Mariana closed the album.

“Every small concession became a rule.

And every rule became proof that she belonged here more than I did.”

I had no defense.

The following day we walked through the house together.

She pointed to changes she wanted: new locks with access she controlled, a secure place for financial documents, and clear limits on who could stay overnight.

She also wanted the service room restored as a proper staff space, not hidden away like the end of the world.

“Rosa says we can turn it into a comfortable break room,” she said.