Pacio went out of his cottage and walked slowly because of the pain in his hip. “Ted. Where have you been?"
Ted dropped the bag he was carrying and he was gasping for air as he spoke. "Uncle Pacio. My mother. My mother."
Pacio approached the panting teenager. "What happened to your mother?"
"She is dead." The young Ted knelt on the ground and wailed. "They are cruel, Uncle Pacio. They are cruel.” Ted was almost hoarse from crying.
Pacio was shocked and hugged the sobbing teenager. His chest tightened in anger towards the Del Rios and in pity for Ted.
Immediately, Pacio went to Casa Del Rio to confront Doña Agueda. He was ready for whatever the outcome of the confrontation.
"Guard, I want to talk to Doña Agueda," Pacio said to the two new guards.
The guard blocked Pacio’s path. "You
