He did not identify himself with a long speech. He spoke clearly, quickly, with the precision of fear that has already found a target.
“My husband tries to leave my youngest daughter in a center without my consent. I have evidence. The girl does not want to stay. I think he’s falsifying documents and saying I’m unstable. I’m out of the place. I need help now.
They told him that units were on their way.
He returned to the crack.
Inside, Daniel was still talking.
“The mother works a lot. The girl is becoming a problem. He cries, resists, lies. You know what they’re like. A woman alone cannot do everything.
Veronica almost laughed.
So that was it.
Not a criminal network. Not something darker than it already was. He wanted to get rid of the hindrance. Of the girl. Of his discomfort. Of the daughter who prevented him from playing the quiet man while she worked and he decided who was left over in the house.
Anger gave him a clean lucidity.
He pushed the metal door on the side and entered.
The blow made everyone turn around.
Emilia was the first to stand up.
“Mom!
Daniel froze, as if he had seen a dead man.
“What are you doing here?” he snapped.
Veronica walked straight to the table and took her daughter by the hand.
“I’ve come to take my daughter.
The woman in the uniform stood up, tense.
“Ma’am, you can’t break in like that. We are carrying out an assessment authorized by the tutor present.
“The guardian cannot authorize any internment by hiding it from the mother and lying about my mental health,” Veronica replied. I’ve already recorded everything. The police are on their way.
The color went from his face.
Daniel tried to regain control.
“Veronica, you’re exaggerating. It is only an evaluation because Emilia has problems adapting.
Emilia has a stepfather who sneaks her out during the day to convince strangers that her mother is useless.
The girl squeezed his hand.
“Mom, I didn’t want to come.
Veronica bent down right away.
“I know, my love. I’m already here.
Daniel took a step toward them.
“Don’t fill his head. This was for their good.
“Don’t come close.
