CHAPTER 3: THE HOUSE WITHOUT WARMTH
CHAPTER 3: THE HOUSE WITHOUT WARMTH
Downstairs, the music suddenly got louder again—someone laughing too hard, a glass breaking, applause over nothing important.
Christmas downstairs.
Neglect upstairs.
Alejandro stood.
Not fast.
Not angry.
Just certain.
He picked up one of the gift bags and opened it slowly.
Inside: wrapped dolls, warm clothes, chocolate, books.
Things that made sense for children.
Things that didn’t match the room they were living in.
Valeria’s eyes flickered toward the bag.
Then away again, like hope was something dangerous.
Alejandro turned toward the hallway.
“Stay here,” he said softly.
None of them moved.
Not because they didn’t want to.
May you like
Because obedience had replaced safety.
He walked out.
