The following days passed like a breath. Exams ended without major surprises, and the lunches at the landlord's house became memories I knew I would carry with me forever. It wasn't only about the simple, delicious food, but also about the landlord's easy laughter, the stories from a time I hadn't lived, and Rafael's comfortable silence beside me. Suddenly, I realized that house was no longer just theirs—it was also a home that welcomed me as family. Not even my aunt, always so affectionate, had managed to give me that sense of belonging away from my parents' house.
The semester was over. All that remained was the decisive moment: the results. After that, a short break, just a few days to breathe before the next cycle.
That morning, I woke up before the alarm. I dressed in a hurry and went down the stairs, too anxious to think about anything else. And, as in the last few days, there he was. Rafael, in the garden, exchanging a few quiet words with his father. I pretended to act natural, but deep down I knew: it wasn't a coincidence. He waited for me every morning.
"Good morning, Helena! Did you sleep well?" the landlord asked, with the smile that had already become so familiar.
I answered kindly, but my eyes inevitably searched for Rafael's silence.
We walked to the university together."And you, do you have plans for the break?" I asked, trying to sound casual."Anything… nothing certain yet," he replied shortly, but quickly threw the question back."My mom is already waiting for me at home…" I smiled, almost embarrassed. "But I'm stalling a little. If I can stay here two or three more days before going, I'd like to. I've never stayed without classes, never had the chance to really see the city."
His face seemed to relax. For an instant, I almost saw a hint of joy in his eyes."I already know where I want to eat," he said, reminding me of the promise I had made."And what will you want?" I teased."I'll tell you after you see your grade," he dodged, enigmatic.
At the university, we parted ways in front of the boards. My finger ran down the list until I found my name. Next to it, the highest grade in calculus. In the other subjects, high marks as well. I exhaled in relief, almost letting out a nervous laugh. I spun around quickly to look for Rafael and bumped right into him.
His fingers closed around my arms, firm but careful, keeping me from stumbling. The jolt was small, but the warmth of his skin seeped through the fabric of my blouse, and my whole body trembled, as if every nerve had awakened at once.
"I didn't know you were here… I was going to look for you to ask about your grades.""Everything's under control," he said, as if stating a fact. "And yours?""See for yourself," I smiled, pointing to the board.
He stepped forward, traced the list with his finger until he stopped at my name. The smile that appeared was different, spontaneous, almost gentle."Congratulations. You did really well."
I smiled back, my heart racing."Now I only have a few days before going back home. If I wait too long, my mom will show up here and kidnap me," I joked. "So you'd better decide quickly where we're going to eat."
Rafael looked at me with an expression I couldn't decipher."I'll be waiting for you in the garden at home. At eight o'clock tonight."