“Of course, ask whatever you need.”
“Is this the first time the children have been left alone with their mother?”
“As far as I know, yes. But my son told me she’s left them alone before, though for shorter periods.
” “And did you try to contact her over the weekend?”
“No. She asked me not to call. She said she was going to a ranch where there was no cell service with some friends. According to her, she wanted to disconnect.”
“Did she tell you who she was going to be with?
” “No, she just said ‘with friends.’”
“The General Hospital notified us that Mrs. Vargas was admitted with severe injuries and a traumatic brain injury. She was with a man who fled. Do you recognize him?
” “I have no idea who he is, but I imagine he’s her boyfriend. That guy gave me a bad feeling from the first time I saw him.”
—We understand. We’ll file a report with all of this. For now, you’ll remain the sole temporary guardian of the minors. The report will be sent to the prosecutor’s office.
Tomás simply nodded. He didn’t want to deal with paperwork, but he knew it was necessary for his children.
A little later, a nurse approached again.
“Sir, the baby’s awake. Would you like to come in?”
Santiago’s eyes lit up immediately.
“Is Alma awake yet?”
“Yes, my love, you can go see her now.”
They both entered the room. Alma was still very weak, but when she saw her brother, she stretched out her small arms. Santiago ran to hug her and carefully climbed onto the bed.
“I missed you so much, Alma.
” “Me too,” the little girl murmured softly.
Tomás walked over and gently stroked their heads.
“You’re going to be alright. I promise.”
A few hours later, Tomás’s phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, but he answered immediately.
“Hello?
” “Mr. Tomás Gutiérrez?
” “This is he.
” “We’re calling from the General Hospital. Mrs. Leticia Vargas has woken up. She was asking about you and the children. Would you like to come over?”
Tomás looked at his children for a moment.
“I’m coming over.”
Before leaving, he bent down and spoke to Santiago.
“I’m going to see your mom. I’ll be right back. Take good care of Alma, okay?
” “Is she alright?
“I don’t know, son. I’ll find out.”
Tomás left the children’s hospital and drove quietly. When he arrived at the general hospital, he followed the directions to the third floor.
Leticia was lying in a shared room, her face bruised and her left arm in a cast. When she saw him enter, she lowered her eyes.
“The children are alive.
” “Yes.
” “What did you do, Leticia?”
She took a moment before answering.
“I thought nothing was going to happen. I just went to a party. I wanted to clear my head for a while. He told me we wouldn’t be long.
” “You left them alone for three days. The little girl almost died.”
Leave a Comment