4

I ended up being hired temporarily to take care of two girls, and I tried my best. My boss was happy with my performance, but since not everything lasts forever, I was fired because the lady's husband lost his job.

“¿Were you fired again?” I've had enough of you; can't you keep a job for a year?”

“Understand that it wasn't my fault. I'll call the places where I left my résumé to see if they still need staff.”

“For your sake, I hope so, because I can't support you anymore.”

“Don't worry, I won't give you any more trouble,” I replied, annoyed. You're supposed to be my mom, but you seem worse than an enemy.

The relationship between us got worse. Lina insisted on annoying me, and since she started using social networks, she was barely present at home except when she went to work.

I called everywhere I applied, but they told me they had already hired someone. To add to my misfortune, the situation at home was becoming increasingly untenable. Carlos only saw me as a checkbook and believed it was my responsibility to support his studies.

“Enough! It's true that I haven't found a job, but I don't have the responsibility to support Carlos' vices. He's not my son; he's yours, Mom.”

“¡Don't call me Mom! You know I hate it when you call me that. ¿Is it hard for you to support your brother's studies? They are not vices; they are necessary things for college.”

“Even if it were true and the money he's asking me for was for college,” I said while a tear ran down my cheek. “What responsibility do I have to Carlos? He never supported me in my studies; you did, but always with limitations. Lina, don't ask me for something you didn't sow.”

“If you don't give him that money, it will have to come out of my pocket, and right now I can't do it.”

“Did your darling leave you without a penny?” I smiled mockingly. As much as I would like to give him the money, I can't do it because I don't have a penny. Tell your lover to give you back the money order you gave him this time and assume your responsibilities once and for all.”

Lina tried to slap me, but I stopped her in midair and then threw my hand at her firmly but gently, looking at her without fear.

“Listen carefully to what I say. Despite everything you do to me, I still love you. But if you continue like this, the only thing you will achieve is that this love I feel will go to hell.” I wiped away my tears. “Don't try to keep close those who are far away and, by doing that, end up losing those who are close to you.”

“Don't give me bullshit; go find a way to get the money your brother needs for college, even if it means prostituting yourself.”

I was pushed out by Lina, and I walked away without a fixed direction. The pain in my chest was unbearable and could only be relieved when I started crying. After walking around a lot and even beyond where I lived, I ended up staying in the atrium of the church, sitting with my head between my legs, continuing to cry.

“Miss, Miss,” spoke a hoarse voice, "¿Are you all right?”

I looked up slowly and saw a man wearing a mask. Well? That word simply didn't exist in my life for a long time, or maybe it never did.

“Wait a moment,” the man took out a handkerchief, “allow me.”

He tried to wipe away my tears, but I got scared and ran away from his touch. I couldn't see him clearly because of the dim light in the place and could only make out that he was wearing a white mask.

“Don't be frightened. If you don't feel comfortable, here you go," he held out the handkerchief. “Is there anything I can do for you? Do you want me to take you home? I have my car nearby.”

“I'd appreciate it. In fact, right now, I could be of help. Look, I need money, and the only thing I can give you in return is my body. I know it's not much, but at least you can touch some intimate areas for a little money.”

“Miss, don't say such things. You are very beautiful, at least I can see that,” he caressed my cheek. Here.

He took my hand and gave me money. I didn't want to receive charity from anyone, but I had no choice.

“Go to the church; Father can help you with a little more money,” he said, letting go of my hand. “I have to go because it's already late. I advise you not to expose yourself like that.”

He left. When I checked my hand, I was surprised by the amount of money he had given me. I went to my house and, on the way, I met my nani and the chaparrita. They were extremely worried. I realized that it was ten o'clock at night.

“I was sorry for worrying them so much. I needed some air, but I'm fine now. Let's go home.”

We went home. When we arrived, I decided to hide the money the stranger had given me, since I didn't want to continue sponsoring Carlos' outings. Lina had to assume her responsibilities as the mother of that guy and leave me alone.

The next day, I went to the church to try to find the mysterious man. The priest took care of me, and I told him what had happened the day before.

“We have a man who appeared as if he had fallen from the sky. From what you tell me, it could be him.”

“¿Can you tell me where I can find him? I really want to thank him for what he did for me,” I asked.

“I am very sorry, my child, but this man wishes to remain anonymous. I have to respect his wishes.”

“I understand. At least tell him that I thank him immensely for all he did for me.” I smiled sweetly. He gave me, in minutes, what I had been denied for years.”

“What is it, my child? Is there anything I can do to help you? You know we are here to help every sheep in the flock.”

“Don't worry, the problems I have will not be solved with words or tears. I have to look for a solution that is more human than divine.”

I left the church. Father told me they would always be there if I needed them, to which I responded with a smile. When I got home, I saw Lina keeping a hefty amount of money in her purse. I pretended I hadn't seen her and went to my room to look for the money the man had given me, but found nothing.

“Give me that money right now!” I stormed out of the room. “You are a vile thief. That's not yours.”

Paf, a slap left my cheek red. My eyes flooded with tears from the blow and the rage I felt. I looked at her angrily and pushed my hair away.

“Why are you treating me like this? What did I do to you? It's true that, as a child, I wasn't the example of a daughter, but I don't deserve this.”

“Do you want to know why I'm like this with you? When I got pregnant with you and told your dad, he didn't like it. He ended up abandoning me. I wanted to abort you, but I couldn't. I carried the pregnancy to term. I carried the pregnancy to term.”

“I see.” I swallowed saliva with a jerk. “Right now, you've killed the love I felt for you. You chose my so-called father, not me. It's your fault, not mine.”

“I don't care what you think. I'll take this money because my boyfriend needs it and I don't plan to lose another man just because you can't get a job. It's bad enough with the other two for me to lose this one, too…”