A week had passed since that fateful day, but for Mariana, time seemed to have stopped. She clung to the routine of work, trying to ignore the memories that tormented her every night. She forced herself to smile when she served customers, to keep busy so she wouldn't think about what she had lost. However, her body was beginning to betray her.That morning, while cleaning a table, a sudden dizziness made her stagger. She put a hand to her forehead, feeling cold sweat beading her skin. Her stomach churned, and she barely had time to run to the bathroom before vomiting.She spent the whole day feeling weak, with intermittent nausea that barely allowed her to stand. Mrs. Carmen, who had been watching her with a frown, approached her with concern."Little girl, you're very pale... Since when have you felt like this?""Since this morning, ma'am. But I'm fine, it must just be tiredness."The woman crossed her arms and stared at her."Listen carefully, Mariana. I've had three children, and I know how to recognize the symptoms... Why don't you take a pregnancy test?"Mariana's heart seemed to stop."What?" she stammered, feeling the breath escape her."Yes, little girl. I think you might be pregnant."Mrs. Carmen's words echoed in her mind like a terrifying glimmer. Pregnant? It couldn't be. She didn't want it to be true.Her breathing became erratic. She remembered that night... the pain, the helplessness, Sebastián's face clouded by the drugs, her own voice pleading with him to leave her alone.No, it can't be."Look how you're shaking," said Mrs. Carmen, taking her hands in hers. "Come, sit down for a moment. And tell me... what's wrong? You can trust me."Mariana felt tears welling up in her eyes. I can't tell him. I can't talk about this."That's normal between couples, isn't it?" Carmen continued gently. "Do you have a boyfriend?"Mariana shook her head, feeling a lump in her throat."No... I never had a boyfriend."The woman's expression changed immediately."If you don't have anyone... then why are you so afraid?"It was at that moment that Mariana couldn't hold it back any longer. She covered her face with her hands and began to cry."I was raped..."Mrs. Carmen brought her hands to her mouth, her eyes reflecting the horror of what she had just heard."My God... I'm so sorry, girl."Mariana sobbed uncontrollably."I don't know what to do... I don't know what to think..."Carmen approached and stroked her hair tenderly."First, rest a little. Then, go get a test. That way we'll find out for sure."Mariana felt like her body was about to collapse, but she nodded. She took off her apron with trembling hands and left the cafe.When she arrived at her residence, she found Clarisa sitting in the small living room, flipping through a magazine. When she saw her, her expression turned serious."Mariana, what's wrong? Why that face? Come, sit down."Mariana did as she was asked, unable to contain her own anguish."You're still having those nightmares, aren't you?" Clarisa asked with a tired smile, trying to lighten the mood.But Mariana didn't smile. Her voice was barely a whisper when she spoke."I was raped... and apparently, I'm pregnant."Clarissa's face froze. She didn't know what to say at first. The silence stretched between them until, finally, the young woman leaned over and hugged her tightly."You're not alone, Mariana. I'm here with you."Clarissa's words were the only consolation Mariana had at that moment."If you want, we'll go right now to get you tested. I'll go with you."Mariana nodded, wiping away her tears."Thank you..."Together they left the nursing home and walked in silence to a lab. Mariana felt that each step brought her closer to an uncertain destiny, to a truth she didn't want to face.They entered, and after a few minutes, they administered the test.The wait felt like an eternity. Mariana kept wringing her hands, while Clarisa tried to calm her down."Come in and get your results," the receptionist finally said.Mariana and Clarisa looked at each other, took a deep breath, and took the envelope with the paper inside."Open it," Clarisa whispered.Mariana closed her eyes for a second before breaking the seal. Her fingers trembled as she unfolded the sheet.Then, she read the words that would change her life forever."Result: Positive."Her hands weakened, and the paper slipped to the floor.Clarisa picked it up and read it too.—Mariana…But Mariana couldn't speak. Her mind was blank; her whole world was reeling. She was pregnant.A child…A child of the man who had destroyed her.