharp voice answered:
Mom, Im in a meeting, Ill call later!
She tried her son:
Son, I dont feel well. Im out of pills. Can you bring some after work?
Mom, Im not a doctor, and you arent either! Call an ambulance, dont wait!
Mrs. Amélia sighed deeply. Hes right If I dont improve in half an hour, Ill have to dial 112.
She reclined in the chair, closed her eyes, and began counting to one hundred, trying to steady her heart.
Suddenly, a distant sound echoed. What? Ah, yes, the phone!
Is anyone there? she replied, voice trembling.
Amélia, hello! Its Pedro! Are you okay? I felt a pressure in my chest and needed to hear your voice.
Pedro, Im not fine
Im on my way! Can you unlock the door?
Pedro, its been unlocked for ages
The phone slipped from her grasp. She lacked the strength to catch it.
Let it stay she thought.
In her mind, like a film, scenes from her youth played: a naive girl in her first year of Economics university, and two cadets from the Military Academy, proud and dapper, inexplicably holding colorful balloons.
Absurd she had thought then, adults with balloons!
Oh right, it was Freedom Day! The parade, the street celebration! And she, in the middle, between Pedro and António, watching the balloons float.
She had chosen António, perhaps because he was more outgoing, while Pedro was shy and reserved.
Later life pulled them apart: she and António moved to the outskirts of Lisbon, Pedro was posted to Angola.
They met again decades later, both retired, in their hometown. Pedro had never married, never had children.
When asked why, he would smile and joke:
Love never smiled at me; maybe I shouldve become a footballer!
Confused voices approached. Mrs. Amélia opened her eyes with difficulty.
Pedro
And beside him, a paramedic.
Hell be okay. Is that your husband?
Yes, yes!
The medic gave instructions. Pedro stayed seated, holding Amélias hand until she caught her breath.
Thank you, Pedro I feel better now.
Great! Here, have some lemon tea
Pedro never left her side. He cooked, cared for her, and even when she recovered, he refused to let her go alone.
You know, Amélia, Ive always loved you. Thats why I never married.
Pedro, Pedro António and I were happy. He loved me. You never said a word. How could you have known? But it doesnt matter now; the past cant return.
Amélia, lets live whatever time we have left, happy together! Whatever God gives us will be ours!
She rested her head on his shoulder, intertwined their fingers: Lets. and laughed, a light, bright laugh.
A week later, her daughter finally called.
Mom, so you called me? I couldnt answer, then I forgot
Oh, that Its over. But since you mentioned it, I want you to know: Im getting married!
Silence. Only the sound of her daughter swallowing hard, searching for words.
Mom, are you crazy? You should be in a cemetery, and now youre getting married?! Whos the lucky one?
Amélia shrank back, tears burning, yet her voice stayed firm:
Thats my business.
She hung up, turned to Pedro: Theyre coming. Get ready for the battle.
Well win he laughed. Where theres love, nothing is lost!
At nightfall, the three arrived: Rui, Iolanda, and Natinha.
Mom, introduce us to your hero! teased Rui.
Why? They already know me said Pedro, entering the room. Ive loved Amélia since we were young. When I saw her like that, I knew I couldnt lose her. I asked her to marry me, and she said yes.
Did you hear that, clown? What love is that at your age?! shouted Iolanda.
What age? Pedro raised an eyebrow. Were just past seventy, we still have a lot to live for. And your mother is still beautiful!
Ah, I get it You want her apartment, dont you? snapped Natinha, sounding like a lawyer.
Kids, for heavens sake, what does the apartment have? Everyone has a home!
Even so, its part of our inheritance! insisted Natinha.
Calm down, I want nothing! I have a place to die! Pedro crossed his arms. But stop disrespecting your mother!
Who do you think you are, old fool? Rui advanced, like a fighting rooster.
Pedro didnt back down. He straightened, looked him in the eye:
Im her husband, whether you like it or not.
Were the children! shouted Iolanda.
Fine! Tomorrow well put her in a home or a madhouse! spat Natinha.
No way! Come on, Amélia.
They left hand in hand, not looking back. The world didnt matter. They were happy. They were free. The lone streetlamp lit their path.
Their children watched, bewildered. What kind of love can exist at seventy?
