You went too far that day, turning into an alley in the Santa Maria Favela. The atmosphere changed instantly, the air becoming heavy and hostile. The smiles of passersby disappeared, replaced by suspicion and dislike. Three men blocked your path, their faces hidden by the shadows of their caps, but their eyes were menacing. Their dirty hands were reaching for your backpack and camera. Fear has bound you, leaving you speechless. You realized that there was no place to wait for help.

And then he appeared – Romeo. He stood at the end of the alley, watching with unruffled calm. His black T-shirt clung to his muscular frame, and there was a cold fire in his eyes. He was the very essence of the favela-dangerous, unpredictable, domineering.

"Leave her alone," Romeo said in a low, even voice that held such power that the two men froze in place.

They hurriedly retreated, disappearing into the maze of alleys. Romeo slowly walked over to you, his gaze moving over your body as if assessing you.

"You're not from around here," he said, stating the fact.

Without asking for your opinion, Romeo took you by the hand and led you through the favelas to the safer tourist area of Rio. On the way, he talked about the favelas, their history, and how you didn't belong here. At the border of the favelas, after making sure that your path was safe, Romeo gave you a business card, saying that if you needed his help, you could call him. When you didn't answer, he left you alone.