My food.
Mauricio’s hands.
Olivia’s exclusion.
The gift comments.
Gabriel.
Christmas Eve.
“The worst thing was making Hugo tell you not to come.”
“Why did you insist?”
Her eyes filled.
“I wanted to prove that I decided who belonged.”
It was ugly honesty, but honesty.
“What changed first?”
“The house.”
I waited.
“When I saw the picture, I panicked because I realized I had looked down on someone who had more financial power than anyone I knew.”
“And then?”
“Then I realized that thought proved exactly how wrong I was.”
She looked down.
“If you had still been living in your apartment, I might not have felt guilty.”
“That is the point.”
“I know.”
She wiped away a tear.
“I’m trying to learn to treat people well when there is nothing I can gain.”
I didn’t forgive her that day.
I also didn’t ask her to leave.
