The Simplest Of Glows

The mass continues, but Luriana's mind is lost in thought. The peaceful atmosphere of the church, the soft voice of the priest—everything surrounds her, but something else fills her mind. Vicente is there, beside her. There is something deeper, something she cannot quite define.

During the hymns, she feels his presence. It is not like before when he only saw her as the woman from the grocery store. Now, it feels like he sees her differently—more attentively, more calmly. She does not feel watched, but respected. And somehow, that makes her heart beat faster.

Marília, sitting next to her, seems to notice. She says nothing, but the smile she gives Luriana is enough to make her blush. Her friend has always known how to read situations, and now, she understands that something is happening.

Vicente stays silent beside her, but Luriana feels his gaze. It is not the look of someone searching for something superficial. It is not admiration for her appearance alone. It is a look that sees her as a person, that respects her. And that makes her feel good about herself.

After the mass, the three of them leave the church in silence, but it is a comfortable silence. The afternoon is fading, and the sky is painted in golden and orange shades. The air is warm, and Luriana feels at peace, as if something inside her has finally found its place.

"I'm going home now," Luriana says, breaking the silence.

Marília smiles.

"Me too. We can go together. Don't worry, I'll give you a ride."

But Vicente, who has been quiet until now, looks at Luriana.

"I'm going too. Can I walk with you to your house?" he asks with a small but kind smile.

Luriana's heart beats a little faster. She does not know if it is because of his company or just the feeling of comfort. Either way, she does not say no.

"Of course, Vicente," she answers with a soft smile.

They reach Luriana's house, a small but cozy place where the scent of fresh flowers always lingers. She opens the door and steps inside, greeted by her two big dogs, Bico and Tico, who jump around her, wagging their tails with excitement.

"My boys are always waiting at the door," Luriana says, laughing as she tries to calm them down. "They love visitors."

Vicente looks at the dogs, who are large but have gentle eyes. He smiles and watches how Luriana enjoys their playful energy. She is not the serious, distant woman from the grocery store. This is the real Luriana, the one he is now sharing a simple but special moment with.

"They're adorable," Vicente says, petting the dogs. "I never imagined you loved animals so much."

Luriana looks at him with a shy smile.

"I've always had a special connection with them. They're like family to me."

She feels a quiet happiness, but something else stirs inside her. The way he looks at her, the way he respects these small moments, makes her heart beat even faster.

"I'm glad I walked you home, Luriana," Vicente says, looking at her with a sincere smile.

She smiles back. There is no rush, no need for more words. Just the simple joy of being there, together, sharing a quiet moment.

Marília watches everything in silence, and seeing the soft exchange between them, she feels genuine happiness for her friend.

"I'll leave you two alone," she says with a teasing smile. "Enjoy your afternoon."

Luriana laughs, a little nervous, but she thanks her friend with a glance. Marília grins even more and steps out the door, leaving Luriana and Vicente alone in the room.

For a moment, they stay in silence, the dogs now calm around them. The sun is setting, and the evening breeze drifts through the open window. The atmosphere is peaceful, comforting. There is no rush for anything.

Vicente walks to the window and looks out at the garden but says nothing. Luriana, on the other hand, feels that this moment is different from all the others. It is not a time for big words, but for simple gestures, for quiet companionship.

"You know…" she begins, hesitant but with a gentle smile. "I never imagined today would be so special."

He turns to her, his gaze soft but steady.

"Me neither, Luriana. Me neither."

And in that moment, something seems to shine in the air. There is no rush, no tension. Just the feeling that something beautiful is beginning.