PART 2

The next morning, Valeria came down the stairs with a black scarf around her head. She put on something simple and walked slowly; she, too, was truly defeated. Doña Carmen sat at the table, eating sweet bread and drinking coffee; she, too, owned a house they had never paid for. “Did you pick up your resignation letter?” she asked without looking at her. “Yes,” Valeria lied. “I won’t be returning to the office.” Her mother-in-law smiled. “Then go to the market. Buy some good meat, fruit, cheese, fresh tortillas, and my vitamins. Use the card you gave me.” “Of course, Doña Carmen. You have the PIN.” The woman was impeccably dressed, with a pretty handbag and sunglasses.