The city wakes to the steady hum of another workweek. The weekend's events still linger in the minds of many, but the world moves forward, as it always does.
Marilena wakes to the sharp vibration of her phone against the nightstand. She groans, blindly reaching for it, blinking against the morning light. Mom flashes across the screen.
She clears her throat before answering. "Good morning, Mom."
"Good morning, daughter. Did I wake you up?" Marta's voice is warm but filled with motherly concern.
"No, I was almost getting up," Marilena lies as she sits up, running a hand through her hair.
They chat about small things—how Marta's weekend went, if she went to church, how the business is running back home. But then, her mother's tone shifts.
"Daughter, what about that boy… Rafael? Does he still bother you?"
Marilena sighs. "Mom, I told you, he and I are no longer together."
"I know," Marta says. "But I'm your mother. I just want to make sure you're okay."
