Heart of Stone Parts I II

The first rays of the sun gently filtered into the small house, caressing the worn walls of Livia's bedroom. She slept deeply, her peaceful face contrasting with the harshness of her daily reality. The touch of the sun on her skin slowly woke her up, prompting her to stretch long, yawn, and then jump up. The golden light danced in the room, revealing an organized mess: cookbooks, hastily folded clothes, and a small cracked mirror reflecting her tired image. Glancing at her phone, she saw that it was already 6 AM. No time to waste.

There were chores waiting for her, tasks to accomplish to survive. Each day was a struggle.

She headed to the small window of her room, a gesture that had become a ritual. Through the glass, she looked at the gigantic house across the street. It was a majestic dwelling, with balconies adorned with colorful flowers and walls painted a bright cream color. Through the window, she caught glimpses of silhouettes inside, sitting at the dining table, having breakfast peacefully. The smell of coffee and toast seemed to float in the air, and her heart tightened at the sight of this scene. She saw herself in their place, savoring a worry-free morning, without having to think about what would happen next.

- Eat as much as you can, but don't forget that one day I will come back to reclaim what belongs to me, she thought, clenching her fists. The memory of her parents and the home they had lost still haunted her. But one day, she would reclaim what was rightfully hers. She was certain of it.

Lost in her thoughts, Livia didn't immediately notice the vibration of her phone. She answered without looking at who was calling, a habit she had acquired over time.

- Paulo, I'll join you in a moment. I just woke up, let me be for a bit.

- It seems that Queen Livia doesn't remember what day it is today. But well, good morning to you too and... happy birthday! he replied, teasingly.

Livia rolled her eyes, a sigh escaping her lips.

- Nonsense. I told you I never celebrate my birthday. I didn't even know it was today, she murmured, a slight shiver of despair crossing her mind.

- In that case, you should thank me, because I think I'm the first to wish you that, he insisted, still cheerful.

- Thanks anyway, even if I didn't ask you to do it, she replied, a slight smile grazing her lips despite herself. Paulo's tone, although light, was filled with sincerity.

- I'll do it as long as you're near me. Listen, you're not going to hold it against life, are you? It's your birthday, we have to celebrate it! he said enthusiastically, trying to break through Livia's shell.

Livia closed her eyes for a moment, her heart heavy. She had never been one to celebrate her birthday. Not when she felt that everything had been taken from her, that life had stolen what she believed she was entitled to.

- I will never celebrate my birthday as long as my adversaries enjoy my father's money, while I have to work like a slave to meet my needs, she said in a cold voice, her words filled with bitterness.

Paulo remained silent for a moment, the weight of her words hanging heavily between them. Then, in a calmer voice, he replied: