“You have no home and I have no mother,” the girl said to the homeless girl at the bus stop.
Isabel la Morales was scrambling on the sidewalk barefoot in the snow that had melted between her toes. The beige lace dress she had worn to the company Christmas dinner was shaking. Her hands were still shaking from the push of Ramón, her stepfather, when he tried to hold her again. “Just let me get my shoes,” she pleaded as she knocked on the wooden door.
“There’s no one in this house,” he shouted from inside. You should be grateful for everything I did for you after your mother died. The snowflakes were falling even more densely now. Isabela hugged her body, and the cold cut her breath. 3 years.
3 years. I had endured the stares, the CVAs, the comments, the inappropriate jokes. But tonight, when Ramón put her in the kitchen after a few drinks, she had already stopped it. Her numb legs pushed her towards the bus stop, where she waited every morning to go to the dance academy. The metal and glass shelter seemed like a palace at that hour.
She got off the bench, trapped in the cold air. Miss, are you okay? Isabela looked up. A girl, no more than 10 years old, was looking at her with brown eyes filled with concern. She was wearing a gray wool hat, a red coat that was too big for her, and military boots.
She was holding a crumpled paper bag in her hands. “Yes, I’m okay,” Isabela lied, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. The girl handed it to her head, studying it with a worried old age. It didn’t seem right. She was shivering and had no shoes. What are you doing here so early? Where are your parents? A sad smile spread across the child’s face. I have no parents. I have a mother.
It had been three years since she had reached heaven. I now live in different homes. Isabela’s heart sank. Foster Care The girl lives in a foster care system. And you? The girl asked. Where do you live? Isabela felt a lump in her throat. The words came out before I could stop them. I have no home.
The girl nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She walked over to the bench and sat down next to Isabela, and opened her paper bag. “Here it is,” she said, and split a sandwich in half. “Okay, Mrs. Carmen gave it to me this morning. I can’t accept your food. Why not? I have it and you don’t. That’s how things work.” Isabela took the piece of sandwich with trembling hands.
It was ham and cheese, simple, but delicious, after not eating all day. What is your name?” Esperanza Garcia asked, but everyone called me Espe. And you? Isabela, just Isabela. Esperanza studied it with those eyes that were too intelligent for her age. Do you know what, Isabela? What? You have no home and I have no mother, she said with a bewildering simplicity.
“Now, we are together, even if only for tonight.” Tears flowed freely down Isabela’s cheeks. This woman, who had lost so much, was offering him what little she had. Her heart, closed by pain and betrayal, began to crack. Wait, let me listen.
A male voice interrupted them. A tall man was approaching from the street. with dark hair covered in snow and an expression of genuine concern. He was wearing medical scrubs under a black coat. “Are you okay?” he asked, stopping a few meters away. “It’s too late and too cold to go out here.” Isabela instinctively squeezed, and hugged hope tighter.
“Men don’t approach women on the street out of kindness. They always want something. We’re okay,” he replied in a firm voice, although his blue lips said otherwise. The stranger frowned, noticing Isabela’s bare feet and the age of hope. I’m Dr. Mateo Ruiz. I work at the San Rafael Children’s Hospital, there.
He pointed to a building two blocks away. I’m sorry, but I can’t come here. The temperature will drop to -10 degrees tonight. Are you a pediatrician? Esperanza asked curiously. I’m a child psychologist. Yes. So, help the
Before Isabela could answer, the bedroom door opened. Esperanza came out with her hair in a bun and one of Mateo’s sweaters reaching down to her knees. Isabela ran towards him. I thought you were gone. I won’t go anywhere without you, son. Matthew watched the exchange with something that seemed to be admiration.
Esperanza, have you had breakfast yet? No, but I can wait. I’m used to it. The girl’s casual response made something snap in Isabela’s chest. No 10-year-old should be used to going hungry. I’ll make scrambled eggs for everyone, Mateo announced. Esperanza, can you help me set the table? Yes.
As she watched them together in the kitchen, Isabela studied Mateo more closely. He was a three-something, she calculated, with soft hands that spoke of a job that didn’t require physical strength. There were diplomas on the walls of his apartment. Psychology Complutense University of Madrid, specialization in child psychology.
Gregorio Marañón Hospital. It’s true. She’s a psychologist. What do you do, Isabela? Mateo asked as he served the eggs. She worked, he corrected them. She teaches dance at a small academy. She also studied movement therapy. Do you like working with children? Isabela looked at Esperanza, who was devouring her eggs as if she hadn’t eaten in days.
I like to help people find ways to express themselves when words aren’t enough. That’s beautiful, Esperanza said with her mouth full. Can you teach me how to dance? Of course. The apartment doorbell rang at that moment. Mateo frowned. I wasn’t expecting anyone. He approached the door and looked through the peephole.
She was an old woman with a folder. She said she was from the Child Protection Service. Hope’s face turned pale. Carmen, my social worker. Isabela immediately felt fear. They’re going to separate her from Hope. They’re going to take her. How did she know you were here? Whisper.
I reported my whereabouts last night, Mateo explained. It’s protocol when a minor is involved. Esperanza held Isabela’s hand tightly. I don’t want to leave. You’re not leaving yet, Isabela promised, though she didn’t know how she would keep that promise. Mateo opened the door. Carmen Vidal entered.
A 45-year-old woman with gray hair, a bun, and eyes that had seen so much suffering in her childhood. Dr. Ruiz, Esperanza. She looked down at Isabela. You’re Isabel Morales. Carmen studied the scene. Esperanza clung to Isabela, the breakfast plates, the blanket on the sofa. Hope, are you okay? Yes, Carmen. Isabela took care of me last night. Where is your current host family? Esperanza looked up. I left.
You ran away. Why? The girl looked at Isabela for strength. Mr. Vargas looked at me strangely while the men who came at night looked at my mother. The silence in the room was deafening. Carmen closed her eyes as if she had expected something like this.
Did he do something to her? No, but I knew I would, that was why I left. Isabela felt anger burning in her chest. This woman was in danger and she had to save herself. “I have to get her to a safe place,” Carmen said. “There is family in Seville who won’t!” Esperanza shouted. “I don’t want to go to Seville. I want to be with Isabela.” Hope.
Ms. Morales is not qualified for What do I need to be qualified for? Isabela was cut off. Carmen looked at her in surprise. She was serious, absolutely serious. Miss Morales. Foster care requires a thorough evaluation, background check, financial stability, adequate housing. I can find a job, I can find an apartment.
How? Where will she live during that time? Mateo cleared his throat. You can stay here while we get the paperwork done. Everyone looked at him in shock. Dr. Ruiz, this is not a temporary emergency arrangement. I am a registered respite provider for special cases. I can monitor the situation while Isabela completes the application process.
Carmen frowned, looking at the situation clearly. Do you know Miss Morales? I met her last night, but in 15 years working with children I have developed a great instinct for evaluating caregivers. Isabela put her s
Carmen frowned, taking in the situation clearly. Do you know Miss Morales? I met her last night, but in 15 years working with children I have developed a great instinct for evaluating caregivers. Isabela put her own safety at risk to protect Esperanza.
That told me everything I needed to know about her character. Isabela looked at her in surprise. Why was she defending her? Why would she risk her professional reputation for a stranger? Carmen looked at Esperanza, who was holding Isabella’s hand as if it were a life preserver. Honestly, do you want to be with Isabela more than anything in the world? Do you feel safe here? Yes, Isabela is protecting me and Dr. Mateo is great. I can feel it.
Carmen sighed, and took some papers from her folder. Okay, but this is temporary, very temporary. You have 72 hours to prove that you can provide stability, Isabela. If not, Esperanza will go to Seville. Understood. Carmen approached the door but stopped.
Esperanza, why didn’t you tell me about Mr. Vargas earlier? The girl shrugged. No one would believe me. Adults never believe children about these things. Carmen has sunk to her level. I believe you and I will make sure you never go back there. When Carmen left, the three of them fell silent.
“Why did you do that?” Isabela asked Mateo. Why would you risk your career for us? Mateo sat on the sofa, suddenly tired. My little sister was in foster care when our parents separated. She was separated from us for six months because no family member was deemed temporarily suitable.
Those six months marked her forever. Where is she now? He died in a car accident 5 years ago, but before he died he promised me that I wouldn’t let a child go through the system alone if I could avoid it. Isabela felt a change in her chest, a warmth that had nothing to do with the blanket or the coffee. Thank you, don’t give it to me anyway.
We have 72 hours to do this. Esperanza smiled suddenly, listening quietly. 72 hours is a long time. We can make it work. Her hopes were shattered when Isabela’s phone rang. She took it out of the bag she had saved last night, frowning. Checked the number.
“Who is it?” Mateo asked. Isabela felt her blood freeze in her veins. Ramón, my uncle. The phone kept ringing, the sound echoing in the air like a threat. Isabela knew that if she answered everything they had built up over the past few hours, she might fall, but she also knew that if she didn’t answer, he would find another way to get to her.
And this time she had a lot more to lose. Isabela let the phone continue to ring until it stopped. Her hands were shaking as she put it back in her bag. “Who is Ramón?” Esperanza asked with the disturbing intuition she had for detecting danger. No one important lied to Isabela, but Mateo studied her with the eyes of a psychologist trained in detecting lies.
Isabela, if there was anything we needed to know to protect Esperanza, it was nothing, sad and complicated. The phone rang again. This time Isabela had killed it completely. It’s okay, Mateo said softly. But remember that you don’t have to face problems alone, now, as if they were part of something now, as if they belonged to someone.
For the next three days they had a strange but entertaining routine. Mateo went to work in the morning. Isabela looked for work in the afternoon, while Esperanza attended a temporary school that Carmen had found. And in the evenings they cooked together and helped Esperanza with her homework.
It was in those moments at night that Isabela began to really see Mateo, the way he listened to Esperanza talk about her day without ever interrupting, the way he remembered small details, like Esperanza’s love of hot chocolate with extra cinnamon, the endless patience he showed when the girl dreamed about her mother. “Why did you decide to work with children?” Isabela asked him one night as they were washing dishes.
The children were
The brutal honesty hit her like a fist. Isabela stopped washing the dishes with her hands. Mateo, it’s okay. Therapy helped me accept this, but I think that’s why I recognize pain in others. For example, in you. Their eyes met in the sink full of foam and there was electricity flashing between them. Isabela felt her breathing quicken. It wasn’t me, Isabela, Mateo, who was rushing forward.
The urgent voice of hope from the room cut through that moment. They ran towards her, and saw her pointing at the television with wide eyes. On the screen, a reporter was speaking in front of a building that Isabela immediately recognized, the company where Ramón worked.
Arrested this morning for embezzling an estimated 2 million euros, Ramón Heredia, 48, is accused of diverting money from employee pension funds over the past 4 years. Isabela slumped onto the couch, the world spinning around her. “Is that your uncle?” Mateo asked.
Isabela nodded, speechless. What does this mean?” Esperanza asked. “Does this mean that the man who threw Isabela out of her house is a thief,” Mateo explained carefully. Isabela’s phone, which she had turned on that morning, began to ring anxiously. Text messages appeared one after another on the screen.
“Bitch, this is your fault. If you talk to the police, I swear I will ruin your life. No one will believe you. You are an unemployed supporter. I will find you.” Mateo read the messages on Isabela’s shoulder, his face hardened. Isabela, this is harassment. We have to report this. We can’t do it. If I go to the police, they’ll investigate my situation. They’ll find out that I’m homeless, that I don’t have a permanent job.
They’ll lose hope, but you can’t let this threaten you. Yes, I can. In the hope that I can endure anything. Esperanza came over and held Isabela’s hand. That bad guy is coming for you. Isabela felt tears prickling in her eyes. I don’t know, just a little. So, are we leaving? What? We’re leaving.
You and I can go somewhere else where he can’t find us. Hope isn’t that easy. Yes, we’ve been fine for three nights. We can always be fine. Mateo sat in front of them. Or we can deal with this together. Isabela looked at him in surprise. Matthew, you don’t understood. Ramon is not just an angry man, he is dangerous.
And now that he is desperate, then all the more reason not to face this alone. Why would you do that? Why would you risk your safety for us? Mateo reached out and gently touched Isabela’s cheek, because in three days you two had become the most important people in my life. Isabela’s heart stopped. In his eyes she saw something she hadn’t seen in years. Complete honesty.
Matthew, you don’t have to say anything now. Just don’t run away. Not again. Before Isabela could answer, the apartment doorbell rang. The three of them tensed. “We’re waiting for someone,” Esperanza whispered. Mateo shook his head, cautiously approaching the peephole. “Carmen and she’s with someone else.” Isabella immediately felt scared.
“Ramon, she’s not a blonde and elegant woman.” Mateo opened the door. Carmen entered, followed by a woman in her 30s wearing an expensive suit and a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Doc Ruiz, I’m sorry if I’m late in worrying about you. This is Lucía Mendoza, director of the Child Welfare department. Isabela felt the ground open beneath her feet.
A principal doesn’t come in person unless something is wrong. Miss Morales,” Lucia said in a cold voice. We need to talk about what? About the charges filed against you. What charges? Lucía took a folder from her suitcase. According to the anonymous tip we received this afternoon, you have a history of mental instability, substance abuse, and disorderly conduct.
The complainant suggests that she represents a risk to the minor’s well-being. Isabela felt the walls closing in around her. That is not true. None of that is true. The complainant provided medical documentation that suggests the opposite. What documentation? I have never had psychiatric treatment. According to these records, she has been in therapy for severe depression and self-destructive tendencies for the past year. Mateo approached.
May I see those documents? Lucia hesitated. they are confidential. I am a licensed psychologist. If they are basing the decision on medical records, I have the right to review them professionally. Reluctantly, Lucía handed her the papers. Mateo quickly scanned them, his brow furrowing with each page.
These documents are fake. I am sorry. The dates do not match. The diagnosis codes were wrong and this medical stamp pointed to a mark on the paper, this hospital closed its doors two years ago. Isabela nodded with a mixture of relief and fear. Ramon had forged medical documents.
Who is Ramón? Lucia, her stepfather, the man now arrested for embezzlement, asked. Carmen and Lucía exchanged glances. The person who complained is the one now arrested. It should be him. He is the only person who would be mad at me for doing something like that. Lucía gently closed the folder. This changed things dramatically.
However, Ms. Morales, regardless of the truth of these documents, you still do not meet the minimum requirements for temporary custody. What do I need? Stable housing, verifiable employment, and completion of the Foster Parent Preparation Course. How long will that take? Six to eight. Isabela felt her world crumble. She was less than six weeks old.
Ramón will find a way to break it sooner. However, Lucia continued, due to the extraordinary circumstances and the clear manipulation of the complainant, I am willing to extend the temporary placement for two more weeks. This will give you time to establish basic stability.
And then, Hope will be transferred to a certified family until you complete the process if you decide to continue. Esperanza, who had been silent throughout the conversation, finally spoke up. I don’t want to go with another family. I want to be with Isabela forever, my child. No! She screamed running towards Isabela. I have lost my mother, I can’t lose anyone else.
Tears rolled down Isabela’s cheeks as she hugged Esperanza. You won’t lose me, I promise you. How can you promise that? Adults always lie. I love you so much, Hope. When you love someone, you fight for them no matter what. Mateo came over and placed a hand on Isabela’s shoulder. And because she wasn’t alone in this fight.
Lucía and Carmen watched the exchange with soft expressions. Two weeks, Miss Morales, Lucia repeated, use that time wisely. When they were gone, the three of them remained huddled on the sofa. Esperanza fell asleep between Isabela and Mateo, emotionally exhausted. Do you really think we can do this job, Isabela whispered.
I think it’s working, Mateo replied, looking at Esperanza sleeping. We just need the whole world to see it too. Isabela felt a warmth expand in her chest. For the first time in years she wasn’t completely alone, but in the back of her mind she knew that Ramon wouldn’t give up easily and that his next attack would be even more desperate and dangerous. Isabela’s cell phone vibrated with a new message. Two weeks.
That’s all you have before it destroys everything important to you, starting with the psychologist you thought could protect you. Isabela quickly deleted the message, but fear settled in her stomach like a cold stone. Ramon knew where she was and now he knew how to hurt her even more.
A week later, Isabela got a job as a therapy assistant at the clinic where Mateo worked. It wasn’t much money, but it was a start. Esperanza smiled even more, she even had a friend from school named Ana. Everything seemed to fit together perfectly, too perfectly.
Isabela was organizing files at the front desk when an elegant woman entered the clinic. Perfectly combed brown hair, designer suit
I’m not trying to save anyone. No. So what is this? A homeless woman with a child that isn’t hers. Exactly the same pattern you have with me. You always put your patients before us. Isabella stood up suddenly. I’ll check the supplies in the warehouse. But before she could escape, she heard Lucia’s voice clear and calculated.
Matthew, do you really believe this is love or is this just your savior complex again? Isabela closed the warehouse door behind her and leaned against the wall, struggling to breathe. She was right, Lucia. This was just the Salvador de Mateo complex. Everything I felt between them was a lie. Her cellphone vibrated.
A message from an unknown number. Beautiful clinic. It would be sad if something happened to a good doctor for joining a place he shouldn’t have. Isabela deleted the message immediately, but it was too late. Ramon intensified his threats. this wasn’t just against her anymore.
When she left the warehouse, Lucia had already left, but Mateo was still at the reception looking troubled. Isabela, you don’t have to explain anything to me. Your personal life is not my problem. Yes, because you are part of my personal life now. Isabela felt tears prickling in her eyes. Am I or am I just a rescue project? How can you ask that? Your ex-boyfriend is right. You saved me from the moment we met.
Food, shelter, work. Have you ever asked if this is true or if you just need help? Mateo approached, but Isabela backed away. “Mommy, Mommy has nothing to do with me. Isabela. Esperanza entered the clinic and ran to Isabela with tears in her eyes.
Carmen came up behind her looking stressed. What happened?, Isabela asked, kneeling down to hug Esperanza. Mrs. Carmen said, I’m leaving. She said, there’s a family in Barcelona who loves me. Isabela looked at Carmen over her head with hope. I thought we’d been gone for two weeks. Yes, but a rare opportunity presented itself.
Vegas is a family with experience in education. They’ve successfully raised 12 children. They want to meet Esperanza this weekend. I don’t want to meet Las Vegas. I want to stay here. A small hope. This is just a visit. No, visits become permanent. The same thing always happens. Isabela felt completely scared. They were lost.
Everything fell apart. Carmen, give me one more chance. I work. I have a place place to stay. “You know I like you, but Filipinos give you immediate access. Two parents, your own house, private education. I don’t care about private education,” Esperanza shouted. “I just love Mommy Isabela.”
Isabela’s heart was completely broken when she heard Esperanza call her mother for the first time and I want you to be my daughter forever. But sometimes loving someone means doing what’s best for them, even if it hurts. Don’t say that, don’t say that, because it feels like you’re giving up. Isabela looked at Mateo, who had been silent the entire exchange.
In his eyes she saw guilt, doubt. Lucia had planted the seeds of uncertainty and now he was questioning everything. I’m not giving up, Isabela said firmly. But maybe Carmen was right. Maybe Vegas can give you things I can’t. All I need is you.” Carmen felt uncomfortable. The visit was tomorrow afternoon. Hope. You go and be polite.
Then we’ll decide what’s best.” That night Esperanza refused to have dinner. She sat on the sofa with Isabela, clinging to her as if she would disappear. “Will you let me go to Vegas?” she asked quietly. I don’t know, little one. I don’t know what’s right. I already know. The right thing to do is to stay together.
Why do adults complicate everything? Mateo came over to the sofa. I can talk to you, Isabela. Privately. Isabela followed Mateo into the kitchen, her heart pounding. Isabela, about what Lucia said, is it true? You have a pattern of putting your patients before her. Mateo hesitated, and that hesitation told her everything she needed to know.
I thought, but with you it’s different. How do you know it’s different? Because when I look at your hope, I don’t see a patient, I see a mother protecting her child. And when I look at you, I see my future. Isabela felt tears streaming down her cheeks. But what if Lucia was right? What if I was your only way of dealing with the guilt over your sister? Is that really what you believe? Isabela closed her eyes feeling the weight of all her uncertainty.
I didn’t know what to believe anymore. Everything happened so fast. Two weeks ago I was living on the street and now I’m thinking of adopting a girl and falling in love with you. Do you fall in love with me? The question came out in a whisper full of hope. That didn’t matter. What mattered was hope. For me it mattered. Before Isabela could answer, her phone rang.
The name General Hospital appeared on the screen. Tell me, are you Isabela Morales? Yes, I’m Nurse Martinez at General Hospital. Your uncle Ramon Heredia has been admitted to the emergency room. He said you were his emergency contact. Isabela felt like her world was collapsing. What happened to her? She was attacked in prison. Her injuries were not life-threatening, but she wanted to see him. He said it was urgent.
Isabela hung up the phone with shaking hands. What happened, Mateo asked. Ramon is in the hospital. He said he wanted to see me. You’re not going. Maybe you should. Maybe this is the only way to end this. Isabela is not a trap. And if not, and if she is truly hurt and remorseful.
After all the threats, Isabela looked at her in the living room, where Esperanza was waiting, probably listening to every word. I can’t make a clear decision with her, I always threaten myself. I have to face her once and for all. Then I will come with you. No, if something goes wrong, Esperanza needs you here. Mateo gently took her arm.
Isabela, no matter what Ramon tells you, don’t change a thing about us, please.” Isabela looked him in the eye, and etched his face in her memory. I love you, Matthew. No matter what happens, I want you to know that. I love you too. They kissed softly and desperately, as if it were the last time, because Isabela had a terrible feeling that it might happen.
An hour later, Isabela walked through the sterile hallways of the hospital, heading for a confrontation that could change everything. Little did she know that at that moment Esperanza was silently crying because she had heard every word and decided that if the adults couldn’t fix things, she would have to.
Isabella entered the hospital room, her heart pounding against her ribs. Ramón was lying on the bed, with bandages on his head and one arm in a sling. He looked older, weaker than she remembered. Isabela, you’re here. What do you want, Ramón? Just sit down, please. I’d rather stood up.
Ramon sighed, a bitter smile crossing his bruised face. You’ve always been stubborn like your mother. Don’t mention my mother. Your mother loved me very much, you know? She really does. But you, you always hate me. Isabela felt the familiar anger burning in her chest. I hate you because I saw the way you looked at her.
I saw how you waited for her to fall asleep so you could look at me. She was a lonely person. You were a predator and when my mother died, you thought you could finally do what you wanted. Ramon sat up slightly, his eyes shining with something dangerous. You know what? You’re right. And I would have done this if you weren’t so inflexible. Isabela frowned.
That’s why you kicked me out, because I couldn’t get what you wanted. I kicked you out because you always reminded me of my failure. Every I see you, I remember that I can’t control you like I controlled your mother. You may be sick, but here’s the problem, dear stepdaughter. Now, I have nothing to lose. Isabela immediately felt anxious.
What do you mean? I mean, I’m going to spend the next 10 years in prison thanks to that audit that was triggered after you left and since I have nothing to lose, I decided that you have nothing to lose either. What are you talking about? Ramón smiled and his expression was completely sly.
I spoke to a very interesting reporter this morning. Sin
I spoke to a very interesting reporter this morning. I told her an amazing story about an unstable woman who had kidnapped a little girl from the foster care system and was living with a psychologist who was abusing his professional position. Isabel felt the ground open under her feet. No one would believe you. I don’t have any text messages you sent me threatening me.
Wait, I made those up, but I have witnesses who will say they saw them. Which witnesses? People who owe me a debt. People who are willing to say anything to make their own sentences shorter. Isabela sat back in the chair. Why are you doing this? What a desire that ruins happiness! The happiness of knowing that if I can’t be happy, you can’t be happy either.
A little while later the bedroom door opened. Carmen entered, followed by a woman Isabela didn’t recognize. Mr. Heredia, I’m Detective Vargas. We have questions about the statements he made this morning. Ramón turned pale. I don’t know what he’s saying. Carmen approached Isabela. We need her to come with us.
I’m under arrest. No, but we need to talk. An hour later, Isabela was in the cold interrogation room with Carmen and Detective Vargas sitting across from her. Ms. Morales, is it true that you’ve been living with Dr. Ruiz and a minor in temporary custody? Yes.
And it’s true that he was homeless when he met the minor. Yes. Is it true that he threatened his stepfather via text message? No, he threatened me. The messages are on my cell phone. Isabela pulled out her phone and handed it to the detective, who reviewed the messages with increasing interest. This is interesting.
The messages show a pattern of Mr. Heredia’s harassment of you. Exactly. He’s fighting me because he knows I’m trying to adopt Esperanza. Carmen leaned forward. Isabela, there’s something else you need to know. This morning, before Ramon spoke to the press, we got a call from someone else. Who? Hope. Isabela felt her heart stop.
What? He called my office this morning. He said he had important information about why you were kicked out of their house. Detective Vargas opened a folder. Esperanza told us about the threats, about how your uncle was harassing you, but she told us something else. What did she tell us? that she had heard Ramón talking on the phone with someone about money, dates, places, names, details that only someone involved in the fraud would know. Isabela sighed.
Esperanza knew about the corruption. She didn’t know what she was hearing meant, but when we explained it to her, she realized she had information that could help you. Carmen smiled slightly. That woman loved you so much, Isabela, that she was willing to testify against an old man to protect you.
Where are you now? At the clinic with Dr. Ruiz. They were waiting for news. Detective Vargas closed his folder. Ms. Morales, based on the evidence we gathered and Hope’s testimony, it is clear that you were the victim of harassment and blackmail by your stepfather.
No charges have been filed against you and Ramon will face additional charges of harassment, blackmail, and obstruction of justice. Isabela felt tears of relief running down her cheeks. This meant that I could remain hopeful. Carmen sighed. Isabela, that was the judge’s decision, but I can tell you that your willingness to submit to the investigation, Hope’s testimony, and Dr. Ruiz is heavily in your favor
Matthew wrote a recommendation, a five-page one, very detailed, very attractive. Isabela smiled through her tears. I can see them now. Of course. But there was something else. Carmen handed her another piece of paper. The Vegases had withdrawn their interest in Esperanza. Why? Because when Carmen had called them to explain the situation, they said they didn’t want to separate a woman from someone who clearly loved her very much.
Isabella felt her heart swell until it filled her entire rib cage. It meant you really had a chance, Isabela, a real chance to be the mother Esperanza needed. Thirty minutes later, Isabela entered the clinic where Mateo and Esperanza were waiting. The young woman immediately approached her.
Isabela, are you okay? Did that bad boy hurt you? No, little one, I’m more than fine. Isabel lifted her up in hope and hugged her tightly. I heard you called Carmen this morning. Esperanza blushed. I know that bad people are hurting you and no one is hurting my mother.
Your mother is my mother of the heart and mothers of the heart are the best mothers because you chose them. Isabela felt tears running down her cheeks. It means you want me to be your mother forever. Yes. Maybe Mateo is my father of the heart. Isabella looked at Matthew, who slowly approached. That depends on whether he wants to be part of our crazy little family.
Mateo smiled. The smile I loved so much. There was nothing else in the world I wanted. They kissed Esperanza on the head, who shouted, “Yuck!” but laughed at the same time. Then Esperanza said. It means I don’t have to go to Las Vegas.
It means that we will fight for you to stay with us forever and that we will live together as a real family. Isabela looked at Mateo, who just nodded. Like a royal family. We can now have a dog. “Don’t exaggerate, my dear,” Isabela said with a laugh, but as she hugged Esperanza and felt Mateo’s arm around them both, Isabela thought that maybe they could have a dog, maybe they could have it all.
For the first time in years, the future seemed bright, full of possibilities, and completely yours. Somewhere in the city, in a hospital bed, Ramón Heredia fell asleep knowing he had lost his last chance to hurt Isabela. And in a small clinic in the center of Madrid, an unconventional, but perfect, family began to plan their future together.
Because sometimes the best families are not those born, but those chosen. Eighteen months later, the spring sun shone through the windows of the small dance studio that Isabela had opened in the Malasaña neighborhood. The walls were covered with mirrors and pictures of her students, children of all ages who had found in dance a way to express what words cannot express. “Mommy Isabela, look what I can do.
Esperanza, now 11 years old and with a smile that lit up the entire room, did a perfect pirouette in the middle of the studio. That’s amazing, my dear, you’ve been practicing. Papa Mateo helped me last night. That says I have a natural balance. Isabel smiled at her when she heard Esperanza refer to Mateo as Papa Mateo.
The adoption had ended 6 months ago, but out of the hope that he was their father from day one, she offered them shelter. Where is your father now, Mateo? I was on the phone with Mr. Garcia about Ana’s adoption papers. Isabela felt a familiar warmth in her chest. Ana was an eight-year-old girl who had arrived at the center where Mateo worked three months earlier.
Her case had deeply moved the family and after much discussion they decided to expand their home. The study door opened and Mateo entered with longer hair and a tired, but happy smile. How was the call? Isabela asked. Good news. The final examination was approved.
Maybe next week Anne will be able to go home. Esperanza cried out in joy. I’m going to have a little sister. I need to teach her to dance. Let’s let her adjust first. Do I agree? Isabela said as she hugged her pet. Remember how nervous you were at first, but now we’re a real family. We were just kids, our family has been small since that night at the bus stop.
Mateo came over and hugged them both. Do you know what day it is today? Friday. Esperanza cried. No, something more special. Isabela frowned at the thought, “The adoption anniversary, wasn’t it? That was last month. Your birthday, no.” Esperanza beamed. It had been exactly 18 months since we met.
Okay, little detective. Mateo took a small velvet box from his pocket. Isabela felt her heart beat. Mateo, Isabela, 18 months ago. Two people who needed each other met in the snow and since then we have created something beautiful together, not just a love, but a family.
He knelt in front of her, opening the box to reveal a simple but elegant ring. Isabela Morales, will you marry me? Do you want to make what we already know in our hearts official? Isabela felt tears streaming down her cheeks. Yes, yes, of course I do. Esperanza jumped for joy. We are going to have a wedding.
I can now be the maid of honor. “More than that,” Isabela said, hugging her. You are the reason all of this is possible. Mateo slipped the ring onto Isabela’s finger and the three of them embraced in the middle of the dance studio. Surrounded by the golden light of the setting sun. “You know what?” Esperanza said. “I think my mother in heaven would be happy to know that I found a new family.” “Why do you say that?” Isabela asked.
Because before she died she told me that she would always find people to love me, she just didn’t know what I would do soon. Isabel pressed her with even stronger hope, remembering the brave girl who had shared her sandwich on a snowy night. “What are you going to do now that you’re getting married?” Esperanza asked.
We will continue to be exactly who we are,” Mateo said. “A family that chose each other, and we will live happily ever after.” Isabela looked around the studio she had built with her own hands. She thought of the house they had shared, filled with laughter and music, Ana, who would soon join them, all the children they had helped heal through dance and therapy.
I don’t know if anyone lives happily ever after, but I know that we can live happily for today and work to be happy tomorrow. That’s all we need, Mateo said. One happy day at a time. Outside, snow began to fall softly, reminding them of that night when everything had changed.
But this time the snow seemed different, not as something cold and threatening, but as something beautiful and magical, proof that even the hardest storms can bring the most unexpected gifts. And as the three of them remained huddled together in the studio filled with light and love, Isabela thought about how far they had come since that bus stop.
“You don’t have a house and I don’t have a mother,” said Esperanza that night.“You have no home and I have no mother,” Esperanza said that night. Now the two have both and much more. They have a family built on choice, love, and the promise that no one should have to face the storms alone.