Our Work Routine

The next day, Manuel gets up early, a bit before six A. M. He tells me I can stay in bed if I want. I prefer to stay and enjoy a few more minutes of sleep. He closes the door gently and goes downstairs. After a few minutes, I hear a splash in the pool. I rush to the window and wonder what's happened.

Oh, it's just him in the pool doing his laps. No wonder he's got those strong and flexible muscles. I take my time and hear more splashes. I stretch, go to the toilet, wash up, and brush my teeth. Then, I do my task of unpacking my few articles of clothing and placing them in the large closet. After my simple task, Manuel storms into the bedroom wrapped, in his white bathrobe.

"You're already up and working, my angel!" He kisses me, and I stroke his wet hair.

"I'm used to getting up early, too, honey." He takes his shower, and I place Mother's old suitcase under our bed. I also take out the sheets and towels and put them in the hamper. Then, I quickly make our bed as Manuel joins me. He's naked and has a big smile on his face.

"My angel, you don't need to do that! Let Mariana do it for you. I don't want you fretting about household work, my precious." He takes me in his arms and covers me with kisses.

"I just can't sit idle, Papa. Let me at least make our bed." We kiss, and he smiles.

"All right, my angel. You do as you wish." He smiles. "It makes all the difference sleeping with an angel in bed." He kisses me and opens the closet. I love his new shirt, navy blue cotton pants, large black leather belt with a silver buckle, and dark brown leather shoes. He smiles at me, takes my hand, and we go downstairs. We greet Mariana, who is preparing breakfast. She smiles and welcomes me into the house. I help her set the table while Manuel is reading his newspaper in the dining room.

"This is my first breakfast as your guest, Papa." He smiles and puts his paper down.

"You're more than just a guest, my angel. You're also the master of this house. It's a joy to have you living here." We have coffee and some toast. I admire the lovely cups, saucers, platters, silver spoons, and trays of food. I feel like playing with a doll in a doll's house, for everything is neat, shiny, and impeccable. I'm still getting used to this beautiful world.

I notice the nice fruit tower, warm buns in a basket, and slices of cake on an ornate silver platter. I turn to the honey jar, jams, cream cheese, butter, and peanut butter. Not to mention the tray of cured meats: ham, sausage, salami, and roast beef. He also loves cheese. I count five different kinds.

"You're not eating anything, my angel?"

"But Manuel, I hardly know where to start! There is so much food on the table." He smiles.

"You're just like a little bird, my angel." He helps himself to some more coffee. He finishes his bowl of oatmeal and has some buns, butter, and jam. I admire the fresh rose bouquet. Yellow roses are so pretty in this delicate crystal vase.

As we finish our morning banquet, he tells me I can stay in the house and take my time while I adapt to my new routine. I insist I go with him to the store to lend him a hand. He smiles and kisses me.

"You're very special to me, my precious. Hop on the truck then." He talks to Mariana about our master bathroom and the dirty laundry that needs to be done. I chuckle as he explains to her about his nosebleed again. He then takes a fat bundle of papers and his leather case, where he usually keeps his valuables. He starts the truck, and we leave the house.

"This is going to be my first official day of work at the store, Papa!" I feel excited and kiss him many times. He smiles and pays close attention to the road, almost running over a dog. "I'm sorry, Papa. I shouldn't distract you while you're behind the steering wheel." He slows down and kisses me.

We arrive at the store, which is about seven blocks away. He opens the wide doors and turns on the cash register machine. I go to the back and prepare coffee for Jurandir and Reginaldo. They should be here in half an hour. I also help Manuel check the fridges, freezers, and other electrical appliances in the store. I make a mental note of everything that he does and ask him several questions about the operation of the store.

He takes a cloth and wipes the counter. I place the cups on a tray and leave them on the table. I find the large cookie jar and place it on the table. Manuel checks his directory book for calls he'll be making during the day. I notice his yellow pencil behind his ear. He describes to me his morning checklist at the store. I nod and listen attentively, already thinking of ways of simplifying all these steps.

Jurandir and Reginaldo arrive, and we all have coffee and cookies. Manuel talks to us and gives us instructions for the day. Reginaldo and Manuel shall go to another town to pick up some goods for the store. Jurandir will teach me the routine work at the store and how to handle various products.

The morning turns out to be quite busy as clients and suppliers arrive. I sign a couple of documents as I inspect what is being delivered to us. Jurandir says Manuel is quite thorough with high-quality goods and very demanding of his workers. He also says today is quite an unusual day, for many customers are coming to the store in the morning. I think it's got to do with the harvest, he says.

Manuel and Reginaldo arrive later. They have many products to unload. Jurandir helps them while I work at the cashier and serve our customers. Manuel drinks coffee and checks the receipts I've signed in the morning. I showed him the products brought to us and the sales figures we did, too. He is impressed by our work and keeps on making notes and scribbling things with his pencil. He also tells me to watch and inspect each item that suppliers bring into the store. I nod and tell him I've already done it. He smiles and kisses me.

"What a smart kid you are! I bet that in no time you're going to be the manager of the store, my angel."

When it's lunch time, Manuel calls me to head back home. He says he's starving and rubs his belly. I finish servicing the last client, and Jurandir comes to take over the cashier.

"Manuel, I can hardly believe it's already lunch time! Time just flew by!" He chuckles and says it's all the more pleasurable to work when I am at the store. "You're always so happy and content with everything, my angel! You've surely brought light into my life!" We kiss.

We have a delicious lunch. We eat rice, beans, steak, potatoes, and a salad. For dessert, Mariana prepared an apricot pie served with lemon ice cream. After our hearty lunch, Manuel says he always takes a short nap in his favorite armchair in the living room before heading back to the store.

As I don't feel like taking a nap today, I go to the garden and admire the flowers and vegetables. I notice that at the back, Mariana has done the laundry and hung our clothes to dry. I blush as I see the large pristine white sheets. I wonder how she managed to get rid of the blood stain.

She shows me the laundry area, which is spacious and well-organized. We go to the vegetable garden and pick up some tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, parsley, green onions, radishes, watercress, eggplant, and some kale leaves. She tells me Manuel has planted and tended the vegetables and the garden.

When there's too much work, he's got a worker to mow the lawn, prune the trees, take out dead branches, and clean up the pool.

I see a lemon tree and pick some lemons. As we enter the kitchen, I help Mariana wash the vegetables. As we're chatting, we hear Manuel clearing his throat. I've totally forgotten he's taking his nap and closed the kitchen door gently. I turn to Mariana, and we whisper to each other. She shows me once more where she keeps all the pots, knives, trays, and other utensils. She tells me she's worked for a long time for the family. I open the silverware drawer and ask her about the usage of each item.

"Geez, Mariana! Back to the farm, at my parents' house, we don't have this array of silverware. They look so alike, but there are small differences in size." She smiles and tells me I've still got a lot to learn. Just then, Manuel joins us in the kitchen. He drinks a glass of water, rubs his eyes, and yawns.

"Did you have a good nap, honey?" He smiles.

"Yes, my precious. I'm ready to go back to work now." He stretches his arms.

We head back to the store, and Reginaldo and Jurandir take their turn to have lunch. Manuel makes some calls while I take care of the store. He says that later, he and Reginaldo are going to pick up some produce, which in turn is to be taken to another town. I notice a large load of boxes with fresh produce at the back. He says they'll load the truck and deliver the goods using the old store truck that is in the garage.

As Jurandir and Reginaldo return from their lunch, they load the truck for delivery. Then, Manuel and Reginaldo hit the road again. Jurandir tells me that Manuel has a large network of producers who deliver him fresh goods. He, in turn, takes and sells them directly to other stores in another city, making some profit. It's very heavy labor, but it brings in good money. He says Manuel has a good head for business. This comes as no surprise to me.

On his way back to town, he always brings more products to be commercialized at the store. It's no wonder we offer the best and freshest products in the market. Jurandir even says that Manuel shall be quite busy in the following days because of the big harvest. After all, he owns much land.

"But that's insane, Jurandir. How on earth is he going to find time to drive a combine all day in the field and manage this store?" Jurandir shrugs his shoulders.

"That's what I've been trying to tell him. During the harvest time, a worker and I usually take care of the store for him. Then, I take the earnings, place it in a deposit box, and take them to his house. He comes back home close to midnight, takes a shower, eats dinner, and checks the receipts and money before going to bed. Then, on the following day, he repeats the same excruciating routine. Of course, he can't go on like that. At the moment, he's a man in his prime, but he has to think of his health and private life." He smiles and turns to me. "I'm really glad he's found someone who can be on equal grounds with him. You have no idea how much this man needs you, my friend." I smile. "Three large farms are a lot of work during harvest time, Ken. On top of that, he also offers his harvesting and sowing services to other farmers for a fee. As I said, it's a busy time for farmers, and Manuel makes a good profit then."

"I see, Jurandir. Anyway, I always thought he owned just that farm by Água da Madeira River," I say. Jurandir smiles and shakes his head.

"Are you kidding me, Ken! That farm is the smallest one compared to the two other ones he owns." He says that the other two farms have been leased to other farmers for a handsome price. In one of them, he stores his fleet of farm machinery: tractors, sowing machines, sprayers, and combines.

Jurandir says there is a fortune in farm machinery on his land, where the old manor house used to be. He adds that Manuel is a wealthy man, though he still sticks to his simple lifestyle.

"Well, Jurandir, at least now he's finding time to visit my folks, take rests on Sundays, and hopefully now, take better care of himself." I say. He chuckles.

"After he's met you, he's become another man." He confides that he's often worried about Manuel being alone and a bachelor, especially being a wealthy man.

I know Jurandir has inferred that Manuel has had lovers and was probably in love as well. I suppose a lot of young gay men could be greedy, using their charm to lure a man like Manuel to get ahead in life.

Manuel and Reginaldo arrive much later, almost at the store's closing time. I have all the money counted and stored in a box for him to check. Jurandir, Reginaldo, and Manuel unload the truck, and we call it a day. We close the store, and Manuel is drenched in sweat. He also says he's feeling quite hungry and thirsty.

"How was the trip on the road, honey?"

"Quite tiring, my precious. We had to unload our produce, settle the price, look for some other products we needed for the store, and load the truck back again. I'm very tired now."

"Say, after dinner, I'll give you a massage, Papa." He smiles and kisses me.

"That would be a treat, my angel. I've never had this kind of royal treatment before."

We arrive home, and I carry the shoe-sized wooden safe box, while he brings the fat case with papers and documents. Mariana has prepared dinner and feels ready to go home. I tell Manuel to take a shower while I walk Mariana to the door and check the kitchen. Everything is perfect. As soon as I am done with my tasks, I go upstairs to have my shower too. I find Manuel still under the water. I can tell he's quite tired today, the poor thing. I meet him facing the wall with the water hitting his back. I join him and gasp as I realize Manuel loves taking cold showers!

We kiss and soap each other's backs. I love our shower ritual. My hand travels over his rough, muscular, hairy body, and I feel each muscle, fleshy contour, and hairy part. He does the same for me. As we dry each other off, he says he's feeling much better now. He puts on his cotton boxers and sleeveless cotton shirt, for this is how he usually walks around the house. I put on some light denim pants and a light shirt. He turns to me and points to my stained shirt.

"Oh, it's one of my favorite shirts, Papa." I blush.

"And how long have you had it, my angel?" He looks into my eyes. I smile and try to brush off his question.

"Oh, Papa, I don't know."

"My angel, I mean it." He purses his bottom lip.

"I guess for five years." I look down.

"Five years! No wonder it's stained," he kisses me. "I'm sorry, my angel. I didn't mean to," I smile.

"Manuel, it's ok." He kisses my face. "It's just that I don't have much new or fancy stuff to wear. When you live on a farm, you wear simple stuff." He shakes his head.

"Tell you what, tomorrow you're taking the afternoon off and going shopping."

"But Manuel, what about the store?" He smiles.

"Tomorrow I'm not doing my business trips. I suppose it won't hurt to be away from the store for a couple of hours to go shopping with you."

"All right, Manuel. But, please, I'm a simple young man. I don't want you to spend a lot of money on me. You've already given me a lot of expensive gifts, Papa." He smiles and kisses me.

"All right, my angel. But let your lover take care of you, all right?" He smiles, and I finally give in.

"All right, Papa. I can't say no to you." We kiss.

We move downstairs and admire the few golden rays of the setting sun through the delicate colored glass panels.

"Papa, you sit down and let me serve you dinner." He is about to protest, but I insist, and he smiles.

One thing I have to keep in mind is that Manuel is used to having large portions. We feast and comment on the delicious flavor of each dish. The meat in the stew is very tender. We also have rice, fried kale in pork fat and bacon, beans, a green salad, and a lemon pie for dessert. We lavish ourselves with this tasty meal. Manuel says we can leave the dishes in the sink, for Mariana can do them in the morning. I tell him to go to the living room, while I fix the table and prepare a fresh pot of coffee.

"My angel, let me at least give you a hand in the kitchen." I smile and push him away.

"Papa, it gives me pleasure to be here and help you. I'll be with you shortly with our coffee."

He goes to the living room and reads his newspaper. I prepare coffee and fill this shiny ornate silver pot. Boy, I can tell it's real silver, for it's heavy. I also put these immaculate white cups and saucers that Marina showed me how to use. The fine porcelain set for cream and sugar matches the cups. I also laid a very intricate and delicate lace cloth to cover the large, heavy silver tray. I think I've counted over ten heavy silver trays, which Mariana polishes daily. I serve him coffee, and he takes his sugar. He does not like cream as I do. After his second cup, he rubs his belly and invites me to lie on his lap while he strokes my hair. In the meantime, he tells me about the coming harvest, when he shall be quite busy and will have to be away from the store.

After this lovely, relaxing time on his lap, it's my turn to give him a treat. I tell him to sit on the thick carpet, while I remain on the sofa. I straddle him and remain behind him so I can have good leverage to massage his back, shoulders, and neck. I begin to massage his broad, muscular shoulders and neck. I move to his scalp and temples. I spend some time rubbing and pressing his large back. Then, I take his big, strong arms and massage them thoroughly. I move to his thick, hairy fingers and massage the palms of his hands. Then, I tell him to sit on the sofa, while I sit on a velvety footrest and take his large, muscular leg. I feel the tense muscles of his hairy thigh and move to his large knee, big round calf, and solid shin. Finally, I massage his large hairy foot, sole, and hairy toes. He moans and closes his eyes. I bet he's going to fall asleep before I start doing his other foot. As expected, Manuel is already snoring loudly. He comes to and smiles.

"You're just an angel. I feel much more relaxed now."

"You were quite tense, Papa." He smiles and kisses me.

"And you helped me relieve a lot of my tension, my angel. Thank you." He says he needs to do some work in his study, and I take the coffee tray away.

The moment I clean up the tray, I return to the quiet living room and write in my diary.

'Oh, dear me, what a wonderful new world I'm living in now! Manuel is by my side, taking care of me, and I of him. What a change of life. He noticed my stained shirt. I lied to him about it being only five years--it's ten! It was worn by Dad, and then it was passed down to me. I didn't have the heart to tell him it was one of my best shirts. Others are older and, well, they can still be worn. Poor Manuel, he felt so bad for having pointed out my simplicity. He needs to understand that on the farm, we wear simple clothes that can get dirty. As my family and I rarely go out, except when we go to church or to sell our produce in town, we wear almost the same clothes over and over again. A lot of our clothes mother got from relatives in São Paulo. Whenever she travels there, she asks them for clothes they're no longer wearing. A lot of them are still in good condition. I even wear some to go to church. She usually goes to São Paulo by Christmas time, when she stays at her youngest sister's house. They attend a religious ceremony for a dead relative, according to her folks' Shinto tradition. Now I suppose my new life demands that I pay more attention to the way I look, for town folks notice that.

Oh, dear! How on earth am I going to get used to wearing my Sunday's best every day of the week? Manuel, though a simple man, has an immense closet filled with fine and expensive clothes. On top of that, he has his ring, gold bracelet, gold necklace, and puts on the nicest fragrances. He showed me his large closet, and I couldn't believe one person could own so much clothing, accessories, and perfumery! I always marvel at his collection of shoes, boots, sandals, and slippers. He must have at least thirty bottles of perfume, cologne, and lotions. I suppose wealthy people really know how to take care of themselves.

Well, this is my new world. I need to adjust to my new condition in life. I just hope Manuel will not want to spend too much money on clothing for me. My simple life contrasts sharply with this world of wealth and splendor.'

The moment I put my golden pen down, I hear Manuel clear his throat. I turn to the study and see the lights still on, for he left the door open. I suppose he has just finished checking his safe-box with money and checks, inspected his receipts, filed papers, and read his mail.

"My angel, you're so quiet. Were you writing in your diary?" He smiles.

"Yes, Papa. Are you finished with your work?" He smiles and takes my hands.

"Yes, my angel. I'm all yours now!" He smiles, and we kiss. "This is the routine I've always wanted to have. To live with a real angel in this house, and be cared for by delicate hands that only an angel possesses. I'll be your knight in shining armor, ready to protect you against anything, my precious! I'm so happy that you're in my life." We hug.

"And I'm happy to be here too, Papa." He shuts the lights off, and we head to our bedroom. He takes off his sleeveless shirt and joins me in bed in his shorts. I lean on his hairy chest, and he puts his arm around me.

"Good night, my angel."

"Good night, Papa." He shuts off the lights, and we drift off to sleep.

On the following morning, I hear Manuel taking his laps in the pool. I check the time, and it's already six twenty A. M. I stretch and feel the empty side of the bed. I take his pillow and kiss it.

Rise and shine! I look at my sleepy face in the large mirror and yawn. I hear his firm footsteps on the floorboards, and he comes storming into the bathroom.

"Good morning, my precious! You're so fresh and loving!" I feel his cold lips. He removes his large white robe and says he's dying to shower with me. I pick up his robe and hang it, while I put his large black Speedos in the hamper. I strip, take heart, and join him under the freezing water.

"Papa, this water is freezing!" He hugs me.

"I love cold showers, my angel. Here, do you like it when I hug you?"

"Of course I do, Papa!"

After washing his hair for him, he does the same for me. He massages my scalp gently, and I just love it. After rinsing off the soap, I soap and scrub his big body. He remains still as I massage, rub, and scrub him. As he rinses off the soap, we kiss. He then washes my body too. He never ceases grabbing, dry humping, and embracing me under the cold water.

As we finish showering, I exit right away and dry off. He continues under the cold water, then comes out too. We dry each other off, and I kiss his lips. We get dressed right away to fight off the cold.

"Here, my angel. Let Big Papa carry you down the stairs."

"No, honestly, Papa. I can walk. You'll end up knocking a vase or a portrait on the way down." I offer him my hand, and we both go downstairs.

"I love to go down the stairs with my angel." He smiles.

As we reach the kitchen, we find Mariana busily preparing breakfast. We greet her, and she tells us to head to the dining room. I can hardly believe the table has already been set, bless her soul. We sit, and she brings the coffee pot and hot milk.

Manuel loves his orange juice, bowl of steaming oatmeal, hard-boiled eggs, toast with jam and butter, a piece of fruit, cheese, ham, salami, and black coffee. At times, he would have a slice of cake or a cookie. He eats silently while browsing the paper. At times, he pauses, recites something to himself, and moves his lips silently. I bet he's already working on numbers and tasks to be done today. He turns to me and opens a smile.

"You never eat much, my angel."

"Papa, there's so much food on the table. On the farm, we just have coffee, bread, ham or cheese, butter or jam. Sometimes, on special occasions, we might have some cake." I drink my coffee and milk, and eat my buttered toast.

"I'm used to having a big breakfast. As I'm a big man, I need nourishment." I eat some cheese, ham, and a small, delicate bun. As soon as we're finished, Mariana clears the table. I follow Manuel to his truck, and we go to the store.

"Are you ready to do some work in the store, my angel?" I smile.

"Of course, Papa."

He parks the truck in the back area of the store, and we open the doors. I follow the routine checklist. We check the fridges and freezers. Then, we tackle the counters, making sure they're spotless. I start the cash register machine, counting the money for the change. He checks the shelves, products, and stock. He never ceases scribbling things on a clipboard. Later, I prepare some coffee and take out the cookie jar.

Reginaldo and Jurandir arrive. We have coffee, as Manuel tells us what to do for the day. He and Reginaldo are going to load the truck and take it to the road. Jurandir and I shall take care of the store.

Manuel then tells me a friend, Mr. Fritz, will deliver some frozen and smoked goods (sausages and pork ribs) in the morning. I am to pay this man with a check. I nod and watch them load the truck. Then, the first few customers arrive, and I greet them. He and Reginaldo are then ready to go. I notice his case of documents left on a chair.

"Jurandir, give Manuel this case of documents, please! He's forgotten to take it along." I hand him the heavy case.

"Wow, the old man would get mad at himself for having forgotten that!" He smiles.

With the help of Jurandir, I learned much about running the store. I always observe how he weighs products, uses the electronic scale, and packs each product.

In the meantime, this older, tall, slim, and blue-eyed man comes in. He's got an old yellow cap on. This man must be Mr. Fritz. I greet him and take several crates of sausages and packages of frozen goods that he's brought. He hands us the receipt, and I scan it. Jurandir then takes the boxes to put the goods in the freezer.

"Jurandir, dear. It doesn't hurt to check the products we have here." We weigh all the products, and it's correct. I sign the first note. "About the frozen packages, it says Manuel is buying thirty-five bags. I counted thirty-three bags, Mr. Fritz." The older man turns red with embarrassment.

"Maybe my son didn't count them correctly, you know." He forces a smile as I cross the numbers and recalculate the value. Jurandir looks at me. I show Mr. Fritz the new value, and he agrees with me. I fill in the check and hand it to him.

"It was great doing business with you, Mr. Fritz." We shake hands, and he says he's got more products for Manuel's store. I just need to give him a call and place an order. I thank him and promise to give him a call later. He leaves right away.

"Gosh, this man has been delivering goods for us for a long time, Ken." Jurandir looks surprised.

"Well, as he said, mistakes happen." I smile and tell him I've worked with my mother selling vegetables and fruits to customers at their houses. It doesn't hurt to check the weight and the quantity of products each customer is taking and putting in the bag.

Barely have we put the products in the freezers, a couple of customers ask for sausage and pork ribs. I suppose they're preparing a barbecue, just like Jurandir has told me earlier. He said that during the harvest time, a lot of farmers buy meat to celebrate the beginning and end of the harvest season. They throw a barbecue for the workers to motivate them. So, the sales of beverages, ice, meat, and charcoal increase dramatically during this time.

"And what about Manuel's farms? I don't believe he said anything about going to drive his combine." Jurandir drinks some coffee.

"He's too busy to remember all the details, Ken. But the old man owns a lot of land and shall be quite busy during this time. He shall be running around buying machine parts to replace broken ones, signing checks and visiting cooperatives where he delivers his grains. At times, he doesn't even show up at the store. He only comes to collect the money and the receipts at the end of the day. And God knows what time he goes to bed after doing all his tasks."

"I suppose this is the same with my dad, who also works in the field."

Just then, Manuel comes back with Reginaldo. Jurandir then helps them unload the truck. I take care of the cash register and service some customers. Manuel comes to join me.

"Ken, my angel, I see that Mr. Fritz hasn't pulled the wool over your eyes!" He chuckles.

"No, honey. I suppose he thought I was too young and inexperienced to be doing this job. Anyway, I wonder why he acts like that. You said his products are prime, and he's got a good reputation in town. That man should zeal for his reputation." Manuel laughs.

"You're right, my angel. And by the way, thanks for sending Jurandir with my case of documents. My wallet and truck documents were all there as well. You saved my life, my angel!" The phone rings, and he picks it up.

More customers come to the store, and I service them. Manuel says he needs to rush to Mr. Cavalleri to give instructions about the farm equipment and the harvesting of grains. He also says he might arrive late for lunch and tells me to go home by myself.

"I'm sorry, my angel, but our shopping for your new clothes will have to wait. You can still go shopping by yourself, my angel." He takes a bundle of bills and hands them to me. "This should be enough for something basic. When I have more time, I promise I'll take you to Cascavel City, where I'll lavish you with new clothes and shoes, my angel." I am about to protest, but Manuel kisses me and is on his way out.

My head is still spinning. I put the money in my small wallet, and it bulges. He's given me more money than my mother would spend in clothing for my entire family for a year!

Just then, another supplier comes in to deliver his goods. The sales representative also comes along. His name is Mr. Silva. He presents me with the receipts, and I call Jurandir.

"Manuel hasn't spoken about this man, Mr. Silva. He's delivering beverages. Did you check out our stock for beverages?"

"Yes, Ken. We'll need a good supply, for a lot of customers are coming here for them. There's more demand than supply." I nod. As Jurandir and Reginaldo are taking the goods, I check each crate and talk to Mr. Silva.

"Mr. Carvalho usually pays for the supplies on the spot with a check, Mr. Nakamura." I smile.

"You can call me Ken." I smile.

"And you can call me Osvaldo." In his hurry, Manuel forgot to tell us about this important supplier. To make matters worse, I don't have a check to pay him.

"All right. Say, I'm paying you in cash for today's order. On top of that, I'm also placing another big order for you. I'm also advancing you fifty percent of the payment, cash. Will you deliver us by the end of this week?" Jurandir turns to Reginaldo. Osvaldo scratches his head.

"All right. I have other places to deliver. But I'm delivering to you in say, four days."

"Make it three and we're settled!" I smile while counting his money.

"All right. I should be back here on Friday then!" He fills in the order and makes his calculations. I also take my small white calculator, and the prices differ. I point that out to him. Jurandir scratches his head.

"That's because there's going to be a slight increase in the price from the factory. You know, because of taxes and all." He smiles.

"But I'm already paying you in advance. Besides, you always do business with us. C'mon, I know you can do this for me." I smile.

"Geez, all right then, young man!" We shake hands, and I hand him the money.

"See you in three days, Osvaldo and have a good day!" Jurandir turns to me.

"Wait until the old man sees you, Ken. He won't believe you've actually got a steady supply, quick delivery, and on top of that, got a discount!"

"Poor Manuel, he gave me that money for me to buy clothes. But anyway, my new clothes will have to wait." Jurandir turns to Reginaldo.

"He gave you all that money for clothes?" He scratches his head. "I never heard Manuel was this generous with his money." Jurandir chuckles.

"He's changing, my friend." We service some more customers. Reginaldo turns to me.

"We're selling so much beer lately. Soon, we're going to be the only ones left in town with a good supply, thanks to you, Ken." We smile.

"Boy, look at the time! It's already half past twelve! I'm going home to have lunch and shall be back shortly, guys!"

Back at the house, Mariana has already set the table. She says Manuel hasn't arrived yet. I tell her he's coming later. When I'm about to start, I hear his truck coming.

"There he is, now." He comes sweating and panting. "Hi, honey, you've just arrived on time for lunch. I've just gotten home now, too."

"My angel, you're just the best!" He kisses me. I follow him to the small lavatory. He washes his hands and smiles. "I was at the store now, and they've already told me about the beverage supplier story. You're just incredible, my angel! Thank you for saving the day!" We kiss. "But, I still think that you shouldn't have used the money I gave you to buy clothes. It was your money, my angel."

"I'm sorry, honey. It was just that we needed it to do business."

"Of course, my angel. It was actually my fault, for I've totally forgotten to leave some extra checks with you to pay for my supplier."

"Shall we have lunch then?" He smiles.

"I'm starving, my angel!"

During our delicious lunch, Manuel tells me he's going to have a busy afternoon. All his farm machinery is going to be used for the harvest, which he's decided to anticipate. He has his farms to harvest and grains to sow at the same time.

"No problem, honey. I'll take care of the store for you." I smile.

"Thank you, my angel. I cannot believe a young man like you is taking charge of my business and also taking care of me. What would I do without you, my angel?" We have coffee, and Manuel rushes to his office to collect his papers and documents. "My angel, this afternoon, there will be some men coming to the store to get paid for their services. They're workers from my farms. Also, there are some more suppliers of farm machinery. Mr. Cavalleri shall visit you to take the parts and components to bring to the fields. I'm leaving seven checks already signed for you to fill in and pay them. I'll also ask you to go to the bank and deposit the value that is kept in the box, which is in my desk at the store. There's a fair amount in it, for I haven't had time to go to the bank myself. Here is the key for the drawer. Watch that no one else touches it. And this is my bank card. Speak with Mr. Pereira, he's the manager and knows me very well." The phone rings.

"All right, honey." He picks up the phone. I kiss him. He tells me to close the door of his office as I go. But before that, he hands me another bundle of bills for buying new clothes. I kiss and thank him before closing the door.

At the store, I tell the guys to take their lunch break. Then, I take care of the store by myself, for early afternoons are usually quiet for us. Some businesses in town even close their doors for lunch. In the meantime, I take all the receipts and check each carefully. A few customers come in, and I service them without a problem. Just then, a farmer's truck arrives, and two men come into the store. They buy five crates of beer and the remainder of Mr. Fritz's sausages and frozen ribs. I suggest they take some bags of charcoal, and they take five large bags.

"You're good at servicing at the store, kid." The older man says, while handing me the bills. I notice that two bills are stuck together.

"I do what I can, sir. By the way, you're giving me extra money. I suppose these bills were stuck together. Anyway, here is your change, your receipt, and let me give you something too." I take two packages of garlic buns. "Here, have you ever tried these?" He shakes his head. "I'm giving you two bags for you to try. Then you tell me what you think." We smile.

"Well, no one has ever offered me anything like that in this store. Anyway, I haven't tried this product yet. But if I don't like it, I'll be very frank with you."

"I'm sure you won't need to do that, Sir. Product is king!"

"All right. Bye, kid!" As I have some free time, I check the freezers. This is just how I suspected. They're nearly empty. I have no doubts and pick up the phone.

"Hello? Is this Mr. Fritz? Hi, this is Ken, the boy from Manuel's store! Oh, you remember me! Good!" He speaks quietly, and it's hard to hear him. I place another order with him. This time, I'm doubling the number of products. He says he'll come to the store in about one hour. I just confirmed with him the prices for his goods, then hung up.

Jurandir and Reginaldo arrive, and I tell them about Mr. Fritz's coming later with his goods and the people who will come to collect their checks. Reginaldo and Jurandir replenish the shelves, while I greet the workers that Manuel has told me about. I take their checks and ask them to sign some papers for me. I fill each check and pay them individually. Jurandir and Reginaldo look at me as I hand each worker his payment.

Mr. Fritz then arrives, and Reginaldo and Jurandir weigh and count the products. I calculate the value, count the money, and pay him. Manuel will have to forgive me again for having used the money that was supposed to be for clothes. Then, he decides to buy a crate of beer, some charcoal, jars of olives and palm hearts, flour and rice bags, beans, sugar, and oil. Jurandir is quite surprised to see the amount that he pays.

"It's good doing business with you, young man." I hand him his change, receipt, and ask him if he sells raw sausages instead of just smoked. He says he can prepare them just for us. I smile and place a big order for him.

"Goosh, that man has never bought anything at our store, Ken. I wonder what's gotten over him." Jurandir says.

"Maybe he's realized we can be good business partners. By the way, it's a quarter to four. Banks should close shortly. I've still got to make a deposit. I shall be back in a minute!" I take my key, open Manuel's drawer, and take out all the cash and checks to be deposited. Oh, gosh, I didn't know he had that much money stored.

In no time, I'm already speaking with Mr. Pereira, the bank manager. A few people look at me. I recognize a school friend and wave.

Geez, I can hardly believe I'm at the bank, speaking with the manager, and making this huge deposit for Manuel. Mr. Pereira hands me the deposit receipt and offers me a cup of coffee.

"I saw you taking care of Manuel's store today. You're the son of Mr. and Mrs. Nakamura, aren't you?" I smile.

"Yes, I'm working at Manuel's store and live with him. We're partners now. And Mr. and Mrs. Nakamura are my parents. I remember having come to the bank a couple of times with Mom."

"I see."

"Well, as Manuel is quite busy with the harvest, I'm giving him a hand." Just then, I remembered I needed to go back to the store to talk to the suppliers. "Listen, Mr. Pereira, I've got a lot of things to do at the store. It was great meeting you! Thank you for your help and the coffee." We shake hands. "By the way, if you are interested in prime pork ribs and delicious homemade sausages, come to our store." I smile. He smiles back, and I leave the bank.

As soon as I return, Jurandir is speaking to a man. I realize he's one of the suppliers that Manuel has spoken about. He produces me a bill, and I sign. Jurandir says Mr. Cavalleri is coming to pick up the merchandise. The phone rigns and I pick it up.

"Hello, my angel? It's Manuel! How are things?"

"Oh, hi, Papa. We're doing well. And what about you?"

"Busy, my angel. Listen, I need you to tell Jurandir to bring all the parts and components you got to the fields! Mr. Cavalleri is busy helping me, and we're also heading to the fields."

"All right, honey."

"And how was the visit to the bank?"

"Mr. Pereira was quite nice and helpful, and things went smoothly."

"All right. I knew you would know how to handle business. Listen, I hope you don't mind if you close the store for me, and take the money and the case with all the papers and receipts home."

"Sure, Papa. Anything else?"

"Yes. I love you, my angel!"

"I love you too, Papa! And don't work too hard! Bye!"

I call Jurandir. I ask him to take all the materials to the field, for Mr. Cavalleri is busy and won't be able to come to the store to pick them up.

"Sure."

Reginaldo helps him load the truck. Before closing the store, I take a thorough look at the shelves and freezers. I write down my note, and wish to talk to Jurandir about it. I can tell we're already lacking supplies. Manuel is surely being missed here. Then, Jurandir is back, and we talk about the supplies. He says the store's deposit is already low on stock again.

"All right, my friend. Tomorrow morning, I'm sure Manuel will make some calls for suppliers. Well, let's call it a day, guys!" I take out the money in a case and the case of papers. Jurandir closes the store and hands me the keys.

Geez, I can hardly believe the day is over, and we've closed Manuel's store! I just hope I haven't made any serious mistakes, for Manuel might get disappointed with me.

I arrive home and talk to Mariana. She tells me everything in the house is fine, and I dismiss her. In the meantime, I take all the important papers and leave them on Manuel's large desk. I put the money case in a drawer and locked it with Manuel's spare key. This office is quite large and dark. I wonder how Manuel can work here for hours.

A shower is all I need now. I stretch and go upstairs. As I climb up the stairs, I find it odd to walk in this immense house on my own. I enter our bedroom and take a shower alone. I dry off and get dressed in my simple, plain clothes.

Sharks! I forgot to buy new clothes again! Hopefully, Manuel will not notice my old clothes.

Downstairs, I find the food on the stove and the table set for two. Instead of having dinner by myself, I take my glass of juice and go outside to the pool area.

It's interesting how I'm feeling much more at ease and at home now. I sit and drink my juice and enjoy the peace in paradise. I admire the sky turning dark blue, and some birds flying above. I pick up my empty glass and return home. Perhaps I should write in my diary. I write a few lines and then hear Manuel's truck in the garage. My heart leaps with joy as I close my diary.

"Hi, my sweet angel! Papa is home!" He's all smiles.

"Papa, welcome home!" We kiss.

"I need a good shower, my angel. Look at me, I'm covered in dust. And my clothes smell of diesel oil."

"I'll help you then, Papa!" I take his big, heavy case of papers to his office and join him in the bedroom. "Let me help you undress, Big Papa!" His shirt is drenched in sweat. His pants are covered in dust and oil. He looks quite tired, after all, he's had a full day.

"Are you having a shower with your Papa?" He smiles in a pleading way.

"Sure. I've already had my shower, but I'll join you to help you wash." He smiles and turns on the warm water this time. Hurray!

"I missed you, my angel." He hugs me, and we feel the warm water on our bodies. He kisses me gently. I feel his long, fat, limp cock rub against me. I suppose he's too tired to play with me tonight.

"Let me soap and scrub you, Papa." I take the delicate soap bar and rub his body. He smiles and closes his eyes. I take the sponge and rub his strong, hairy neck and hairy, muscular frame. He rinses off the soap, and I dry him off gently.

"Thank you, my angel." He kisses my hand. He puts on his white pair of cotton briefs and his old leather pair of slippers. I take his big hand, and we go downstairs.

"You sit down, and I'll serve you dinner, Papa." I turn on the heat and take the salad bowl. I place a generous amount of salad in his plate and add some dressing.

"Thank you, my life." I join him, and we start.

He tells me about his backbreaking labor on the farm, the farm machinery, the workers helping him, and the spectacular yield of his crop. We finish our salad, and I bring in the warm dishes. I pour some rice, meat stew, and fried kale into his plate. By now, I know he likes big portions.

"You're just an angel, my love." He takes my hand and kisses it.

"And you're my sweetest Papa." After our delicious dinner, I tell him I'm clearing the table and preparing coffee. He says he'll be in his office doing paperwork. I tell him about the money and where I've put everything. He smiles.

"Let me guess, my little bird! You didn't go shopping for clothes today?" Instead of answering him, I kiss him on the lips many times. He shakes his head and goes to his office. This time, he leaves the doors open.

Mariana will surely have a busy day tomorrow with all the dishes. I place everything in the large sink and clear the table. I prepare coffee, take out the cups, saucers, and everything else, and set my heavy silver tray. As soon as coffee is ready, I take the large silver tray to the living room. I go to his office, and he's still busy filling papers.

"Papa, coffee is ready." He turns to me and smiles.

"You're amazing, my angel!" He leaves his work and turns off the light. "Let's have some coffee then." By now, I know exactly how to pour coffee in those delicate cups using the heavy, solid silver kettle. I've also learned which small silver spoon to use, the best delicate cookie to offer with this drink.

"You're just the best, my angel! In such little time, you've already mastered the art of taking care of the house, the store, and me. I'm quite impressed, my angel!" He drinks his coffee. "And what a delicious coffee! You're even making better coffee than Mariana, my love!" I smile.

"Please, Papa, you don't need to exaggerate. I'm still getting used to my new life here. I enjoy living in town, taking care of the store, running this gorgeous house, and having a partner." He smiles and asks for some more coffee.

"And I hope you're happy living with me, my angel." I hand him his cup.

"Oh, yes, I am, Papa! You make me feel complete and happy."

After our coffee, I tell Manuel I'm giving my folks a call. He smiles, tells me to send them my love, and to use the cordless phone. He says he's working some more on his papers and needs to concentrate on his task. I smile and kiss him. He goes back to his office and closes the solid doors.

After taking care of the coffee cups, I take the phone and go to the pool area to call Mom and Dad.

"Yes, of course I'm missing you. My life here is so different now. And I get very busy at the store too." I tell Mom about all the things I do. She tells me not to work too hard. She then tells me about Dad, who is still supervising the harvest in the fields tonight.

"I'm glad to know that you're getting used to living in town and with Manuel. Who would have guessed that one day you'd be married to one of the richest men in town? And Manuel seemed to be so quiet, private, and simple. And yet, he owns so much land. A friend told me he has at least ten houses for rent! Did you hear that, son, ten houses!" Mom goes on and on talking about Manuel's immense wealth.

Poor Mom, little does she know how simple, kind, and loving Papa is. He's such an honorable, respectful, and noble man. I feel quite lucky to have found him. I put the phone down and enjoy the calmness of the yard and the blue pool. I admire the lovely reflection of the light on the glassy surface. Nothing stirs the water, and I can even see the bottom. How relaxing and peaceful to be here. I wish Manuel were here too, enjoying the peace of this early evening. This private moment is what I needed to unwind from today's hectic day. I smile to myself and must admit, I love this life.

"My angel?" I turn around.

"Yes, Papa dear?" He kisses me.

"I called you several times and even thought you were gone. I felt afraid I'd lost you, my angel." I smile and kiss him.

"I'm right here, Papa." I stroke his cheek. "I felt the same way as I got back home today. Once Mariana left the house, I felt lost in this big house without you." We laugh, and he takes my hand.

"So, how are your folks doing, my angel?"

"They're fine, Papa. Dad is busy supervising the harvest. Marcelo was watching TV and spoke briefly. Mom was glad to hear I'm doing well, too." He smiles.

"We must invite them to come over to see our place, my angel. It's quite rude of me not to have invited them yet, for I've been to your house so many times and received the most welcome reception from your folks. I don't want to give them the impression I was just interested in snatching you away from them and now have shunned them from our life."

"Oh, what a thing to say, Papa. I'm sure they understand you're a busy man." He smiles and kisses me.

"You're always defending me, my angel. But I promise I'll invite them over for dinner, say, this Saturday evening. What do you say?" I smile.

"That's an excellent idea. But won't you be too busy because of the harvest, Papa?"

"Ken, my love, there are more important things in life than money. Family for one! You and your family are all I have now, my angel." I nod.

"You're just the sweetest, Papa."

"Shall we go to bed then, my angel?"

"Yes. After all, we've had a full day." I take his large hand and lead him upstairs. After brushing our teeth, we hit the hay. I lean my head on his hairy chest, and he chuckles.

"My lovely angel always likes to sleep snuggling to his Big Papa, don't you?"

"Yes, Manuel. Good night."

"Good night, my precious." He kisses my head and turns off the light.

Rise and shine! The next morning, I stretch my arms and legs lazily and remember Mom's daily chant. Manuel is probably in the pool doing his laps. He's an early bird just like me. As I enter the toilet, I hear him storming into the bathroom.

"What a lovely sight, an angel in my bathroom who is going to shower with me!"

"Good morning, Papa!" We kiss.

"Shall we take a nice shower together, my love?" I nod and join him. "Your Big Papa is feeling quite horny right now." We kiss, and I feel his already hard cock rubbing against me. "Please, my angel, can Big Papa play with his angel now, please?"

"All right." I smile and get on my knees, ready to give him head. In no time, I have his cock down my throat. We try not to make too much noise, for Mariana should be in the house shortly.

"Yes! Your Big Papa is cuming! YESSSSS!" He fills me with his hot semen, and I don't waste a single drop.

"Did you enjoy it, Papa?" We kiss.

"Yes, you just make me feel complete, my angel." We dry off and get dressed.

We go downstairs and greet Mariana. Manuel winks at me, and I blush. I just pray she hasn't heard anything. Well, this house is big, and Mariana was busy in the kitchen. Clearly, she couldn't have heard us.

We have our delicious breakfast, and he reminds me that today is another harvesting day. So, farmers get quite busy with farm machines, trucks, mechanics, and much heavy labor. Workers do their job around the clock, laboring until late at night, on weekends, and on holidays. They eat their meals in the field to save time. It's a constant battle against time. I know this myself, for this part of the state is known for soybean, corn, wheat, and bean crops. During harvest and sowing season, you hear farm machinery working until late at night. Their reflectors are like fireflies buzzing all over the endless landscape.

After breakfast, we head to his store to get things organized. I prepare coffee and serve the guys. Manuel tells us about our work today, while I scribble in my little notebook his instructions. He tells Jurandir to make a couple of calls for suppliers. He turns to me and tells me I can learn how to place orders. I nod, fully aware I can already do it, for a lot of times I've seen Manuel doing it.

He hands me several blank checks already signed to pay for the suppliers. He then asks me to pay Mr. Pereira another visit to the bank and request some more checkbooks for him. He is almost running out of checks and has absolutely no time to go to the bank. He hands me again his bank card. On his way to his truck, he gives a big hug.

"I'm sorry to be always running around like this. I wish I could spend more time with you and lead a normal life. I hope you forgive me, my little bird."

"It's all right, honey." I stroke the back of his head. "I understand you're a busy man and have a lot of responsibilities." He smiles and kisses me.

"And don't work too hard, my angel."

"I won't! And don't work too hard either, Papa!" We kiss.

He leaves for one of his farms right away. He needs to get the team ready for the harvest. This year, he says, it's going to be quite profitable, for the price of soybeans has just escalated.

Jurandir explains that Manuel needs to be with his workers, being the owner of the land. He also needs to sign documents at the cooperative, where all the production is being stored. There, they collect, weigh, classify, record, and store the grains. He has a respectable investment in the production of grains. The three farms are run by his workers and leasing partners. But he has put much money into the operation, too. The costs are for the seeds, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, fuel, wages, machine maintenance, crop insurance, and more. Usually, banks make sizeable loans to farmers to produce. They also charge a handsome interest fee for their loans. Manuel, on the other hand, is using his own funds for the production on his farms. His crops are also insured against crop failure, hail, frost, drought, and other natural disasters. Jurandir says Manuel runs great risks of crop failure, too. He mentions cases of farmers losing part of their estate due to debts to the banks.

The day goes by quickly at the store, as I face new challenges. Jurandir is really Manuel's right hand and a great help. After his first call placing orders to suppliers, I begged him to let me do it too, under his close supervision. He watches me as I place order after order, negotiating prices and delivery dates.

"Oh, boy! You're very smart and learn fast, kid!" We both laugh. "I've never thought that someone so young could do all that work." He smiles.

"Jurandir, I'm still learning to do it, and having a great teacher like you makes all the difference. Besides, Manuel, being my partner, cannot fire me." We laugh.

A few suppliers arrive, and I take their products, check the receipts, and pay them. I pick up the phone and ask to speak with Mr. Pereira at the bank. I tell him Manuel needs more blank checks. He says I can come by after lunch. I thank him and check the time.

At lunch time, Manuel does not come to pick me up, for he's eating lunch in the field with the workers. Jurandir says he's probably running around for mechanics or making endless trips to the cooperative.

I walk back home and have lunch with Mariana. She also confirms with me that during this time, Manuel runs around like mad, almost forgetting about himself. I smile and tell her that this time, he has someone to watch for his store and himself. She smiles and kisses my hand.

After lunch, I return to the store and tell Jurandir and Reginaldo to take their lunch break. In the meantime, I pick up the phone and make a few more calls for suppliers. A few customers walk in, and I service them.

As soon as the guys are back at the store, I rush to the bank and speak with Mr. Pereira. He hands me a bunch of new checkbooks for Manuel.

For the rest of the afternoon, we take some supplies, and Jurandir says he needs to take the truck to another city, for he needs to pick up some products. I hand him the receipts and orders. I tell Reginaldo to go along.

"Jurandir, I've checked some of the receipts and have included the payments on them. Make sure they sign the receipts and bring me a copy." He smiles and nods.

"Yes, boss!" We smile.

"Well, the signed blank checks that Manuel left me are all gone. So, we can use cash." They look at each other and shake their heads. "Yes, boss!" They leave, and I take care of the store.

When they return, the truck is loaded with products. I inspect each box and collect all the receipts and other documents. Jurandir and Reginaldo unload the truck, and I help them to replenish our shelves. It's an unending task, and I never thought it was that hard.

It reminds me of the time Mom and I used to go to the supermarket and always found the shelves neatly organized and carefully replenished. Now I know how much work they put into this endless task.

At six, it is time to close the store. Jurandir says that during harvest, Manuel is probably working until eleven thirty P. M.

As soon as I return home, I dismiss Mariana. I filed all papers and locked up the earnings from today in his drawer. Finally, I close the door of his office and head upstairs to take a shower.

When it's past nine thirty P. M., I decide to have dinner by myself. I eat a delicious pork stew and potatoes. I know Manuel loves pork. I finish my meal and put my plate in the sink. I turn on the TV for the news, but cannot concentrate on anything. I go upstairs once more and look out the window at the desert street. Nothing. He hasn't even called home.

While downstairs, I write in my diary and sit on the sofa with a book. When it's eleven forty-five P. M., I hear his truck in the garage. I rush to the door to greet him. My heart is pounding in my chest.

"Welcome home, Papa!" I kiss him. He smells of diesel oil and sweat. His clothes are also torn in places and stained with oil.

"I look awful, my precious. I'm sorry I haven't called you to tell you I'd be arriving home late."

"Oh, that's all right, Manuel! Jurandir has already told me you'd be coming home late during the harvest season. Let me help you, Papa!" I take his big leather case of documents and put it on his desk. I follow him upstairs and help him undress.

"Isn't it time you were in bed, my little bird?" I smile.

"Only after you have your shower and fill up your tummy, Papa." We kiss.

"What an impossible angel you are!" I pick up his used clothes and put them away. He enters his shower, and I join him.

"Wow, an angel rubbing my back!" We kiss, and I soap and scrub him. In no time, he's perfumed and smiling.

"I'll heat your dinner in no time." I take his hand, and we go downstairs. He wishes to go to his office, but I forbid him.

"Please, my angel, your Papa still has things to attend to!" I kiss him.

"Manuel, you're having dinner now! Then, you're coming with me straight to bed. Remember, now you've got an angel to take care of you." He smiles and nods.

We head towards the kitchen, and I serve him his salad. As he eats, I warm his dinner in the oven.

"Your Big Papa was starving, my angel!" He smiles and eats with relish. He enjoys his food and compliments on the softness of the meat and the flavor of the potatoes.

He tells me the men were doing their best to harvest as much as possible. The weather forecast is announcing a cold front coming later this week, which in turn is bringing heavy showers. This is why they're not only harvesting, but also sowing grains for the next harvest. As he finishes his lavish meal, he begs me to let him do some work in his office.

"All right, Papa. I'll give you half an hour!" We kiss.

"Thanks, my strict angel." He closes the door of his office, and I clear the table and make coffee.

Precisely half an hour later, I take the tray of coffee to the living room. I call him, and he smiles.

"What an impossible angel you are, my love!" We kiss, and I take his callused hand. I pour him his coffee, and we drink. He smiles and says I should be in bed. I kiss him and say I cannot go to bed by myself now. After we finish our coffee, I take the tray back to the kitchen. Then, take his hand and head upstairs, brush our teeth, and finally go to bed.

"Good night, my sweet little bird." He smiles.

"Good night, dear Papa." I lean my head on his chest and fall asleep right away.

The next day, at five forty-five, I hear Manuel moaning in bed. I turn around and kiss him. He stops and resumes his sleep. I leave our bed and tiptoe to the bathroom. I wash up and brush my teeth. Gosh, it's already Saturday! I hear Manuel moaning again. I rush back to him, and he wakes up.

"Good morning, my sweet angel! You're already up!" We kiss. He stretches his arms and smiles.

"Good day, Papa dear." I join him in the shower. This time the water is warm. I rub his hairy back, chest, belly, buttocks, and legs. Then, we dry each other off and get dressed.

We join Mariana downstairs. I ask her how she manages to remove the oil stains from Manuel's clothes. They're always fresh and perfumed when he takes them out of the closet. She smiles and says she always leaves them soaked in a concentrated soap mix overnight. Then, on the next day, the stains should come off easily.

After our quick breakfast, Manuel needs to go to the cooperative. He needs to inspect the trucks of seeds he's sending there, and the fertilizers he's buying to send to his farms. He needs to negotiate prices and sign endless papers. Afterwards, he needs to take turns in one of the combines, just like yesterday, for specialized labor, this time it is scarce and nearly impossible to find. It comes as no surprise that Manuel can operate those large, loud, and heavy machines. He also operates tractors and trucks. To top it all, he also has experience in fixing farm equipment as well. He says life has taught him to be resourceful.

He drops me off at the store and goes directly to the cooperatives. Apparently, he needs to go to two different ones, for he feels afraid there could be a shortage of sowing grains and other farming products for the season. He helps me open the store and goes away in a flash. I take charge, organize everything, and greet the guys.

"Where do I find charcoal, son?" A customer asks. I smile and point to the back of the store. After two more people ask me the same question, I suggest Jurandir and Reginaldo make a good pile close to the entrance of the store.

"Those sausages are quite good, son! I've just come to buy them." I collect the money and help Mr. Pereira pack the frozen goods into a bag.

"I'm glad you liked them, Mr. Pereira. And thank you for the economy and bookkeeping lessons you've been teaching me at the bank, sir!"

"You're welcome, Ken. Come to the bank to speak to me anytime. Bye and have a great weekend!"

"Thanks. And you have a great weekend too. And come back again!" I take my list and pick up the phone.

"Ken, we're running low on the sausages again." Jurandir says, while I have Mr. Fritz already on the line.

"Hello, Mr. Fritz! Yes, that's Ken, from Manuel's store. Guess what?" I place a large order, and he says he's bringing his products in half an hour.

"Look, Reginaldo! The supplier of charcoal has just arrived!" Mr. Moraes comes and greets us.

"That's my kid taking care of the old man's store again!" He presents me with the receipt for me to sign.

"You're so welcome to the store, Mr. Moraes. We were already running low on charcoal." He smiles and counts the money I've paid him.

"It's always a pleasure doing business with you, kid." He smiles. "Half the load of the truck belongs to Manuel's store."

"Your product is king, my friend." I placed another big order for next week.

I have barely finished my coffee with Mr. Moraes when another supplier arrives. This harvesting weekend has been quite profitable for us. We must supply our customers with much charcoal, crates of beer and other beverages, frozen cuts of prime beef, ribs, sausages, pork, and chicken. Jurandir says all the supply of garlic bread is already gone. Mr. Almeida, the supplier of garlic bread, smiles. I inspect his products while Reginaldo is already placing them on the shelf. I rush to the back and take some cash from Manuel's drawer to pay for our suppliers. Dear Papa should have left us more checks, for the ones he's left are already gone. I rush back and pay another supplier with cash.

When we have a breathing period, I call our house and ask Mariana to prepare us something simple but nourishing, like steak sandwiches to be taken out. I also asked her to prepare a delicious pudding. I tell Jurandir to pick up the food on his way back from one of his rounds of deliveries, for I see grocery crates already piling up for delivery.

As they go out, more people come to the store. How I wish Manuel were here to give us a hand! I alternate between weighing products, cutting up goods, and working in the cash register. As Jurandir and Reginaldo come back, they take over their stations.

Geez, it's already half-past twelve, and I haven't eaten lunch yet. I go to the back and have a steak sandwich and some juice. Later, I eat a slice of pudding. I suggest the guys do the same, for customers don't stop coming, and we have little time even to eat.

Reginaldo loves the pudding and eats almost half of it. I saved a good piece for Manuel, in case he comes to see us at the store, which is very unlikely.

When it's time to close the store, Manuel comes panting and sweating. He says he's going to need some spare parts for the farm machinery. His truck is already loaded, and he just came to kiss me. I hand him the plasticware with some pudding and tell him to take it along. He smiles and kisses me.

"Just an angel to think of his busy Papa!" He tells me not to wait for him for dinner tonight.

As soon as he leaves, I will pay extra for Reginaldo and Jurandir for their superb work today. I take the fat case of receipts and the safe box full of checks and cash home.

As I walk up the street, I hear the church bell calling people for Mass. I smile and stop to admire the beautiful church at a distance. I know that Mom, Dad, and Marcelo must be attending the Mass. How my life has changed now. Such big changes came to me so fast.

At home, I put the fat envelopes of checks and cash inside his desk and lock it. I leave the fat case of receipts on his desk.

My shower is pleasant and relaxing. My legs and arms hurt a little from the strain of working all day in the store, running around, bending down, and lifting things. I dry and get dressed quickly.

Downstairs, I eat my light dinner. Mariana is such a dear. She's prepared a delicious palm heart pie, salad, and an aromatic carrot cake with a thick, smooth chocolate coating. I finish my meal, then head to the pool to finish my glass of pineapple and mint juice.

I notice a yellow leaf on the water's surface. Then, at the bottom of the pool, I spot something shiny. I wonder if I'm imagining things. Geez, that's a gold bracelet! I take a pole and fish it out. It's heavy and very familiar. Oh, it's Papa's solid gold bracelet! I hold it and examine the priceless piece of jewelry. I can tell it must cost a fortune. Papa must have dropped it while taking his laps lately. I wonder how he hasn't missed it. It's no wonder, for we've been so busy lately that we barely saw this week go by. I dry it and put it in my pocket.

By eight forty-five, it begins to get dark. I close the back door to the pool and check the front door. They're all locked up. I go upstairs and look out the window. Nothing about Papa and his truck. I enter one of the guest rooms and find my box of stuff.

Only now am I finding the time to sort out my things. Well, truth be said, there's so little to be sorted out. Things of no real value but sentimental: some books, a stack of pictures, my dry-leaf collection album, shiny wrapping paper of different kinds, some plastic souvenirs from the beach, shells, and old coins. I also hold the books Manuel gave me about sex and STDs. It's funny that they were in my old house, and now they're here, comfortably installed in his mansion.

After arranging my objects, I take out a book and begin to read by the window. I alternate my reading with my vigil, in case Manuel arrives. I'm reading Alexandre Herculano, a nineteenth-century Portuguese romantic writer. The book I have is called 'Eurico, o Presbítero,' which is about the life of a nobleman who sought clergical life at the Roman Catholic Church in order to forget his unattainable love. As the Muslims were conquering Europe, he became the Dark Knight, the mysterious, lonely warrior, to defend his Portuguese land against the invaders. He fights in endless battles with vigor and might, and has his mind set to release his lover from the clutches of the enemy. Unfortunately, the enemy has taken her captive. I feel sad for this man, for his rather unfortunate life and fate. I wipe a tear and close the book. I don't want Manuel to see me crying for no reason, like a silly child that I am.

Then, I smile and remember the first time I read this book, two years ago. Oh, boy, how I dreamed of my own knight in his shiny armor. Now I feel so happy because I have Papa in my life! Then, I hear his truck approaching! My heart beats faster, and I rush downstairs. In my rich, imaginative mind, Papa is my knight in his shiny armor who's just come to rescue me. Truth be said, every time I go up or down the stairs, I admire the portraits of his family and the landscapes in Europe. Then, I go daydreaming about them and of my own prince charming in his white horse, coming to me. I check the large clock, and it's already half past midnight! He opens the door, and I kiss him.

"What a lovely surprise to see an angel waiting for me! Shouldn't my little bird be in bed by now?"

"Welcome home, Papa!" I take his large case of documents and the plastic container with a silver fork in it. I hope he liked the pudding Mariana made for us.

"You're so beautiful and fresh, my precious!" He smiles and wipes his sweaty, dusty face. His voice is hoarse and deep.

"Manuel, my love, I missed you!" I take his stuff and put it away, and return with a large crystal glass of water. He gulps his water, and I take his heavy arm and guide him upstairs. He removes his oily, sweaty clothes, and I put them in a corner to be taken to the laundry sink later. I simply cannot leave them in the hamper, for they smell of diesel oil. Manuel's hairy body is covered in sweat and dust.

"I'll help you wash, Papa." I strip quickly and join him in the shower. He leans his large body against the white, wet tiles while I soap and scrub him hard. He turns around I scrub his strong body. He rinses off the soap, and we kiss. We dry each other off, and he puts on his light blue boxers and leather sandals. I take his large hand, and we go downstairs. He sits by the table and drinks some dry red wine. I serve him some palm heart pie and a salad. I open a jar of pickled radishes and pink onions, for I know he loves them. As he eats, I tell him about today's events.

"It's so rewarding to arrive home to find a warm meal, fresh clothes, and an angel waiting for me with his broad white wings open to welcome me home and protect me!" He takes my hand and kisses it.

"You look a bit downcast, Papa. What is it?" He smiles.

"You notice everything about me, my angel." He chuckles. "Well, my angel, besides being tired, I feel a bit sad because, in the midst of all this work and hustle, I lost my gold bracelet. It's probably lost in the middle of the wide open field." He forces a smile.

"Oh, of course, the gold bracelet!" He turns to me.

"Yeah, the one I always wore on my left wrist."

"There you are, Papa!" I hand him his missing jewel.

"You've found it, my angel! Where was it?" He smiles, and I put it back around his strong, hairy wrist again.

"I found it at the bottom of the pool. You must have dropped it while taking your laps."

"I'm so happy you found it for me, my angel! I thought I had lost it. Besides the sentimental value, for it belonged to Grandpa, and then to Dad, it's also worth a fortune in gold!" He takes me in his arms, and we embrace. I feel his kisses and warm tears. "Thank you, my precious. It means a lot to me. And I'm sorry if I've been so absent. I don't want to make you feel lonely in this house. I want to give you the best I can offer, my angel."

"You're already giving me so much, Papa. And what is more important, you've given me your heart." We kiss. He takes my hand, and we walk upstairs to our large bed. I snuggle up to him as we both fall together into sleep.

"Good night, my little bird."

"Good night, Papa dear."