“Thank you.”
Mother Caridad reached across the table and covered her hand.
“You do not have to thank me for making sure they are safe.”
Esperanza’s eyes lowered.
“I think I have thanked people too often for giving me what should have been ordinary.”
Mother Caridad felt the truth of that sentence.
For years, Esperanza had accepted protection without demanding honesty. She had trusted those around her because trust came naturally to her, and because doubt felt too close to ingratitude.
That gentleness had helped her become a loving mother.
It had also left her life open to decisions she did not remember making.
Mother Caridad tightened her hand around hers.
“Then perhaps this journey begins with something ordinary.”
“What?”
“You are allowed to ask questions without apologizing for them.”
A faint smile appeared on Esperanza’s face.
“I may have many.”
“Good.”
They left the guest parlor together.
