When he finally arrived, he got out of the car with some nervousness. The image of Julia, always smiling and kind, contrasted with the reality around him. Emiliano wondered what secrets this woman who had dedicated her life to serving others was hiding, and why he had felt such a deep connection to her in recent days.
As he walked through the streets of Iztapalapa, Emiliano felt a strange mix of emotions: curiosity, anxiety, and a slight remorse. Why hadn’t he done this before? How many times had he overlooked Julia’s sacrifices and dedication? Finally, he arrived at her home, a small brick building with an unkempt garden. As he knocked on the door, his heart raced.
Julia opened the door, and her surprise was evident. Her eyes widened in disbelief at seeing her boss in her humble home.
—Mr. Arriaga, what are you doing here? —she asked, her voice filled with incredulity.
—Hello, Julia. I wanted to see you… I wanted to know how you are —Emiliano replied, trying to sound casual, although his voice trembled slightly.
She invited him in, and as he crossed the threshold, Emiliano realized how much he had been missing by not knowing his employee’s life. The house was filled with memories, photographs on the walls telling stories of a struggling family.
As they sat in the small living room, Emiliano couldn’t help but notice the lack of comforts. Everything was simple, but there was an air of warmth that enveloped him. Julia began to talk about her life, her dreams, and the difficulties she had faced. Emiliano listened attentively, each of Julia’s words echoing in his mind.
Suddenly, while Julia was speaking, something in her expression changed. A shadow of sadness crossed her face. Emiliano, sensing it was time to ask, gathered his courage.
—Julia, what is really troubling you? —he asked softly.
She hesitated, as if the words were stuck in her throat. Finally, with tears in her eyes, she confessed:
—I have been dealing with my mother’s illness. I don’t have enough money to cover her treatments. Every day is a struggle, and sometimes I feel like I can’t go on.
Emiliano felt a knot in his stomach. The woman he had always seen as an inexhaustible source of energy and joy was suffering in silence. Without thinking, he stood up and hugged her. In that moment, something changed within him. She was not just his employee; she was a brave woman, full of love and sacrifice.
The Change
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