The Second Mother

Val is introduced as a dedicated woman who closely monitors young Fabinho while he swims. This moment establishes her nurturing nature and sets the tone for her character's relationship with children, especially Fabinho.

During a phone call, Val attempts to reach her daughter, Jessica, but is met with hesitance reflecting their strained relationship. This interaction foreshadows the challenges that will arise during their eventual reunion.

The story transitions to the present, where middle-aged Val is portrayed alongside her now-teenage son Fabinho. The evolution of their relationship over the years highlights Val's dedication as a mother and caregiver.

Val receives a call from her daughter Jessica, who expresses her desire to visit São Paulo from her rural home. This unexpected news brings a mix of nervousness and excitement for Val as she prepares for their reunion.

Val gifts Dona Barbara a birthday present, a gesture that highlights her desire to maintain a harmonious relationship with her employer. This initiates a conversation about Jessica's stay, albeit under reluctant terms.

At the airport, Val awaits Jessica with anticipation, but their reunion is bittersweet. Jessica’s cold address of 'Val' instead of 'Mother' showcases the emotional distance between them.

As they ride home on a bus, Jessica feels uncomfortable learning that they will be staying in Barbara's house. The tension mounts as she struggles to adapt to her new environment, which is unfamiliar to her.

Tensions escalate in Val's cramped room when Jessica voices her discomfort about her study surroundings. Dona Barbara's initial warmth quickly shifts to disapproval as Jessica's assertiveness clashes with Val's submission.

During a casual outing, Fabinho and his friend toss Jessica into the pool, provoking Barbara's furious response. She threatens to drain the pool based on unfounded claims of a rat sighting, exacerbating the family tensions.

Jessica discovers a promising apartment to rent, leading to hopes of independence. Her aspirations are crushed when she learns it has already been rented, deepening her sense of frustration and entrapment.

In a surprising turn of events, Carlos makes a marriage proposal to Jessica, which she dismisses as a joke. The incident adds to Jessica's sense of unease within the household, illustrating the increasing strain between them.

Barbara forbids Jessica from having ice cream, a seemingly trivial act that highlights the growing emotional divide in the household. This ban reveals Barbara's controlling nature and intensifies tensions within the family.

A heated argument erupts one night, revealing buried resentments that have plagued Val and Jessica’s relationship. This confrontation exposes the emotional scars from Val's absence during Jessica's formative years.

As the story progresses, both Fabinho and Jessica take their college entrance exams, marking a pivotal moment in their academic journeys. Jessica achieves success while Fabinho narrowly misses out, adding to the family dynamics.

After learning about Fabinho's opportunity in Australia, Val decides to resign and move in with Jessica. This marks a significant shift in their relationship, and Jessica's question about caring for her baby signals hope for reconciliation.