I woke up before the alarm even rang. Jumped out of bed and went straight to the wardrobe.The new clothes were there, neatly arranged, full of color and possibilities.My eyes dropped to the lower shelf… the old clothes all scrunched up, as if they were trying to hide from their own shame.
I let out a quiet laugh… Evelyn would have a full-blown meltdown if I showed up at the university wearing anything from there.
I grabbed a new pair of jeans, still with that stiff feel of something that has never seen daylight. Then I pulled out the light-pink shirt — the one Evelyn said matched my dark hair and made my eyes "shine like a book heroine."
I left the first two buttons undone, just enough not to look too proper.Did some quick makeup, nothing dramatic, threw my backpack over my shoulder, grabbed an apple, and left.
The door hadn't even finished closing when I heard the landlord's voice downstairs, watering can in hand, smiling.
— Good morning, Helena! Slept well?
We exchanged a few brief words as I went down the stairs.He always seemed to know exactly how much to say — not too little, not too much.
I stepped through the gate, took a breath, and started walking… but before turning the corner, I heard footsteps behind me.A familiar rhythm — steady, measured.
I didn't look back… I didn't need to.
Rafael was walking a few meters behind.I knew it.
I didn't turn my head even once. Swallowed hard and kept going, steady, pretending it didn't stir anything in me.When I stepped inside the campus, the feeling of being watched slipped away, as if I had crossed an invisible border.
In class, I found Evelyn waving at me like a vibrating little flag. I sat beside her, and within seconds Daniel showed up, smiling in that calm way that never weighs on anyone.
— Did you manage to get through the audios? — he asked.
— I did. Thanks… again.
We exchanged a few quick words, and class started.
The week passed at an almost comfortable pace.I surprised myself with how easily I kept up with everything.Daniel's audios had basically saved my academic life.
Every now and then, somewhere around campus, I'd see Rafael standing alone… headphones on… unreachable.
At home, I made a point of staying tucked inside my tiny studio.I even wondered if I was exaggerating, but every time the gate creaked at night as he left, I felt like I was doing the right thing.
Every day, at some point, I ran into the landlord.He asked if I was eating well, if I was resting, if my knee was fully healed.And I always answered with the same half-grateful smile.
But Rafael?Nothing.And just like that, the week slipped by — my routine organized, my heart quiet… at least most of the time.
On Friday, Evelyn and I were having lunch together when I noticed her giving me a dark, suspicious stare.
— What's that look? — I asked, pretending to be startled, gripping my fork like a weapon.
She tilted her head, smiling in that mischievous way that always means trouble.
— Nothing… just thinking how hot the days have been.She snapped her fingers.— The nights are hot… the weather is perfect…
I already knew where this was going.
— Tomorrow's Saturday — she added, like she'd just revealed some crucial piece of prophecy.— Bar night!
I let out a short laugh, shaking my head.
— I don't have the energy to go out every weekend, Evelyn. Not everyone runs on glitter and loud music like you.
— I cannot believe you bought all those AMAZING clothes just to let them rot in the closet — she complained.— That black dress is going to fall into depression before it even debuts.
Before I could respond, Daniel appeared beside us, balancing a tray with a giant plate and an orange juice.He pulled the chair next to mine and sat like he had been part of the conversation all along.
— Daniel — Evelyn called, dramatic. — Don't you think so?
He frowned, completely lost.
— Think what?
— Just say "yes." — she rolled her eyes.
I laughed and tucked my hair behind my ear.
— Ignore her, Daniel. This morning she drank coffee with some ingredient forbidden for human consumption.
— Hey! — Evelyn protested.— I just said tomorrow is Saturday and Helena wants to waste the night watching boring shows.
Daniel raised an eyebrow, amused.
— And what's the plan, then?
— Bar! — Evelyn clapped.— We go, dance a little, laugh, live… you know? Normal human behavior.
Daniel nodded way too fast.
— Honestly… sounds good.He adjusted in his seat.— If you two don't mind, I'll go too.
I froze mid-chew.
Evelyn opened a victorious smile — like she'd just pushed the perfect piece on a chessboard.
— Great! It's decided.She pointed her fork at me.— And you, Helena, don't even try an excuse. We're dragging you if we have to.
The two of them stared at me with puppy-dog eyes.
I sighed, defeated.
— Fine… fine, I'll go. — I muttered. — But don't complain if I fall asleep at the table.
— Perfect — Evelyn beamed, clapping.— So tomorrow, eight o'clock, in front of the bar.
Daniel nodded enthusiastically, already attacking his food as if the matter were settled.
And all I could think was… great.Another night pretending I'm more confident than I really am.