Chapter 3 - SOFÍA SAID, “DADDY KNEW”
The pediatric examination began at eight the next morning.
Dr. Elena Ruiz had cared for Sofía since birth.
She examined the belt mark carefully.
Then asked:
“Sofía, has Grandma ever hit you before?”
My daughter’s eyes moved toward me.
I smiled gently.
“You can tell the truth.”
She nodded.
Dr. Ruiz went still.
“How many times?”
Sofía looked down.
“I don’t know.”
My stomach dropped.
“With the belt?”
“Sometimes.”
I gripped the edge of my chair.
“When?”
“When Daddy works late.”
My mouth went dry.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Sofía immediately started crying.
“Grandma said you would fight with Daddy and Daddy would make you go away.”
I covered my mouth.
Dr. Ruiz gave us a moment.
Then she asked the question I was afraid to hear answered.
“Does your father know Grandma hits you?”
Sofía nodded.
I whispered:
“No.”
She looked at me.
“Daddy said Grandma did it to him when he was little.”
There it was.
Diego knew.
Not merely that Teresa believed in physical punishment.
That she had used it on Sofía.
I closed my eyes.
All the times Sofía suddenly begged not to go to Teresa’s house.
All the stomachaches.
All the unexplained tears.
Diego always said:
“She’s being dramatic.”
Or:
“Mom spoils her. She’ll be fine.”
He had known.
Dr. Ruiz documented the injury and followed mandatory reporting requirements.
I did not interfere.
Then Sofía whispered:
“Mom?”
“Yes?”
“Is Grandma going to hate me?”
The question nearly destroyed me.
“She may be angry.”
“But what she feels is not your responsibility.”
“Did I make Daddy mad?”
“No.”
“You did not cause any of this.”
She stared at me.
Then:
“Can I keep my doll?”
I realized Mateo still had it.
“Yes.”
“I’ll get it back.”
She nodded.
Such a small promise.
May you like
It felt enormous.
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