IX

While Alex was philosophizing about his love, the doctor, our accidental antagonist, was already planning to visit Maria.

He wanted to let the bathroom door jam, make the poor bachelor resident of medicine yell out the window, and have someone passing by on the sidewalk at those hours, on a deserted street, fear those screams and run away, abandoning him. Of course, someone would come to his rescue, but only hours later, when the visit would be inconvenient. I can't, I must let things happen, and so leaving; the doctor arrived at Maria's house in Goiânia at eight o'clock.

The cunning man with libertine behavior got out of his ugly red car and walked as if he were on a catwalk.

— You! — exclaimed Maria, surprised to see him approach the gate.

Without beating around the bush, he immediately grabbed her by the waist. Luckily, little Maria, who always maintained a cautious demeanor, hugged him tightly, avoiding the worst. She introduced him as a F-R-I-E-N-D to everyone at home. The unfortunate man put on airs and refused to have dinner. He sprawled on the sofa as if he were in his studio apartment, rented with money from the retired notary, whom he had ended up calling father at his mother's insistence.

The impudent man made himself aware of the non-existence of a romantic relationship, already with ulterior motives. The trap was set, and he invited her for a stroll.

Maria said she was tired and claimed there were good movies to watch, but the harmful man looked at her with disdain, and Maria eventually gave in. They went to a nearby bar. Maria, who had already had dinner, had no appetite. The doctor, who had claimed not to have dinner due to lack of appetite, was now consuming large quantities of broth from the ceramic pots. The scoundrel tried to confuse the pharmacy student with the name of a new, unknown chemical formula. The shameless man's descriptions of certain medications were so comprehensive that he made mertiolate seem like a highly complex substance.

Some people there who overheard the conversation swallowed hard upon hearing about the dangers of mercury.

The intelligent young lady was not swayed by the talk of the villain's associate. But in one aspect, she admired him. It was clear amidst those descriptions of the future, where the doctor placed them working together, amidst those not-so-subtle promises; there were intentions of winning her over. "Women admire this, even if they don't admit it." Everything acceptable, many would do the same. Not that I have to narrate this calmly because of it, but let's move on...

Everything was normal until the insolent man decided to invite her to a quieter place.

— Quiet? I'm very tired.

— I'll take you home. I know the week has been difficult. I'm sorry if I didn't catch you at the end of your shift. I had to perform a very complicated surgery. I came here because I really wanted to see you. I know we met very recently, but... I'm in love. I know there's a risk in my declaration so soon. But sincerity is everything, and I couldn't hold back; I need to say that I love you.

Maria gave a discreet smile for a few seconds without speaking. As soon as she broke it, the Doctor apologized again:

— I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. And I don't think I could offend you, because what I feel is beautiful. I want to date you. — said the doctor as he leaned in to kiss her.

Maria offered no resistance.

* * *

Back home, now alone, the phone rings. Maria answers; it was Alex:

— Good evening, how are you?

— Fine, I just got home. I met a friend, he's very nice.

— I see.

— It was very nice. And how are you?

— The same, nothing new, except for my texts, my stories.

— Hmm, good. And Léo?

— In love, I think.

— Sandrinha?

— That's right.

— He talked about her.

A seven-second pause, an awkward silence.

— Are you doing anything tomorrow? — Alex asked.

— Staying home for a bit. I spend all week away from home, this Saturday I'll spend it with my family.

— Want to go to the movies?

— Hmm. — Maria whispered as she thought — My godson is coming to visit; I have to help my parents.

— It could be in the afternoon, or late at night. I'll be spending the day in Goiânia.

— It won't work.

— Alright, but since I'll be in Goiânia, I can stop by.

— I'm taking my nephew to do some things nearby; he's going to take some photos.

— Then, we can go.

— Let's leave it for another time. — said Maria, closing the conversation.

— So, bye.

— Bye.