a Ri

isi

years

h us, helping us through it all. She has been our rock. The man who was my aggressor was arrested months later and sentenced to life in prison. Other abuses were uncovered, and he even killed some people. What he did to my mother and Milena was counted as attempted murder, and he caused us

ks me as she cleans the counter. I look at her as she

p, which is empty. It's almost

by applying to such a distant college. How will my grandmother and mother manage? I need to be he

at's why I became so attached to you and your family... especially to you! I know that Loren would be doing this now. That's why I encouraged you. If they don't accept you to the college this year, try agai

ed to finish high school earlier than expected because of her. She encourages me daily to have a better future. I pick

!" I say, handi

econds have turned into hours and minutes into an e

say, and Mrs. Salinas folds the paper, placi

r learning and always believing in yourself!" I looked at her, trying to absorb what I just heard. My eyes fill w

The English classes with her helped me a lot, and so did the intensive courses. Suddenly, I stand up from the chair, knocking it over. The smile on

rd work, and always send me a message, call me! Don't forg

r you here," I say,

e back into

her again. As soon as I let go, I fixed the chair that had fallen and ran o

t I was taking the online exam to earn a scholarship. When I finished school, I started working full-time with Mrs. Salinas to help with household expenses and not cause

oulders. I was so lost in my thoughts that

s, and when she sees my expression, the smil

I was selfish, thinking only

ed to think about yo

want to lea

path. Think that you can repay their care by going to college, graduating, working, and helping them. I know you care about them, and I'm sure your mother and grandmother will s

stove. As soon as they notice our presence, they smile. Mrs. Salinas lets go of

doing?" Mrs.

e, and you

ially with the news tha

n she realizes I'm not saying anything, she looks at me. "What happened? Is ever

I show her the paper, and she l

e looks at me again and then at the paper for a few minutes, which seemed

ieve it, is

says, coming closer, and

t accepted i

eads it and looks at me with tears in her eyes. "Congratulations, m

proaches, and I kneel do

o see that you're following a beautiful path." I ste

not angry

would

t say an

happy to see that you're growing and forging your path." I s

The conversation that night was about me, and everyone was proud. The feeling of selfishness that I thought Mom and Gr