Just as the seamstress was finishing up with the hem, the shop door flew open. The bell above it rang hard once when it opened and again when it slammed shut. Leaning on against the wooden door was a pregnant woman quivering in fear. Her face was bloodied and bruised.

"Ms. Alencar! Ms. Alencar, I-help. Please? Beto... he's... he's angry and high."