Chapter 9

As a mother, the anguish of losing a child is incomparable. My mom's grief over Yolanda's death was an ever-present burden, a wound too deep to mend. I realized I couldn't persuade her to move on from the past, having never experienced such profound loss myself. All I could do was honor her sorrow and offer my support in whatever way I could.

Once I recovered enough to walk, my father gently asked my mother for permission to take me out. She wavered, her eyes darting between us, weighing the risks. Eventually, she gave a hesitant nod of approval.

My father brought me back to the restaurant where everything had begun. I felt uneasy as we neared the entrance.

Upon entering, we were met with an unexpected sight. Ridley and his entire group were on their knees, heads lowered submissively. The atmosphere was thick with tension. They chanted in unison, "Miss Rubio, we were mistaken! Please punish us!"