—Lupita, do you have a place to sleep tonight?
She lowered her gaze and slowly shook her head.
Alejandro looked up at the darkened sky, then looked back at her.
—Come with me. I’ll take you somewhere warm.
—No need, sir. I’ll manage.
“It’s not charity,” he said with gentle firmness. “It’s aid.”
Something in that tone achieved what distrust couldn’t. Lupita agreed. Alejandro took her to a small hotel, paid for a room, a hot meal, and clean clothes from the laundry service. Before leaving, the woman stopped him.
—Why are you doing this for me?
Alejandro was silent for a second. The truth was, he didn’t even know himself.
—Because we all deserve a second chance.
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