“What do you suggest?”
“We begin with what can be proven.”
She placed the letter from Elena beside the anonymous note.
“Is Elena alive?”
“I believe so.”
“Where?”
“The last address I had was in San Aurelio.”
“That is four hours away.”
“Yes.”
“Does she know about Tomás and Miguel?”
Paloma hesitated.
“I do not know.”
“You have said those words too many times today.”
“They are still the truth.”
Mother Caridad looked through the office window.
In the garden, Esperanza sat beneath the old fig tree with Miguel in her arms. Lucía crouched beside Tomás, helping him arrange pebbles in a row.
A family had formed inside the convent, though no one had planned it.
Whatever biology revealed, these bonds were not temporary.
“We will contact Elena,” Mother Caridad said.
“And Father Esteban?”
“Him too.”
“You may need diocesan permission.”
“I have spent half my life asking permission to do what conscience already required.”
