—“Sofía was very angry,” Daniel said. “But she forgave her too.”

When Elena heard that, she knew her daughter was still the same big-hearted girl.

That very afternoon, they went together to the clinic.

The journey felt endless. Elena clutched a rosary in her fingers. She feared it was all a cruel dream. She feared Sofía wouldn’t recognize her. She feared Sofía wouldn’t want to see her.

When they entered, a young woman with dark, braided hair looked up from the counter. Her eyes lit up when she saw Daniel.

—“What are you doing here?” she asked with a smile.

Then she looked at Elena.

Time stopped.

Elena said nothing. She couldn’t. She took a single step forward. Sofía studied her intently, as if something ancient awakened inside her. She saw the trembling hands, the tear-filled eyes, the face marked by years.

—“Mom?” she said, almost without realizing it.

Elena pressed a hand to her chest and fell to her knees.