She remembered her son’s voice saying, “She never liked you.”

In a calm, firm voice, she replied, “Miss, I think there’s been a misunderstanding. If my son’s wife only wants her family for the good times, I suppose her family would be happy to take care of the bills too. I’m not family; I’m just an unwelcome guest. I won’t pay a penny…”

The silence on the other end of the line was palpable.

The clerk, used to dealing with insurance and credit cards, wasn’t prepared for such a blunt response, so laden with personal history.

“But ma’am… you’re listed as…” the employee stammered.

“Remove my name from that list,” Lucía interrupted with a calmness that surprised even herself. “Have them call Elena’s parents. Good afternoon.”