Re-Vamp

Chapter 28: Trapped

The streets were cloaked in the twilight of dusk when Lola returned to her apartment after an exhausting day at work. Her uniform was crumpled and her demeanor weary, but the idea of seeing Juana and Arturo comforted her. In recent days, since she had managed to clear up the misunderstanding with the little one, a sense of home had begun to take root in her heart.

The child's presence made her feel something she hadn't experienced in a long time. She remembered the previous night, when Arturo had greeted her with a radiant smile and a big hug, apologizing for misjudging her. Lola could still feel the warmth of that little body against hers, filling her with tenderness.

"I'm sorry, Lola. Ar is my friend, but you are my friend too now, since you let us live with you and take care of us," the child had said in his sincere little voice.

Juana watched them with a tender smile, her eyes shining with relief at seeing they had finally overcome the misunderstandings. Since then, Arturo had become a little ray of sunshine in the apartment, filling every corner with his crystalline laughter and tireless curiosity.

Lola couldn't help but smile as she remembered how, one morning, the little one had awakened her with a homemade breakfast he had prepared with Juana. Freshly made tortillas, steaming beans and a glass of orange juice adorned the tray Arturo had proudly brought to her bed.

"It's so you have a good day at work, Lola," the child had said shyly, his cheeks flushed with emotion.

That simple gesture had deeply moved Lola, who had spent the last years eating breakfast alone in her cold, lonely house after her parents' death. Now, upon returning from the grueling shift, all she wanted was to immerse herself in that homely warmth Juana and Arturo had brought with them.

Even the housework, which had once seemed an unbearable burden after an exhausting day, was now done when she got home.

Lola smiled as she remembered how, the previous day, Arturo had insisted on helping clean the apartment. The little one had donned a huge apron and grasped the broom with a determination that melted the officer's heart. Juana hadn't been able to contain her laughter at the sight of her little companion struggling against the cobwebs in the corners, his tongue sticking out in a gesture of utter concentration.

"Look, Lola, it's clean now!" Arturo had exclaimed proudly, pointing to an immaculate corner.

Lola had congratulated him and ruffled his hair affectionately, feeling lighter and happier than she had been in a long time.

Yes, maybe her small apartment was a bit cramped with three people living there, but those last few days had been an unexpected blessing. Having someone waiting for her upon returning, a homemade meal ready and a warm, welcoming home was more than Lola could ask for.

With a smile on her lips and her heart full of gratitude, she rounded the corner ready to immerse herself in that cozy atmosphere she so longed for.

As she turned the corner, she frowned upon seeing a couple of trucks parked in front of her building. Several menacing-looking men stood guard at the entrance, some even armed. A chill ran down her spine as she recalled Miguel's words about the dangers lurking for Juana in the town. Had they followed her here?

Swallowing hard, she strode forward with firm steps towards the group, her hand resting near her service weapon. As a law enforcement officer, she had the authority to intervene if she detected any illegal activity.

"Hey, you guys! What's going on here?" she exclaimed in an imperious voice, squaring her shoulders in a gesture of authority.

One of the men, a burly fellow with a surly look, turned towards her with a mocking expression.