—Really, for a cake?
"No," I replied, looking at them both. "For humiliating me, for using a child to do it, and for thinking I'd always stay silent."
There were murmurs. I saw my friends nod. I saw one of my cousins clench her jaw. Even my father lowered his gaze, uncomfortable. But this time no one defended Ricardo.
He grabbed Mateo by the shoulder with more force than necessary.
—Come on. You've seen how your aunt behaves.
Before leaving, Mateo turned to me.
