Chapter 12 - THE MASK BEGINS TO CRACK
When Andrés returned home that afternoon,
the atmosphere in the house had shifted dramatically.
Renata was standing in the kitchen,
her phone pressed tightly to her ear,
her voice hushed and angry.
As soon as she heard his heavy boots on the tile,
she hung up abruptly,
forcing a bright smile.
You’re back early,
my love,
she said,
her voice carrying a slight tremor she couldn't entirely conceal.
Did you manage to sort out your duties at the military base,
she asked.
Andrés took off his cap,
placing it precisely on the counter.
Yes,
the colonel was very understanding about our family situation,
he replied smoothly.
In fact,
I have been granted extended leave to stay here and help you with my mother.
Renata’s smile froze for a fraction of a second,
her eyes widening slightly with panic.
Oh,
that’s wonderful,
darling,
she said,
though her voice lacked any real enthusiasm.
But you shouldn't waste your hard-earned vacation time on medical chores,
you know.
I have everything under control with the specialists,
and they can handle the transfer.
Andrés walked over to the refrigerator,
pouring himself a glass of cold water.
It’s no trouble at all,
Renata,
after all,
she is my mother,
he stated,
looking at her over his glass.
I feel it is my duty to be present when the doctor performs the next evaluation.
By the way,
I tried to access our joint account to help pay for her medication today,
but there seemed to be a system error.
Renata’s hand shook slightly as she adjusted her hair,
her mind racing to find an explanation.
Oh,
the bank has been doing system maintenance all week,
she claimed quickly,
her voice rising a octave.
I will call them tomorrow to fix it,
so don't worry about it at all.
Andrés watched her carefully,
noticing the tiny beads of sweat near her hairline.
The digital lock he placed on the accounts was working,
and the pressure was beginning to mount.
Of course,
take your time,
May you like
he said,
his voice filled with a terrifyingly gentle reassurance.
