Moments after Josias inspects the work, he approaches the room where the second bedroom will be. Uélton was resting from lunch sitting on the cardboard stretched out on the floor. A battery radio played "Always Something There to Remind Me", by Naked Eyes. Uélton didn't know English, but the music reminded him of the girl who helped him with the stairs.

Milton went after Josias and reported the needs. "It's necessary to check the company you buy the cement from. Our guys are complaining that it's not coming in the same quality as before. We don't want a wall to fall or a plaster to crumble."

"Don't worry, Milton," Josias...