Laura flinched. She turned off the tap, wiped her hands on her trousers and replied softly:
» Yes. «
At that moment, I understood. It wasn’t simply fatigue. It was pressure. Control. That insidious control that eats away at a person day after day.
Margaret finally noticed me. She smiled politely, but without warmth.
« Oh, we weren’t expecting you today, » she said, remaining seated.
I’m not saying anything.
Laura returned to the sink, her back slightly hunched, her movements cautious, as if she were afraid of doing something wrong. She didn’t complain. And that silence worried me more than anything.
I took out my phone, pretending to read messages, and stepped aside. I called Javier, an old family friend who had become a lawyer, and who often helped families facing emotional and family tensions.
« I need you to come, » I said softly. « To my daughter’s house. »
Nothing changed in the room. Daniel sat back down. Margaret continued eating. Laura continued washing the dishes.
A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door.
Daniel seemed annoyed when he opened the door, but his expression changed instantly when he saw Javier accompanied by two police officers.
« Hello, » Javier said calmly. « We received a concerned call. »
Margaret stood up immediately.
« There must be some misunderstanding, » she said firmly. « Everything is fine here. »
The police officers asked to enter. I agreed before anyone could react.
Laura came out of the kitchen when she heard unfamiliar voices. At the sight of the police officers, she froze, clutching the bottom of her sweater.
« Are you okay? » a police officer asked softly.
Laura looked at Daniel, then at Margaret. I could see how difficult it was for her to speak, how accustomed she had become to silence.
Finally, she lowered her eyes and whispered:
« No… that’s not going to work. »
A silence fell.
The police officers observed the scene: the cold kitchen, the disruption of daily routines, the tension in Laura’s posture. Margaret began to argue that Laura was « too sensitive, » that « that’s how it is in a family. »
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