She was living in a rusted tin shack, tucked away in a slum marked for demolition, filthy, cluttered, unfit for anyone to call home.
My chest tightened like a blade had sliced straight through it.
The little princess I had once held so dearly had been forced to live like this.
I rushed over. As I neared the door, voices drifted from inside.
“Tatiana, I suggest you keep that mouth of yours shut. Don’t speak out of line.”
“Your dad’s not coming back. Stop wasting your time.”
“Besides, even if your dad shows up, it won’t change a thing. He’s just a useless nobody.”
It was Carlos’s voice. Hearing it left me stunned.
I had never imagined he’d grow so bold, so arrogant.
Back when Alice brought him into our home, he had seemed quiet and timid. I even told my daughter to be kind to him, not to tease or push him around. Turns out, it was all a performance. His true colors were darker than I ever expected.
I regretted ever saying yes to Alice’s request; that decision had brought a wolf into our home. She had told me he was obedient and sensible, that he’d stay out of trouble.
“I won’t let you insult my dad! He’s the best dad in the world!” My daughter’s voice rang out, firm and full of fire.