Chapter 4 — Learning to Breathe Again
One year later...
Valeria lived in a small white house filled with sunlight.
There were no locked doors.
No whispered insults.
No fear of footsteps in the hallway.
She returned to teaching art at a neighborhood school.
Every Friday afternoon, she volunteered at the Women's Justice Center, helping survivors organize financial records and legal documents.
One evening, Ernesto visited carrying a small birthday cake.
Just the two of them.
He lit one candle.
"No speeches this year," he smiled.
Valeria laughed softly.
"I like this better."
She made one silent wish.
Not for revenge.
Not for justice.
May you like
Simply for peace.
Then she blew out the candle.
