“Because I felt responsible.”
“For the first procedure?”
“For introducing the possibility.”
Esperanza studied her reflection in the mirror.
“Did you believe I wanted it?”
“Yes.”
“Did I?”
“At the time, yes.”
“And afterward?”
“You were unsure.”
“Then why did no one tell me when Tomás began?”
“I thought you knew more than you said.”
Esperanza frowned.
“You believed I was hiding the truth?”
“I believed you might be protecting Elena.”
“From what?”
“From losing her marriage. From gossip. From being judged for wanting a child. I did not know.”
Esperanza leaned back.
“And when Miguel came?”
Paloma’s voice became quieter.
“By then, I knew something was wrong.”
“But you still said nothing.”
“I asked questions.”
“Not to me.”
“No.”
The admission hung in the car.
Mother Caridad looked out the window, allowing the conversation to remain between them.
Esperanza closed her hand around the white stone.
“I trusted you.”
“I know.”
