Those words hit me hard.
Because it was true.
Lucía never complained.
He never raised his voice.
She never said that anything hurt or that she was tired.
But suddenly I understood something very simple.
Just because someone doesn’t complain… doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering.
I looked into the kitchen.
The light was still on.
Lucía was surely listening to everything.
I took a deep breath again.
“I’m not here to discuss who has done the most for the family,” I said. I’m just saying something very clear.
I went one step closer.
“My wife is pregnant. And I’m not going to allow him to continue working as if he wasn’t.
Patricia rodó los ojos.
“Then let him rest, who prevents him?”
“You,” I answered.
All three looked at me at the same time.
“Every time they come,” I continued, “Lucia ends up cooking, serving, and cleaning everything. And no one lifts a finger.
Carmen raised her voice:
“Because that’s how it’s always been in this house!”
“Well, that’s over.
The silence fell again.
My mother stared at me.
“Are you saying that your sisters are no longer welcome here?”
I shook my head.
“I’m saying that if they come… they help.
Patricia let out a short laugh.
“Just look… The child is now grown.