

An eight-year-old girl was dragged into the middle of the street by her aunt and uncle, who scolded her and threw her out of the house simply because she had added an extra spoonful of milk to the milk of her six-month-old twin brothers, who were burning with fever. The little girl clung to them tightly, her bare feet trembling on the pavement. Suddenly, a luxury car pulled up. A man got out, and with a single sentence, he changed the fate of the three children forever.

Sofia whispered like a prayer. Just this once, please stop crying. Please donāt let them notice, God. The sound of heels stopped right behind her. Sandra Rojas stood in the doorway of the kitchen, her gaze as sharp as knives. āWhat do you think youāre doing, brat? I told you one spoonful a day. Didnāt you hear me?ā Sofia hugged Mateo tightly, her voice breaking. āAuntie, they have a fever. Please, just this once.ā
I promise Iāll work harder, please. Sandra snatched the bottle from his hand without even looking at the babies. You always have an excuse. With a flick of her wrist, the white milk spilled onto the floor. If you want milk, go beg for it on the street. Ricardo Castillo finally got up from the living room armchair. His dark T-shirt smelled of cigarettes. He leaned against the doorframe as if he were watching a show. Useless girl living off us and still acting all high and mighty.
If youāre so thirsty for milk, then go out and beg. This house doesnāt raise thieves. Sofia knelt down, one arm holding Lucas and the other clasped in her hands, her voice breaking. āPlease, uncle, aunt, my brothers have a fever, they need milk. Iāll wash the dishes, mop the floors, do the laundry, Iāll do double the work, Iāll do everything, and all by myself.ā Sandra stepped forward, pushed Sofiaās hands away, and slapped her hard across the cheek.
I already told you, didnāt you understand? He grabbed her hair and dragged her across the floor. Get up outside. Not anymore, Auntie, please, just let the babies drink. Sofia clung to the edge of the table. Lucas let out a bloodcurdling scream. Mateo clutched his sisterās collar in fear. Ricardo approached, flung open the front door, and spoke slowly, as if delivering a sentence. From now on, youāre out. Donāt come back until you learn some respect.

