At her first hearing, she asked to speak privately with Sofia.
Sofia refused.
Then changed her mind.
“I need to hear what she says.”
I went with her.
Carmen sat behind glass.
No makeup.
No expensive clothes.
She looked older.
“Sofia.”
“What do you want?”
“To apologize.”
Sofia’s expression stayed cold.
Carmen continued.
“I told myself I was protecting Javier.”
“You used him.”
“Yes.”
“I told myself I only wanted the archive.”
“You sent someone to frighten me into signing my home away.”
“Yes.”
“You knew I trusted you because you were supposed to become family.”
Carmen closed her eyes.
“Yes.”
Sofia’s voice shook.
“You watched while your son lied to me for years.”
“Yes.”
A tear ran down Carmen’s face.
Sofia stared at her.
“You don’t get to cry because you finally understand you were cruel.”
Carmen nodded.
“I know.”
Sofia stood.
“I came here because I wanted to know if hearing you apologize would make me feel better.”
