Chapter 440

• Modest in size, the event area was cozy. Located at the back of the condominium, it resembled a large communal gourmet space equipped with a barbecue grill, picnic tables, and even some square concrete tables outdoors for playing chess.
• Nearby, there was a small playground with swings, seesaws, and other toys for children. I was delighted—the Arches condominium didn’t have anything like this.
• Several young people were gathered around one of the tables in the covered area, while a slightly older man prepared the meat. I approached the group carrying the spicy bacon farofa and the dessert I had prepared.