A friend told me that during a particularly difficult time, when people distance themselves and the phone stops ringing, he received a daily call from Luís Marques Mendes. He would ask how he and his family were, offering encouragement. When asked why he was so diligent, Mendes replied that he knew how deafening loneliness could be. Once the friend's situation improved, the calls stopped. This story defines the man whose political defeat in the last presidential election led many to abandon him. Having attended the new President's inauguration and bid farewell to his friend Marcelo, Mendes returned to his own desert. I wanted to offer him the same kindness: 'Dear Luís, my friend, are you well? How is the family? Stay strong. Do not give up on the country; I will call you tomorrow.'