Here I am, a basket of candy in my hand, wishing someone would be kind enough to help me, a big four-month belly, and very hungry.

I was fired from my old job for being pregnant. I tried to find another, but I couldn't. All I had left was selling candy.

Today, business is slow. I spent the day in traffic, but without success. I was already weak; unfortunately, I had to use the money I was saving to buy food. I bought a lunch box and ate it in the square.

I went back to work, but without success. I heard it might be busy at the mall. With the rest of the money I had, I bought some things to sell, including a popcorn cart.

The next day, I went to the mall. Since I couldn't go inside to sell, I stayed on the sidewalk outside.

To my joy, it seems the popcorn cart was a success, as some children bought popcorn, and I made good money throughout the day.

Whoever sees me wonders, how did a young woman get pregnant and end up selling candy and popcorn? Simple: I was deceived, abandoned, the father doesn't know about the baby, and I ran away.

I used to live in the USA, but I was born in Brazil, and here I am again. I went to live in the USA for work, because it's better there.

I worked at a bank; I was the CEO's secretary. We were together for a year, but we never made it official; it was a friends-with-benefits situation with pleasurable perks. Four months ago, I found out I was pregnant. It was a shock to me because I was using an IUD. After a few days, I accepted it; I was happy. When I finally decided to tell him, I heard rumors that he was going to get married because his fiancee was back – a fiancee who, to me, didn't exist.

She was in Paris, she's a model, they had been engaged for four years. I was shocked, I swallowed sex, he then called me into his office and simply said calmly.

-Our affair ends here. I'm going to get married, because mine is back.

I still hear those words when I close my eyes. I didn't answer anything; I left his office and went to the bathroom holding back tears.

Okay, it was just a few nights together – no, not a few, a year. I'm human, I have feelings. Even though we promised each other not to involve feelings, I couldn't help it. I was treated like a princess. He was my first man; since then, I haven't been with anyone else.

On his wedding day, I practically fled. I returned to Brazil. My money ran out, and I couldn't continue paying rent. I went to live in a studio apartment; it was cheaper. I couldn't find a job due to the pregnancy, and all that was left for me was to take to the streets.

I'm an orphan; my grandmother raised me, but she died a year ago. I'm alone, I only have my baby, but he needs me more right now.

Sara, 23 years old.

Adrian, 27 years old

My wife and I came to Brazil. We got married four months ago and are already in a crisis. We went out a bit to enjoy each other's company. Brianna is very jealous; it's not working out. This trip has done us good, as we are enjoying it a lot.

Brianna, 24 years old

Brianna insisted on going shopping; she wants to get presents for everyone. My mother, my father, my sister, my niece, and her family.

So we went to the mall. We were about to enter when I saw a lot of commotion near the entrance: several children jumping excitedly, a woman was surrounded by children and handed them popcorn.

We entered the mall. Brianna went shopping while I went to the bathroom. As I was coming out, one of my bodyguards approached me.

Bodyguard: Sir, the woman you had an affair with is here in this mall.

Anger rises in me when I hear this. Could she be another crazy woman stalking me?

Adrian: Show her to me.

He took me to the exit and pointed.

I felt a shiver when I saw that Sarah is the woman with the popcorn cart; she still looks the same, just more... neglected.

Her smile is still the same, sweet, friendly to everyone. I don't know why she's here and especially selling popcorn. It's surely some good deed. I turn to go back into the mall, but I freeze when I see her caressing her belly. Is she... pregnant?

I don't know how to react; I didn't expect this. I also shouldn't care; I have nothing to do with her.

I went back to where my wife was. We went to have a snack and took the opportunity to watch a movie at the cinema.

Sarah finished her day; she put her things away and went home. Very tired, she just took a shower and went to rest.

In two weeks, Sarah made good money with the popcorn cart, selling at the mall, in front of schools, and in the square.

The next day, Sarah started her day cheerfully. She went to the market to buy a few things, as she had nothing at home.

Sarah hadn't eaten yet. Because she had nothing in her house, she went to buy groceries first.

Those two weeks were great. Sarah walked the streets smiling. As she was about to cross the street, Sarah felt a sharp pang, a wave of sickness; the traffic light changed, and a car almost hit her.

The driver got out of the car. He went to Sarah, afraid something had happened. Inside the car was none other than Adrian himself.

He was getting impatient with the driver's delay; he got out of the car and went over.

Adrian: What happened?

Driver: Sir, it's the woman you had an affair with.

Adrian: What the hell!

He looks at Sarah, fallen on the ground, and goes to her.

Adrian: Quick, we need to take her to the hospital.

He picks her up in his arms, carrying her to the car. The driver was in shock; he drove as fast as he could. Adrian held her head in his lap, brushed her hair from her face, and saw her face up close after months.

A mix of sensations washed over him. After his wedding, he found out she had resigned, but he was furious that she hadn't spoken to him. Deep down, he had affection for her. Their nights had been incredible, truly unforgettable. He looks at her belly, wondering if it was because of another man that she had come back to Brazil. He touches her belly, and the baby moves.

Adrian pulled his hand away immediately; he was actually startled. When he touched it again, the baby moved, but he didn't pull his hand away and kept caressing it as if he liked it.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Adrian carried Sarah in his arms, shouting for someone. A team took her. Adrian thought about leaving, but as he reached the exit, he felt a force making him stop, reconsider, until he turned back.

Adrian filled out her admission form with what he knew. Her documents were found in her purse. He finished and waited.

Adrian waited for news for almost 50 minutes. The doctor appeared and went to him.

Doctor: Relatives of Sarah Gonçalves?

Adrian: That's me. How is she?

Doctor: She's alright. Her blood pressure is low due to poor nutrition, especially in her condition. She fainted from weakness.

Adrian: It's 11 AM now. How has she not eaten?

Doctor: We'll find out when she wakes up. What are you to her?

Adrian: Boyfriend. And how is the baby?

Doctor: I'm going to do an ultrasound now. Do you want to come in?

Adrian: Yes.

Doctor: Let's go.

Adrian didn't know what was happening to him. He had spoken on impulse, and now he was going to see the baby.

In the room, the doctor performs an ultrasound, and Adrian watches.

Adrian: And so, doctor?

A nurse came in before the doctor could answer, handed him an envelope, and left.

The doctor looks at it, scribbles a few notes, and looks at Adrian.

Doctor: I'll be honest, she has rather bad anemia, her uterus needs to get stronger, she's dehydrated and underweight. The baby needs to gain more weight. He's doing well, but she needs to take better care of herself, or both could have problems.

Adrian: How far along is she?

Doctor: Four months. Next week she'll be five months.

Adrian: Okay, wait, did you say almost 5 months?

Doctor: Yes, exactly.

I'm in shock, pacing back and forth. I was distressed. I did the math several times, looked at the calendar on my phone, remembered the past... Could it be mine?

Doctor: It's a strong boy.

The doctor took Sarah to her room. I went with him and stayed, watching her sleep.

I went to the window and made a call.

Adrian: Find out everything about Sarah Gonçalves. You know who she is. Be quick.

Sarah started to wake up. I went to call the doctor and waited outside the room.

Sarah spoke with the doctor, he explained everything that was happening and left.

Sarah caressed her belly and kept smiling. Adrian entered and stood watching her.

Sarah: Hi my son, so you're a big boy, Mommy still doesn't know how she's going to take care of you, but I'll figure it out, it's just the two of us, Mommy is going through difficulties, but you will be very loved, I won't allow anything to happen to you, nor for you to lack anything.

Adrian swallowed hard, he moved from where he was, Sarah looked at him and felt an inexplicable mix of sensations. She was speechless, her heart ached from beating so fast.

Adrian: Hello Sarah

I couldn't say anything, I felt dizzy and held onto the bed. Adrian came to me quickly and held my hand.

Adrian: Are you okay?

I looked at his hand and he awkwardly withdrew it.

Adrian: I'll call the doctor

Sarah: No need... I say softly

I couldn't stay there, I tried to get up with that big belly, I removed the IV line from my arm and Adrian grabbed my hands, stopping me.

Adrian: What are you doing? The doctor hasn't discharged you.

Sarah: I'm discharging myself, I need to leave.

Adrian: You're not leaving here.

Sarah: I am and I'm going, I don't know what you're doing here, I don't need a babysitter.

Adrian: Stop being so defensive, I'm just trying to help you.

Sarah: Thank you, but there's no need.

Adrian: But my son does, are you going to deny that, Sarah?

I feel the world crashing down on me.

Sarah: The child is mine, he's not your son.

Adrian: So you cheated on me?

Sarah: Yes.

Adrian: Say it looking into my eyes.

I take a deep breath and gather courage.

Sarah: Yes.

Adrian: I don't believe this, how could you do this? I thought you liked me... he says, outraged

Sarah: 💭I love you💭

Adrian: I thought you were only with me.

Sarah: 💭I would never cheat on you💭

Adrian: You're no good.

Sarah: 💭You're all I need💭

Adrian: Is that why you came back to Brazil?

Sarah: Yes.

Adrian: I was an idiot.

Sarah: You? Don't make me laugh, I was with you thinking you were single, your fiancee came back and you sidelined me, what did you expect me to do?

Adrian: I had to get married, I should have told you, I was wrong on that point, but...

Sarah: Adrian, spare us from going back to the past, go take care of your wife, I want to be alone.

Adrian: Are you with him?

Sarah: Yes... I turn my face* to the wall*

Adrian: Do you love him?

Sarah: It's none of your business.

Adrian: Why didn't you go to my wedding?

Sarah: Are you kidding?

Adrian: I don't understand you, Sarah, we always made it clear to each other that above all we would be friends, or did you develop feelings, Sarah?

Sarah: Go away, Adrian, what happened was a mistake, it's dead, it's buried, and it should never be remembered.

Adrian: Was it a mistake?

Sarah: Yes.

Adrian: Was it a mistake because I didn't tell you I was engaged, or is there another reason?

Sarah: That doesn't matter anymore.

Nurse: Excuse me, I brought something for you to eat, you need to eat.

Sarah: Thank you.

Adrian left the room hastily, his expression one of anger.