(Continuation)
As I already said, in 1975, Maria do Carmo and José Silva spent the night together, but separated in the morning of the next day, before even having breakfast.
Carmo was transferred, at her request, to another ministry, where she continued her career as an administrative employee.
José Silva continued to hold his leadership position in the same location. He would later be promoted to Director of Services. During these 10 years he never saw Maria do Carmo again. He had almost forgotten the amazing night he spent with his former secretary. For him, it would have been a lightning-like event, which faded over the years until a certain day in the summer of 1985.
Well, late on a hot Saturday afternoon, Silva was in line at the Rossio Station ticket office buying a train ticket to go visit friends in Sintra. By mere chance, unexpectedly, a lady with a child in her hand, upon recognizing him in the crowd, went up to him and asked him:
— How are you, doctor?
It took Silva a few moments to identify her. He responded to Maria do Carmo’s greeting, just with the usual conversation for these common situations:
—Very well, thank you. And how is Maria do Carmo? In Baixa, shopping?
— We at home are excellent. Thanks. My son and I have now returned to Queluz, where we continue to reside.
— I wish you, then, the best of luck and good health. Cheers.
After saying goodbye, after a few seconds, José Silva concluded that the child was his son. She looked again and saw the silhouette of Maria do Carmo walking away, with a little boy clinging to her arm. Suddenly, he had to decide whether or not to go behind her to look at the child face to face. He didn’t know what would be best, both for himself and for his mother and son. He felt a strange inner turmoil. In those moments I wanted to know what to do and what would be most appropriate in such an extraordinary circumstance. He felt an immense succession of intense emotions. A storm of contradictory thoughts. Red hot. Finally, he decided not to go. It wasn’t. He probably intended to return to the tranquility of his previous life. Even so, doubts persisted for a long time.
Questions for reflection for each reader:
– What would you do in Doctor José Silva’s place? Would you go after Maria do Carmo to meet her son?
– Should Maria do Carmo continue to keep the secret between herself, her husband and Silva? Say nothing to the child? Never?
– Since in 1975, procreation did not have the current medical solutions for fertilization, what would you have done in Maria do Carmo’s place? What if it was your husband?
franciscogeorge@icloud.com
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