—He died last year—Carlos said—. A bus accident.
Silence filled the room.
—I couldn’t leave my nephews alone… so I stayed with them.
Laura felt something uncomfortable in her chest.
“So…” he murmured. “You support six people.”
Carlos nodded.
—I work nights cleaning offices.
—During the day I take care of the children.
—And I take Elena to the hospital when we can.
Laura lowered her gaze.
His Swiss watch gleamed in the light from the window.
That watch was worth more than that entire house.
For the first time in years, she felt ashamed.
“Why didn’t you ever say anything?” he asked.
Carlos smiled weakly.
—Because I didn’t want to lose my job.
Laura felt something inside her break.
