Redemption By Sarah

By Marcell B. Rios

"Redemption by Sarah" by Marcell B. Rios unfolds in Vale do Céu, a place where past and present collide, sparking a journey of broken hearts and redeemed promises.

 

Sarah Mattos, whose life in a bustling metropolis left her disillusioned and detached from her essence, returns to her rural home, a refuge she had abandoned in pursuit of dreams that never materialized. Carrying the burden of past decisions and the pain of broken relationships, she faces the daunting task of confronting the ghosts of her past.

 

As Sarah attempts to reweave the threads of trust and love into a fabric that seemed irreparably worn, she encounters characters who mirror her own vulnerability and strength. Among them is a forgotten love, whose flames were never truly extinguished, offering the promise of a rekindled passion under the stars of Vale do Céu.

 

"Redemption by Sarah" is a testament to the unwavering power of love and the human capacity to forgive, not just others, but oneself as well. With every page, we are invited to dive into a story that challenges us to question how far we are willing to go for a chance at a new beginning.

Prepare to have your soul touched and your heart warmed with a story where every shadow of the past illuminates the path to true love and unextinguishable hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marcell B. Rios
• Release date: Apr 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224229055

Book preview

Prologue

When I think about that night in Vale do Céu, a whirlwind of emotions still envelops me. My name is Sarah, and my life, like many others, is made up of moments: some so light they float in memory, others so heavy they seem to anchor us to the past.

But before you assume this is a story only about sorrows and regrets, let me tell you: I am an incurable romantic, with a fondness for happy endings and an unshakable belief in the power of laughter. Yes, even in the darkest moments, a bad joke at the right time can be the light we need.

The night that changed everything didn't start with signs or omens. It was just another night in Vale do Céu, a small town that, despite its poetic name, had its own demons and angels, like any other place. And then, in a blink of an eye, everything changed. Not just for me, but for my dear friend, whose life was altered in ways that not even the most creative of writers could imagine. Oh, the weight of guilt... it has a way of embedding itself into the soul, doesn't it?

But do not let melancholy take hold. This story is not a lament; it is a journey. A journey through the shadows in search of light, from the weight of the past towards the promise of tomorrow. And as we walk together through these pages, I hope to share with you not just the tears, but also the smiles, the scares (yes, we have some of those too) and, above all, the hope.

So, if you, like me, are a lover of stories that touch the heart, that make you laugh one moment and cry the next, embark with me. Let's explore the mysteries of Vale do Céu, face the ghosts of the past, and perhaps, find our own redemption.

With love,

Sarah

Chapter 1

The light of dusk bathed the streets of Vale do Céu, a small town nestled in the hills of the Brazilian hinterland. Sarah Mattos, with her sun-golden hair and eyes reflecting a sea of memories, stepped onto the land she once called home. Ten years had passed since she had fled this place, leaving behind not just her family but a shadow that still loomed over her heart.

Walking down the cobblestone streets, Sarah felt the weight of the residents' stares. The houses, painted in shades of sky blue and canary yellow, seemed to whisper stories of a more innocent time, contrasting with the scar she carried in her soul. As she approached the central square, memories flooded her mind. It was the time of the June festivals, and the laughter of children mixed with the aroma of cooked corn and mulled wine. But this same square had also been the stage for the accident—a night of celebration that ended in tragedy, forever changing her life.

Sarah stopped in front of the old church, her gaze traveling up the weathered bell tower. The sound of the bell at dusk brought a melancholic comfort, a reminder of a past that, despite her escape, never really left her. The night softly fell over Vale do Céu, and the lights in the houses began to shine like terrestrial stars. Sarah continued her walk, now towards the neighborhood where she had grown up. With each step, the sound of her shoes echoed through the streets, blending with the chorus of crickets and the distant barking of a dog.

She passed by Dona Rosa's bakery, where the smell of fresh bread and corn cakes still filled the air, like a warm embrace from old times. But even with this familiar scent, Sarah still carried a tightness in her heart, a reminder of that fateful night. Stopping in front of the house where she had spent her childhood, Sarah saw the shadows of trees dancing in the garden under the moonlight. The house seemed smaller now, its secrets and stories contained within the faded walls. She took a deep breath, gathering the courage to face the past waiting beyond that door.

Sarah hesitated at the entrance, her heart beating like a distant drum. The front door, once a portal to childhood joys and secrets, now seemed like a barrier to a forgotten world. She raised her hand to knock, but the door opened before her fingers could touch the wood. There stood her mother, Maria, with silver hair reflecting the moonlight. Her eyes, once bright with pride for her daughter, now showed a mix of surprise and caution. Sarah, she murmured, her voice a soft melody tinged with sadness.

Words seemed to escape Sarah, as if the simple act of returning had taken away her ability to speak. She entered the house, each step an echo of the years that had passed. The living room was as she remembered, with old photographs adorning the walls and her father's old armchair still in its corner.

Your return... is a surprise, Maria broke the silence.

Sarah felt the words weigh on her heart. I needed to come back, Mom.

In the dimly lit room, mother and daughter faced each other. The emotional distance between them was palpable. Before the accident, there was complicity, an unbreakable connection, but years of silence and the weight of the accident had created a chasm.

We haven't spoken since you left, said Maria, her eyes searching Sarah's. I didn't know if you would ever come back. I always thought of you, and your silence was a torment for me.

Sarah felt a lump in her throat. I was afraid, Mom. Afraid of judgment, afraid to face what I did.

Sarah's words opened a long-closed door, starting a difficult but necessary conversation. It was a first step toward healing past wounds, a step towards the reconciliation and forgiveness both sought. The conversation between Sarah and her mother slowly unfolded, unraveling layers of grievances and misunderstandings accumulated over the years. Maria spoke about the pain of losing her daughter to silence, while Sarah shared the anguish of living with guilt and regret.

I thought you hated me, Sarah confessed, her words heavy with emotion.

I could never hate you, my daughter. I was hurt, yes, but my love never waned, Maria replied, tears in her eyes.

That night, mother and daughter took the first step toward reconciliation, a crucial step in Sarah's journey to confront the past and seek the redemption she so desired. After hours of conversation, tears, and smiles, mother and daughter seemed to reconnect, as if they had never been apart.

Your father... He'll be home tomorrow. He'll be happy to know you're here, Maria said, easing Sarah's anxiety about not knowing how her father would react. The sentence was short, but it dissolved the knot that seemed to have formed in Sarah's throat.

After the talk, Sarah went up to her old room, a sanctuary of memories from her childhood and teenage years. She opened the window, letting the night breeze carry away the sounds and smells of Vale do Céu. There, under the starry mantle, she reflected on the path that had brought her back.

Thoughts of Miguel arose, stirring a mix of sadness and determination. She knew confronting him would be the next and most difficult step. That night, as the town fell asleep, Sarah prepared for a new day—a day that would mark the beginning of her quest for redemption and healing.

The next day, driven by a desire to correct past mistakes, Sarah took a deep breath and rang Miguel's doorbell. The sound echoed, marking the start of a moment she had feared for years. However, there was no response. She waited, each second stretching like an eternity. The silence was deafening, and a whirlwind of emotions tormented her.

Distraught, Sarah stepped back, hiding behind a nearby flowering bush. Tears sprang to her eyes as she wrestled with her internal dilemma. Her heart was heavy with the weight of guilt and uncertainty.

After a few minutes of anguish and reflection, Sarah composed herself. She knew that facing Miguel was essential, not just for her own redemption but to heal the wounds her actions had caused.

She returned to the door and rang the bell again. This time, the door opened, revealing Miguel. He looked surprised, but there was caution in his eyes. Sarah? he spoke, his voice a mix of disbelief and caution.

Sarah, struggling to keep her voice steady upon seeing the man in his wheelchair, responded, Miguel, I... I've come back. We need to talk.

Miguel, showing no affection, made room for Sarah to enter. The living room was decorated with his paintings, each telling a story of struggle and overcoming. There was a palpable tension in the air.

I didn't know if you'd ever have the courage to come back, said Miguel, his voice laden with years of unexpressed pain.

Sarah felt each word as a blow. I was afraid... afraid to face you, afraid to face myself, she confessed, her words coming out in a trembling whisper.

The two sat down, and a heavy silence filled the room before Sarah began to recount her journey since that fateful Saint John's Eve, her struggles, and her desire to seek forgiveness. Miguel listened in silence, his eyes revealing a mix of emotions. When Sarah finished, he spoke with a voice that trembled slightly: Your departure left a void, Sarah. I lost not just my legs that night, but also my best friend.

Tears ran freely down Sarah's face. I know that words cannot undo the past, Miguel. But I'm here now, willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.

Miguel sighed, a sound heavy with years of pain and resignation. Maybe it's time we start healing the wounds, Sarah. Maybe it's time we look to the future.

Just when the conversation between Sarah and Miguel seemed to pave the way for healing, the door abruptly opened. It was Miguel's mother, Dona Lucia, whose face contorted in fury at seeing Sarah. You have no right to be here! she exclaimed, her voice trembling with anger.

Dona Lucia approached and grabbed Miguel's wheelchair, pulling it away from Sarah. You destroyed not only his life but that of our entire family! She was referring to the hopes and dreams they all had for Miguel, known in town for his charisma and talent, now extinguished in his endless depression.

Sarah, stunned and with tears in her eyes, stepped back, realizing the extent of the impact of her actions. It was not just Miguel who had suffered; it was an entire family, a community. She left the house in silence, the weight of her actions heavier than ever.

As she left Miguel's house, shaken, Sarah passed through the square that had been the epicenter of the accident. There, she noticed that the statue she had damaged that fateful night had been rebuilt. However, it was different, altered, just like the lives of everyone involved since then. The square, once a symbol of joy and community unity, now served as a constant reminder of her actions and the losses they caused.

Stopping there, Sarah contemplated the monument and the square, realizing that her journey of repair and redemption had only begun.

Chapter 2

That morning, Sarah woke up late in her childhood home, the rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains. Her mother, Maria, entered the room, her face marked by concern. Your father came back from the hospital this morning, she said softly. He wanted to see you.

Sarah, filled with a mix of relief and anxiety, followed her mother to the room where her father rested. José, now a man marked by time and illness, looked at Sarah with eyes that shone with love and sadness.

Sitting beside him, Sarah felt the weight of her father's terminal illness. They talked about memories and unexpressed feelings, a moment of deep and painful connection.

Sarah held her father's hand, feeling the fragility of his touch. Dad, I... I'm so sorry for everything, she began, her voice choked with emotion.

José squeezed Sarah's hand, a weak but meaningful gesture. Sarah, my daughter, we all make mistakes. What's important is to learn from them and try to make the best of it. You're here now, and that's what matters.

I feel so lost, confessed Sarah, tears streaming down her face.

You've found your way back, José said with conviction. "Just as I've found peace in accepting my fate, you will find the redemption you seek. Faith and