few seconds of silence, where he just watched me, he finally let go of the paper. - You've become a very beautiful woman, Giovanna - he said when I was about to turn around to leave his roo

a delicate period of recovery, and we spent almost everything we had on hospital and medicine. We still didn't have the means to take her to therapy, nor even to buy a prosthesis, which was what she was always researching in secret. I wanted the new job to work out, so that our condition would improve a little more and I could repay everything she had always done for me. I lay down on the bed next to her, placing my head on her shoulder. I had ignored the fact that she hid her leg from me, and I wouldn't comment on anything. - How was the first day today? - She probably already knew what was ailing me. It was amazing how simple it was, just getting close to her, and she just knew what I needed. - I'm afraid Dad is right - I blurted out. - And what makes you have this fear? - From the first day of being together, I think Eduardo might be the same as when I met him. Worse actually, because now he's a grown man with desires. - You know your father just wants to protect his little doll. Of course Eduardo can have his affairs. But that doesn't mean he won't respect you. I took a deep breath as I thought about it. - But he looks like a chicken. My mother burst into laughter at the sentence I said. Her laugh was charming, she managed to fill the whole place and put hope in my heart. Sometimes I missed that sound. - You're judging by appearances, Giovanna. And that's not what I taught you. - I know, D. Neide. But... - I left the sentence unfinished in the air. - You just have to do your job, daughter. - I know, but it's going to be difficult to live with that man. - You still have no way of knowing that. Be patient with him, and his value will be recognized as it should be. My mother was right. Despite everything, I should give him a chance. At least on the professional side, of course. With affection, my mother ran her hand through my hair while I rested on her lap. She had always been a wise woman, so despite everything, I should take what she said into consideration, even though I thought Eduardo would end up disappointing me. CHAPTER SIX Life is mostly made up of WHAT IFs. And if I had answered