T H I R D
Morning settled over the Sanchez mansion like grief itself.
Usually, the estate carried noise.
Voices.
Arguments.
Music from somewhere down the halls.
The smell of coffee and loud laughter from the kitchen.
But today?
Nothing.
Everything felt hollow.
The mansion's princess had locked herself away, and the entire family felt it like a wound carved straight through the heart of the house.
Downstairs, the kitchen was filled with people, yet it still felt empty.
Abuela Andronica stood at the stove making breakfast despite nobody really eating. The scent of fresh tortillas, eggs, and café filled the air, but it did little to warm the coldness hanging over everyone.
Christian sat at the table looking exhausted.
Ronaldo leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed tightly.
Malcolm stared down at his untouched coffee.
Even Abuelo Ramon was quieter than usual.
Then the front doors opened.
Kya walked in.
The moment Andronica saw her, relief flashed through the older woman's eyes.
"Kya, mija," she said softly, walking forward and wrapping her arms around her.
Kya hugged her back immediately.
Unlike the others, Kya still smelled like travel and cold air, black duffel bag hanging from her shoulder from just returning from her mission.
Pulling back slightly, Kaya looked around the kitchen.
The atmosphere alone told her enough.
Her expression hardened.
"How is she?"
Silence answered her.
That silence told Kaya everything she needed to know.
Her jaw tightened.
Finally, Christian spoke quietly.
"She won't answer the door for anyone."
Kya sighed slowly.
"I can go talk to her if you want."
Christian rubbed a hand over his tired face.
"Kya... trust me. We've tried."
"Well," Kya said sharply, "I'm not one of you."
That made several heads lift.
Christian frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Kya dropped her bag onto one of the chairs.
"It means I haven't spent weeks lying to her face."
The room instantly tensed.
Ronaldo sat up straighter. "What the hell are you talking about?"
Kya crossed her arms.
"I told her what I do, Christian."
Silence.
Pure silence.
YOU ARE READING
Bonita
Fiksi UmumShe was only 8 years old. 8 years old and she saw her mother get killed by a drive by. From that day poor Nova has been traumatized and has been to foster home to foster home. At the age of 12, Nova has anger and trust issues, never letting anyo...
