The silence that followed Anaís's words was deafening. Amelia felt the air escape her lungs, unable to process what she had just heard. Sergio, for his part, stood frozen, his face a mask of incredulity and confusion.

Anaís, oblivious to the impact of her words, snuggled closer to Amelia, her tiny hands clutching her mother's blouse.

Amelia swallowed hard, trying to find her voice.

"I don't want him," the girl repeated as she began to cry.

"Why is she getting like this?" Sergio asked, trying to