Josias returns to Teodoro's building very satisfied with the first payment. It wasn't much, but it was enough for a few purchases that he intended to do today.

When he told Teodoro, the landlord was thrilled with the younger man. “Now, set sail for the Downtown and buy some clothes, my boy. I don't know how you haven't caught the flu yet.”

Josias believed that the fact that he was shirtless only strengthened his resistance to the cold. It was all a matter of habit, even the fact that he slept naked.

So, when he was in Downtown, he thought twice about whether he bought or not some underwear. He decided to buy it because you never know. Better not to scandalize people unnecessarily.

Josias bought a simpler T-shirt and shorts to stay at home (or in the bedroom) so he wouldn't have to wear sweatpants; this was “promoted” to the status of “just to work”. The black shirt and jeans donated by Uélton's mother will be used for him to go out, just as he is doing now.

While waiting at the bus stop with the plastic bags, Josias had a smile of satisfaction. He looked up and thanked God heartily for having mercy on him.

When the bus to Rainbow Garden stopped at the bus stop and Josias boarded, he started to remember the abandoned house. Months have passed, what happened to it? Surely the police showed up to remove his father's corpse, and then? Josias became curious. How were his things? The papers?

If Josias could come back just to pick up a few more belongings, it would be of great help. He didn't want to make new documents; he went through a lot of queues and bureaucracy to do so. And who knows, maybe he could get some more clothes?

Thinking about it, Josias leaned against the window of the bus, where he was sitting, and accidentally saw who he was looking for so much, outside. Everaldo.

Everaldo is wearing formal clothes, a long-sleeved shirt, and the Bible under his arm. He was crossing the city's main square. Did he intend to take the bus?

But the driver closed the door, started the engine, and started to leave. Damn it! Josias was tempted to get off but rarely does a bus driver like to stop as soon as he starts to leave. So he just had to appeal to give Everaldo a chance to embark.

“Hey, driver, someone's getting on board!”

It didn't work that way. The driver did not listen (or pretended he did not) and continued on his way. Frustrated, Josias looks back and sees Everaldo regretting having missed the bus. And Josias himself regrets the lack of luck. What's happening, it looks like a conspiracy!

Josias kept thinking about it until he remembered that he was not going to his old neighborhood; Happiness Slum was a few kilometers before. As soon as his bus stop approached, he tightened the rope giving the signal, and got up from the seat to disembark. When he got off the bus, he coincided with the school where Melissa was studying to be releasing students earlier. Josias strode and mingled with the crowd of students until he met Melissa. Great, she was alone.

“Melissa?” Josias calls to her and she listens to him, turning to him. The two smile.

Melissa, however, was anxious inside and a little embarrassed to have left Josias to talk to other guys with a heartthrob look.

“Josias, I didn't see you at yesterday's party anymore. Did something happen to you that you left?” Melissa notices that Josias is wearing the same clothes as yesterday.

“No, I just decided to leave, but you were so focused on your friends that I decided not to bother you.”

Josias had no intention, but Melissa felt that she was being scolded. “I got it; I left you planted. Forgive me, it was not my intention.”

Josias quickly undoes the impression. “No, Melissa, I am not scolding you. You are free to do what you want, you are free to meet and talk to whoever you want.”

“But, I wanted to talk to you, stay with you,” Melissa speaks, looking down.

Josias feels sorry for Melissa. It was then becoming clear to him that it was all Pamela's trick; the one she thinks she has the right to judge who Melissa deserves to know. However, as a good gentleman, Josias decides not to accuse Pamela or gossip.

“Anyway, the party, in general, was good,” Josias comments to cheer her up.

“Yes, I had a lot of fun. I'm glad you liked it too.” Melissa goes on talking without looking at Jonas, but ahead.

The two continue to talk about trivial things as if they were deliberately avoiding the subject of the party so that no one would be more hurt. When they reached the corner of Hope Street, they said goodbye and walked away. Josias takes Melissa's right hand and kisses it, like a 19th-century lord. She goes on, more smiling and calm.