Ana and her mom

*****

"Mom, who's here?" Another voice chimed in from behind as Sonia approached the door, standing just behind her mother. "Ana!" she exclaimed, her excitement evident in her tone.

"Why on earth did she come here? If she lingers even for a moment near me, my health will suffer. Perhaps my demise will hasten beyond your imagination, Sonia," Ana's mother spat, before storming inside, leaving Ana and Sonia alone.

"I understand you never anticipated such a reaction from Mother, but it's the result of years of enduring pain. Step inside," Sonia insisted, gracefully holding the door for Ana. However, Ana stood firm, declaring, "I won't enter. You come out and elucidate your purpose for summoning me here."

"You're aware of the situation, Ana. Let's go inside and have a calm discussion, regardless of what our mother said to you about her reaction," Sonia responded firmly. After a moment of contemplation, Ana nodded and followed Sonia inside the house.

Although Ana didn't encounter her stepfa