Jessica sat in the cramped apartment’s kitchen, staring at the steaming cup of tea in front of her. The warm light from the overhead bulb made the room feel slightly less suffocating, but it couldn’t take away the weight pressing on her chest. Every breath felt labored, her exhaustion a constant reminder of the life she had left behind.
The tea remained untouched, its aroma mingling with the faint scent of rain drifting in through the cracked window. Alvaro was fast asleep in the next room, his tiny form curled up under a thick blanket. The soft sound of his breathing offered her a small comfort, though it did little to erase the gnawing fear that had taken root in her heart.
“Jessica,” Maria said softly, sitting across from her at the table. Her friend’s eyes were tired, her face pa
