CHAPTER 41 — "Eight to Nine"
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July 20th, 2018 — Quiet Growth
As July warmed Brazil, Árman was 8 years and 4 months old.
He still looked like a little angel—silky white hair, soft golden eyes—but something inside him kept developing.
Not arrogance.
Not pride.
Just maturity.
He listened carefully, spoke gently, and observed the world like an adult trapped in a child's body.
But he never flaunted it.
When teachers said:
"You speak like an old soul, Árman."
He only smiled shyly.
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🏫 AUGUST–DECEMBER 2018 — School Life and Subtle Wisdom
From late 2018 onward, his teachers and classmates began noticing changes:
He answered every question calmly.
He never raised his voice.
His handwriting grew elegant.
He treated classmates kindly.
His aura felt… composed.
He ranked first in academics without trying.
When a classmate cried, he comforted them.
When someone failed a test, he explained the lesson slowly.
He became reliable — the "little gentleman" of the class.
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📸 MODELLING — RISING STAR (AUG 2018 → FEB 2019)
Though still a child, he maintained his modeling hobby lovingly.
Not for fame.
Not for attention.
He enjoyed the art, the atmosphere, the creativity.
In late 2018 and early 2019, he worked with:
Zara Kids
Nike Kids Brazil
Burberry Children
H&M Europe
Brazilian clothing brands
By January 2019, his photos trended again.
Agencies praised him:
"He's getting more expressive."
"He poses with natural grace."
"His eyes… they look older."
But he remained humble.
Every photographer said the same:
"He bows after every shoot… what a sweet kid."
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⚽ FOOTBALL — UNREAL GROWTH (SEPT 2018 → MARCH 2019)
His skills in São Paulo's U-12 squad sharpened quickly.
His footwork became cleaner.
His passing more precise.
His stamina better than kids his age.
Coaches whispered privately:
"He's developing too fast…"
"It's like training him once is enough."
"He's eight but moves like a U-14 talent."
But to teammates?
He was kind, encouraging, never boastful.
If they missed a shot:
"It's okay, vamos tentar outra vez," he'd say softly.
If someone scored:
His eyes lit up more than theirs.
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👨👩👦 FAMILY — WARMTH CONTINUES
His family continued treating him with endless affection:
His mother brushed his silky white hair every night.
His father hugged him after every training.
His grandparents adored watching him grow.
His cousins visited often—laughing, playing, teasing him—but always admiring the calm, polite child he was becoming.
Home remained peaceful, warm, filled with laughter and gentle moments.
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📅 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2019 — Growing Still
As he approached his ninth birthday, his maturity grew clearer.
He spoke less but thought more.
His eyes held a quiet depth.
He focused easily, worked quietly, smiled softly.
He didn't feel like a normal 8-year-old.
Not fully.
The reincarnated soul inside him was awakening slowly… steadily… gently.
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🎂 MARCH 18th, 2019 — His 9th Birthday
On a bright morning, surrounded by family, Árman celebrated turning 9 years old.
No grand party.
No overwhelming celebration.
Just warmth.
His mother kissed his forehead.
"My sweet boy… nine already."
His father hugged him.
"You're growing beautifully."
His grandparents wiped small tears—he was becoming more handsome every month.
Even his cousins noticed.
Thiago smiled.
"Bro, you're more mature than me."
Lorenzo ruffled his hair.
"You look like you're 9 going on 19."
Emilia hugged him tightly.
"Happy birthday, meu anjo."
Árman just laughed softly — shy, humble, gentle.