~~Elena~~
He didn’t react. Not even a flicker of surprise.
“So, you and Valentina can go shopping tomorrow. Mariana, you can join them too,” Grandpa said with finality, as though the matter was sealed.
Back in my room, I collapsed onto the bed. Mariana sank beside me.
“What should I do, Mariana? I’m scared… and honestly, I feel like I’m suffocating,” I admitted.
Her voice was calm. “We can’t delay tomorrow’s plan.”
She was right, though fear knotted in my chest.
.
.
.
The next day, we visited the old house. The moment we opened the door, dust greeted us like an old friend. Cobwebs dangled in corners.
I wrinkled my nose. “This place could use an army, not just two girls with brooms.”
Mariana chuckled, and for a moment, the heaviness lifted. We got to work, scrubbing, sweeping, t
