Valeria

“Leave this house if you think you can stand there and insult my husband,” my mother shouted, her voice sharp and shaking.

I laughed, but there was no joy in it. “Your husband?” I asked. “You mean the man who lies, drinks himself to sleep, and hides behind his own children?”

Her eyes burned. “Watch your mouth, Valeria.”

“I’m done watching anything,” I snapped. “You both ruined everything, and you still want respect.”

She lifted her hand to slap me, and I ...