The Orphan's Dilemma": contos, #1

By jessica diogo

"Step into a world of love, loss, and longing with Maria and Ophelia as they navigate the complexities of family, tradition, and desire in a captivating tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From the quiet sorrow of Mr. Oscar, who has endured more than his fair share of misfortune, to the spirited defiance of Maria, whose heart yearns for something extraordinary, every character in this story will tug at your heartstrings.

Follow along as Maria finds herself swept away by the allure of a stranger at a wedding, only to discover the harsh realities of trust and betrayal. Experience the raw emotions of a young woman torn between her desires and societal expectations, as she grapples with the consequences of her choices.

But amidst the turmoil and heartache, there is also resilience and hope. Join Maria on her journey of self-discovery and redemption as she learns to find strength in the face of adversity and to cherish the love that remains, even in the darkest of times.

With vivid imagery and rich storytelling, this narrative will transport you to a world where every moment is fraught with emotion and every decision carries weight. Don't miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in a story that will stay with you long after the final page."

• Language: English
• Publisher: jessica diogo
• Release date: Apr 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224130375

jessica diogo

Ricardo Almeida is a writer and journalist, graduated in the Brazilian city of João Pessoa in 2007. He specializes in investigative journalism. In addition to his journalistic work, he is a speaker and writer. It shares its knowledge at conferences, workshops and publications, with the aim of disseminating information about society. Your commitment is to help others achieve a balanced and meaningful life.

Book preview

Table of Contents

The Orphan's Dilemma"

The Orphan's Dilemma"

The daughters were getting ready for the wedding, primping in front of the mirror.

Mr. Oscar, sitting at the table, watched them from under furrowed brows, quietly rejoicing

and having raised his children alone after his wife's premature death.

How much misfortune they had endured.

The eldest, Ophelia, short and reserved in her feelings, seemed to her father to be smarter.

She wouldn't take a step until she had weighed everything properly.

But her head was always buried in books, what's the use of that?

Whatever she did, she always had some novel with her.

The youngest, Maria, tall and slender like her father, was bustling, managing to inspect

herself and make comments to her sister.

Why do you need that scarf?

Maria asked.

I'll tie the scarf nicely to tidy up my hair, Ophelia replied.

And look at yourself.

You're going to go out just like that, like I don't know who, with your hair and braided?

Ophelia needled.

And I will.

I like it this way, the younger sister defiantly tossed her head.

Ophelia pursed her lips and admonished, only loose women go out like that.

Decent girls should put their hair up properly, the older one protested.

I don't owe anyone anything, Maria said.

Dad, tell her, Ophelia insisted.

And what are you picking on her for?

Come on.

I'll tie it up.

Now are you calm?

Maria replied.

Their father sighed silently.

The forced returned from the city to the village, the bankruptcy of the company, the death

of his wife after the accident all seemed like distant, dreadful memories.

Initially, they had to live with their brother Casper in the village.

Oscar worked hard all winter, patched up the old house, and only in the spring moved

with his daughters to their own place.

Working on the farm in the village was hard, but to live and not need anything, he kept

four cows, a couple of horses, a pig, and chickens.

Lost in his thoughts, the father didn't notice that his daughters were still arguing.

You're still young, you don't even have a passport, Ophelia told her sister Maria.

I'm young.

Look who's talking.

Maria, laughing, stood up in front of the mirror next to Ophelia and turned out to be

almost a head taller.

You've grown to the sky, but you're still stupid, Ophelia replied, and walked away.

Mr. Oscar said disapprovingly, enough of this bickering, you too.

Get ready, the wedding will go on without you, he grumbled.

I'm ready, Dad, the eldest daughter replied.

Got everything, the father asked.

Everything said Ophelia, nodding.

The tall, sturdy man rose from the table, dressed leisurely, grabbed a bag of gifts,

and headed for the door.

Maria twirled in front of the mirror one more time and was satisfied with her, albeit slender,

but graceful figure.

She easily fluttered out of the house, her soul singing and living with a pre-monition

of something extraordinary and happy.

She wanted that boy to look at her with delight.

Erwin, where are you?

Mr. Oscar called from the porch.

The skinny teenager peeked out from the barn, pitchfork in hand.

I'm here.

What's up, he asked.

Why haven't you changed clothes?

You're going to the wedding covered in manure?

Ophelia asked displeasedly.

Nah, I'm not going, Erwin replied.

Why?

Maria asked in surprise.

Because what's there for me to see?

You guys go, have fun, and I'll watch the house, the boy said.

Well, suit yourself, the father waved his hand and headed off the yard.

We've got quite a wild one growing up, Ophelia remarked.

Because he's an orphan, her sister replied.

The father strode confidently down the road.

However, Maria kept walking ahead of him, overtaking him repeatedly.

The foreign wedding enticed her.

She didn't know the groom at all.

She had only seen the bride once, when she came by with her friends, to invite their

family to the wedding.

The girl was a relative on her mother's side.

The wedding was already in full swing, with lively accordion music and loud drums.

The accordionist stretched the accordion wide, and the guests were merrily making creplock.

Only the older folks remained at the tables.

The youth poured out onto the street.

Ophelia and Maria also stood in a group of girls.

They stood out with their beautiful clothes brought from the city.

The local girls wore simple, cotton dresses and floral scarves.

Their cheeks were flushed, their eyes sparkled, everything around them was spinning.

First us, handsome, a tall, dark-haired young man asked the sisters.

He grabbed them both by the hands and dragged them into the group of dancers.

Ophelia angrily pulled away and moved closer to the fence.

Maria recklessly rushed to dance, throwing a mischievous glance at the boy.

The music stopped.

The girl curtseed, as in a movie.

The boy smiled in response.

I know who you are Oscar's daughter, he exclaimed.

So what?

Maria asked defiantly.

Nothing.

Let's get acquainted.

I'm Alex, he introduced himself.

I'm Maria, the girl replied.

Maria, the boy squinted slyly and winked at her, and