Chapter 12 - Camila
Mara couldn't move.
The woman by the window turned slowly.
She was forty now. Older, thinner, softer around the eyes.
But Sofia knew her instantly.
"Camila."
The woman looked at Sofia with polite confusion.
Then her eyes shifted to Mara.
The brush slipped from her hand.
Mara's breath broke.
"Mom?"
Camila pressed one hand to her chest.
For several seconds, no one spoke.
Then Camila whispered, "The baby had a yellow blanket."
Mara covered her mouth.
Evelyn began crying behind them.
Camila stepped closer.
"Teresa brought me photographs," she said. "Every year. She said you were safe. She said I shouldn't reach out until I could remember enough to protect you."
Mara's tears finally came.
"She died three weeks ago."
Camila closed her eyes.
Sofia watched grief pass over her face like a shadow.
"She saved us both," Camila said.
Mara wanted to hug her, Sofia could see it, but fear held her back.
Camila noticed.
"You don't have to call me Mom. You don't have to touch me. We can start with hello."
Mara nodded.
"Hello."
Camila smiled.
It was the same crooked smile Sofia remembered.
For one fragile minute, the room felt safe.
Then Detective Chen's phone rang.
Her expression changed.
"What happened?" Sofia asked.
Chen stepped into the hallway, listened, then returned.
"Rafael made bail."
Elena stared at her. "On arson and evidence destruction?"
"His attorneys got an emergency hearing. The more serious charges are still being built."
Camila's face drained of color.
"He'll come here."
"He doesn't know where you are," Chen said.
Camila shook her head.
"Rafael always knows where people are."
Outside, tires rolled slowly over gravel.
May you like
Everyone turned toward the front window.
A black sedan had stopped across the street.
