Hello, my name is Armando Terrantez. I am writing to ask for help in publishing my book. I have suffered a great deal in life; I have never had help from anyone... I lie; my ten-year-old son helped me escape from a terrible situation. After everything I have been through in life – abandonment, hunger, separation from my siblings, some of whom were put up for adoption, others sent to institutions, myself included at the Gaiato de Paços de Sousa children’s home – I must say that I suffered greatly there too. It shouldn’t be like this. I was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of my father, and years later at the hands of my son’s mother. And it was during one of these acts of senseless violence that my son, then eight years old, protected me from his mother. That was when I realised I had to do something. I went to the police to file a complaint and, after the case went to court, I managed to gain custody of him. I want to give him a good education and, as I’ve always wanted to write, I’ll see if I can use writing to give him and me a chance to make something of our lives. I’d also like to have more time for him… For us. I should also mention that his mother has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, with a 70% disability rating. He has been through a lot, just like me. And I don’t want my story to repeat itself with him. If you could help me publish my first book, I would be grateful from the bottom of my heart. And if people bought it, even better. Writing is the way God has given me to change the course of our lives. I’ve never had the chance to make a difference; perhaps this time the universe will hear me. Thank you.