My Sweet Orange Tree: Zezé’s Journey
Part One: The Discoverer of Things
The Discovery
Young Zezé, a bright and curious boy, greatly admired his older brother, Totoca. Totoca taught him valuable lessons, like crossing the street safely. Their family struggled with poverty, their father unemployed. One day, Totoca impressed everyone by seemingly learning to read overnight. He even promised Zezé a wooden horse if he could demonstrate his newfound reading ability.
My Sweet Orange Tree
During a family outing to their new home, each member chose a tree to plant. Zezé, however, selected a small orange-lime sapling. To his astonishment, the plant began to speak! He named it Minguito, and they became the best of friends, sharing secrets and adventures.
The Thin Fingers of Poverty
Hearing about a toy giveaway near the Rio-São Paulo highway, Zezé convinced his mother to let him go with his younger brother, Luís. A delayed postman inadvertently left them stranded on the highway, causing them to miss the event. Disappointed, Zezé earned money shining shoes and used it to buy his father cigarettes, mending their strained relationship.
The Bird, the School, and the Flower
While preparing to move, Zezé played a prank on a woman, pretending a sock was a snake. He also mourned the loss of his beloved bird. Starting school, Zezé impressed his teacher by bringing her flowers, though she later discovered he had taken them from a neighbor’s garden.
In a Cell I Watch You Die
Zezé befriended a street singer, Arriovaldo, and helped him sell brochures. One day, a woman insulted Arriovaldo, leading to a heated confrontation. Arriovaldo vowed revenge.
Part Two: Trials and Tribulations
The Lake Murcia
Zezé accepted a dare to climb onto the back of the wealthy Portuguese man’s car. Humiliated by the ensuing confrontation, he asked Totoca to fight another boy for him, resulting in a brutal beating. Later, he taught Luís a new game.
The Conquest
After accidentally cutting his foot on glass, Zezé hid his injury, fearing punishment. His sister, Glória, discovered the wound and cared for him. Later, the Portuguese man, witnessing Zezé’s limp, took him to the doctor and treated him kindly, changing Zezé’s perception of him.
Talks Here and There
The Portuguese man visited Zezé’s home, and they shared stories about their lives and families. The Portuguese man even let Zezé drive his car, symbolizing their growing bond.
Two Memorable Beatings
Zezé received two harsh beatings: one from his sister for disobeying her and another from his father for singing a vulgar song. These incidents left him feeling unloved and unwanted.
Strange Soft or Order
Distraught, Zezé confided in the Portuguese man about his suicidal thoughts. The Portuguese man reassured him of his love and took him on a fishing trip.
From Bits and Pieces is Formed
Totoca shared two important pieces of news: their father had found a job, and their beloved orange-lime tree, Minguito, would be cut down.
The Mangaratiba
Devastated by the news of the Portuguese man’s death in a train accident, Zezé fell ill. He dreamt that the train had killed Minguito. Later, he visited the zoo with Luís.
Saints are to Old Trees
Reconciled with his father, Zezé was promised all the trees in their new, larger house. However, he couldn’t stop thinking about the Portuguese man and the loss of Minguito.