Genoveva Barros is at the Regional Hospital São Francisco de Assis, on the Cape Verdean island of Fogo, consoling her 11-year-old grandchild, survivor of a disaster that caused the death of 25 people. The grandmother assures him that she will be there for him, saying "grandma is here for you whenever you need her".
However, Genoveva hides from the boy a painful piece of news: his 15-year-old sister died in the same accident. The family chose not to reveal this information directly to the child, believing that the psychologists will do so at the appropriate time.
The grandmother explained that they haven't yet had the courage to tell the grandchild about his sister's death. This decision was made by the family as a way to emotionally protect the child, leaving the communication of such difficult news to mental health professionals.
The Regional Hospital São Francisco de Assis became the care center for many families affected by the tragedy on the island of Fogo, where survivors receive treatment and psychological support is also offered to relatives who are trying to cope with their losses.
