Gabriel had just stepped into the kitchen when he heard her voice behind him.
He turned back suddenly and placed his plate on the table and then walked towards her with quick strides. Bitterness gathered at Lucia’s chest. She herself could not accept herself, let alone others.
A warm body approached and locked her in a tight embrace. She heard clearly the man’s breathing… as if he was trying to hold back something?
“I’m sorry, Gabriel.” She did not know why she apologized. Perhaps she had disappointed him.
“Was it because of Rainy?” Gabriel lifted her chin. His strong arms held the shaking woman tightly. He should have known what a helpless woman, one who needed to sell her own blood to save her daughter, had to do to afford the medical expenses.
“Yes.” Lucia nodded. She cried. She se
