Seven months had passed since José's redemption. During this time, Jesus had lovingly taken on the responsibility of caring for the kids: Ruwi, Daniel, Camila, and Rosenda. Despite the difficulties, life had begun to find a stable rhythm, a delicate balance between hope and daily challenges.
Finally, after months of small gestures of affection, Ruwi and Camila decided to take a step forward in their relationship. After so many smiles and knowing glances, they confirmed they were a couple, a moment that brought joy and sighs of relief to everyone around them, who had always encouraged this step.
One sunny morning, Ruwi and Jesus went out to buy bread for breakfast. The city was slowly waking up, the streets filled with the murmurs of daily routine. They entered the bakery, which carried the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. As they looked at the variety of bread on display.
— Which bread do you prefer, Master? — Ruwi asked, looking at his teacher.
Jesus, a bit indecisive, thought about his past times. He recalled those quiet moments when he used to eat unleavened bread, so after some thought, he opted for Arabic bread. It was soft, sweet, and light—his usual choice.
Ruwi, for his part, chose French bread to share with his friends. He quickly paid, and with a satisfied smile, they returned home, where the warm atmosphere of their home awaited them. Upon arriving, Ruwi opened the door with his key.
— How is my father, Master? — Ruwi asked curiously.
Jesus, while calmly closing the house door.
— He is well, happy with your mother. — Jesus answered with a smile.
Inside, the kitchen was filled with the warm aromas of a homemade breakfast. Daniel, with his characteristic enthusiasm, was frying eggs, while Rosenda, skilled in the kitchen, prepared quinoa. The kitchen, despite being a simple space, overflowed with familiarity and comfort.
— Where is my Cami? — Ruwi asked, noticing the absence of his girlfriend.
Daniel, putting the pan aside for a moment and turning to look at Ruwi.
— She's not feeling well. She's a bit down and hasn't left the room. — Daniel commented, worried about his friend.
Rosenda, with a concerned expression, recalling how happy she used to be.
— She's been like this for a couple of days. She's in her room, quieter than usual. — Rosenda also said with worry.
Hearing this, Ruwi's concern grew. It wasn't usual for Camila to withdraw so suddenly.
— I've tried talking to her, but she won't say anything. — Ruwi responded with sadness in his heart.
Jesus, with his usual serenity, stood up from his seat, determined to check on Camila.
— I'll go talk to her — he announced in a firm yet calm voice, making it clear that he would always be there for her.
He approached Camila's room and gently knocked on the door.
— I don't want to talk to anyone. — Camila said with a broken voice.
With patience and affection, Jesus kept knocking on Camila's door.
— It's me, Camila. Let me in; your friends and your boyfriend are worried about you. — Jesus answered, concerned for her.
Hearing his warm voice, Camila, relieved by his constant presence, opened the door and allowed Jesus to enter. He closed the door behind him, creating a safe space between them. She sat on the bed, looking at the floor, as if words couldn't escape her lips.
— You already know why I'm like this — she said in a low voice, almost a whisper, as sadness enveloped her.
Jesus, unhurried but firm, sat beside her, wrapping his arm around her. He held her tenderly, as if wanting to convey all his support without saying a single word. The connection between them was palpable—a language beyond words.
Flashback: Year 2017
In a dark corner of her past, an 11-year-old Camila hid in her room, trembling. From the next room, the screams and blows of her father, Andrés, shattered the silence. Every day, the same scene repeated: her father, consumed by jealousy, mercilessly beating her mother, Esther. Her mother's screams, begging for it to stop, mixed with the sounds of punishment.
— Stop, please! I won't do it again! — Esther pleaded, her voice broken by pain.
— I don't want to see you going out without my permission again — Andrés growled, his voice cold and threatening.
When Andrés finally left for work, Camila, her heart filled with despair, came out of hiding. She approached her mother.
— Mommy, why is Dad like this with you? — Camila asked in a fearful voice.
— Oh, sweetheart, I really don't know — Esther replied, her eyes filled with silent suffering.
Each day, the same story repeated. If Esther dared to talk to someone or simply tried to go out alone, punishment came in the form of blows. Camila's life, marked by violence, seemed to have no way out.
Until one day, everything changed. After a fit of rage, Andrés beat Esther after she received a skirt as a gift at work. Camila, tired of witnessing the same nightmare, took her father's gun, pointed it desperately, and in an impulsive act, pulled the trigger. The sound of the gunshot echoed in her ears, and instantly, she saw her father collapse. She looked at her mother, who lay on the floor, lifeless. Her mind spiraled into chaos.
— Mom, are you okay? Mom, wake up! — Camila screamed, shaking her mother in desperation.
But it was too late. Esther had died, and the tragedy left an indelible mark on Camila.
The police arrived shortly after, alerted by the gunshot. When they opened the door, they found Camila, exhausted, asleep—trapped between horror and innocence.
— She's still breathing, call the ambulance — one of the officers said, recognizing the gravity of the situation.
— Call this girl's relatives — ordered the chief, concerned for the child, while the paramedic reported in a cold voice:
— The father's death was caused by a gunshot, and the mother's by physical assault.
Camila was taken to the hospital, and after the torment, she was finally placed under the care of her maternal grandparents, who took responsibility for guiding her through the painful recovery process.
End of Flashback
Back in the present, Jesus looked at her with compassion, knowing what she had endured. His embrace was a refuge of understanding, and his presence a reminder that the tragedy of her past did not define her future.
— I always remember that day in my dreams — Camila said, a tear sliding down her cheek.
Jesus looked into her eyes with infinite gentleness. With a smile, he touched Camila's shoulder.
— You may not have had a happy beginning, but a painful past does not define who you are. You decide who you want to become. — Jesus answered wisely.
With those words, Camila felt comforted. She hugged Jesus tightly, and in that embrace, she found shelter. Her fears faded for a moment, knowing that as long as Jesus was there, she would always have a safe place.