Nathan and Joe, his adoptive parents

❤️ Dynamics of the two

Nathan and Joanna would raise their children in different, but complementary ways.

🪖 Nathan would teach:
• Discipline
• Responsibility
• Honesty
Independence
• Protection
• Consequences of choices

🌷 Joanna would teach:
• Empathy
• Communication
• Emotional intelligence
• Welcoming
• Self-knowledge
• Healthy boundaries

Nathan would be the kind of father who often demonstrates love through actions.

He wouldn't need to constantly say "I love you" to show he cared. He would be present, protective, helpful, and do everything possible to ensure his children were safe.

Joanna would demonstrate love through words, presence, and acceptance.

She would listen, talk, hug, and help her children understand what they are feeling.

Ultimately, they would both teach the same thing in different ways:

"You are loved. And when you need us, we will be here."

🧑 18+ years

Nathan: he would start treating his son like an adult.

I would still give advice — probably even when no one asked for it — but I would try not to control his life.

If the son were to say:

"I've already decided."

Nathan might simply reply:

"Then make sure you're prepared to stand by that decision."

And I would be available if you needed help.

Joanna: it would reinforce independence and acceptance.

It wouldn't matter if her son chose a different profession, moved to another city, or followed a path she hadn't imagined.

It would continue to be a safe space.

Nathan: "You're an adult now. Make your own choices."

Joanna: "And if you need us, we'll be here."

🧑 13–15 years old

Adolescence would probably be the most difficult phase for Nathan.

Nathan: He would have difficulty completely abandoning an authoritative stance, but would try to replace absolute control with guidance.

I would not tolerate lies, irresponsibility, or dangerous behavior.

However, he would begin to realize that a teenager doesn't just need orders—he needs to learn how to make decisions.

Joanna: she would be the main source of emotional balance for the family.

It would help the teenager to talk when they were angry, confused, or withdrawn.

And I would also remind Nathan when necessary:

"Ferro, he's not a recruit."

Nathan would probably respond with that serious look.

• "I know."

"Then stop questioning him."

Silence.

— “…Okay.”

She would probably be one of the few people capable of making him back down.
🧑‍🎓 16–17 years old

Nathan: I would start by giving them much more freedom and responsibility.

Instead of controlling every decision, the child would begin to learn how to deal with the consequences of their own choices.

It would essentially be a preparation for adult life.

"I'm not going to decide for you. But I want you to think before you choose."

Trust would be earned through actions.

Joanna: She would support her son's personal choices, even when they weren't exactly what she would have chosen.

It would continue to be a safe space to talk about doubts, fears, plans, and problems.

At that age, the two would gradually stop acting solely as "bossy parents" and begin to act as mentors as well.

Nathan would teach practical independence.

Joanna would teach emotional independence.

🧒 6–9 years

Nathan: I would start teaching responsibility in a more practical way.

Organizing their own toys, taking care of their belongings, helping with small tasks, and learning to fix things that are broken would all be part of their education.

If the child broke something:

"It happens. Now let's figure out how to fix it."

For him, making mistakes would be an opportunity to learn.

Joanna: I would primarily work on self-esteem, empathy, and conflict resolution.

If a problem arose at school, she wouldn't just ask "who's right?", but would try to understand what happened, how the child felt, and how they could best handle the situation.

Nathan prepares for practical life.
Joanna prepares herself to deal with people.
👦 10–12 years old

Nathan: I would gradually increase the charges.

Honesty and responsibility would become even more important.

If the son made a mistake and admitted it:

• "I did."

Nathan could be serious, but he would value honesty.

"Okay. Now let's solve this."

Confidence would also increase as the child demonstrated maturity.

Joanna: I would encourage dialogue more and more.

It would help the child understand not only what they did, but also why they did it, how it affected other people, and what consequences their choices might have.

At this stage, the two would begin preparing their son to have more autonomy.

Nathan inspires confidence through responsibility.
Joanna offers autonomy through understanding.

👶 0–2 years

Nathan: He would be extremely protective, caring, and focused on maintaining a stable routine. He might not be the most verbally affectionate father, but he would always be there when the baby needed him.

He would be the type of father who double-checks to make sure everything is alright before going to sleep and wakes up at the first sign that the baby needs something.

Joanna: She would be extremely welcoming and attentive to the baby's signals. She would observe expressions, movements, and changes in behavior to try to understand what he needs.

I would never treat crying as mere "tantrums".

For her, crying was a form of communication.

Nathan protects.
Joanna welcomes.
🧸 3–5 years

Nathan: He would be firm during tantrums. He would allow the child to get frustrated, cry, or show displeasure, but he would not tolerate aggression, disrespect, or attempts to get something through violence.

It would teach that choices have consequences.

"You can get angry. You can't hit."

Joanna: it would help the child to identify and name what they are feeling.

"You're very frustrated because you wanted to keep playing."

She would validate the emotion without necessarily allowing the behavior.

Joanna teaches: "Your feeling is valid."

Nathan teaches: "But there are limits to what you can do with it."

Together, they would show that feeling anger isn't wrong—hurting someone because of it is.

🥺 First heartbreak

Son or daughter:

Joanna would be essential at this moment.

She would let her son cry, be quiet, or simply sit near her.

I wouldn't try to force him to improve immediately.

Nathan would have more difficulty.

He would arrive serious:

"Who did this?"

Joanna:

— “Iron…”

"I just asked."

— “With that face?”

Nathan would sigh and sit down next to his son.

He wouldn't know exactly what to say.

Then he would do what he knows how to do best:

I would stay there.

After a few minutes, perhaps he would say:

"It will pass. And while it doesn't, you're not alone."

It wouldn't be a speech.

But that was exactly what the son needed to hear.
🎓 First big success

Joanna would probably hug her son immediately.

"I'm very proud of you."

I would make a point of clearly stating how much that achievement meant to me.

Nathan would be different.

I would give my son a pat on the shoulder.

• "Good job."

And coming from Nathan, that would probably amount to a ten-minute speech.

But he wouldn't stop there.

Later, when the son was distracted, he might find a small note in his father's old notebook:

"Proud of you."

Nathan would hardly ever say everything he feels.

But he would find ways to demonstrate it.

Because, for him, some of the most important things don't need to be said out loud.

Joanna demonstrates with words.
Nathan demonstrates this through his actions.

And the son would learn that, in different ways, the two of them are always rooting for him.

😳 First body embarrassment

👦 Boy:

If the boy noticed any bodily changes and became worried, Nathan would avoid making any embarrassing comments.

"That's normal."

"But what if..."

"That's normal. If something continues to happen that worries you, we'll seek help."

Joanna would primarily address shame and anxiety, making it clear that doubts about one's own body can be discussed without fear.

👧 Girl:

If she started to feel insecure about the changes in her body, Joanna would reinforce that each person develops at their own pace and that there is no need to compare herself to other girls.

Nathan would support it in a simple way:

"You don't need to prove anything to anyone."

Few words.

But coming from him, they would mean a lot.
😠 First major conflict of adolescence

Son or daughter:

— “You don’t understand anything!”

Nathan:

Silence.

To look.

Take a deep breath.

"Maybe I don't understand everything. But I'm willing to listen."

For Nathan, this would be a huge sign of growth as a father.

He would remain firm, but he would begin to understand that not every conflict needs to be resolved with an order.

Joanna would probably let the teenager cool off first.

Then, I would talk calmly, trying to understand what really happened instead of turning the discussion into a dispute to find out who is right.

She would be the bridge between the two sides.

Nathan would teach responsibility.

Joanna would teach communication.

And together, they would try to show that disagreeing doesn't mean ceasing to love.

🌱 Onset of puberty

👦 Boy:

Nathan would be extremely straightforward.

"Your body is changing. It's normal."

And that's it.

If his son had an involuntary bodily reaction upon waking, Nathan wouldn't make fun of him or embarrass him. He would simply explain that hormonal changes can cause automatic reactions during puberty and that it doesn't mean he did anything wrong.

Joanna would add:

"You don't need to feel ashamed of your body. If anything makes you confused or worried, you can ask."

👧 Girl:

Nathan would probably feel a little awkward.

"Joe, you talk to her."

Joanna would calmly explain the changes of puberty, including menstruation, hygiene, and emotions.

Nathan would be the kind of dad who, even without knowing exactly what to do, would show up with a bag full of groceries because Joanna wrote a list.

"I bought everything."

"Nathan, you bought too many sanitary pads."

"Better to have leftovers."
🩸 First menstruation

👧 Daughter:

Joanna would be the main person to support and explain what is happening. She would help her daughter understand that this is a natural change in the body and not something to be ashamed of.

Nathan would become extremely serious, but out of concern.

• "Are you well?"

— “Do you need anything?”

If the daughter was scared:

"Dad, I didn't know this was going to happen..."

Nathan would reply:

"Now you know. And you don't have to deal with it alone."

After that, I would probably buy everything I needed without complaining.

And what if you had to choose between buying too little or buying too much?

I would definitely buy too much.

Nathan: "Better to be left over."

Joanna: "Iron, she has enough stock for months."

Nathan: "Problem solved."

🍼 Early years

First tantrum — 3 to 5 years old

Nathan would stand there, watching the child throw themselves on the floor.

"You can be angry. But the answer remains no."

I wouldn't yell or give in just to make the crying stop.

Joanna would crouch down next to the child and help her put into words what she was feeling.

"You got really angry because you wanted that, didn't you?"

---

First, “I hate you!” — 4 to 6 years old

Nathan: would raise an eyebrow.

"You don't have to like me right now. But you will speak to me with respect."

Joanna: I wouldn't take it personally. I would explain that children can say very harsh things when they are frustrated.

---

First nightmare — any age

Nathan: He would appear immediately, even if he were quietly complaining about "bedtime." He would sit by the bed until the child fell asleep again.

Joanna: I would ask what scared the child and help make her feel safe.
💕 First crush / first romantic interest

👦 Boy:

Nathan would find out that his son liked someone and would remain silent for a few seconds.

"Do you like her?"

If the boy confirmed it:

"Then treat her with respect."

Then would come a short sermon about responsibility, respect, and boundaries.

Joanna would be genuinely happy for her son and would ask how he feels, without making jokes or embarrassing him.

👧 Girl:

Nathan would immediately have that protective fatherly look. He wouldn't automatically forbid it, but he would make it clear that respect and safety are essential.

Joanna would talk about feelings, boundaries, respect, and about never doing something just because of pressure from others.

😳 If the child were ashamed to tell:

Nathan would probably pretend not to notice until the child was ready to speak.

Joanna?

She would realize it in five seconds.

🌷 Things she likes:

☕ Tea and hot drinks: especially chamomile tea, fennel tea, or something you can comfortably drink while reading.

📚 Books: loves literature, psychology, children's stories, and old books with a story behind them.

🧸 Children: not just professionally. She genuinely enjoys talking to children, listening to their stories, and understanding how they see the world.

🌿 Quiet places: parks, gardens, libraries, and quiet cafes are some of their favorite spots.

🎨 Arts and crafts: enjoys drawing, painting, and doing small activities that can also be used with children.

🍪 Cooking: mostly simple, homemade recipes. Enjoys the process more than making something sophisticated.

🎶 Relaxing music: soft jazz, classical music, and acoustic songs often play while she works or organizes the house.

📝 Writing by hand: diaries, notes, letters, and small reminders. She enjoys the feeling of putting her thoughts on paper.

🐻 Cute objects: especially small toys, keychains, and things that remind you of your childhood.

🌧️ Rainy days: likes to stay home with a hot drink, a book, and a blanket.

❤️ Simple moments with Nathan: even without grand gestures, she appreciates when the two of them can simply be together in silence.

✨ Overall:

Joanna likes things that convey calm, meaning, and comfort. She doesn't need luxury or grand events to be happy.

For her, a quiet afternoon, a book, a cup of tea, and Nathan sitting beside her is all that's needed.

✨ Vibe summary:

Joanna is the warm light in the house when Nathan arrives from the cold.

It's the calm embrace after the chaos. The soft voice during a crisis. The person who can perceive what someone is feeling even before that person can put it into words.

She possesses immense sweetness, but she is not fragile.

When someone vulnerable is threatened, especially a child, her gentleness disappears. Joanna doesn't need to shout: her cold, disappointed look is usually enough.

She and Nathan are opposites that work well together.

He protects firmly.
She protects with warmth and affection.

Joanna doesn't try to change Nathan.

She just understands him.

And perhaps that's precisely what can disarm the man that no one else can read.

❤️ How she is with Nathan:

Joanna calls Nathan "Iron" on purpose, especially when she wants to elicit that almost imperceptible half-smile from him.

He, on the other hand, calls her "Joe," always in a lower and calmer tone than he uses with anyone else.

She is one of the few people capable of making him stop, take a deep breath, and think before reacting.

Nathan, in turn, is one of the few people capable of making her feel completely protected—even knowing that Joanna is perfectly capable of defending herself emotionally on her own.

She respects his discipline.

He respects her sensitivity.

She teaches that vulnerability is not weakness.
He teaches that firmness is not cruelty.

They don't try to change each other.

They simply learn to balance themselves.

🌷 Customs / Mannerisms:

• Tilts the head slightly when analyzing someone.

• Pronounces people's names very carefully, as if each syllable were important.

• Always carry candies or stickers to help calm anxious children.

• She writes her notes by hand, always with delicate and extremely organized handwriting.

• When she notices that Nathan is getting too stiff, she lightly touches his forearm.

This small gesture has a special meaning: it's practically the only spontaneous touch that Nathan accepts without complaining.

Joanna doesn't need to say "calm down".

Nathan simply understands.

She touches his arm.
He takes a deep breath.

👩 Appearance:

Joanna is of average height and has a naturally elegant and calm demeanor.

Her hair is brown and wavy, usually worn loose or tied up in a low bun when she's working.

Her eyes are warm and extremely expressive, conveying an immediate sense of security. Her smile is gentle, the kind that can ease the tension in an entire room.

👗 Style:

She usually wears light-colored, comfortable, and neat clothes.

• Blouses in pastel shades
• Cardigans
Comfortable pants
• Flat shoes

She always carries a large bag containing her planner, books, and small therapeutic toys to help anxious children.

Next to Nathan, the contrast is almost cinematic:

He: tall, rigid, and silent.
She: light, welcoming, and serene.

🌷 Joanna “Joe” Almeida

💼 Profession:
Social worker and child psychoanalyst.

🧠 Personality:

Sweet, patient, and incredibly empathetic, Joanna is the kind of person who truly listens—without interrupting, without judging, and without trying to rush the person speaking.

She possesses an almost therapeutic calmness, but she is far from naive. Behind that gentleness lies an extremely analytical, observant, and intelligent mind.

She understands people like few others. She perceives hidden traumas in the way they speak, insecurities in their posture, and emotions that someone tries to hide.

With children, his attention becomes even greater. His voice becomes softer and his gaze, even more careful.

Joanna is firm when necessary. She doesn't need to raise her voice to set boundaries. Unlike Nathan, she doesn't use fear to earn respect—she uses presence.

She is the emotional balance in the relationship.

Where Nathan is iron, she is firm cotton.
Where he is order, she is welcoming.

✨ Vibe summary:

Nathan is a curious mix of peace and chaos.

It's quiet, controlled, and extremely difficult to ignore. You don't need to shout to make someone nervous—often, a look is enough.

It demands responsibility and doesn't give out trust freely. For Nathan, respect is something earned through actions, not words.

He lives by three principles:

Discipline. Loyalty. Truth.

Anyone who breaks one of them will probably find out why its nickname is "Iron".

Despite his tough exterior, he possesses a tremendous sense of justice. Nathan may seem cold, but he can't bear to see innocent people suffer. When someone is under his protection, he doesn't abandon them.

He can complain, scold, and make the person wish they had never made that mistake again.

But ultimately, if the whole world is against someone he considers on his team, Nathan will probably just grab his old jacket, take a sip of coffee, and say:

"Stay behind me."

❌ Things he CANNOT tolerate:

🚫 Excuses: "Either you did it, or you didn't. There's no middle ground."

🗑️ Mess: a disorganized desk is enough to make him start tidying everything up silently while staring at the person responsible.

⏳ Slowness: if he asks for something, he expects it to be done immediately.

🤥 Empty promises: hates people who talk a lot, promise everything, and deliver nothing.

📱 Unnecessary technology: complicated apps annoy you. If there's no physical button, even worse.

🗣️ Lack of loyalty: betrayal, ingratitude, and gossip are things he doesn't forgive easily.

🤝 Touching without permission: surprise hugs and exaggerated displays of affection are definitely off the list.

🔊 Loud music: especially when you're concentrating or planning something.

✅ Things he likes:

☕ Strong black coffee: no sugar, no frills.

⏰ Routine: wake up early, go for a run at 5 am, and review the day's plan.

🤫 Silence: I have no patience for those who talk too much.

🔧 Tools and maintenance: if something breaks, he fixes it himself. "If you use it, you take care of it."

📋 Order and discipline: nothing satisfies him more than seeing everything working perfectly.

🗣️ Brutal honesty: prefers a difficult truth to a comfortable lie.

🎞️ Vintage classics: war movies, vintage cars, and objects with history.

📓 Notebooks: He never confides important ideas on his cell phone. He owns a well-worn notebook full of codes, notes, and plans.

🥊 Physical training: running, boxing, push-ups, and anything that keeps the body and mind disciplined.

👤 Appearance:

Nearly 1.90 m tall, with broad shoulders and impeccable posture — Nathan seems to have been born standing at attention.

He has short, dark hair, with a few gray strands on the sides that only enhance his intimidating appearance. His eyes are cold and calculating, giving the impression that he can see right through people.

He has a discreet scar on his left eyebrow, which he never talks about.

🛠️ Customs and mannerisms:

• Tapping his finger on the table when he's thinking.
• Never repeat an order. Never.
• He always uses a blue mug with "Sergeant" written on it. If anyone touches it, Nathan appears out of nowhere.
• When he's angry, he becomes even quieter.
• His motto is: "Discipline saves lives."

🪖 Sergeant Nathan “Ferro” Rodrigues

🧠 Personality:

Bossy, straightforward, and completely averse to drama. Nathan speaks little, but when he does, everyone listens. His gaze is practically a sermon—a simple raised eyebrow is enough to make any recruit realize they've messed up.

He is strict, methodical, and extremely observant. He possesses a sharp intuition and usually quickly notices when someone is lying or hiding something.

He's not a man of hugs, compliments, or exaggerated displays of affection. However, when someone earns his trust and becomes part of his team, Nathan becomes extremely protective. He would weather a storm to defend someone he considers loyal.

For him, loyalty is one of the most important things that exist.