The fabric settled softly around her. It smelled faintly of detergent and coffee. Strangely comforting.
“I was attacked,” she said between sobs. “Three men… they pushed me…”
— It’s over now. You’re safe.
— I have an important board meeting tomorrow…
Even as she said it, the words sounded hollow.
— The ambulance will be here in fifteen minutes, Dad! Martina called out.
Tomás nodded. “Good job, princess.”
Camila tried to stand. Pain shot through her leg and she cried out.
— You can’t put weight on that ankle.
— If people see me like this…
The humiliation felt worse than the injury. Camila Ríos didn’t fall apart. She commanded rooms. She didn’t beg in alleyways.
Martina returned with a bright yellow umbrella and studied Camila with wide, concerned eyes.
— Hi. I’m Martina. Why are you sad?
— Her foot hurts, cariño.
— When I get hurt, my dad sings to me. Want me to sing?
Despite everything, Camila let out the faintest smile.
— That’s very kind of you.
— My mom is in heaven. Daddy says she watches over us. Maybe she’s watching over you too.
Camila swallowed hard. This little girl had lost her mother… yet she offered comfort without hesitation.