On my birthday they left me alone at home and went to Europe with my savings.

It no longer said “For sale.”

It said:

SOLD.

Mauricio stiffened.

The key was suspended in the air.

He tried to open the door.

It was not opened.

My phone started vibrating.

Mauritius:

“What did you do?”

Fernanda:

“This is crazy.”

Doña Estela:

“Open. We have nowhere to go.”

I waited.

For the first time in years I waited without fear.

Then I sent a message:

“I’m fine. You guys used my money to travel on my birthday.

I used my property to protect myself.

From now on, any matter will be dealt with through my lawyer.”