Dawn of Disappointments: contos, #1

By Ricardo Almeida

Step into the intricate tapestry of Pamela's life, where breakfasts and mornings unfold like chapters in a captivating novel. In this riveting narrative, discover the unexpected paradox that shrouds Pamela's family, challenging the conventional wisdom that mornings bring enlightenment.

As dawn breaks, follow Pamela's journey as she grapples with the weight of accumulated problems, each morning revealing new challenges. Unpaid bills cascade into her hands, and her son Patrick's innocent requests for money reveal the intricate dance of responsibilities in their lives.

In the midst of Pamela's chaotic routine, experience the struggle to balance work, household chores, and the demands of a familial existence. The narrative unfolds with a delicate touch, weaving a tale of forgotten English classes, missed bills, and the elusive pursuit of normalcy.

Feel the tension rise as Pamela confronts the complexities of her son's education, battling against the relentless chaos that threatens to engulf their lives. The story takes an unexpected turn when a phone call disrupts the mundane rhythm of Pamela's day, unravelling a secret that shakes the foundations of her reality.

Explore the emotional depth as Pamela confronts betrayal and the realization that her picture-perfect life may be nothing but an illusion. The story dives into the intricacies of human relationships, unearthing the unexpected twists that lie beneath the surface of routine.

As Pamela grapples with the shocking revelation, join her on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. "Mornings of Betrayal" is not just a tale of broken routines but a profound exploration of love, loss, and the strength that emerges from the ashes of shattered expectations.

In this masterfully crafted narrative, every sentence weaves a spellbinding tale, drawing readers into the heart of Pamela's world. "Mornings of Betrayal" invites you to question the illusions of normalcy and to witness the resilience that blooms in the face of life's most unexpected challenges.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ricardo Almeida
• Release date: Nov 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223416883

Book preview

Table of Contents

Dawn of Disappointments (contos, #1)

Pamela couldn't stand breakfasts or mornings in general.

People usually say that the morning is wiser than the evening, but in Pamela's family,

it was the opposite.

Somehow, it turned out that it was during the dawn that she remembered all the problems

that had accumulated over the previous days.

Unpaid bills would fall into her hands.

Her son, Patrick, would mention that they were collecting money for something at school,

and suddenly his boots would be torn.

Mornings always turned out to be a time of disappointments.

And it was the same now, as Pamela almost buried her head in the refrigerator searching

for cheese.

For some reason, she was convinced that a miracle would happen and she would find that peace.

Mom.

Patrick cautiously poked her in the back.

I need money.

For breakfast.

Pamela asked.

Take it from the nightstand.

I already put some there.

Not for breakfast, the sun replied.

I need to pay for English class.

Did you forget?

Pamela let out a heavy sigh.

However unsurprising it sounded, she had indeed completely forgotten that a new month

had come and her son needed to pay for his studies again, even though the teacher had

recently called her and hinted subtly about it.

She probably suspected that Patrick's mother, Pamela, as usual, would forget everything.

And how could she not, when Pamela's whole life resembled a squirrel's rapid run in

a wheel?

First, a rush to the office where heaps of paperwork invariably showered upon her.

Those numbers alone could drive someone insane.

Then a trip to the stores in search of reasonable prices.

Having such prices became increasingly challenging each time.

In the evenings, she and Patrick crafted endless projects for handicraft lessons, and there

were also bills, Aunt Tiffany, who was unwell and needed to be visited at least once a week

and a pile of dishes in the sink.

It was no wonder that English classes got lost amidst all this chaos.

Pamela abandoned her fruitless search, closed the refrigerator door, and turned to her

son.

Do we really have to pay for the lessons today?

And it weighed a couple of days, she asked with a faint hope.

Patrick Pouted.

You know it can't.

Pamela noted to herself that it wasn't the first time she had noticed such expressions

on Patrick's face, and she should probably have a talk with him about it.

But then again, could she blame her son?

His teacher, Ms. Gina, was a quarrelsome person who likely took out her irritation on the

children.

Most likely, Patrick was just tired of being the scapegoat every time.

All right.

I'll talk to your dad, Pamela said, suppressing another sigh.

Go and get your bag ready, the money will be there.

She didn't know where she found such confidence in her voice.

Honestly, she didn't feel it at all.

She walked into the kitchen and stood there for a while, looking at her husband.

John sat at the table, having his breakfast.

With one hand, he brought a fork with scrambled eggs to his mouth, while the other held his

phone, scrolling through the news feed.

He was already dressed in a crisp white shirt and meticulously iron trousers, looking fully

prepared for the workday.

There was nothing about him that indicated he hated his job or was in a bad mood.

Yet, Pamela was completely convinced that this was the case and dreaded bringing up the topic

of money.

She coughed uncertainly to draw his attention, but it had no effect.

So, Pamela decided to address her husband directly.

John, she called out.

John tore his gaze away from his phone and looked at her.

We're out of cheese, it's finished.

I'm sorry, I forgot about it yesterday.

I'll stop by the store in the evening and by some.

No problem.

I'll have a sandwich with sausage, muttered John, and then buried himself in his phone

again.

Pamela scolded herself for starting the conversation with cheese.

Her husband's mood was already far from cheerful.

Surely, it had worsened now.

And John, she hesitated, today is the third of the month, Patrick needs to pay for his

courses.

Her husband looked at her with undisguised irritation and side.

This is what you should have started with, instead of cheese.

Fine.

I'll transfer money to your card.

Thank you.

Pamela exclaimed with relief.

I could have paid myself, but I won't get my salary until the day after tomorrow.

Patrick will be scolded at school again.

John waved her away as if transferring money was a mere trifle.

Pamela was quite surprised by his compliance.

Normally, she avoided discussing money or brought it up when John was in a relatively

good mood.

Mornings were rarely a good time, much like her.

John remembered work problems, his boss Mr. William Finding fault with him for any reason,

or the traffic on the road.

Evenings weren't any better.

During those times, John remembered all his failures and sank into a gloomy silence.

If you think about it, recently, it had become his usual state.

Pamela very rarely saw him smile.

John was so engrossed in his phone screen that he didn't notice the fork.

The piece of scrambled eggs, generously seasoned with ketchup, fell onto his shirt.

For a moment, silence hung in the kitchen.

John put his phone aside and stared at his belly.

Pamela sighed.

There's another iron shirt in the closet.

Go change.

Of all times.

John grumbled, getting up from the table.

Now I'll definitely be late for the office.

This statement sounded a bit odd.

Considering that before that, he had been fervently typing something on his phone, oblivious to

everything else.

However, Pamela didn't want to start a conversation on this topic.

John went into the room, and she approached the sink and began washing the dishes.

The phone behind her continuously buzzed, receiving messages.

Who could her husband be texting with so early in the morning?

John.

Phone.