“Why did she leave?” Elian whispered, tears streaming down his face hours later. “I wanted to tell her I forgave her.”
“She already knew, my love,” Teresa said. “A mother always knows.”
Iglesias approached. His voice, for the first time, was gentle. “Teresa. You are his only family now. We will speak to the judge.”
As they left the hospital, Elian rested his head on Teresa’s shoulder. « Teresa… Is Mommy with your son in heaven? »
She took a deep breath, mixing her pain with his. « Yes, my little one. She’s with him. And they’re looking down on you. »
Elian closed his eyes. « Good night, Mom. »
But the next day, in court, the final battle had only just begun.
“Thank you for your comments,” said the judge, a gray-haired man with a tired face. “Mrs. Iglesias and Mr. Mateo recommend you care for the child, Teresa. But there is a problem.”
The door at the back of the courtroom opened. A woman in an elegant suit entered with a lawyer.
“We apologize for the delay,” the lawyer said. “We represent Ms. Isabel Vega, sister of the late Ana Morales.”
Teresa’s heart stopped.
« I’m this child’s aunt, » the woman said. « I didn’t know my sister had a son. We haven’t had any contact for years. But I want to take him in. I can afford to provide him with a good education and stability. »
The judge reviewed the documents. « This changes the situation. »
Elian began to cry quietly. “I don’t want to go with her,” he whispered to Teresa.
« Elian, honey, » Isabel said, « I’m your aunt. You’ll have toys and a beautiful home. »
“No! I want Teresa!” the child screamed.
Teresa stood, trembling but resolute. « Your Honor, I’m not his relative. But I found him dying. His family wasn’t there. I was. I was his shoulder, his shelter, his home. And I will be as long as he wants me. »
The judge looked at the child. A heavy silence fell in the room.
“Elian,” the judge said gently. “Who do you want to live with?”
The child looked at his aunt, a wealthy woman who gave him everything. Then he looked at Teresa, a woman who had only love in her.
Elian walked over to Teresa, grabbed her legs, and looked at the judge. Tears streamed down his cheeks, but his voice was firm. « She’s my mother now. »
This moment struck like lightning.
The judge closed the case. « The court rules that legal guardianship belongs to Mrs. Teresa Jiménez. The emotional bond and the minor’s wishes are paramount. »
Aunt Isabel cried quietly. She approached Teresa. « Take care of him for me. I didn’t make it in time. »
That day, on their way back to the neighborhood, neighbors came out to applaud them. Sandoval offered them brioche bread.
That night, before bed, Elian stopped trembling. “Teresa…” he said, hugging her. “Can I call you Mom now?”
She felt her soul fill with light. « Of course, honey. »
Elian smiled, closed his eyes, and whispered, « Good night, Mom. »
Teresa turned off the light, silent tears streaming down her face. « Good night, son. »
She realized that fate hadn’t taken her son away from her ten years ago; it had another one for her. Family isn’t made of blood. It’s born from a heart that won’t fail.
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