along the cobblestone street that led to the university residence. In her hand, she held a scarf she had knitted herself-for Isabelita-and in her heart, a restlessne

n echo. For a few seconds, there was no

ce half-sleepy, her hair disheveled, and her soul on the

are you doing

youth and fatigue. But there, almost hidden by a lock of hair, was the scar.

ermission. "And I'm not going to turn a blind eye. I know you're c

ently, her breath bated. Sudd

The Night o

ven at night, and she was returning from the library, her head full of notes and her s

rst she hesitated. Then

arsh voice whisp

to scream, but fear gripped her like an invisible vice. She wanted to run, but her body

had all happened in seconds. But f

outh would invoke more darkness. She covered the scar with her hair, wit

re

lean, meticulously organized, as if Isabelita's

ndow. Amelia placed her hands on the

ome to judge you, ri

er. She played with the rim of an emp

. That if I ignored it, it w

ell like a bro

ppened,

n, in a low but firm voice, she began to speak. Of the attack. Of the paralyz

felt her blood boil. Anger-clean, protective-began to rise from deep within her. Not against Isabelita. But against the world that

Amelia said with a sad half-smile. "But you know what? I

th Behi

You never have been. It hurts me to think that you've carried this w

ps together. The guilt w

weak. That if I told anyone... everything would fall

rength than that which is needed to move forward after something like this.

asn't a broken cry. It was a release. A "finall

ed. She held. She held. They both cried a litt

e betwee

e space. But before leaving, she paused in the doorway. Isabelita watched her, still

ly. "That this story won't mark you by what the

walked over to her siste

ad resting on her shoulder. "Thank you for not l

k me to love you. Tha

She walked more slowly, breathing deeply, now carrying not only her wor

bled meaningless words in his sleep. They were still children, but Amelia knew th

y wound. Light to every fea

's forehead would never disappear,

e h

ee