Two days later, Josias is still trying to get used to the emptiness of the Rocha Mansion without Katherine neighing through the corridors. David, however, is quiet eating all the breakfast options.
As he smears blackberry jelly on toast, he continues to chatter, “And don't forget, Dad, that heartless one pushed me and made me hurt my knee. She must have been very hysterical as she had lost all the wealth she had squandered at your expense. Now she must be on the streets of the U.S. looking for a guy she's only known for a few months. When is my Mother going to come back?”
Josias gets puzzled, “What did you say, David?”
David asks arrogantly as if it's already decided, “When is my Mother going to come back? Tomorrow?”
Josias smiles with pity, “David, your Mother is famous in Rio de Janeiro and must remain so. If she wants to come to Lagoon City to expand her business, she has the Rocha Hotel at her disposal. But sh
Josias enters Rocha Constructions and feels that everyone throws him looks of regret. He doesn't understand what's going on.It’s only Pollyanna who dares to speak directly, “Mr. Rocha, we are sorry for your loss.”“Have our competitors overtaken us?” Josias jokes, “Is that why they're all looking like we’re in some burial?”Pollyanna is embarrassed, “No, sir. We... We saw it on the morning news. The plane Kate Bezerra and your son J.J. were on crashed into the high seas.”Josias's smile slowly fades, “But they survived, of course. Everaldo said they wouldn't die!”Pollyanna doesn't dare to confirm the worst.Josias goes like a sleepwalker to his office. He only finds himself when he's helping himself to a big shot of brandy.Tiago and Octavio enter the office also in funeral voices.“Master...”“Please, Tiago, no.” Josias doe
At Vernon's apartment, João Paulo quickly switches the 24-hour news for music videos as soon as he hears the door open.When Josias enters the living room, his younger brother is apparently watching the music video for Cold Play's song “Trouble.”Josias smiles yellowly, “At least someone is having fun around here. Good morning, bro.”João Paulo doesn't say anything, just stands up and hugs his older brother tightly.Vernon cleared his throat, “Josias, do you want to talk to the Mountain Penthouse folks?”Josias undoes the hug and turns to his stepfather, “I don't think it's a good idea. I don't want to hear accusations and reprimands.”Vernon wonders, “Melissa wouldn't do that.”“Dad, Melissa is no longer the same one I fell in love with in 1980.” Josias lets his shoulders bend, “She's now Melissa Mountain, and she's been sucking in the air of
At William's house, Caio asks if his father has a heart in place of stone.“Caio, despite my quarrels with Josias, I will never celebrate the death of his son who had nothing to do with it. I have learned my lesson concerning the death of Uélton.”Caio smiles and sits down next to his father, “You were very foolish that year.”William smiles out of the corner of his mouth, “In this year of 2000, I intend to be more reasonable. I hope Josias will accept my condolences.”“How about looking for him?” Caio stands up, “I'll see where he is.”“Try Vernon Queiroz's apartment.” William has a mental snap, “Josias wouldn't be alone in the mansion with the other hellion.”Caio nodded and dialed Vernon's apartment number.On the other side, João Paulo answers, “Hello?”“Uncle John, this is Caio. Is Uncle Josias there?”<
At Vernon’s apartment, Josias decided to turn off the TV and put the radio on. He flicks the button that tunes the radio stations until he finds the LCN radio station.“So far, in the lists of survivors, there is no name of Katherine Bezerra or Josias Bezerra Rocha Junior. Fortunately, the U.S. Coast Guard wasn’t slow to find the wreckage of the plane and more survivors are being found. The list grew to sixty between passengers and crew...”Josias smiles ruefully. The plane contained more than 200 passengers and so far they have only found sixty survivors... and his son is not among them... What would be the chances?The announcer finishes narrating the updates and Linkin Park's song “One Step Closer” fills the living room.The doorbell is rung and Josias goes to answer, “Who is it?”“It’s me, Uncle Josias!”Josias smiles as he recognizes Caio’s voice. But when he opens
Melissa decides to meddle in the heated conversation between Josias and William, “Mom, allow me in. I wanted to pay condolences, but it looks like I’m going to put out a fire.”“Come in, daughter, and help us.” Dora makes room.Vernon and Elza rejoice in Melissa’s presence.“Oh, daughter!” Elza hugs her, “Thank you for coming. We need the whole family together.”Josias looks wryly at Melissa. Family?Melissa stares at Josias harshly, “Josias, I won’t waste any time. You know Kate and I didn’t get along. But I’ve always cared about J.J. The kids are terribly sad. I hope you believe when I say we are saddened by everything that has happened.”“Are you guys truly sad?” Josias asks in a bitter tone, “I told Sergeant Moraes that I would do a symbolic burial, but I think that would be a very bad idea. I remember the many fights and clashes y
Gabriela arrives just in time to hear Melissa reveal her publicly. She was in a knee-length black dress, wanting to participate in the mourning. But now she feels naked in the face of so many accusing and judgmental looks.“I... Ehr... I wanted to pay condolences...”João Paulo steps forward, “Gabi, come in. Maybe you’ve arrived at an excellent time.”Gabriela struggles, “Are you crazy, John? I don’t want to get involved in this discussion! I thought everyone was taking care of the burial arrangements!”João Paulo squeezes the grip of his hands and leads Gabriela inside, “Let’s clear up this misunderstanding.”Melissa sneers, “Then we’ll have to bring Tiago Bento to confirm.”Josias looks meaningfully at Melissa and she understands that Tiago was not mistaken.Gabriela is dying of shame, “Guys, why are you talking about this?”
In the Montanha Penthouse, Caio is reporting to Beto and Kelvin about the big commotion that is happening in Vernon’s apartment.“Caio, did you come to stay here with the children?” Kelvin asks, “I need to check out this mess.”“Yes, I can’t take such inconsideration. I can’t even defend Uncle Josias for introducing that woman as the next Mrs. Rocha at such an inappropriate time!”“Let’s settle this.” Beto smiles and pats his shoulder, “Enjoy the cheese balls!”Caio approaches the children while the adults leave.Teresa noticed the brief conference between the gentlemen, “What was that, Caio?”“Tess, it’s a mess down there. Uncle Josias is blaming my father for the deaths of Kate and J.J., Aunt Melissa wants to defend my father and ends up insulting Uncle Josias. Miss Alves appeared at that moment and Uncle Josias introduced her as the
A few more days passed, and there was no call from the American Embassy about Katherine and J.J. Not even the corpses to be sent back to Brazil.Josias had no choice but to carry out a symbolic burial in the cemetery. Eventually, two graves and tombstones were purchased for the service.While Josias laid flowers on the tombstones of his ex-wife and youngest son, Amoreira approached him from behind and spoke in a respectful tone, “Mr. Rocha, I hope you can forgive me one day.”Josias straightens up and turns to him, “Amoreira? Why do I need to forgive you?”“I found Claudio Guzman and made it easy for your wife to leave for Boston.” Amoreira clears his throat, “If I had known…”Josias smiles kindly, “Don't blame yourself, Amoreira. No one could know. I don't think it was you who encouraged her to go.”“How come?”“Someone encouraged her to look for you