Chapter 2: The Wall of Drawings
Chapter 2: The Wall of Drawings
Several days later, Ricardo returned to the hospital.
This time, he wasn't there for business.
He carried a small gift bag.
When he entered Lucas's room, the boy was awake.
Weak.
But smiling.
The same smile Sofia had described.
The same smile that had survived illness, poverty, and fear.
"Mr. Ricardo?" Lucas asked.
Ricardo nodded awkwardly.
The boy pointed toward a folder on the bedside table.
"Mom showed me your picture."
Sofia looked embarrassed.
Lucas opened the folder.
Inside were dozens of drawings.
Crayon drawings.
Simple.
Colorful.
Precious.
One showed a large house with flowers.
Another showed a woman holding a child's hand.
Then Ricardo found one that stopped him cold.
A picture of a man standing beside a mansion.
The man wore a suit.
And he was smiling.
"Who's this?" Ricardo asked quietly.
Lucas grinned.
"The rich man Mom worked for."
Ricardo swallowed hard.
"He looks nice."
Lucas shrugged.
"Mom always said people can be good even when they're busy."
The room became painfully silent.
Sofia looked away.
Ricardo felt his chest tighten.
May you like
Because the woman he had wronged had protected his image in her son's eyes.
Even after everything.
