The Simplest Of Glows

The day begins with the soft singing of birds. Luriana wakes up early, as always, but today she feels that the day will be different. She is not going to the grocery store. The morning is hers to enjoy.

She gets up slowly, feeling that something has changed inside her. Looking out the window, she sees the soft sunlight coming in, casting shadows on the walls of her room. Today, she is going to wear something she has never worn before.

She opens the wardrobe and finds what she is looking for: a long, light blue dress that fits delicately at her waist and flows down to her feet. It has a simple but elegant design. The fabric is light, almost dancing with the wind, and Luriana feels good wearing it. It is not new. She bought it with her own money some time ago, but she rarely had the chance to wear it. Today, she feels like it is the right day.

She also decides to change her hair. Instead of tying it up as she does every day for work, she leaves it loose. Her wavy hair falls softly over her shoulders. She doesn't care if it is not perfect. Today, she feels good about herself.

She puts on simple, comfortable shoes that match the dress and looks at herself in the mirror. The reflection is different. She does not fully recognize the woman she sees. She smiles, satisfied. Today, she feels different, lighter, as if the dress is more than just clothing. It makes her feel… more like herself.

Luriana's front door opens, and she steps outside. The sun is shining, but the heat is not too strong. She walks slowly, feeling the wind play with the fabric of her dress. People in the street look at her, but some do not recognize her at first. They are so used to seeing her in an apron with her hair tied up that now, with the dress and loose hair, she looks like a different woman.

Marília, her best friend, is waiting for her at the corner. Marília is a woman with an easy smile, always ready for a good conversation. They grew up together, and even though they are different in many ways, their friendship is strong.

"Luriana!" Marília exclaims, grinning from ear to ear when she sees her friend. "I have never seen you like this! You look beautiful!"

Luriana smiles shyly.

"It's just a dress… It's nothing special."

But Marília shakes her head.

"It's not just the dress. It's the glow you have today, you know? You look radiant!"

The two start walking together through the village streets. Luriana feels good. People continue to look at her, some with curiosity, others perhaps even surprised. But as she keeps walking, she feels more comfortable. Maybe it is the dress, maybe it is the change inside her, but the truth is that today she feels like the world is seeing her differently.

As they walk, Vicente appears in the distance. He is leaning against a wall in the square, talking to an older man. Luriana sees him from afar, and her heart starts beating a little faster, but she says nothing. Marília, however, immediately notices her expression.

"What's wrong? You look strange…" she asks with a playful smile.

Luriana gives her a quick look but says nothing.

"Nothing, nothing," she replies with a nervous laugh.

But when Vicente sees her, he seems to hesitate for a moment. He looks at her as if trying to recognize the woman standing before him. For a second, he does not recognize her.

He smiles, but it is a shy smile, as if he is trying to understand if it is really Luriana.

"Luriana?" he asks, curious.

She smiles, a little embarrassed but also pleased with the small game.

"Yes, it's me."

Vicente looks at her, surprised. He observes the dress, the loose hair, and finally smiles in a more genuine way.

"I didn't recognize you… You look different… Very different."

Luriana feels a wave of warmth on her face but says nothing. She just looks at him with a smile. Vicente, on the other hand, still seems to be processing the change.

"Is everything okay?" he asks, still looking at her.

"Yes, of course," Luriana replies.

Marília, who notices everything, takes the opportunity to speak with a mischievous smile.

"I think we should go to the church now, Luriana. The bell is already ringing."

The sound of the church bell echoes through the village, calling people to mass. Luriana and Marília start heading that way, and suddenly, Vicente appears beside them.

"I'll go too," he says, without giving much explanation.

Luriana does not say anything. She realizes that he is walking with them, but she is not sure what to think. Vicente has always been friendly, but today something seems different. There is an energy in the air, an attention that was not there before.

When they enter the church, the soft candlelight illuminates the faces of the people, and the smell of incense fills the space, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. Luriana feels at peace, as if she is in the right place, with the right people.

They sit on the wooden benches, and during the mass, Luriana realizes that she cannot stop feeling Vicente's presence beside her. He is right there, within her sight, but at the same time, he seems so distant. Maybe it is just his way of being—discreet, yet present. She does not know.

But at that moment, she feels that something has changed. It is not just the dress, not just the place. It is the way the world seems to see Luriana now. Maybe the change is not just in her clothes or her hair, but inside her.

And that, more than anything, makes her finally feel good about herself.