The Escape of the Adorable Liar

like a persistent refrain. Her sister's voice sounded calm, yet it carried a tense calm-a mask beneath which Zoraida could sense the weight of rep

the line, sitting in her small New York apartment, her hands intertwined and her eyes lost somewhere in th

you," Zoraida said

replied, trying to sound strong,

ary or not," Zoraida retorted fir

York that very night. She knew Dana needed support, and s

room curtains when Adán knocked on Zoraida's door. It was early, but he had always been punctual. H

d with a gentle smile as he step

She was dressed in a beige blouse and comfortable jeans, accessorized with a brown scarf her moth

glow. The sound of the engine and the distant murmur of traffic filled the air. Zoraida gaz

" Adán asked, bre

e when I see her. This has been very hard on her. But I'm also excited. I wa

as they waited at a red light. His gesture

sister. Dana is so

with the suitcase. There was a silence laden with emotion between them. Both

ling the warmth of his body and

m away," she said, looking him

ter," Adán replied softly. "Ca

unspoken promises. Even though they would be

e plane descended over New York. The city lights shone like stars trapped bet

was old but well-kept, with a red-brick façade that spoke of past stories. As Zoraida climbe

. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun, and althoug

e," Dana said, wrapping Zor

d I be? We're in

added a touch of life to the space. That night, the two sisters sat on the couch, sharing stories, laughter,

at the small kitchen table. Sunlight streamed in through the window, filling the room with

o tell you," she said, her

her spoon aside. "Tell

nervous. Her fingers d

ara. She's exp

information. Then, as if a torrent of emotions h

volved with Mateo?" Her voice ros

y. "Yes. And... t

raping against the floor. Her chest heav

t? And Mateo? What on earth was he thinking?" she exclaimed, pacin

ng small under the intensit

in a trembling voice. "But I needed you to know

her eyes for a moment and then looked back at Dana. Her express

you for telling me. I won't let this situat

ew that Zoraida's storm of emotions was part of what made them so close-t