Cornered

Night had settled in the mansion, enveloping every corner in a tense silence. Valeria, with her heart still agitated by Guillermo's message, felt that the kitchen became an uncertain refuge. While she was preparing Laura's dinner, her thoughts were overflowing like the pasta boiling in the pot. “What does this message mean?” Why are you writing this to me and not telling me what's really going on? I must talk to him, so he can tell me the truth. I know he's hiding something from me. —she murmured to herself, feeling the weight of uncertainty.

Laura entered suddenly, interrupting his reflection. The little girl, with her messy hair and a smile that illuminated the atmosphere, approached Valeria. “Is dinner ready yet?” "I'm hungry," he said, stretching his little hands toward the table.

Valeria smiled, trying to hide her agitation. —There's very little left, darling. Would you like to help me set the table?

Laura nodded excitedly and began to take the dishes out of the cupboard. While t