X

Alex woke up very early. He stayed in bed for thirty minutes, and at six o'clock when he went down to the kitchen, he found Leo, looking dejected:

— Are you feeling well? What's wrong? — Alex asked.

— Me? I'm great, let's talk.

Alex approached, looking at him curiously. Leo pointed to the chair in front, and took a sip of juice while waiting for his friend to sit down:

— Forget her.

— Who?

— Maria, forget her.

— What is this, Leo? I'll tell *her* everything, I'm even thinking of surprising her, I'll go there very early. I'm leaving now, the two of us can spend the whole day together, her and me, Caroline and Silvio.

— Alex. She doesn't like you.

Alex tried to smile, but couldn't, so he maintained a static, emotionless expression.

— I know Leo, but I'll do anything to make her like me.

— You already did, friend!

— I didn't do anything. I never told her.

Leo got up, walked while he spoke:

— My head is empty, I feel a bit unwell, I don't know what it is. It's like I had something *to do* or *to say*, and I forgot. I've been like this since I returned from vacation. — Leo frowned as he whispered: "A big secret..."

— Sorry, I did that. When you arrived in the room that day, I put you in a state of... — Alex is interrupted by Leonardo sternly.

— That's it! Your self-esteem. You have no self-esteem at all. You apologize for everything, always thinking you are inferior, lesser. Man, you are special. I know I've judged you wrongly many times. The goody-two-shoes! The loser! The coward!... All these days I've been thinking about everything you've done, and today I see that you did your best, in your own way, far more than she deserved.

— I... — Alex hesitated for a few seconds, bowed his head looking at the floor, then positioned himself comfortably in the chair and continued — She deserves *that I* look her in the eyes and tell her what I feel.

— A performance? That's all she deserves... I mean, much more than she deserves.

— I don't understand.

— That's how you are, Alex. You shouldn't pretend. Anyone who meets you sees the beauty of what you are in your eyes. Don't change! I'm telling you this today because life is short, and you're missing precious moments for someone who doesn't like you. I'm talking about respect... I'm not talking about passion, but compassion.

Alex became uneasy:

— Why are you saying this? Are you trying to use reverse psychology? Stop it, what you're saying is horrible.

— Horrible *to* you... *Only to you*. To all other people in this world, this is the norm, everyday life. I see you, and I believe I'm not wrong in saying that in this time, almost a year, that you've been here, not a single second has passed without you thinking of her.

— I'll tell her I love her.

— Huh? Get a kiss of consideration? As much as this hurts you, I say she has no consideration for you at all.

— Why are you saying this? You were arguing with me a little while ago! — Alex shouted — How can you change like this? What did you find out?

— As strange as it may seem. The truth is, I haven't spoken much with Maria. Once, briefly after the party, a few words exchanged in the hospital corridor. She questioned me about my sudden trip to Goiânia. I invented a friend's name... It was easy to convince her. — Leo sighed deeply before continuing — I repeat, I didn't find out anything, but I wouldn't be surprised by anything... The truth is, I always hoped Maria would find someone who loved her, just as you love her. Someone who would want her as much as you do. *But, damn*! You are my brother. I won't let this go on.

Alex's eyes welled up.

— Cry, my brother. — Leo continued — Cleanse this curse from your chest. The day is here, you will feel like trash, your whole body *will hurt*..., but it won't be hard to find someone better... Say it like in the song: *I'm going to fight, because life is short. It's not worth suffering in vain...*