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.<\/p>\n
For years, Luc\u00eda had been their silent savior.<\/p>\n
She had paid the down payment on Marcos and Elena\u2019s apartment, financed their wedding when Elena\u2019s parents said they were \u201cshort on cash,\u201d and sent money monthly under the guise of \u201cgifts.\u201d<\/p>\n
She had bought their affection, or at least the right to be present.<\/p>\n
But that afternoon at the hospital had taught her that her money was welcome, but her presence was not.<\/p>\n
An hour later, her cell phone started ringing. It was Marcos. Luc\u00eda let it ring twice before answering.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom?\u201d Marcos\u2019s voice was high-pitched, on the verge of panic. \u201cWhat did you tell the hospital? They just called saying you refused to pay! They won\u2019t let us leave without settling the debt or signing a payment plan with exorbitant interest rates!\u201d<\/p>\n
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