Luís Carlos, who was supposed to be the last of the week on Sundays, also took over Saturdays. The change created a different dynamic. Two weekly encounters with the same person generated an unprecedented familiarity between him and Dona Esperança. Luís Carlos was the youngest of the group and the one who demonstrated the greatest artistic sensitivity.
His skills as a carpenter revealed a keen eye for detail and proportions. During the encounters, he began to notice small problems in the house. A window that wouldn’t close right, a loose board in the floor, hinges that made noise. This attention to detail and care for the environment began to generate a less hostile atmosphere.
Dona Esperança began to wait for the weekends with less anxiety, knowing that Luís Carlos would make the environment more comfortable and less oppressive. During June, another problem arose. Antônio da Silva, responsible for the horses, began to show possessiveness toward Dona Esperança. On two occasions, he was seen observing her discreetly as she walked through the gardens of the Big House.
The behavior was extremely dangerous. Any suspicion of personal interest could result in severe punishment or death. João Crisóstomo, as foreman, was tasked with talking to Antônio. The conversation was direct. Any deviation from the established rules would put all participants of the agreement in mortal danger.
Antônio understood the message and moderated his behavior, but the incident revealed how the situation was psychologically affecting everyone involved. Miguel dos Santos developed a completely different strategy. He decided to treat the encounters as technical exercises, focusing exclusively on the reproductive objectiv
Read more by clicking the (NEXT »») button below!
