Valeria had raised her. Valeria had lied about the electric bill being “delayed.” Valeria had worn those oxfords to three job interviews in one day, walking across the city because she couldn’t afford the metro.
“Because,” Valeria said softly, “you were supposed to be the one who didn’t have to know. You were supposed to just wear your beige sandals and be happy.”
She wasn’t in the hallway anymore. She was in a crowded bus, standing. A man’s elbow jabbed her ribs. Her back ached from a long shift at the café. In her mind, she heard Valeria’s thoughts: If I can just pay the rent this month. If I can just not cry in front of the customers again.