No money left! Everything’s already gone to my friend’s children!
Iolanda, I’m broke! The last amount I had 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 struck her like knives, and she didnt even want to recall them.
Why? I raised three children with my António, I did everything for them, everything! All of them went to university, all have good jobs. Yet now, in my old age, I get neither peace nor help.
António, my love, why did you leave so early? Everything was easier with you!she thought, addressing her late husband.
Her heart clenched, and her hand automatically reached for the pills: There are only one or two left. If it gets worse, I wont be able to help myself. I need to go to the pharmacy.
She tried to stand, but her legs gave way and she collapsed back into the armchair. Her head spun like a top.
It doesnt matter, the tablet will work and everything will pass.
But the minutes ticked by and the relief never came.
Mrs. Amélia dialed her youngest daughters number:
Natinhashe barely managed to say before the sharp voice answered:
Mom, Im in a meeting, Ill call back later!
She tried her son:
Son, I dont feel well. The pills are finished. Can you bring more after work?
Mom, Im not a doctor, and you arent either! Call an ambulance, dont wait!
Amélia sighed deeply. Hes right. If I dont improve in half an hour, Ill have to call 112.
She reclined in the chair, closed her eyes, and began counting to one hundred, trying to calm her heart.
Suddenly, a distant sound echoed. Oh right, the phone!
Is anyone there?she replied, voice trembling.
Amélia, hello! Its Pedro! Are you alright? I felt a tightness in my chest and needed to hear your voice.
Pedro, Im not well
Im on my way! Can you open the door?
Pedro, she hasnt locked it in ages
The mobile slipped from her grasp. She lacked the strength to catch it.
Let it stayshe thought.
In her mind, like a movie, scenes from her youth flashed: a naïve girl in her first year at the School of Economics, and behind her two cadets from the Military Academy, proud and elegant, inexplicably holding colorful balloons.
Ridiculousshe had thought then, adults with balloons!
Ah, yes! It was Freedom Day! The parade, the street festivity! And she, in the middle, between Pedro and António, with balloons fluttering.
She had chosen António, perhaps because he was more outgoing, while Pedro was shy and reserved.
Later life separated them: she and António moved to the outskirts of Lisbon, Pedro was posted to Angola.
Decades later, already retired, they met again 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 should have become a footballer!
Confused voices approached. Amélia opened her eyes with difficulty.
Pedro
And beside him, an ambulance doctor.
Hell be fine. Is he your husband?
Yes, yes!
The doctor gave instructions. Pedro sat, holding Amélias hand until she could breathe normally again.
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 after she recovered, he refused to let her be 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 anything. How could I have known? But what does it matter now? The past cant return.
Amélia, lets live whats left, happy together! Whatever time God gives us will be ours!
She rested her head on his shoulder, intertwined their fingers: Lets. And she laughed, a light, bright laugh.
A week later, her daughter finally called.
Mom, you called me? I couldnt answer, then I forgot
Oh, that Its over. But since youre here, I want you to know: Im getting married!
Silence. Only the sound of her daughter gulping, searching for words.
Mom, are you crazy? You should be in a cemetery, and now youre getting married?! Whos the lucky one?
Amélia shrank, tears burning, but her voice stayed steady:
Its me.
She hung up, turned to Pedro: Theyre coming. Get ready for the battle.
Well winhe laughed. Where theres love, nothing is lost!
As night fell, the three arrived: Rui, Iolanda, and Natinha.
Mom, introduce us to your beau!teased Rui.
Why? They already know mesaid 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 plenty to live for. And your mother is still beautiful!
Ah, I see You want her apartment, dont you?snapped Natinha, sounding like a lawyer.
Children, for heavens sake, whats the apartment got to do with anything? We all have our own homes!
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 lunged forward like a fighting rooster.
Pedro didnt back down. He straightened, met Ruis gaze:
Im her husband, whether you like it or not.
Were the children!Iolanda shouted.
Yes! And tomorrow well put her in a home or a madhouse!Natinha spat.
No way! Come on, Amélia.
They left hand in hand, not looking back. The world didnt matter. They were happy. And free. The lone streetlamp lit their path.
The children watched, stunned. What kind of love could exist at seventy?
