Javier: You humiliated us in front of everyone.
Lucía: I hope you’re happy. We had to spend the night in the airport.
Javier: We used our credit card to book a cheap hotel. We’re going to be paying this off for months. Thanks a lot.
Lucía: You are a bitter, lonely old woman and Javier is finally starting to see it.
I deleted every message.
But there was one I didn’t delete.
From Blanca.
Blanca: Carmen, I spoke to Lucía. She is my daughter and I love her, but I cannot defend what she did. I told her she owes you an apology and that I will not speak to her until she gives you one. I am sorry I didn’t see this sooner. If you ever want to talk, I am here.
I sat on my couch and read that message five times.
Then I cried.
Not because I was sad.
Because someone finally believed me.
Two weeks later, Javier showed up at my door.
He looked terrible.
Thin. Unshaven. Shadows under his eyes.
“Mom.”
I didn’t invite him in.
“What do you want?”
“I need to talk to you.”
“So talk.”
He looked down.
“Can I come in?”
I hesitated.
Then I stepped aside.
He walked into the living room and stood there like he didn’t know where to sit.
I didn’t offer him anything. No coffee. No water.
He sat down on the edge of the couch.
“Mom, I’m sorry.”
I crossed my arms.
“For what?”
