“I’ve already sold the land. You have three days to leave.” Dona Conceição pressed the cell phone to her ear. Her lifeless eyes hadn’t cried in years, but her hands were trembling.

with a plastic bag.”

Maurício was crying.

“— Please forgive me.”

She shook her head slowly.

“— This isn’t about forgiveness. I have nothing left to give you.”

“— Then… will you forgive me someday?”

Her voice was quiet.

“I no longer have a son.”

“Go away, Maurício. Don’t come back.”

He left.

No goodbye.

That night Amparo brought tea.

“— Do you regret it?” she asked.continue reading …