BRENDA
I ran as fast as I could, my heart pounding like a drum. Corazon’s confused voice echoed behind me, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. My thoughts spiraled out of control, racing with the implications of what I’d just seen.
When I finally reached the maid’s quarters, I stumbled inside, gasping for breath. The familiar, quiet room felt suffocating. Before I could gather myself, Corazon burst in, panting and clutching her side.
“Brenda!” she cried. “What’s wrong? Why did you run off like that?”
I forced a shaky smile, waving her off. “It’s... it’s nothing. I felt dizzy. Could you... could you get me some water?”
Corazon narrowed her eyes. “You’re acting weird.”
“Please.” My voice cracked.
She hesitated, then nodded. “Fine. But when I get back, you’d better tell me what’s going o
