A Dona Amélia Deu Tudo

A Dona Amélia tinha uma horta no terraço do seu prédio. Todas as semanas tinha legumes a mais — tomates, pimentos e limões — e dava aos vizinhos. Dava ao Jorge do terceiro andar, dava à família do quinto e dava à porteira. A porteira dizia sempre que os tomates da Dona Amélia eram os melhores que já tinha comido.

Dona Amélia had a vegetable garden on the terrace of her building. Every week she had more vegetables than she needed — tomatoes, peppers and lemons — and she gave them to the neighbours. She gave to Jorge on the third floor, to the family on the fifth and to the building concierge. The concierge always said that Dona Amélia's tomatoes were the best she had ever eaten.

Naquele sábado, a Dona Amélia colheu mais tomates do que esperava. Deu uma caixa inteira ao Jorge. Depois foi ao quinto andar e deu pimentos à família. A mãe ficou muito agradecida. "A senhora não tinha de se dar ao trabalho." "Dei porque tinha", disse a Dona Amélia simplesmente.

That Saturday, Dona Amélia harvested more tomatoes than she had expected. She gave a whole box to Jorge. Then she went to the fifth floor and gave peppers to the family there. The mother was very grateful. "You didn't have to go to the trouble." "I gave because I had," said Dona Amélia simply.

Mais tarde, o Jorge bateu à porta. Trouxe um bolo de laranja. "A minha mulher fez. Disse que era para agradecer tudo o que a senhora nos dá." A Dona Amélia ficou sem palavras. Ela dava sempre — mas não esperava receber nada em troca.

Later, Jorge knocked on the door. He brought an orange cake. "My wife made it. She said it was to thank you for everything you give us." Dona Amélia was speechless. She always gave — but she never expected to receive anything in return.