“How long has this been going on?”
Carlos looked at his wife.
Then at the children.
And finally at Laura.
He took a breath.
And what he told her next changed the way she saw him forever.
“My wife’s name is Elena,” Carlos said quietly.
Laura remained silent.
“She was diagnosed with kidney failure two years ago.”
Laura looked toward the woman on the bed.
Elena’s eyes were barely open.
Carlos continued.
“She needs dialysis three times a week.”
Laura’s expression tightened.
“But the public hospital is overwhelmed. Sometimes we wait for hours. Sometimes appointments are delayed. There are days when I don’t even know how we’re going to get her there.”
Laura looked back at him.
“And the children?”
Carlos glanced around the room.
“They’re ours.”
He paused.
Then he pointed toward the two older children.
“And two more…”
His voice became quieter.
