Episode 5

In the car, Lucca chattered non-stop about science class. Luna, more reserved, listened attentively, while Caio imitated the sound of the engine with his little arms raised, as if he were driving. Isa smiled slightly, observing everything from the front seat.

"Daddy, Isa made a watermelon teddy bear today," Lucca said, turning around. "Caio ate it laughing!"

"And she combs my hair without pulling," Luna added calmly.

"I like Isa. She smells good," said Caio, hugging his own keychain.

"I know. Looks like you guys liked the new nanny, huh?"

Everyone agreed and smiled.

Gael, behind the wheel, glanced in the rearview mirror, smiling slightly.

Upon arriving at the school, he got out to open the door. One by one, the children got out, leaving an echo of laughter in the air.

Back in the car, he adjusted his seatbelt, and before leaving, he said to Isa:

"I made a point of coming with you today... I wanted to watch you with them. Understand what caused this effect so quickly."

Isa lowered her eyes, shyly.

"They're amazing. They just need support and dedication."

He nodded, looking ahead.

"It's been a while since I saw my children so happy so early. The house seemed like a hotel: cold, silent. Today was different."

She smiled discreetly.

"I'm glad to be a part of that."

He glanced at her, attentive.

"Me too. And... I wanted to get to know you better. Not invade your space, just curiosity. You turned their world around. That brings me peace."

Isa took a deep breath, silent. The silence was comfortable.

"Shall we?" she asked.

"Let's."

They continued, with the feeling that the conversation was the bridge to a connection between the two of them.

Still in the car, he broke the silence:

"Isa... would you be available to sleep at the house?"

She turned her face, surprised.

"I mean, to stay full-time. The children feel safe with you. I think that could help with the routine."

"Sure. If there's a room, I don't see a problem," she replied calmly.

"There is. The old nanny's room is ready. I can ask Valeria to prepare everything."

"Thank you, Gael."

"Gael," he corrected, smiling. "Here at home, everyone calls me that."

She smiled in response.

He parked in front of the mansion. Isa got out of the car, gave a slight smile and waved.

At the door, Valeria was holding a stack of mail. She looked at the scene: Gael in the car with a gentle expression, an almost gentle "see you later" when saying goodbye to the nanny.

The housekeeper narrowed her eyes, suspicious. As soon as Isa passed, she went straight to meet her.

"Getting cozy already, huh?"

Isa faced her, calmly.

"I'm just doing my job, Dona Valeria."

"Job? And now you're going to sleep here too?"

"It was Gael's request. For the children."

Valeria huffed, crossing her arms.

"I know how these stories start. This house has rules. I've been here for over twenty years. I know when someone wants to fly higher than they should."

Isa took a deep breath, neutral:

"I'm here for the children. That's all."

She left, leaving Valeria in the garden, with narrowed eyes, chewing on poorly disguised jealousy and wounded pride that only she understood.

Marlene was arranging the freshly pruned herbs in a wicker basket while Leide crouched beside her, her hands dirty with soil.

"Did you notice?" Marlene said softly, her eyes glancing towards the gate.

Leide followed her gaze and smiled slightly.

"I did notice... He stayed there for a while, didn't he? Just watching her go in..."

"I thought it was so beautiful." Marlene sighed. "I don't know... there are things you can feel. The way he looked at her... he seemed light, different."

Leide gave a muffled giggle.

"And she, all sweet... It's hard not to like her. Even Caio is stuck to her like glue."

"Yeah... that girl has a way about her. So sweet, so gentle with the children... and with him too."

"Just wait and see, Marlene... sometimes life gives you these surprises. A little care here, a smile there... before you know it, there are feelings growing."

The two fell silent for a moment, as if they had unintentionally invaded a secret. The wind gently swayed the basil leaves and, up ahead, the black car still hadn't left.

"And to think he barely spoke to anyone, now he even skipped the meeting to accompany her..."

"There are things that can't be explained. You just feel them," Marlene murmured, collecting the basket.

Leide agreed with a silent nod. The two returned to their work, but the thought... that stayed there, circling the gate.

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