Chapter 22 – Body and Mind
January 10, 2013 – 6:48 a.m.
The alarm on his cell phone rang with the soft sound of crashing waves. Still drowsy, Gustavo opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling for a few seconds. His body was relaxed; the vacation had finally given him something rare: time.
But that morning, he wasn't going to sleep late.
He stretched his arms, calmly got out of bed, walked to the closet and took out a slightly worn navy blue dobok with the crest of Sensei Douglas Nakamura's academy embroidered in red and white.
He looked at the uniform for a few seconds, lightly running his fingers over the fabric. It carried history. It carried sweat, falls, discipline, muscle pain and respect.
7:39 AM – Gym Parking Lot
The gym's facade was simple: white concrete walls, a darkened glass door, and next to it, a brushed steel sign:
"Nakamura Dojo – Jiu-Jitsu | Krav Maga | Urban Self-Defense"
Gustavo took a deep breath before pushing the door open. A discreet bell rang, and the familiar smell of mats, sweat, and cleaning products invaded his senses like a vivid memory.
From the back of the room, a voice rang out:
— "Look who showed up... the Harvard boy."
Sensei Douglas emerged from behind the canvas curtain, with the same firm gaze and a slight smile on the corner of his mouth.
— "Hey, sensei." — Gustavo said, walking up to him and hugging him respectfully.
— "How long have you been gone from here?"
— "Almost three years."
— "If you were my real student, I'd give you a hundred push-ups just for that." — the sensei replied, but his tone was welcoming. — "But you're forgiven. Come in. Let's see if you still remember how to fall without breaking your neck."
8:03 a.m. – Warm-up
Gustavo warmed up in silence, stretching his legs, arms, and twisting his neck. His body was complaining — his muscles were stiffer than he remembered, their elasticity seemed to have disappeared over time.
Around him, other students looked at him curiously. Some were newbies. Others were veterans who remembered him as one of the dojo's promising youngsters.
— "Base position!" — the sensei shouted.
Everyone lined up. The sound of the soles hitting the mat was rhythmic. Douglas walked among the students like a general with a low voice and natural authority.
— "Today we have someone returning after some time away. This isn't Harvard. There's no cold calling here. This is sweat, technique and humility."
The laughter was discreet, but Gustavo smiled. That was good.
— "Gustavo, come here. Roll with Bruno, purple belt."
8:19 a.m. – First Fight
Gustavo's body tried to keep up with his mind's commands. He remembered the transitions, the sweeps, the levers... but his execution was rusty.
Bruno caught him by surprise with a hip drop and almost landed a submission on his arm.
Gustavo escaped with effort, rotating his hips, looking for the closed guard.
— "Breathe!" — Douglas shouted from the back.
Sweat was already running down his forehead. His heart was racing, blood pulsing in his ears.
A few more moves, and time was up.
— "Stop! Good, good." — said the sensei, clapping his hands.
Gustavo lay down on the mat for a few seconds, his eyes closed, panting. And, strangely, happy.
9:12 – Krav Maga
The transition was direct. No rest.
In the other room, the Krav Maga group was organizing for training focused on urban situations: reaction to stabbings, defense of third parties, disarming under pressure.
Douglas explained:
— "Today is a simulation. Gustavo, since you're coming back, come in as a civilian. You'll be the victim. Someone will try to rob you. React as you see fit."
Gustavo nodded. One of the students — a large man with a stern expression — approached with a plastic knife.
— "Go!"
In seconds, Gustavo was pushed against the wall. Instinct spoke louder. Elbow, kick to the knee, immobilization of the wrist.
The dojo was silent for two seconds.
— "Great response time," said Douglas. — "But remember: on the street, the goal is to get out alive, not to win a fight."
10:30 a.m. – End of Training
Gustavo walked to the locker room, exhausted. He took off his soaked dobok and stared at the mirror for a few seconds.
His eyes were brighter. The fatigue was physical, yes, but his mind was clearer than it had been in a long time.
1:27 p.m. – Talking to Haley
Haley showed up later to have lunch with him. They were on the porch, with natural sandwiches and orange juice.
— "So... are you the Brazilian ninja again?" — she joked.
— "I don't know if you're a ninja. But... I felt alive again."
— "Tired?"
— "Very. But good. It's the kind of tiredness that recharges the soul, you know?"
Haley looked at him fondly.
— "I'm glad you're taking care of yourself. You live so much in the 'responsible and brilliant' mode that sometimes it seems like you forget that you're human."
— "That's why I started training again. Body and mind. You can't just be brains."
4:47 p.m. – Talking to the Parents
In the living room, Leandro and Carla listened to Gustavo tell us about the training.
— "Krav maga is intense." — he said. — "But it helps me think quickly, react under pressure."
— "And is that useful... in court?" — Carla asked, smiling.
— "More than it seems. The logic of self-defense is very similar to a line of argument: identify threat, neutralize, respond. It's not strength. It's strategy."
Leandro nodded, crossing his arms.
— "You've always been mind and discipline. But it's good to see that you still have room to return to what you love."
10:05 p.m. – Nighttime Reflection
Gustavo was lying in bed, his body still aching. Every muscle seemed to throb under his skin. But his mind... his mind was silent.
He picked up his cell phone, opened a note and wrote:
"The body remembers what the mind tries to forget. Pain is a passage. Discipline is freedom."
He closed his eyes and fell asleep with a slight smile on his face.
Chapter 23 – Brick by Brick
Los Angeles, January 14, 2013 – Monday, 10:16 a.m.
The winter sun invaded the Los Angeles sky with an almost spring-like tranquility. The palm trees swayed gently, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in Haley's reusable cup mingled with the urban breeze of Fairfax Avenue. Gustavo leaned against the hood of his rental car, a discreet black sedan, as he read the budget spreadsheet on his tablet again.
"You look like a Wall Street executive," Haley said, leaving the café with two cheese breads wrapped in a napkin. "Relax, it's just a clothing store."
"It's not just a store. It's the beginning of your financial independence, and the birth of your brand." he replied, taking one of the breads. "If we're going to do it, let's do it right."
"Okay, Harvard." — she scoffed, taking a sip of her coffee. — "Shall we go? The realtor said the first spot is amazing."
10:42 a.m. – First Visit: Store on Fairfax
The property was a large room, with a smoked glass display window, a burnt cement floor, and a exposed brick wall in the background. The facade was minimalist, but with potential.
— "We could put a pink LED sign here." — Haley said excitedly.
— "And maybe an Instagrammable wall here in the corner." — Gustavo added, already taking photos of the space and writing down measurements on his cell phone.
The realtor, a man in a light gray suit and meticulously combed hair, watched the two with a corporate smile.
— "The owner is open to negotiating the first two months' rent at a discount, as long as the contract is for at least two years."
Gustavo turned to him.
— "20% discount on the first two months, and do you cover the interior painting in the contract?"
The broker hesitated, but nodded.
— "I can talk to the owner."
12:17 p.m. – Lunch and Discussion of Proposals
Sitting in a retro-style diner, Gustavo reviewed the details of two more properties while Haley nibbled on fries, her eyes fixed on a sheet of paper where she had drawn a sketch of the store's layout.
— "I know what you're going to say… the one on Fairfax is more expensive." — she began.
— "Yes. But it's also the best located. It's on a young street, with an art gallery, a skate shop, and conceptual coffee shops. Your audience is there."
Haley sighed. She was anxious.
— "What if it doesn't work out?"
Gustavo rested his elbows on the table, leaned forward and spoke calmly:
— "Making mistakes is part of life. But you've already done the hardest part: putting your idea out there. Now all you have to do is take the next step."
She smiled, resting her head briefly on his shoulder.
— "Thank you. For always believing in me more than I believe in myself."
3:03 p.m. – Leandro Silva's finance company office
In the spacious meeting room overlooking downtown LA, Haley explained her project to Gustavo's father. He listened attentively as he slid his fingers over the printed spreadsheet.
— "Estimated net profit margin of 22%. Not bad." — Leandro commented, looking over his glasses. — "With the digital base you already have, this transition to physical is the next natural step."
— "And I thought about bringing some local influencers to the inauguration. Maybe an exclusive mini capsule collection for the day."
— "You think like a businesswoman, Haley. That's rare at your age."
Haley laughed, a little embarrassed.
— "I'm trying."
— "We'll help with the accounting, as promised. And Gustavo can sort out any contractual issues."
— "Harvard and family accounting. I'm set." — she said, looking at Gustavo.
— "No excuses to go bankrupt now." — he joked.
5:10 p.m. – Store Leased, Contract Signed
On the same day, with the contract adjusted and reviewed by Gustavo, they signed the lease for the space on Fairfax Avenue.
— "It's official." — Haley said, holding the key tightly. — "My store."
Gustavo raised his fist for a little punch.
— "Brick by brick, you're going to build something beautiful."
She didn't answer. She just hugged him.
6:41 p.m. – The Transformation Begins
With the help of a small group of contractors, the two began to sketch out the changes.
— "This wall needs to be light pink," Haley said, pointing.
— "And this other one, a retro floral wallpaper." Gustavo suggested. — "I have some samples saved here."
— "Do you have... wallpaper samples?" she laughed.
— "Do you think Harvard only teaches law? I also make mood boards."
They laughed together.
Haley turned on the sound on her phone. Florence + The Machine was playing. As the painters started work and boxes of mannequins arrived, the two danced briefly in the center of the empty store.
8:23 p.m. – Window Display Rehearsal
Dusk was already falling, but Haley and Gustavo remained there, sitting on the floor with open cans of paint, notebooks and a cold pizza in the middle.
— "What if the store has a space for content? Like, a little corner for TikTok, Reels, that kind of thing." — she suggested excitedly.
— "Perfect. Integrate branding with digital marketing. An extension of your aesthetic."
— "Look at the technical vocabulary." — Haley joked. — "You're like... my informal CEO."
— "I prefer 'stylish right-hand man'." — he said, taking a sip of his soda.
— "It's a deal."
11:57 p.m. – Turning Off the Lights
The window now had a mannequin dressed in a floral piece designed by Haley, illuminated by an LED strip.
They watched the scene in silence for a few seconds.
— "It's looking beautiful." — Gustavo said, sincerely.
— "Do you really think I'll be able to do it?"
— "I'm sure." — he replied, looking at her. — "You just needed a little push."
She leaned her head against him again.
— "And you're the best push I've ever had."
Chapter 24 — See You Soon
Los Angeles, January 30, 2013 – Wednesday, 6:47 a.m.
The smell of coffee spread through the kitchen of the Silva house. Carla distractedly stirred the hot milk in the pan, while Leandro cut fruit in silence. It was a morning they already knew: the morning of farewells. Gustavo was sitting at the table, wearing a navy blue jacket, dark jeans, and discreet sneakers. His black suitcase, organized and closed, was waiting next to the front door.
— "Do you want more cheese bread?" — Carla asked, as if trying to pass the time with food.
— "I ate about ten, mom. I'm full." — Gustavo replied, with a slight smile.
Leandro placed a glass of juice in front of his son.
— "Are you going to take this with you? Homemade orange juice at Harvard must be a luxury item."
— "The cafeteria there can fight back." — he joked.
Carla sighed and sat down next to her son.
— "I know you love what you're doing, son. But you know... every time you come home, I see the man you're becoming."
Gustavo smiled with his eyes.
— "And a lot of that is because of you. It always has been."
8:12 a.m. – Last visit to Haley's store
The storefront was almost finished. An elegant light pink acrylic sign shone in the morning light, contrasting beautifully with the ice-white painted wall. Inside, mannequins dressed in modern pieces occupied the display cases. Boxes of accessories were stacked near the counter, and a soft floral scent filled the room.
Haley, dressed in denim overalls and a loose white T-shirt, climbed a ladder to hang a decorative mirror.
— "Careful there, businesswoman," Gustavo said, entering.
She looked back and smiled.
— "I was hoping you'd stop by before you go."
— "I'm going straight from here to the airport. I just wanted to see this place with my own eyes before the opening."
She got off the stairs.
— "It's almost all ready. All we need to do is set the playlist and test the lighting in the window at night."
Gustavo walked around the place, his eyes taking in every corner.
— "You really made this happen, Hails."
— "I couldn't have done it without you."
— "Don't say that. You've always had it inside you. You just needed a push."
She came closer and adjusted the collar of his jacket, as if she was fixing an invisible detail.
— "You'll come back, right? When this is all over?"
He held her hand for a moment.
— "I always come back."
9:22 a.m. – Dunphy House
The Dunphy family house was especially busy that day. Phil was making waffles in the kitchen, Claire was answering work emails on her cell phone, and Luke, Alex, and Haley were moving between one line and another, each at their own pace.
— "Have you ever stopped to think that you could have been an honorary Dunphy?" — Phil joked, holding out a heart-shaped waffle.
— "I feel like one. All that's missing is the last name." — Gustavo replied, laughing.
Claire approached him and hugged him from the side.
— "You're a special boy, Gustavo. And I don't say that to just anyone."
— "Only to those who go to Harvard, right?" — Luke joked, from the couch.
— "And to those who helped your sister start a business from scratch, Luke." — Claire corrected.
Alex butted in:
— "Statistically, Gustavo has a 92% chance of success in his career based on current trajectory. He's probably the smartest person we know."
— "I heard that!" — Phil shouted from the kitchen. — "I have a certificate for best father of the year!"
Everyone laughed.
10:50 am – Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The departure lounge was busy, as always. The noise of suitcase wheels, the speakers announcing flights and the sounds of airplanes created an almost cinematic backdrop for that moment.
Gustavo handed his luggage over to the counter and walked to the outside area, where Haley was waiting for him alone, leaning against one of the pillars.
She was wearing large sunglasses and had her arms crossed, as if trying to protect herself from the world.
— "This part never gets easier, does it?" — she said, as he approached.
— "I think if you stayed, it would mean we stopped caring."
She took off her glasses, revealing her moist eyes.
— "You're going to shine so brightly there... And then what? Do you really still want to be a police officer?"
— "I do. Criminal law, master of law, and then LAPD. That's what makes sense to me."
— "You're crazy, you know that?"
— "A little."
She chuckled.
— "Just promise me one thing?"
— "Anything."
— "Promise me that when all this is over, you'll still be... you? This Gustavo who's kind of nerdy, kind of intense, but who always looks at me like I'm capable of anything?"
He held her face gently between his hands.
— "This part of me exists because of you."
She couldn't hold it in. She hugged him tightly, as if she wanted to engrave that moment on her skin.
— "Go out there and conquer this world, Harvard Boy."
— "And you, Boss Girl, make this store a hit. Because when I get back... I want to buy the first complete collection."
They laughed.
11:10 am – Boarding gate
Gustavo looked back one last time. He saw Haley still standing in the same place, now with her arms crossed again, but with a smile on her face.
He gave a brief wave and disappeared down the boarding corridor.
Inside the plane, as he settled into his seat, Gustavo picked up his cell phone. He had a new message.
Haley: "Don't worry, I'll take good care of the store. And of myself. Now go take care of your dream, because the world needs people like you."
He responded with a quick selfie on the seat, making a peace sign.
Gustavo: "Last round. Wait for me with coffee and news when I get back."
The plane took off.
And with it, another stage of Gustavo Silva's story unfolded now closer to the end, and closer than he imagined to everything he always wanted to be.
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