2021-05-19 19:43:51Josias smiles slightly, by the right corner of his mouth. Here he was, shirtless, just in sweatpants and slippers, with less than five bucks in his pocket, without papers (he had just taken them off after insisting a lot on his late father). His life as he knew it is over. Here, in the Happiness Slum, a new Josias was about to be born. He would build his life, using Everaldo's words.
However, there was an excerpt from Everaldo's sentence that deserved attention, “you will have the willpower”. That is, it was not just waiting for God's blessings to fall from Heaven. Josias needed to have the willpower to make it happen, needed to move, and needed to use his hands. He needed courage and confidence.
Arming himself with both feelings, he takes a deep breath and heads for the building.
Upon entering, Josias found that in fact, the owner of the building took care that the entrance was similar to the lobby of a hotel or a high-class apartment building. The rectangular space, painted in light blue, had a counter on one side, where a man in his sixties with a mustache and chubby was, and on the other side, there was a rack of mail for the residents. The shelf was separated into several compartments, each for a room. Two sofas, a clock nailed to the wall, plant vases, and a rug at the entrance that said “Welcome” completed the decoration of the place. Josias smiles widely. The owner of the building tried to make a great job.
Josias approaches the counter. The man listened to the radio, it was a football match. Upon realizing Josias's presence, he turns to the boy.
“Good evening.” The old man speaks in a friendly tone, “How can I help you?”
“Sir, I need a vacant room,” Josias speaks without being afraid.
The owner of the room building for rent watches Josias from top to bottom before proceeding, not believing what he heard. “Really, boy? How do you expect me to leave you here?”
Josias takes a deep breath. He expected that. However, Everaldo's words do not leave his head. “You will get out of this and you will be successful.” He needed to try.
“Sir, here's the matter: I just ran away from home because my father was murdered while I was in my bedroom.” It was the first time that Josias spoke about what happened to someone, “They wanted money from my father, and they were bill collectors for a loan shark.”
“I didn't hear of anyone murdered around here.” The man replies with a frown. Josias's story could very well be made up.
Josias, however, tries to explain, “No, it wasn't here. I don't live here, I ran away from Rainbow Garden. I just took a shower and just had time to put on my underwear and sweatpants when I heard the invasion, the argument between them... and then the shots.”
The lord land looked at him with a suspicious face. If he was a resident of Happiness Slum, it would be understandable if Josias did not go to the police, for the reason they killed his father. But, being a resident of Rainbow Garden... “Why didn't you go to the police, why did you just come here, to a more rough area neighborhood?”
Josias shrugs. “I'm not sure... I just wanted to hide, and I wasn't going to be able to hide in Europe Garden.” Europe Garden is the upper-class neighborhood of Lagoon City.
The word “hide” is what makes the building owner uneasy. “Look here, boy, how am I supposed to know if it’s not YOU who killed, or did something else wrong, and now you’re trying to hide in my building? If the police show up here, don't even expect me to lie to protect you. I don’t get into trouble, the ‘scoundrels’ who live here already know that. They stay over there and leave me alone, and I don't meddle with them.”
Upon hearing that the old man was not to get into trouble, Josias felt even more inwardly that this was the perfect place for him to stay. The loan shark collectors, if they go looking for him, will not show up in the building where he is.
Josias leans over to the counter, dips his hands into the plastic surface, and speaks with urgency and pleading tone, “I know it sounds strange, sir, but everything I told you is true. See, I didn't even have a chance to mourn my father's death. I don't even know if the neighbors heard the shot; if anyone has found him or if the police are there. As I said, I only had time to put this on and I took only a few bucks that I had seen on my dresser, and I took the bus without knowing where to go.”
“And stopped right there!” The man can't help laughing. However, he begins to better analyze the story told by Josias. It was too elaborate, with too much detail, to be a made-up lie at the last minute.
“Let me see how much you have.” The man crosses his arms and makes this request, already aware that Josias is not going to put five thousand dollars on the counter.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Building My Life Chapter 5 The Mercy of the Landlord
When Josias reaches into his sweatpants pocket and pulls it out, he deposits the few remaining notes and pennies on the counter. The old man adds the amount, and responds with a tone of concern, not mockery, “It doesn't even give five bucks, buddy. I can't even let you stay here overnight.”Josias takes the money back and puts it away. “I know, so I thought I could count on your mercy. As you are already aware, my father was murdered, the moneylender probably knows that my father had me as a son, and if they find me, they will either kill me or they will want to torment me so that I pay the debt. I will not be there to suffer either. My mother got divorced and disappeared from the city; she is probably in Europe with a very rich guy. I have no one here.”“So let's do the following.” The elderly man goes to a dresser and opens a drawer. He takes something and closes it. When he turns around, Josias realizes that it is money. “I'
Building My Life Chapter 6 The Beginning
The sun's beam came in through the open window, illuminating Josias's room. And when the light reached his eyes, Josias had to wake up, even against his will.He stretches on the bed, under a thin sheet that was folded on the bed when he entered. The sweatpants were on the back of a wooden chair. Other than that and another dresser, there was nothing else in Josias's room.Josias gets up, still wearing his briefs, goes to the open door to the balcony (he always had this habit of sleeping with the window open, even with mosquitoes coming in. That's why the window was providentially open when he needed to escape) and watches the activity of the shantytown. From the third floor, he had a good view of the area. As he looked down, he saw children and teenagers in school uniforms going to study, women socially dressed, probably going to work as attendants or secretaries, older women going to work as cleaners for some wealthy family, and men in industrial uniforms or plain cl
Building My Life Chapter 7 He Helps Even Being Short of Money
Josias finishes crying and breaks the hug. He wipes away tears. “Thank you very much for your consideration, Seu Teodoro.”“You welcome, young man. Come on; I offer you coffee.”Josias takes the opportunity to ask, “Seu Teodoro, how does it work here? For example, I know that we are not in a five-star hotel, but in my room, there is not even a sink.”Teodoro smiles, he understands that Josias did not want to be ungrateful. “I understand. Well, downstairs here are the bathrooms. I did my best to have the men's and women's bathrooms so that everyone was comfortable and had no complaints. We have families with children, and I wouldn't be comfortable with letting children bathe with adults.”Josias agrees with the head, it was necessary to be careful. But, families with children? When verbalizing the question, Teodoro explains, “Here I had some two-bedroom apartments built, providing that families could co
Building My Life Chapter 8 Glad to meet you
The girl is startled and faces the boy who wants to help her. Between the shocks, there were seconds to admire. For someone in his 30s, Josias would be considered skinny; but for someone her age, Josias was muscular.Josias donates R$ 2.00 of his already limited money to help her. “Here it is.” He turns to her, “Sorry, miss. But, I saw you so smiling when choosing the shampoo; I wouldn't want you to leave without it.”The girl smiles in thanks. “Thanks. It's the shampoo everyone is using; I don't want to be left behind. My friends said it was great.”“By the way, my name is Josias,” Josias spoke with such certainty that they would meet again. Meanwhile, the clerk adds up and receives payment from him.“Melissa.” The girl responds, now taking a closer look at the boy who helped her.They say that while men turn their heads and make it obvious that they are admiring a woman; a woman can do t
Building My Life Chapter 9 Going to Downtown
Teodoro smiles when he sees Josias enchanted by a resident girl of Happiness Slum. “My boy, take it easy with that heart. Do I know her by any chance?”“Her name is Melissa.” Josias responds as if he is singing, “And she lives further on.” Josias, however, shakes his head, “Well, what am I doing? Okay, the girl is beautiful and nice, and she was admiring my chest, even though I am not muscular; but, I need to find something. She must think I am a pervert for walking without a shirt.”“There is nothing wrong with a man walking around without a shirt, especially in this heat.” Teodoro ponders, “But, as I warned you, better to start buying your things.”Josias smiles as he remembers. “Her father is very strict; he doesn't want his dear daughter to marry a poor man. So I better get ahead.”Josias starts walking out of the reception. Teodoro asks him, “Hey, where are you
Building My Life Chapter 10 Would it Be an Angel?
Upon returning to the building, Teodoro was already having lunch. He holds the plate up and invites Josias. “You can go in there if you can.”Josias approaches the counter. “Do you believe that I almost saw the boy who encouraged me not to give up?”“What do you mean, give up?” Teodoro frowns, “Were you trying to kill yourself?”“No, but all of a sudden, when I was on the bus, this boy in religious style and clothes was on a seat behind me, and when I was leaving, he asked if I needed help. When I asked him to pray for me, he smiled and promised that not only would he pray for me, but that my life would be great and successful.”Teodoro stops chewing and swallows. His face is serious. “And you don't know who it is?”“He embarked at Rainbow Garden, but I had never seen him before.” Josias scratches his head. “Although the neighborhood is large and I don't know
Building My Life Chapter 11 Routine on the Building
Josias takes the key from Teodoro and goes up the stairs. Upon entering the room, he takes off his sweatpants and places it on the back of the chair. Today is hot to have a beer, just as Melissa's father wishes. He leaves the balcony door open and lies down on the bed, takes off his briefs, and curls up on the sheet.Do not misjudge Josias for sleep naked. It's just that he is disgusted to wear the same briefs, and his sweatpants are also in utter misery.Josias wakes up the next day, which promises to be another hot day, already getting discouraged with the prospect of work. He gets up and goes to the balcony, looking at the horizon and the activity of the favela. The same girl from the other building meets Josias and this time she dares to wave a hello, to which he corresponds. At this point, the girl is wondering if Josias wears a shirt. If she knew...Josias takes the towel that is folded on the chair and wraps it around his waist, goes to the dresser, and t
Building My Life Chapter 12 Finding Something to Begin
When Josias goes down to the bathroom, he decides to just wash his face and brush his teeth. He no longer cared about other men bathing uninhibited in front of him, as he only took a shower late at night, before going to sleep, just so he wouldn't meet anyone.As he approaches the reception, Teodoro is almost crying with the debut of “Lady”, by Kenny Rogers, being played on the radio with profusion. “The guy sings very well, how wonderful...” Teodoro notices Josias's presence, “Hello, boy, good morning. Are you going out again?”Josias reaches out his hand to prevent Teodoro from giving him more money. “Not today, Seu Teodoro. I am going to take a walk right here in the locality.”Teodoro raises an eyebrow. “Really? Well, I must warn you that here you will only find that type of job that requires a lot of effort and very little reward.” He makes a “money” sign with his fingers.Josias
Latest Chapter
Chapter 3152 Luís Is Coming Back
The management door of the Rocha Hotel swung open. Suzy appeared, approaching a startled Eugenio, pale and stammering. “Uncle, what happened?” Eugenio covered the phone receiver and stared at his niece. “It s-seems t-that... I’m hearing the voice of Luís Vasquez!” Suzy snatched the receiver and immediately spoke, “LUÍS! Is that you, my friend?” On the other end, Luís smiled while in Daryl's office. “Yes, Suzy, I’m back in Brazil!” “Oh, Felipe answered my call! Did he send the ‘guys’ from the Bento family to look for you?” Suzy asked excitedly. Luís didn’t know about that but decided to confirm it to make Suzy happy. “That’s right, my dear. It seems my return to Brazil was necessary.” “Necessary and urgent! Everything is falling apart without you around!” Suzy exclaimed vehemently, “You need to get back to your supervisor position before David—” “Wait, I’ve already been informed about that file.” Luís took a deep breath. “I want to check with your uncle to see if I still have
Chapter 3151 Josias Discovers the Hidden Plan
In the Mountain Penthouse, Luís learns everything that Daryl and William uncovered about his family, being shocked by the amount of corruption that existed years before he moved into the Vasquez Mansion. Daryl came from the kitchen with a platter of jawbreaker pie for everyone, but Luís hesitated in choosing a piece, dumbfounded. “This can’t be possible... how could my uncles have been capable of...?” “Do you understand now, Luís, why we want to expose them?” Daryl asks excitedly. “The blog that Will is maintaining doesn’t aspire to be a major media outlet: it’s just a way to get back at them.” “And my aunt continues to party at the club with younger guys without my uncle knowing?” Luís furrows his brow. Olivia always coveted him, but he wasn’t exclusive... “That’s right. Maybe he’ll find out...” William smiles diabolically, considering the possibility. “He should at least know about Aunt Olivia sleeping with Dr. Hogan. Maybe he encouraged her without knowing that Aunt already
Chapter 3150 Luis Discovers Everything
Daryl waits patiently sitting in the armchair of the Mountain Penthouse living room. He hears the sound of a door opening and voices he has been waiting for.“Come this way, Mr. Vasquez.” It was Tony’s voice.“Thank you.” It was LUIS Vasquez’s voice.Daryl smiles broadly and stands up, relieved to see Luis back safely.“I’ve never prayed so hard for someone to come back safe and sound!” Daryl extends his hand, and Luis shakes it. “How have you been, Luis?”“I’m great.” Luis maintains his reserve. “I don’t know why there’s so much fuss about welcoming me.”“You’re leaving us curious.” Daryl turns to Tony. “Will is in the kitchen, eating that cheesecake.”“He’s really putting on a few pounds.” Tony jokes, heading to the kitchen to notify William.Luis sits on the sofa, interested in knowing what’s going on.“Mr. Mountain, you and Will Campos have taken an unusual interest in my aunt. I would like to know what you’re really up to with all of this.” Luis began respectfully.“Are you sure
Chapter 3149 A Cousin Comes to Town
A few days had passed since David’s massacre. The news that he had been fiercely reprimanded by Josias didn’t make it into the Maggiezine, but it was a gossip that everyone had heard, spread by word of mouth. David hadn’t been seen during these days. At Crystal Blue, Eugenio was excitedly recounting the juicy details to his nephews. Felipe appeared from the office, and upon hearing the conversation, he stopped where he was. “So, Josias Rocha asks me to leave my office.” Eugenio’s eyes were shining. “That’s when I thought: ‘That’s it, David is screwed!’ Josias Rocha’s voice was so powerful that I felt the need to change my underwear!” “Ha, ha, ha...” Suzy burst into laughter. “Don’t exaggerate, Uncle!” “Maybe that’s exactly what happened, sis.” Jake also chuckled heartily. Felipe smiled with satisfaction. Josias had forgotten to aim the rifle at Daryl and had listened to his hint. With that, he returned to the office and closed the door, picking up his phone next. On the other
Chapter 3148 Josias Is Insane
Josias visits the Rocha Hotel since he didn’t have a day off for the staff. In the management room, Eugenio gathered David, Benjamin, and Sybil. “Why is that mere cook present at this meeting?” David asked disparagingly. “Because that’s how our boss ordered it,” Eugenio replied dryly. “I didn’t say anything and didn’t call this meeting, so if you’ll excuse me...” Benjamin and Sybil were horrified to see David leaving the meeting just like that. However, when he opened the door, David came face to face with his father. “David, where do you think you’re going?” “DAD!” David exclaimed, extremely surprised. “I didn’t know you were coming!” “Didn’t Eugenio tell you I was coming?” Josias asked with a scowl. David understood who the ‘boss’ was. Benjamin and Sybil felt vindicated. Josias sat down at the desk, taking Eugenio’s seat, while the manager remained humbly standing. “Very well,” Josias began the meeting in a formal tone, “I’m here just to make things crystal clear. First
Chapter 3147 Josias Instructs His Firstborn
Melissa and Mary visit the Mountain Café.“A guava juice for me, Mr. Mountain!” Mary requested, smiling sweetly.“Of course, my princess!” Rodrigo replied, thinking Mary was very adorable. “Neil will make a delicious cup for you.”“Thank you. But the princess is Carol,” Mary responded, striking a serious pose.Melissa and Rodrigo laughed heartily. Mary is something else...“Rod, how has it been managing the café in your father’s absence?” Melissa asked seriously.Rodrigo served a baked chicken pastry with ketchup to Mary. “I'm getting by, Melissa. Josias was here earlier, more concerned about my loss than his own, as always. Isn’t he supposed to be resting?”Melissa nodded. “My husband is like that: he only relaxes when all of us are relaxed.”“An impossible mission because of certain people.”Neilton approached with the glass. “Who ordered a guava juice?”“I DID!” Mary grabbed the glass and went to a table.Melissa leaned forward, “Neil, Rod, how are Daryl and Diane? Behaving?”“Cont
Chapter 3146 We Need to Talk - Dad
At João Paulo’s house, he and Josias were about to have a significant conversation.“Walter, do you want to go with your mom to the kitchen?” João Paulo asked, looking at Helen. “I think she made some walnut cake.”“It was carrot cake,” Sandra replied, already getting up from the couch.“You got it.” Helen appeared and picked up Walter in her arms. “Let’s let Dad and Uncle Josias talk.”“Bye, Uncle!” Walter waved goodbye to Josias.“Bye-bye, I want a piece later!” Josias chuckled.Once alone with João Paulo, Josias became serious. “Don’t let anything or anyone ruin this family scenario, little brother.”“I’m fine. No one wants to ruin anything,” João Paulo replied casually.“Well, I hope David hasn’t caused you any trouble.”“He probably doesn’t even know I exist, man.” João Paulo shrugged.“But I stopped by Café Montanha and found out that the Vasquez family has replaced the Mountain family as the ‘annoying people.’”João Paulo sighed in disappointment. “Yeah. They—”The doorbell ran
Chapter 3145 João Paulo Is a Good Father
Josias visits Café Montanha for a coffee and finds Rodrigo there. “Rod, how have you been?” Rodrigo is taken aback. “How am I? You’re the one who suffered a horrific loss recently!” “But you also lost your father. We’re in the same situation,” Josias explained as he sat down on a stool. “I’m okay, Josias. Life has a way of cheering me up. For example, I’m back at the diner after Thierry decided to take his place at the supermarket.” Rodrigo smiled. “What about the photography studio?” Josias smiled back. “It’s still going to operate, and Thierry will make periodic visits. But he’s going to appoint one of the staff to manage the studio.” Rodrigo served a pizza pastry to Josias. “Thank you. Well, I hope everything is alright between you two. I need to visit Rosemary and meet Jean Luc — is that the name of the baby?” “Yes, the name of the supermarket heir. Meanwhile, Frank will be here or somewhere else.” Josias interjected, “If Frank wants to work at Rocha Constructions, count
Chapter 3144 Benjamin Requests a Transfer
At the Rocha Mansion, Josias receives a visit from Benjamin. “How have you been, Ben? Any news about your parents?” The two embrace. “Actually, that’s what I want to talk about.” Benjamin scratches the back of his neck. The embrace breaks. “Let’s go to my office.” The two gentlemen enter Josias’s imposing office. “Any problems with Adolfo?” Josias asks, becoming serious. “Not yet, but I hope not to have any,” Benjamin replies with some sadness. “You know, Josias, what happened with your father made me think about my family, about how important it is for all of us to be together in the final moments.” “That’s true. João Paulo can tell you that better than I can.” “I think you can say it too. Vernon was the father you never had.” Benjamin clears his throat. “So, I’ve been looking into some hotels and realized there’s a demand at the Rocha Hotel in Victoria.” Josias looks at Benjamin, understanding where he’s going with this. “You want to go to Victoria to be close to your pare
