But trust, Mother Caridad had learned, could not replace questions.
Elena reached across the table but stopped before touching Esperanza’s hand.
“I did not know you were pregnant again until Doctor Serrano told me yesterday.”
Esperanza looked at her.
“Do you want the children?”
Elena’s expression broke—not dramatically, but quietly, as though the question had touched an old bruise.
“I wanted a child once.”
“That is not what I asked.”
“No,” Elena said. “I do not want to take Tomás or Miguel from you.”
Esperanza’s shoulders lowered slightly.
Elena continued.
“I would like to know them someday, if that is good for them and acceptable to you. But not as their mother.”
“What as?”
Elena gave a small, uncertain smile.
“As their aunt.”
The word filled the space between them.
Esperanza looked at her sister for a long time.
“You would accept that?”
“I would be grateful for it.”
