The phrase didn’t sound strong.
It sounded definitive.
At that moment, the door opened.
The wealthy couple entered, impeccably dressed, distant.
“We’ve decided to proceed,” the man said. “We want to take three of the girls today.”
The nurse tensed her hands.
Richard felt the world tilting.
-No.
The word came out before I could think of it.
The director looked at him.
—It’s not your decision yet.
Richard stepped forward.
—If three are taken away… the other six grow up knowing that they were not enough.
The man frowned.
—We are giving them a chance.
-Half.
The woman intervened, coldly:
—It’s better than nothing.
Richard shook his head slowly.
—Not for them.
An awkward silence fell.
The director closed the folder.
—Mr. Valdés… this isn’t a matter of feelings. It’s a matter of ability.
Richard took a deep breath.
And then he did the last thing he had left to do.
Elena took off her wedding ring.
She put it on the table.
—This is the last thing I have of her.
Nobody spoke.
—But what she left me… doesn’t fit in a box, or an account, or a document.
He looked at each of those present.
—If they fail today… it’s not for lack of money.
It’s because nobody wanted to stay.
The nurse put a hand to her mouth.
Clara, who had arrived without him noticing, was at the door.
Crying.
“I’m staying,” he said suddenly.
All eyes turned towards her.
—I don’t know how… but I’m staying.
He took a step forward.
—You’re not going to raise them alone.
Richard looked at her, surprised.
—Clara…
“Don’t say anything,” she interrupted. “You’ve already said enough for both of us.”
The director observed the scene.
For the first time… he hesitated.
He looked at the cribs.
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