I entered the house and froze in shock when I discovered my Ana on the floor, crying—pale, fragile, and thinner than before. Through her tears, she told me her mother had claimed she was drowning in debt and threatened by loan sharks. Afraid of losing her again, Ana gave her the $15,000 she had saved for college.
The next day, her mother disappeared and never returned.
I didn’t know what broke Ana more—the loss of her savings or the betrayal. All I could do was hold her and remind her that even though I hadn’t given birth to her, she was my daughter in every way, and I would never let her go.
Looking back, I’m thankful I went to check on her that day despite everything, because I don’t know what would have happened otherwise.
