Sofia Ramirez had been awake for nearly an hour, sitting stiffly on the edge of the guest bed where she had been told to sleep. She had been hired that same afternoon as a temporary live in housekeeper for a private estate outside San Diego, a job that promised good pay and very few questions. No one had mentioned a child. No one had mentioned nights like this.
At three in the morning, the crying had not stopped. It rose and fell, hoarse and desperate, as if the sound itself were growing tired. Sofia pressed her palms against her thighs, telling herself it was not her responsibility, that she had been told to mind the house, not interfere. Still, the noise clawed at something deep inside her chest.
Finally, she stood.
The marble staircase felt cold beneath her bare feet as she climbed, each step echoing too loudly in the emptiness. The crying grew stronger near the end of the hallway, spilling out from behind a half closed door. Sofia hesitated only a second before pushing it open.
The room stopped her breath.