I traveled with my younger siblings, Mel and Gui. The three of us left the airport, suitcases in hand and smiles on our faces. We were convinced that Mom would be surprised, stronger, calmer, maybe even happier. We laughed, without a shadow of a doubt.

Mom apologized for not telling us. She explained that she didn't want to worry us. In that moment, I understood how much she had suffered in silence. We took our mother to the hospital as an emergency. The doctor said that his condition was critical and that we had arrived just in time.

We denounced Roberto. We provided him with evidence, bank statements and messages. He lost everything: his house, his car and his businesses. But nothing can ever give our mother back the years he stole from her.