Aurelia grew up without much love from her mother, and she never thought her real dad would ever come into her life. But then, he did. Now, she wonders if it's too late for him to rescue her from the darkness her parents left her in, or if there's s...
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Santiago left us in silence. I forced myself to finish the other half of the sandwich, each bite feeling heavier than the last. Once it was down, I excused myself from the table again, unable to handle the knot in my stomach.
I made my way to the bathroom, where I threw the whole thing up. Trying to compose myself, I quietly slipped back to my room, hoping no one would notice my absence.
Lying on my bed, I stared at the ceiling, my mind racing with thoughts of what would happen next. I could already picture Santiago and the others talking to the foster care worker, arranging for me to be sent back.
Maybe I would end up with a family that didn't care what I did. Or perhaps they would tell me I could live on my own. The possibilities were endless, and each one felt more daunting than the last.
I was so lost in my thoughts, considering every possible outcome, that I didn't even notice someone standing beside my bed until they spoke. The voice startled me out of my reverie, bringing me back to the present and making me realize I wasn't as alone as I thought.
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After giving Aurelia her card, I went to my office to finish up some paperwork so I could spend more time with her. I wanted to clear my schedule and be present for her, sensing that she needed the support.
Not long after I settled into my office, Fernando and Lorenzo walked in.
"Papa, we need to talk," Lorenzo said, looking at me with the most serious expression I had ever seen on him.
Lorenzo is usually my happy child, always smiling and cracking jokes. I don't think he has ever taken anything seriously in his life, so seeing him this grave made my stomach twist with worry.
"What happened?" I asked, bracing myself.
"It's about Aurelia," he replied.
"Is she okay?" I asked, my anxiety spiking.
"She had a mental breakdown and broke the mirror in her room," Lorenzo explained. "She said she was hearing the voices of her bullies."
As they continued detailing what had happened, I felt a mix of concern and helplessness wash over me. My mind raced with thoughts of how to help Aurelia, wishing I could shield her from all the pain she was experiencing.
