Carla never knew.
Hugo asked privately.
I wrote the check privately.
When his career recovered, I refused repayment.
Carla opened the door in expensive athleisure, her expression tightening before she hid it.
“Margarita.”
“Good morning.”
“We didn’t know you were coming.”
“I know.”
Eventually she stepped aside.
Hugo appeared.
“Mom? What are you doing here?”
“I came because I want both of you to explain, looking at me, why I am not welcome here Christmas Eve.”
His eyes moved toward Carla.
That was my first answer.
Then Gabriel ran in.
“Grandma!”
My heart opened despite everything.
He started toward me with both arms open.
Carla stepped sideways.
“Gabriel, homework.”
“I just want to hug Grandma.”
“You can later.”
His face changed.
“Hi, mi amor,” I said.
“Hi, Grandma.”
“Finish your homework.”
He walked away slowly, looking back once.
I sat on the sofa I had bought them the previous year after Carla decided their old one didn’t match the house’s “direction.”
