Daniela was sitting on the rug with a book. Martina was hugging a stuffed rabbit.
Patricia approached slowly.
"What did I tell you about being here when your dad isn't?"
The girls jumped.
But it wasn't a new shock.
It was routine.
That's what froze Emiliano.
Daniela immediately closed her book. Martina lowered her gaze.
Patricia snatched the rabbit and threw it onto the sofa.
"I'm tired of telling you, you brats. When Emiliano isn't here, you do what I say."
Martina began to tremble.
Daniela took her sister's hand.
Then Rosa came in from the hallway.
She didn't yell.
She didn't scold.
She just stood between Patricia and the girls.
"Miss Patricia," she said gently, "they didn't do anything wrong."
Patricia turned around as if she'd been slapped.
"Did I ask for your opinion?"
Rosa stood still.
"No, ma'am."
"Then get a grip. You clean floors. You don't raise my future daughters."
