That night, Raúl stirred weakly. The oxygen machine hissed beside him. “Elenita…” he whispered. “Forgive me… for everything. You still love me, don’t you?”
Elena looked at him for a long time. His face was gaunt, his eyes desperate, searching for the absolution he no longer deserved.
He nodded, hopeful, tears forming in his tired eyes.
Elena leaned close, her voice steady as a blade. “I stopped loving you twelve years ago, Raúl. I stayed so our children wouldn’t grow up ashamed of their father. When you’re gone, I’ll tell them you were a good man — because they deserve to remember you that way.”
Raúl tried to speak, but only a broken sob came out.
She adjusted his pillow, smoothed his hair, and whispered, “Rest now. It’s all over.”
He closed his eyes, a single tear sliding down his cheek. The room filled once again with silence — her oldest companion.
Forgiveness Redefined
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