𝐃𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓 || 𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝟎𝟐 || 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

As Richarlison prepared to leave the house, he reached into his sports bag and retrieved a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. As a professional football player, he was aware that smoking wasn't a particularly healthy habit. However, there were moments when he found solace in a cigarette, especially when he was feeling stressed.

Taking one last drag, Richarlison quickly extinguished the cigarette and discreetly discarded it, not wanting Amelia to know that he had indulged. He then made his way to the garage to fetch his car keys.

Just as he was about to enter his car, a familiar voice broke the silence. "You're not planning on quitting smoking anytime soon, are you?" Richarlison's heart skipped a beat as he turned to see his neighbor, Maria, walking her dog past their house.

"I honestly don't know," he replied, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. With a small smile, he bid Maria farewell and got into the car, ready to begin his day of training and obligations. Deep down, though, the question lingered in his mind, prompting him to reflect on the choices he was making and the impact they had on his well-being.

As he drove off, Richarlison pondered the balance between his career, his personal habits, and the expectations of those around him. It was a reminder that sometimes even the smallest encounters could provoke moments of self-reflection and potential for change.

Maria would undoubtedly be the personification of the word "wisdom." Maria is a 70-year-old woman, living next door to the small family. Sometimes, Maria has watched over on Joana when Amelia and Richarlison were busy. Amelia and Richarlison both sometimes would go over to her when they would need someone to talk or when they felt like ranting about random problems in life.

Driving to the training, Richarlison listend to some music in the car and thought about life and his family.

He was the happiest man that day, thinking back to the day he discovered Amelia was pregnant. He would have always imagined having children, starting a family, and having all he could possibly want. He always saw himself as a dad with a stunning wife by his side, and it actually occurred, for which he is incredibly grateful for.

Flashback:

Richarlison was really concerned when he opened the door and saw his newlywed wife crying on the floor and holding something in her hand. He hurriedly shut the door, removed his shoes, and went to see his wife.

He knelt in front of her and ran his fingers through her hair before placing a hand on her thigh.

He spoke in a soothing tone, "Hey, hey, I'm here, don't worry." He could only hear Amelia sobbing loudly and nearly choking on a tear.

Her hold on the object she was holding loosened, and she hugged Richarlison. Even though he was still unsure of what was happening, he patted her back and assured her that everything will be fine.

After Amelia released herself from his comforting embrace, she turned to face Richarlison. The sight of her ruined makeup and disheveled hair, with tears and mascara streaming down her face, tugged at his heart.

With tenderness, he brushed away some of her tears using his thumb, attempting to soothe her in any way he could.

"Tell me, what happened?" he asked softly, his voice filled with concern, while wiping away more tears gently.

Amelia remained silent, lost in her emotions, but Richarlison's attention shifted to something on the floor beside her. His gaze fixed on the object, he paused in wiping away her tears, realizing it was a pregnancy test.