Sofia fell silent, her shoulders trembling slightly. At that moment, Carlos felt an invisible fear wash over him. He reached out and touched the edge of the blanket.

“I’m sorry… but I need to know.”

Saying this, Carlos, trembling, lifted the blanket.

The scene he saw paralyzed him. Sofia’s feet were swollen, her skin pale and bruised. Sofia’s feet were cracked, swollen, and so red that the slightest touch caused her to moan in pain. Carlos was stunned, unable to believe this was true.

“My God… why didn’t you tell me?” Carlos asked, his voice choked, tears welling up.

Sofia turned away, sobbing: