An eight-year-old girl was dragged into the middle of the street by her aunt and uncle, who scolded her and threw her out of the house simply because she had added an extra spoonful of milk to the milk of her six-month-old twin brothers, who were burning with fever. The little girl clung to them tightly, her bare feet trembling on the pavement. Suddenly, a luxury car pulled up. A man got out, and with a single sentence, he changed the fate of the three children forever.
Don’t cry anymore, Lucas. Mateo, please stop. I’m so sorry for both of you. Her voice trembled with doubt and guilt. It was 8-year-old Sofia Castillo, living under the roof of her uncle Ricardo Castillo and aunt Sandra Rojas in Pasadena after her parents passed away.
She was thin and small for her age. Her hands trembled as she held her six-month-old twin brothers. Lucas’s body burned with fever. Mateo gasped, his lips dry and chapped. Both cried incessantly from hunger. Sofia opened the pantry and took out the half-empty box of baby formula. She looked around, swallowed, added an extra scoop, and shook the bottle until the powder dissolved. The gentle scent of milk made the babies pause for a moment, then cry even louder.
Sofia whispered like a prayer. Just this once, please stop crying. Please don’t let them notice, God. The sound of heels stopped right behind her. Sandra Rojas stood in the doorway of the kitchen, her gaze as sharp as knives. “What do you think you’re doing, brat? I told you one spoonful a day. Didn’t you hear me?” Sofia hugged Mateo tightly, her voice breaking. “Auntie, they have a fever. Please, just this once.”
I promise I’ll work harder, please. Sandra snatched the bottle from his hand without even looking at the babies. You always have an excuse. With a flick of her wrist, the white milk spilled onto the floor. If you want milk, go beg for it on the street. Ricardo Castillo finally got up from the living room armchair. His dark T-shirt smelled of cigarettes. He leaned against the doorframe as if he were watching a show. Useless girl living off us and still acting all high and mighty.
If you’re so thirsty for milk, then go out and beg. This house doesn’t raise thieves. Sofia knelt down, one arm holding Lucas and the other clasped in her hands, her voice breaking. “Please, uncle, aunt, my brothers have a fever, they need milk. I’ll wash the dishes, mop the floors, do the laundry, I’ll do double the work, I’ll do everything, and all by myself.” Sandra stepped forward, pushed Sofia’s hands away, and slapped her hard across the cheek.
I already told you, didn’t you understand? He grabbed her hair and dragged her across the floor. Get up outside. Not anymore, Auntie, please, just let the babies drink. Sofia clung to the edge of the table. Lucas let out a bloodcurdling scream. Mateo clutched his sister’s collar in fear. Ricardo approached, flung open the front door, and spoke slowly, as if delivering a sentence. From now on, you’re out. Don’t come back until you learn some respect.
