“When the judge approves it, and with supervision. You’re going to have to prove that you’re truly willing to make a real effort to change.”
Leticia didn’t reply. She simply closed her eyes and let the tears fall quietly. Tomás watched her for a few seconds longer, then walked out of the room without saying goodbye.
Back at the children’s hospital, Santiago and Alma were watching cartoons on a tablet the medical staff had lent them. Alma had an IV in her arm and a doll resting on her lap. Santiago turned when he saw his father walk in.
“Did you go see my mom?
” “Yes. She’s okay. She’s a little bruised, but she’s awake now.
” “Is she coming to get us?”
Tomás sat down on the edge of the bed.
“Not right now. You’re coming with me. We’ll stay together.”
Santiago nodded. He didn’t look sad; if anything, he seemed relieved.
“Are we going back to the big house?
” “Yes, son. I’ll take care of you there.
” “And my mom?”
Tomás looked at him calmly.
“Your mom needs time. She has to get better. When the doctor and the judge say she’s ready, she’ll be able to see you.”
Santiago lay down beside his little sister. He didn’t ask any more questions. He simply took her small hand and closed his eyes. Tomás watched them, thinking about everything that had happened in just three days—how close he had come to losing them, and the enormous challenge ahead of learning to be a full-time father. But he was determined, because this time he wasn’t going to let go of their hands for anything in the world.
The first night at the house was difficult. Alma refused to sleep alone, and Santiago woke up crying twice. Tomás didn’t really know what to do. He had never spent more than two consecutive days caring for both of them on his own. And now it was permanent: cooking, bathing them, calming their fears, listening to them, hugging them.
The following day, a child psychologist from the hospital came to visit. She spoke with Tomás first.
“We need to start providing them with support. Both children are showing clear signs of stress. Especially Santiago; he feels responsible for everything that happened.
” “He only did what he could. He saved his little sister’s life.
” “Yes. But now he also carries the mental burden of having to watch over her all the time, and that’s not healthy for a six-year-old. And Alma… she’s very defensive. She refuses to leave her brother’s side, and she doesn’t trust adults either. It’s going to be difficult for her.”
Tomás nodded, committing every word to memory.
“What do I have to do?
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