ran out of the office, grabbed my purse, and left. I had nothing to take with me because I had never brought

was a torrential downpour-just what I needed

n though I don't believe in such things. I don't trust in chakras or protective spirits; they'

o make things worse, a car sped through a puddle,

ad to toe, wearing short dresses and layers of makeup. They're the ones on magazine covers and r

of my life. My mother was lying on the kitchen floor. My

ed out desperately. I needed to see her beautifu

crying and screaming brought me back to alertness. She was

if you lose it, I won't be able to handle bot

ven't taken the

ugh her sobs. If it was hard for m

ance. I was desperate. In five minutes, the paramedics arrived.

s most recent medical rec

ey are. I'm g

you

r came over to help and

ezing. I hadn't had the chance to change clot

tretcher's side. My mother was unconscious. At some poi

until a very familiar

rit

as her doctor and an excellent human being. We had bu

age. I don't think she'll make it through the night. I'm s

mily, nor did he share our blood, Horacio sincerely

mother. Even as an old woman, I'd need her. Alone in this cruel world,

! What am I going t

ed to address. The hospital is demanding overdue payments, including today's bill. You'll have t

said, my cheeks burning with

can help.

to do, but thank you. You've always be

back to the proposal my ex-boss had made. I

eak and pale. She had lost all her beauty; no trace of the

sk you to hold on any longer, but I know your body can't take it anymore. I'll never be

ears that poured like wat

alone. I know she's not your responsibility, but I need you. You've always been a