She placed two roses in small vases, adding a touch of color.
While reading on the sofa, Elissa could glance up and enjoy the sight of the fresh roses, their bright blooms enhancing her mood.
Around 1@ in the morning, she set her book aside, thinking it was time for a break.
Then, unexpectedly, there was a knock at the door.
Curious, as few knew of their new address, she wondered if Raphael had forgotten something.
A N G E L A âs L I B R A R Y
Peering through the peephole, she was surprised to see her mother, Marcia, looking distressed and disheveled.
Despite their strained last meeting, Elissa opened the door, her voice filled with concern, âMom, whatâs wrong? What happened?â
Marcia stood shivering, soaked to the skin.
It dawned on Elissa that it had rained the previous night-a storm sheâd slept through, cocooned securely in Raphaelâs embrace.
Without further questions, she hurried to turn on the water heater and offered Marcia a change of clothes.
Marcia hesitated, rooted to the spot.
Elissa, feeling a knot of unease, tucked her hair behind her ear and reassured her gently, âI know this place is humble compared to what youâre used to, Mom.
Please make do for now.â
After a long silence, Marcia murmured, âThis place is fine.â
It was clear to her that Elissa was content here, despite the simplicity of the space, which was scarcely larger than a bathroom in their family home.
Once Marcia had showered and changed, she appeared somewhat revived.
Elissa warmed up a bowl of mushroom soup that filled the room with a comforting aroma.
Marcia inquired, âDid you make this?â
Elissa shook her head, âNo, Iâm not much of a cook.
Raphael made it.â
Marcia nodded, and then quietly sipped the soup.
Though it lacked the sophistication of dishes prepared by chefs back home, the homemade quality brought a unique comfort.
Halfway through, Marciaâs expression grew troubled.
Noticing her motherâs distress, Elissa gently prodded, âMom, whatâs wrong?â
Suddenly, Marcia broke down in tears.
Overwhelmed by her emotions, she covered her face with her hands and sobbed uncontrollably, releasing a torrent of pent-up anguish.
She cried, âElissa, your father is having an affair!â
Elissa remained still, not entirely surprised as Raphael had already informed her.
She wondered how Marcia had come to find out.