My mom breaks down as soon as I walk inside her bedroom. “I’m sorry, Liliana,” she cries, her anguish etched into the fine lines of her face. “I tried to talk to the mayor, but then he showed me all the plans, and he tripled the money the city council is offering if I signed the NDA right there. I couldn’t say no. Not when I knew there was nothing I could say or do to change his mind.” All my rage from earlier today is wiped away, replaced with worry. “Mami.” I help her take a seat at her vanity. “Take a few deep breaths.”
