She hung up. Her hands trembled slightly, not from fear, but from the adrenaline rush of having set a boundary for the first time in her life.

For years, Lucía had been their silent savior.

She had paid the down payment on Marcos and Elena’s apartment, financed their wedding when Elena’s parents said they were “short on cash,” and sent money monthly under the guise of “gifts.”

She had bought their affection, or at least the right to be present.

But that afternoon at the hospital had taught her that her money was welcome, but her presence was not.

An hour later, her cell phone started ringing. It was Marcos. Lucía let it ring twice before answering.

“Mom?” Marcos’s voice was high-pitched, on the verge of panic. “What did you tell the hospital? They just called saying you refused to pay! They won’t let us leave without settling the debt or signing a payment plan with exorbitant interest rates!”