Márcia stared at Laisa for what felt like an eternity. The impression Manuela had was that Márcia wasn’t even breathing, so still she stood. When Márcia finally let the air leave her lungs, the world seemed to fall back into place.

Then Márcia laughed. It wasn’t a joyful laugh or one born of humor. It was simply mocking.

“Laisa, the fact that my health is fragile does not make me stupid. I am a mother. Did it ever cross your mind that I might confuse my own children?”

The silence ...