"Mr. Ríos, you are hereby notified of a restraining order: you may not approach Mrs. Hernández or enter this property. Your belongings will be collected by a third party and under supervision."
Diego let out a broken laugh.
"And where am I supposed to go?!"
My answer was simple.
"Where those who use affection to steal go."
The scene unfolded quickly afterward. The officers took the jar, recorded information, and requested the glass as evidence. The "notary" practically ran off, muttering excuses.
Diego, on the other hand, stood frozen in the middle of the room as if he still couldn't believe the world didn't belong to him.
Before leaving, he glared at me with hatred.
"I took care of you," he spat. "No one will ever love you like I did."
I smiled, calm, tired, and free.
"I hope so."
When the door closed behind them, I didn't feel immediate joy. I felt emptiness. I felt the weight of all those years crashing down on me.
I sat down on the couch and looked at my hands again. This time they were truly mine.
