“I picked her up from Maria’s a while ago, and… she kinda lost it,” I say slowly, very aware of the fact that Jorge is staring at me. I almost wish he would give me and my parents some privacy. I wish I could explain to Ma and Pa the things Sophie said about what life has been like in the apartment, but I can’t talk about that while he’s listening. “I think it’s time to decide what we’re gonna do. We can’t go on living like this.”

There’s a moment of silence. Ma frowns deeply, and Pa presses his lips together.

“I—I think maybe Sophie should go be with you in Mexico.”

“No,” both of them say at the same time.

“She can’t,” Pa says.

“Mateo, that’s just not possible,” Ma adds, but there’s hesitation in her voice that’s never been there before. Staring at her face on my phone screen, I can tell she’s having a debate with herself—between what she wishes she could do and what she knows is our only option.

“You have no idea what things have been like,” I say. “She’s not talking, she’s barely eating. And today, it finally hit me. She’s not gonna take no for an answer—not anymore.”

“Ernesto,” Ma says slowly. “Don’t you think—”

“No,” Pa replies with a firm shake of his head.

“But how could we leave her alone when she’s like this?” Ma says. “Didn’t you hear what Mateo just said? If she was here, we could at least—”

“Where would she even sleep?” Pa says. “We don’t have a way to pay for a bigger place right now, no way to provide for Mateo and Sophie.” He turns to look back at the camera, directly at me, as if he’s hoping I’ll jump in and take his side. “Mateo, you know it’s your job to keep her safe.”

“I know,” I say, my voice coming out louder and angrier than I intended it to. “But I—I don’t think I can do it much longer.”

“Mateo,” Pa says, his voice rising as well. “You have to be strong. Now more than ever, mijo.”

“I just don’t think Sophie should be here anymore.” Sighing, I admit the truth—what I’ve been scared to admit even to myself. “I don’t even want to be here anymore. I think we should start figuring things out so Sophie can go join you in Mexico, and… and maybe I could go as well.”

“Mateo.” I can’t remember the last time I heard Pa sounding angry, the last time he yelled at me. Looking at him, with his jaw clenched and his nostrils flaring, I barely recognize him. “This is our decision to make.”