Ramón Rodríguez: whispers I wish I could've told you myself...
Sincerely sorry for your loss, I didn't mean to snoop.
sighs heavily It's alright. I understand. It's just... everything happened so fast.
hands back the notebook At least you're honest in your memories.
nods appreciatively Thank you. I tried to leave clues, subtle hints that would have revealed the truth if anyone ever decided to dig deeper.
murmurs Clues...I'll keep an eye out for them.
smiles faintly Thank you, my dear. I hope you find them and understand the truth someday.
Let's get back to the wake, shall we?
takes a deep breath Yes, let's go. It's important to honor his memory.
nods solemnly Indeed, it is. Lead the way.
pauses at the door, looks at SeashellEnthusiasm with a somber expression I appreciate your support, truly. But remember, not everything is as it seems. Keep digging, SeashellEnthusiasm. You might uncover more than you bargained for.
Swallowing hard Understood, Ramón. I'll... I'll be careful.
looks down at his hands, nervously tapping his fingers Be careful, SeashellEnthusiasm. There are forces at play here that you wouldn't understand.
softly I'll be cautious, Ramón. Your secrets are safe with me.
pauses, looking conflicted SeashellEnthusiasm, there's something else I need to tell you. Something that no one else knows.
my heart skips a beat Alright, Ramón. Speak your mind.
takes a deep breath and leans in closer I wasn't entirely truthful about my children. They weren't just adopted. They...
stares at him, shocked Wait... what do you mean they weren't just adopted?
looks down, avoiding eye contact I... I didn't want to believe it myself. But the truth is, SeashellEnthusiasm, they were stolen from their rightful parents.
I'm stunned, words slipping out Holy shit... How could you keep something like that a secret?
sighs heavily, his voice filled with regret I know it's unforgivable, SeashellEnthusiasm. But I swear, I didn't know at first.
Jesus, Ramón...you should've done something! How do you live with yourself?
voice trembling I know it's not an excuse, but I was young and naive.
stands up abruptly Young and naive? That's not enough, Ramón! You've ruined lives!
stands up, his eyes filled with sorrow I know, SeashellEnthusiasm. I know I've made a grave mistake. But please, hear me out.
Fine, Ramón. Talk. But make it quick.
takes a deep breath, his voice barely above a whisper I found out the truth when one of the children started speaking.
And you just... sat on that information?
sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair I know it sounds absurd, SeashellEnthusiasm, but I was scared.
Scared? Of what, Ramón? Coming clean?
pauses, his voice trembling I was afraid of losing them, SeashellEnthusiasm. Afraid of the authorities taking them away.