Chapter 17

• "What could I do? I was just 13 years, and was literally alone in the world. Like I said, Aunt Michelle's place was a total 'no-no', so I didn't bother seeking her out. I simply started staying at the home, knowing I wouldn't be able to afford my school bills. That was when I the innocence within me disappeared. I was slowly becoming introduced to the harsh world, where I had to fend for myself. Soon, the little supplies we had at home had run out, and I was beginning to starve. On one of those days that severe hunger struck, I found myself at the gates of the Fernando's residence. Recognizing me as the housekeeper's daughter, the security personnel let me in. I had asked to see Madame Beatriz. The moment she heard I was around, she had rushed out to see me. She asked how I was faring, and if my father was taking good care of me."
• That's true. Laura hadn't made mention of her father yet. Probably seeing the curiosity in my eyes, she supplied me with the answers I seeked.
• "My father left my mom while I was still very young. So I never knew what having a father felt like." Goodness! Laura had really been through a whole lot. "That was the exact same thing I had told Madame Beatriz, and she became interested in my welfare. I narrated everything to her, and she had found it quite difficult to believe that I had stayed at home all by myself for the few weeks my mom had been at the hospital, with no one else to cater for me. Finally understanding that I had rushed down to their residence because I was hungry, she made sure I was properly fed, and asked me to spend the night at their place."