But it wasn’t anger that surged through him; it was a profound sense of sorrow and understanding. He gently called out her name, his voice breaking the heavy silence. Alma stirred, her eyes opening to meet his, and for a moment, disbelief flashed across her face.

“Papa?” she whispered, her voice small and laced with both hope and confusion.

Tomás nodded, stepping closer. He held out his arms, and Alma, without hesitation, rushed into them. He scooped her up, holding her tightly as if to shield her from all the world’s cruelties.