𝟎𝟑: 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆

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❝ 𝒊'𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕

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𝒊'𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.❞

𝐈 𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐄 the smell of hospitals.

More than ever now because my mothers in one.

I find my mother's room and step inside, forcing a smile as I see her frail form resting on the bed.

"Hi, mamá," I say softly, leaning down to kiss her forehead. She smiles weakly, her eyes lighting up at the sight of me. She tries to sit up but I stop her from doing so.

"Valeria, mi amor," she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "How are you?"

"I'm okay," I reply, running my hand over hers, "How about you? They're treating you well here?" I say with a raised eyebrow.

She chuckles a little, "I'd rather be home, with you." She says.

"I know," I smile softly. "I've been making some good money to help with the medical bills."

Her eyes narrow slightly. "Money, huh? And where exactly are you making all this money?"

I hesitate for a moment, not wanting to lie but also not ready to tell her the full truth. "Just... working hard, mamá. You don't need to worry about that."

She raises an eyebrow, "Valeria." She says sternly.

"Mamá, please," I interrupt, squeezing her hand a little tighter. "Drop it."

"Excuse me young lady, I know I look all weak and shit but my hands still work. You better not be lying to me." She sits up fully now.

"Si mami, lo sé" I say rolling my eyes. She slapped my hand harshly, making me yelp. [Translation: yes mommy, I know.]

"Don't roll your eyes at me." She eyes me suspiciously for a moment before her expression softens. "Alright, alright. But you know you can tell me anything, right?"

I nod, feeling a pang of guilt. "I know, Mamá. I just want to take care of you."

"I know you do, mi amor," she says, patting my hand. "Now, tell me more about your day."

We spend the next hour talking, her voice growing weaker as time passes. I promise to visit again tomorrow and kiss her goodbye, my heart heavy as I leave the hospital.




I checked my phone for the umpteenth time, nervously tapping my foot against the floor of the dimly lit club. Jules had convinced me to come back here, saying it would be good to see familiar faces and perhaps earn a bit more tonight. Despite my initial reluctance, I found myself standing backstage, waiting for my turn to dance.

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