You are the most important part of my entire life, and nothing, no one, will ever change that.”

Valeria began to sob against my shoulder, the deep, shuddering sobs of a child releasing months of held fear, and Sofia wrapped her small arms around my neck.

And over their heads, I looked up at Marisol, who stood quietly beside us, wiping tears from her own cheeks.

“Thank you, Marisol,” I said, my voice thick.

“Thank you for doing what I should have been doing all along.

For protecting them when I wasn’t here to.” And Marisol shook her head, gently.