In the Name of Ambition

be

ng has always been a constant in my life. My parents, devout followers of a simple and r

has plans for you, but painting is not one of them," my f

uldn't see beyond the limited horizon of our

ed all my savings, packed my few clothes and painting materials into a

. When I finally got off at the busiest subway station in the capital, I

ing my backpack hard. I tried to resist, but he was stronger and more determined. Within

lter. That suggestion was so far from what I had envisioned that I resisted following it. Sa

city I didn't know at all. That's when I found the shelter. I entered hesitantly, the warmth and light inside contrasting

, which looked very appetizing, h

the woman aske

d and that I hadn't even not

n he pulled my bag"

shelter. I'll ask him to take a look. We can't

e a few people sat in plastic chairs, also waiting for care.

octor said, more as a st

e faltering as I

was robbed and I h

lp. Tomorrow we can talk more, see how w

comfort. For the first time t

t the doctor who had treated me. Eric Silveira. Besides being young, Dr. Silveira had also been c

***

d, seeing tired faces, some still sleeping, others already getting ready

ld barely think about food. As I walked through the shelter, I overheard some people talking about socio-educational activiti

ng I was wrong, that I needed help. But at the same time, I knew I

inator, the same woman who had

aid softly. "How are

t know what to do. I don't want to go ba

help. I know it's hard, but somet

't know if they would take me back. My father must h

offering me privacy to make the call. The ringing s

ca," I said, trying

s a mix of relief and w

n I got here, and... I have nowhere to go," I explain

ause on the other

, Rebecca. He said he woul

the street. I have no

, her voice heav

ainst your father. He said that if you called,

d, but the call had alre

ne so wrong? I was alone in a huge city, wit

o hold back my tears, I bumped into someone. The impact made me s

or you," he said, his voi

ck of my hand, feeling the warmth o

ed, my voice

ou alone. Don't worr

ld trust. But now, in the daylight, he gave off a different impression. There was

uld," I replied, trying

rity and made a con

xt door? We can talk there, in a quieter envir

dea. But then I realized that I couldn't refuse the help he w

agreed, still

the restaurant next door, a modest but cozy place. We sat at a table in the corner, a

trying to calm my nerves

h time, Rebecca. I saw how you were

u barely know me," I asked dire

ncerity apparen

chance, especially when

ly do you plan

of coffee befo

g back home isn't an option. But I have a proposal

curiosity mixi

nd of pr

Not even in my current situation would I do something like that. My upbringing had be

breath, his eyes

ight person for it. It might sound strange, but this o

by "help"? And why me? But at the same time, I knew I had no ot

re," I fina

ng quite pleased w

any decision will be yours. There's no pressure. I just wan

initial shock give way to interest. He was offering financial security and

nd at that moment in my life, I