THE FINAL DECISION
The fire destroyed part of the plantation.
Joaquim lost money.
He went deeper into debt.
Silveira returned with an even larger offer.
This time, Joaquim refused without hesitation.
Then something unexpected happened.
The repaired machinery Benedita had designed began attracting attention.
Other farmers wanted the stronger wheels.
They wanted her improved tools.
They wanted her designs.
Joaquim faced a terrible choice.
He could make money from her talent.
Or he could help her escape the life that had trapped her.
He chose the second.
He secretly arranged for Benedita to leave the plantation.
But Benedita refused.
“Where would I go?”
“Anywhere you choose.”
She shook her head.
“I don’t know anywhere.”
“Then we’ll build somewhere.”
“What do you mean?”
Joaquim pointed toward an empty piece of land near the river.
“A workshop.”
She stared at him.
“For me?”
“For you.”
