Inside, Celina walked as if treading on shards of glass, trying not to break into even smaller pieces.

As soon as they reached the living room, Tatiana set Celina’s suitcase down in a corner and guided her to the sofa. She sat beside her, holding her trembling hands.

“Sit down, sweetheart. Breathe,” she urged gently. “You don’t have to be strong right now—you just have to be here. For your children… and for yourself.”

Celina crumbled again, letting her head rest on her friend’s shoulder. Her bo