Someone muttered:
“Is the house really hers?”
Another voice whispered:
“She looks serious…”
That’s all it took.
Doubt.
Fear.
Reality.
The shift was immediate.
Air mattresses deflated.
Bags packed in a rush.
Children woken up, confused and crying.
The “family” that arrived like owners…
Started leaving like strangers.
Doña Teresa approached me last.
Her smile was gone.
Cold now.
“You’re going to regret this.”
I met her eyes.
“I regret letting you in.”
Diego stood frozen.
“Where am I supposed to go?”
I gave a small shrug.
“Try the shed. It has fresh air.”
By 12:27 AM…
The house was empty.
Silence.
Finally.
I walked upstairs.
Opened my bedroom door.
The mess was still there.
Clothes thrown everywhere.
Sheets missing.
But it didn’t matter.
Because it was mine again.
