Chapter 13 - The Foundation of Glass
Back in Providencia, the commercial lot that Sergio had illegally attempted to misappropriate was officially cleared by the municipal land registry. The title was fully restored to Raúl and Elvira Morales.
To mark the occasion, the family gathered around the small kitchen table in the Chapalita house. There were no extended relatives, no forced pleasantries, and no performance of perfection. Just four plates: Raúl, Elvira, Mariana, and little Lucía, who was busy feeding her stuffed rabbit an imaginary piece of sweet bread.
“The commercial agent called this morning,” Raúl said, setting down his coffee cup. His posture was straight, his hands completely steady. “He wants to buy the lot outright. The profit will cover our retirement and clear every remaining debt.”
“And what do you want to do with the funds, Dad?” Mariana asked gently.
May you like
Raúl looked across the table at Elvira, then down at his granddaughter. “We’re setting up a legal defense trust for families trapped in domestic abuse right here in Guadalajara. No more secrets, Mariana. No more hiding behind closed doors so nobody makes a scene.”
Elvira reached across the table and squeezed Raúl’s hand. For the first time in their lives, the silence in the house didn’t feel like a cover-up; it felt like a sanctuary.
