Chapter 113

The apartment in São Paulo, where Helena and her children temporarily resided, was a cramped space that now accommodated the whole family. Helena struggled to maintain the family routine even in the face of the abrupt changes that had occurred in their lives.

On that hectic morning, Helena was in the kitchen preparing breakfast when the children appeared, each with their own concerns and questions. Isabel, the oldest, observed her mother with curiosity, noticing her more formal appearance.

“Why are you so dressed up, Mom?” she asked, her voice filled with interest.

Helena smiled at Isabel as she set the plates on the table.

“I have a hearing at the courthouse early this morning,” she explained, “but before that, I need to drop you off at school.”

Antônio entered the kitchen, still sleepy, yawning as he approached the table.

“I don't want to go to school today,” he complained, his voice muffled by sleep.

Emanoel followed Antônio, expre