PART 2
Javier lifted the sheet from the table.
“Daddy says having lots of money helps solve problems. Inés says we first need to look at the person standing in front of us.”
Below the sentence, Alba had sketched 27 tiny crowns.
Inés told him that every item of food had been purchased using her personal savings. The children had remained outside the home’s private rooms, and each had come with an authorized representative.
Elvira remained unmoved.
“Even if all of that is true, she crossed a line.”
Javier turned his attention to Inés.
“Why didn’t you ask me?”
She hesitated before responding.
“Because Alba was certain you would say no.”
“Why would she think that?”
Inés glanced toward Alba.
“Because before asking you for anything, Alba always asks whether you have a meeting.”
Those words wounded him more than the party arranged without his approval.
Elvira cut into the conversation.
“Don’t let an employee judge you as a father.”
Alba then gestured toward the folder.
“Daddy, look at Hugo’s page.”
Javier looked down and read:
“He saves food for his 2 siblings because some nights they don’t have enough to eat.”
When he raised his eyes, he noticed an 8-year-old boy quietly wrapping half a sandwich in a napkin.
Javier removed his jacket with deliberate slowness.
Elvira assumed he was preparing to send the guests away.
Instead, Javier set his phone down on the table.
“The party will go on.”
He couldn’t possibly have imagined how much more than that single afternoon would eventually change because of his decision.
