Ordinary sounds. Ordinary neighborhood. Ordinary house.
Nothing about the moment looked like a life was splitting in half.
That was what made it unbearable.
“Come on, Sofi,” Javier said.
She walked with him. Small, careful steps. Not because Lucía gave permission. Because Javier had. Because for one fragile second, his choice outweighed fear.
Behind them, Lucía said nothing. He could feel her anger gathering, compact and cold, but she did not physically stop them.
That scared him too.
People who did not panic sometimes believed they still had control.
In the car, Javier adjusted Sofia’s seat belt so it crossed her chest without pressing her side. She held the strap with one hand, protecting herself.
He closed the door gently and circled to the driver’s seat. Only once he started the engine did he allow himself to shake.
