IV

At five o'clock, when the buses resumed their normal flow, Alex was already waiting.

Maria arrived at half past six. She got off quickly, walked a few meters, and stopped as if waiting. Soon she saw Alex walking slowly towards her.

— Good morning! — Alex exclaimed.

— Great! Where are you going?

— I haven't gotten my bearings around here yet, I'm thinking of going to the library.

— It's too early, it probably won't open before eight o'clock.

— Yes... Now I know that.

— I'm going to college, me and... — The young woman waited a few more seconds for her travel companion to arrive — Leo, Leonardo. — Maria introduced him quickly — Sorry, we have to hurry.

Leonardo showed fatigue and groaned before greeting her shyly and forcedly, trying to put on a pleasant smile. He rubbed his forehead and noticed he was sweating. He couldn't believe he was sweating so early.

Alex, noticing the haste of the university students, took a step back, clearing the path.

“I can't stand this routine!” These were the words Leo said, and these were the last words Alex heard before the couple began their walk to college.

Alex remained silent, watching Maria and Leo walk quickly down Avenida Brasil. Suddenly, on impulse, he ran up to them and asked if he could accompany them until they reached the college. The answer was positive, and they walked the entire route, which took about twenty-five minutes.

Leo was tired from his daily routine; traveling from Goiânia to Anápolis every day was something that had long discouraged him. It would be better if he could live there, so he could wake up later, and leaving the hospital where he provided services as a resident in the physiotherapy outpatient clinic every afternoon, he would have the entire night for rest, study, or leisure. This made him see Alex as a good opportunity. Why not share a rental? Both were willing to do so; some things about Alex would need to be considered first. However, it was a fact that the boy, with his apparent twenty years and reserved demeanor, would not be anyone potentially dangerous. Leo, who had already thought a lot about moving, decided to resolve everything that afternoon, between leaving college at eleven and starting work at two. Nothing would stop them, provided Leo's question received a negative answer:

— Are you gay?

— No.

— Then see you at eleven here in the courtyard.

Alex then said goodbye to his walking companions and sought shelter under a nearby tree. There he waited for the agreed-upon time.

***

As they walked towards a nearby tenement, Leonardo cautiously described all possible options. Alex limited himself to quick comments, neither agreeing with nor dismissing any of the options. The tenement was the cheapest option and therefore the most feasible. Small, with a set of twelve houses, ten occupied. Leo's intention was to get one of these small shacks with a bedroom, a small living room, and a bathroom; preferably away from the entrance, a position that made the environment stuffy but would prevent contact with other residents who gathered every night in a courtyard by the street. Leonardo wanted a friend close by; the sight of loneliness was unbearable, yet he managed it, always preserving his privacy.

The owner of the tenement, exaggerating his praise, showed the boys the shack:

— Very spacious for two young men! — the gentleman insisted.

— So? — asked Leonardo, who already seemed decided.

Alex, who had not questioned anything until then, whispered in Leo's ear:

— I have a better idea. Let's go!

Leonardo thanked the gentleman and promised to give his answer by the next day. Outside, he waited for Alex to share his opinion. Alex did not hesitate, explaining as soon as they reached the street:

— My idea isn't far off, let's walk. I read an ad, it's a great house, I was thinking of renting it alone, but since you'll keep me company, it's better.

Leo slowly lost his cheerful and curious expression.

A house! How much will it cost?

— Don't worry, I'll pay the rent.

— No way, I can split the rent with you. Leaving home to live for free isn't something that excites me.

— Let's say you won't be living for free.

— How?

— I came here with... I have to achieve at least three goals for *me* to leave victorious, and I'd like you to help me.

Leonardo remained silent for a few seconds, and seeing the silence, he asked curiously:

— Help with what?

— I have some goals to achieve, maybe you won't understand, maybe if I told you something about myself... it would be clearer. — Alex hesitated.

— Will I be killed if I know your goals? — Leonardo joked.

— Don't joke! It's serious. — said the young man in a truly chaste tone — I don't know exactly how old I am, I never knew my parents, my birthday is fictional, December first. I spent the last ten years with my Uncle on a farm in Catalão, I studied a lot, he taught me a lot, but a few months ago he said *I* would need to learn more. That's why I came *here*. Uncle is sick, I don't think he'll live much longer, and I have to show him I'm capable... I'm here...

— I'm sorry about your uncle. But what are these goals?

— When I said goodbye to Uncle, I had three. He made me promise I would achieve all *I* set as necessary, today they are four.

“A job, without worrying about earning a lot of money, I already have enough to live well; a friend, for these ten years my only friend was Uncle and he is old, he won't live much longer... A book, I have to write a book, I've read hundreds of them and learned a lot, and now it's time for *me* to pass on a little of *what I* lived to others. It will be easier if I know how to operate a computer, and this is my fourth goal.”

Leonardo thought for a few seconds before saying anything:

— They are extremely humble goals, except for the book, of course... Unless it doesn't need to be good. I don't know about your life, nor how you write, but one way or another: you must write wonderfully well, or have a life full of surprising events if you want to succeed. — he smiled — No great ambitions, money solves everything, just like that — Leo said while trying in vain to make a sound by pressing his left index finger and thumb together. — And you don't need help to achieve them. If you want, I can help. But I can't live with you.

— It won't be the same thing. What can I say? All help will be welcome.

Alex looked at the houses as if searching for something. He wanted to know the name of the street they were on. He knew the address; he had gone there the day before, memorized the streets he passed until he reached the house, but he didn't recognize the place they were in. Leo, who knew the city well, guided them to the address. Everything seemed decided; perhaps Alex had already found his friend, and only three more goals were missing. Success? Naturally. However, something that didn't give Alex's goals a positive balance. This was Maria.

— Who is Maria? — Alex asked, as if a thought had slipped out.

— Who is she! What do you mean?

— I don't know, I saw her yesterday at church, she seemed very nice.

— Nice? Did you like her?

— Of course, why wouldn't I? Excuse my boldness, if you allow me, what is your relationship with her?

— She's my girlfriend! — Leo exclaimed.

— Oh! — said Alex in an enthusiastic tone that did not hide the disappointment on his face.

— Man, are you in love with my girlfriend? You saw her yesterday? Yikes!

— No, I'm not! — he said, blushing.

— How not, you went from white to purple in a second.

— No, I, no...

— I'm joking, I'm your friend. Now tell me what exactly do you want?

Still embarrassed by the shock:

— You talk strangely. What do you think I want? I mean, I liked all the cordiality she showed me, a stranger, and thanks to her, I was lucky.

Leonardo yawned, showing disbelief in what he was hearing.

— Lucky? Cordiality? Explain yourself better.

— Alright, I felt something, for... something.

— Yayyyyy! — Leo exclaimed. — Something human! I confess I was starting to get scared of you. Just don't be a jerk, she has self-respect and you should respect her.

— I am respecting her, it's you who seems to see something beyond...

— Something beyond! Something beyond? We know exactly what it is, this something beyond.

— What is this something?

— How dare you ask, don't play dumb, Alex!

— Dumb?

— There are so many women in this city, and you have to go after Maria?

— What about Maria? — Alex asked with timid concern.

— She's my friend, man!

— Just a friend?

— Yes, and I like her too much *to let*... — Leo is interrupted by Alex's exclamation.

— Stop! There's something here I'm not understanding, and I don't want to understand. I don't see how I've been disrespectful. You're the one thinking things.

— S.o.r.r.y. — Leo spelled out.

— I saw her yesterday and noticed something about her, which you must have already noticed. She is nice.

— Don't say nice, it sounds like you're calling her ugly.

— Ugly? I don't understand why.

— Say she's beautiful, gorgeous, not nice.

— Wouldn't that have a different meaning?

— Exactly. That meaning is what they like.

— I didn't know, thank you. — Alex said with sincere gratitude, with innocence.

The dialogue continued confusedly, without sticking to anything. Leo was quite ironic. Sarcasm that confused Alex, who by a strange mystery was incapable of understanding the true meaning of what was being said. Also perceptible in everything was the fact that Maria caused him attraction and desires. Perhaps it wouldn't cost Leo to help him, perhaps there would be benefits. "It could be fun," the university student thought before saying his last words to the now confused young man before ringing the landlord's doorbell.

— Go to college tomorrow, at the same time you met Maria and me. Early, before class starts, I'll introduce you to some friends.

— And how do you plan to introduce me?

— I'll introduce you as my roommate, or housemate, I don't know...

At five o'clock, when the buses resumed their normal flow, Alex was already waiting.

Maria arrived at half past six. She got off quickly, walked a few meters, and stopped as if waiting. Soon she saw Alex walking slowly towards her.

— Good morning! — Alex exclaimed.

— Great! Where are you going?

— I haven't gotten my bearings around here yet, I'm thinking of going to the library.

— It's too early, it probably won't open before eight o'clock.

— Yes... Now I know that.

— I'm going to college, me and... — The young woman waited a few more seconds for her travel companion to arrive — Leo, Leonardo. — Maria introduced him quickly — Sorry, we have to hurry.

Leonardo showed fatigue and groaned before greeting her shyly and forcedly, trying to put on a pleasant smile. He rubbed his forehead and noticed he was sweating. He couldn't believe he was sweating so early.

Alex, noticing the haste of the university students, took a step back, clearing the path.

“I can't stand this routine!” These were the words Leo said, and these were the last words Alex heard before the couple began their walk to college.

Alex remained silent, watching Maria and Leo walk quickly down Avenida Brasil. Suddenly, on impulse, he ran up to them and asked if he could accompany them until they reached the college. The answer was positive, and they walked the entire route, which took about twenty-five minutes.

Leo was tired from his daily routine; traveling from Goiânia to Anápolis every day was something that had long discouraged him. It would be better if he could live there, so he could wake up later, and leaving the hospital where he provided services as a resident in the physiotherapy outpatient clinic every afternoon, he would have the entire night for rest, study, or leisure. This made him see Alex as a good opportunity. Why not share a rental? Both were willing to do so; some things about Alex would need to be considered first. However, it was a fact that the boy, with his apparent twenty years and reserved demeanor, would not be anyone potentially dangerous. Leo, who had already thought a lot about moving, decided to resolve everything that afternoon, between leaving college at eleven and starting work at two. Nothing would stop them, provided Leo's question received a negative answer:

— Are you gay?

— No.

— Then see you at eleven here in the courtyard.

Alex then said goodbye to his walking companions and sought shelter under a nearby tree. There he waited for the agreed-upon time.

***

As they walked towards a nearby tenement, Leonardo cautiously described all possible options. Alex limited himself to quick comments, neither agreeing with nor dismissing any of the options. The tenement was the cheapest option and therefore the most feasible. Small, with a set of twelve houses, ten occupied. Leo's intention was to get one of these small shacks with a bedroom, a small living room, and a bathroom; preferably away from the entrance, a position that made the environment stuffy but would prevent contact with other residents who gathered every night in a courtyard by the street. Leonardo wanted a friend close by; the sight of loneliness was unbearable, yet he managed it, always preserving his privacy.

The owner of the tenement, exaggerating his praise, showed the boys the shack:

— Very spacious for two young men! — the gentleman insisted.

— So? — asked Leonardo, who already seemed decided.

Alex, who had not questioned anything until then, whispered in Leo's ear:

— I have a better idea. Let's go!

Leonardo thanked the gentleman and promised to give his answer by the next day. Outside, he waited for Alex to share his opinion. Alex did not hesitate, explaining as soon as they reached the street:

— My idea isn't far off, let's walk. I read an ad, it's a great house, I was thinking of renting it alone, but since you'll keep me company, it's better.

Leo slowly lost his cheerful and curious expression.

A house! How much will it cost?

— Don't worry, I'll pay the rent.

— No way, I can split the rent with you. Leaving home to live for free isn't something that excites me.

— Let's say you won't be living for free.

— How?

— I came here with... I have to achieve at least three goals for *me* to leave victorious, and I'd like you to help me.

Leonardo remained silent for a few seconds, and seeing the silence, he asked curiously:

— Help with what?

— I have some goals to achieve, maybe you won't understand, maybe if I told you something about myself... it would be clearer. — Alex hesitated.

— Will I be killed if I know your goals? — Leonardo joked.

— Don't joke! It's serious. — said the young man in a truly chaste tone — I don't know exactly how old I am, I never knew my parents, my birthday is fictional, December first. I spent the last ten years with my Uncle on a farm in Catalão, I studied a lot, he taught me a lot, but a few months ago he said *I* would need to learn more. That's why I came *here*. Uncle is sick, I don't think he'll live much longer, and I have to show him I'm capable... I'm here...

— I'm sorry about your uncle. But what are these goals?

— When I said goodbye to Uncle, I had three. He made me promise I would achieve all *I* set as necessary, today they are four.

“A job, without worrying about earning a lot of money, I already have enough to live well; a friend, for these ten years my only friend was Uncle and he is old, he won't live much longer... A book, I have to write a book, I've read hundreds of them and learned a lot, and now it's time for *me* to pass on a little of *what I* lived to others. It will be easier if I know how to operate a computer, and this is my fourth goal.”

Leonardo thought for a few seconds before saying anything:

— They are extremely humble goals, except for the book, of course... Unless it doesn't need to be good. I don't know about your life, nor how you write, but one way or another: you must write wonderfully well, or have a life full of surprising events if you want to succeed. — he smiled — No great ambitions, money solves everything, just like that — Leo said while trying in vain to make a sound by pressing his left index finger and thumb together. — And you don't need help to achieve them. If you want, I can help. But I can't live with you.

— It won't be the same thing. What can I say? All help will be welcome.

Alex looked at the houses as if searching for something. He wanted to know the name of the street they were on. He knew the address; he had gone there the day before, memorized the streets he passed until he reached the house, but he didn't recognize the place they were in. Leo, who knew the city well, guided them to the address. Everything seemed decided; perhaps Alex had already found his friend, and only three more goals were missing. Success? Naturally. However, something that didn't give Alex's goals a positive balance. This was Maria.

— Who is Maria? — Alex asked, as if a thought had slipped out.

— Who is she! What do you mean?

— I don't know, I saw her yesterday at church, she seemed very nice.

— Nice? Did you like her?

— Of course, why wouldn't I? Excuse my boldness, if you allow me, what is your relationship with her?

— She's my girlfriend! — Leo exclaimed.

— Oh! — said Alex in an enthusiastic tone that did not hide the disappointment on his face.

— Man, are you in love with my girlfriend? You saw her yesterday? Yikes!

— No, I'm not! — he said, blushing.

— How not, you went from white to purple in a second.

— No, I, no...

— I'm joking, I'm your friend. Now tell me what exactly do you want?

Still embarrassed by the shock:

— You talk strangely. What do you think I want? I mean, I liked all the cordiality she showed me, a stranger, and thanks to her, I was lucky.

Leonardo yawned, showing disbelief in what he was hearing.

— Lucky? Cordiality? Explain yourself better.

— Alright, I felt something, for... something.

— Yayyyyy! — Leo exclaimed. — Something human! I confess I was starting to get scared of you. Just don't be a jerk, she has self-respect and you should respect her.

— I am respecting her, it's you who seems to see something beyond...

— Something beyond! Something beyond? We know exactly what it is, this something beyond.

— What is this something?

— How dare you ask, don't play dumb, Alex!

— Dumb?

— There are so many women in this city, and you have to go after Maria?

— What about Maria? — Alex asked with timid concern.

— She's my friend, man!

— Just a friend?

— Yes, and I like her too much *to let*... — Leo is interrupted by Alex's exclamation.

— Stop! There's something here I'm not understanding, and I don't want to understand. I don't see how I've been disrespectful. You're the one thinking things.

— S.o.r.r.y. — Leo spelled out.

— I saw her yesterday and noticed something about her, which you must have already noticed. She is nice.

— Don't say nice, it sounds like you're calling her ugly.

— Ugly? I don't understand why.

— Say she's beautiful, gorgeous, not nice.

— Wouldn't that have a different meaning?

— Exactly. That meaning is what they like.

— I didn't know, thank you. — Alex said with sincere gratitude, with innocence.

The dialogue continued confusedly, without sticking to anything. Leo was quite ironic. Sarcasm that confused Alex, who by a strange mystery was incapable of understanding the true meaning of what was being said. Also perceptible in everything was the fact that Maria caused him attraction and desires. Perhaps it wouldn't cost Leo to help him, perhaps there would be benefits. "It could be fun," the university student thought before saying his last words to the now confused young man before ringing the landlord's doorbell.

— Go to college tomorrow, at the same time you met Maria and me. Early, before class starts, I'll introduce you to some friends.

— And how do you plan to introduce me?

— I'll introduce you as my roommate, or housemate, I don't know...