Chapter 7

I began to truly live for myself. I ate whatever I wanted, without specifically preparing meals for others. My daughter no longer considered her father in every decision, as before. It seemed we were both silently preparing for something. Joaquin, however, felt a crisis and grew restless. I wondered why some people could be so cruel. I had always taken what I had for granted, but the prospect of losing it fostered a deep, affectionate self-image. Was this possessiveness, or true love? I didn't understand, and I no longer cared to. If this could be called love, I preferred not to have it.

Just as my thoughts settled, a delicate dish appeared before me. Joaquin said, with obvious pleasure, "This is the mushroom soup with three kinds of fresh mushrooms that you love most." He added thoughtfully, "Don't worry, there's no cilantro." He knew of my cilantro allergy. But why didn't he consistently avoid cilantro when eating out? Every time I mentioned it, he'd look at me with disgust and say, "Don't be so selfish. I love cilantro, and besides, allergies won't kill you. Stop being so dramatic."

I tugged at my lips and said nothing. Joaquin's eyes flickered with disappointment. After composing himself, he said to his daughter, "Daddy will take you to school today, okay?" Her eyes lit up, but with a hint of doubt, she asked, "Dad, weren't you always busy?" Joaquin looked slightly embarrassed: "I'm not so busy anymore. Before, Dad neglected you." Hearing this, the daughter fell silent, tears falling into her bowl.

Chapter 7 (continued)

The father and daughter finished their meal and went to school hand in hand. Even if we divorced, I didn't want to sever our daughter's bond with Joaquin. Children shouldn't be burdened by the grievances of previous generations. I had prepared the divorce agreement and was considering when to send it to him.

A sudden, urgent ringing pierced the silence. It was Lia's teacher. Ms. Colter's anxious voice crackled through the phone: "Diana, come to the school quickly. Lia got into a fight with a classmate." My heart leaped. Without hesitation, I hailed a taxi.