The missing suitcase: contos, #1

By jessica diogo

In a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected turns, Laura's life took a dramatic and heart-wrenching twist. As she bid farewell to her husband, little did she know that it was not just another ordinary trip. With a suitcase filled with hopes and dreams, he embarked on a journey that would leave her world shattered.

Amidst the backdrop of organizing a grand concert, Laura found herself at the pinnacle of success, only to be plunged into the depths of despair. The weight of responsibility bore down on her shoulders as she grappled with the sudden disappearance of her husband and the precious funds entrusted to him.

From the bustling streets of the city to the quiet corners of her own mind, Laura's journey unfolded like a gripping novel, filled with twists and turns that kept her on the edge of her seat. Her determination to uncover the truth and salvage what remained of her shattered dreams fueled her every step.

As she navigated through the maze of uncertainty, Laura's resilience shone brightly, a beacon of hope in the darkness that threatened to engulf her. With each passing moment, she refused to be defeated, drawing strength from the memories of a life once filled with love and laughter.

Through tears and turmoil, Laura emerged stronger than ever before, a testament to the indomitable spirit that resides within us all. Though the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, she faced it head-on, armed with courage and a steely resolve to reclaim her destiny.

In a world where the only constant is change, Laura's story serves as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest hours, hope endures. For in the depths of despair lies the seed of resilience, waiting to blossom into a future filled with promise and possibility.

• Language: English
• Publisher: jessica diogo
• Release date: Apr 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224322893

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 missing suitcase

The missing suitcase

Mrs. Laura watched through the window as her husband got into the yellow taxi and headed

to the airport.

She sincerely wished him a safe journey.

This trip was not entirely ordinary, he was carrying a suitcase full of money to pay for

the concert.

It was their personal record.

She had never managed to sell so many tickets or organize such a large event before.

All because a pop star concert was scheduled to take place at the stadium soon.

Although Laura was a little worried about her husband, she was pleased that they had

managed to pull off such a complex and profitable deal.

After all, they received a hefty percentage of the proceeds.

Normally, Laura would drive her husband to the airport herself.

But today he categorically refused her service, showing consideration by saying that she needed

rest after three weeks of intense work.

Touched by his thoughtfulness, she prepared dinner and sat with him at the table before

his departure.

She didn't feel like eating, so she drank a glass of cognac and watched with affection

as her husband ate.

However, he seemed unusually agitated.

Of course, he was nervous about the flight.

Laura joked.

Flying isn't scary.

Falling is.

But you're flying high with success by my side.

Julian didn't respond, only giving his wife a displeased look.

She wasn't offended, accustomed to having a silent husband who was always dissatisfied

with the world.

Especially with her.

As she left the apartment, she intended to kiss him, goodbye, but he hastily pecked her

on the cheek and hurried away, the car waiting.

The woman gazed at the overcast sky, surveyed the dimly lit courtyard, and listened to the

clamor of teenagers gathering in the yard in the evenings.

Summer was coming to an end.

Children were gradually returning from camps and villages to their parents, excited and

joyful about the upcoming school year.

Laura's daughter was doing an internship in Madrid after her penultimate year of study.

She was studying at a technological institute where practical training received special

attention.

Agatha was supposed to return in a week or two.

Laura was facing several days alone.

She sighed, moved away from the window, sat on the couch, closed her eyes, and remained

motionless and voluntarily thinking that she couldn't stand loneliness because she was

used to communicating with people from morning till night.

Visits to institutions, ticket sales, arranging artists and hotels, organizing concerts she

did everything herself, trying to consider every detail so that nothing went wrong, and

she managed her duties perfectly.

The woman surveyed the room furnished with decade-old furniture and thought that now

they had the opportunity to renovate the interior.

They needed to think about buying a new apartment.

It was time for their daughter to have her own place.

However, they could have bought furniture long ago, but her husband kept postponing it.

While he was working as a teacher, he didn't have time for home improvement, but when he

quit teaching geography and started working with his wife, he became very thrifty, which

amused Laura, who believed that money existed to be spent.

True, sometimes he visited casinos.

He didn't say how much he lost, but sometimes he boasted about winning.

She didn't deny herself anything.

When she saw a beautiful diamond ring or an attractive fur coat, she would buy it immediately.

However, many of the things she bought quickly bored her.

And she tried to either sell them or give them to a friend.

Laura sat in silence in her apartment.

Soon, she felt dissatisfied as if something was pulling under her chest.

She poured herself a glass of cognac and drank it in one gulp.

She poured the next portion slowly, but tranquility and balance did not come.

Her soul longed for something undefined.

She went to the kitchen, brewed some coffee.

She wanted to sit at the table, but felt uncomfortable in that cramped space, so she

returned to the living room.

She added some sugar to her cup of cognac.

The drink turned out quite tasty.

But invigorated by it, she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep now.

Voices would ring in her ears again and wake her up if she dozed off even for a minute.

Thinking it over, she dialed a familiar number and heard her friend's voice on the other

end.

Sabrina, my sunshine, how are you doing?

Laura asked.

It's been a while since we've seen each other.

Nothing much, I'm planning to visit my mother with my son in a few days.

And you?

My husband went on a business trip, and I feel so lonely, I just can't find peace.

It's like everything's fine with us.

I talked to my daughter in the morning, saw my husband off, got a good paycheck.

What else do I need?

But my soul is restless.

Maybe you wanted to share your joy with me.

Sabrina, my heart, how will you understand me?

Come over to my place.

We'll hang out, watch a movie, have dinner together.

Laura, I'd love to, but I have to work at five in the morning tomorrow.

You know our cafeteria opens early, and we have to start preparing dishes even earlier.

Come on, Sabrina.

Remember how in our youth we didn't sleep for two days on New Year's Eve?

You'll wake up when the alarm goes off.

Oh, Laura.

I've worked so hard today