Joaquim was there with her.
People began whispering.
Some thought he was hiding something.
Others believed he had simply made a foolish investment and was trying desperately to make it work.
Then one morning, a heavy cart became stuck in the mud.
Several workers pushed.
Nothing happened.
More men joined.
Still nothing.
Joaquim watched.
Then he called Benedita.
The others laughed.
“What can she do?”
Benedita approached the cart.
She examined the wheels.
She looked at the ground.