I arrived unexpectedly and was freezing. My daughter was washing dishes in the cold while her husband and mother-in-law ate peacefully. I didn’t say a word. I simply took out my phone and made a call.

Javier interrupted her politely:

« Madam, I advise you to remain calm. Everything has been noted. »

FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY

Daniel was asked to step aside for a private conversation. Laura sat down next to me on the sofa, trembling slightly. I placed my coat over her shoulders. For the first time in a long time, her face lit up with a genuine, albeit tinged, sense of relief.

« I didn’t want it to come to this, » she murmured.

« I know, » I said. « But you don’t have to face this alone anymore. »

This afternoon, Daniel was asked to temporarily leave the house while the situation was reassessed. Protective measures were put in place. Margaret left furious, insisting that this wasn’t over.

When the door finally closed, silence fell once more in the house.

Laura took a deep breath, as if she could finally breathe again.

« I thought no one would believe me, » she said.

« I still believe you, » I replied.