“What illness?”
“Anemia severa, fiebre y agotamiento. Ella había estado cuidando a la hermana Magdalena durante el brote de gripe. Esperanza se negó a descansar. Una noche, se derrumbó cerca de la capilla”.
La madre Caridad buscó su memoria.
“Recuerdo una enfermedad, pero no es que fuera tan grave”.
“Estabas fuera en la reunión diocesana. La madre Inés todavía estaba viva entonces”.
The name changed the air in the room.
Mother Inés had led the convent before Caridad. She had been disciplined, private, and deeply respected. She had died five years earlier after a brief illness and was buried in the small cemetery beyond the orchard.
Mother Caridad’s expression hardened with concentration.
“What did Mother Inés do?”
“She asked me to treat Esperanza here.”
“That is ordinary.”
“Not entirely.”
Paloma looked at Esperanza.
“During your fever, you spoke about your family.”
“My family?”
– Dijiste que tenías una hermana.
Esperanza’s face changed.
“I had a sister?”
“You have a sister,” Paloma corrected gently. “At least, you did six years ago.”
Esperanza stood so suddenly that the bed frame creaked.
“That cannot be true.”
“Sit down,” Mother Caridad said softly.
“No. My parents died when I was young. I was raised by my aunt. I was told I had no brothers or sisters.”
“Who told you that?” Paloma asked.
“My aunt.”
“What was her name?”
“Rosa Valdés.”
Paloma asintió como si confirmara algo que durante mucho tiempo se sospechaba.
“Rosa was not your aunt.”
Esperanza stared at her.
Mother Caridad rose too.
“Explain.”
“She was your mother’s cousin. After your parents died, you and your younger sister were separated. Rosa took you. Another relative took the younger child.”
Esperanza pressed a hand to her mouth.
“Why would no one tell me?”
“I cannot answer that.”
“But you knew?”
“No al principio. Durante la fiebre, repetiste un nombre: Elena. La madre Inés lo reconoció”.
Los ojos de la Madre Caridad se estrecharon.
– ¿Cómo?
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