She spoke about her dream of becoming a doctor, about her mother—Sofía—who had left nursing school to raise her alone.
“We’re a team against the world,” Valentina said. Then it happened.
Alejandro’s fingers closed around hers. His eyelids fluttered… and opened.
“Angel…” he whispered. “I’m not an angel,” Valentina corrected him. “I’m Valentina. I’m six.”
He struggled to sit up. “Your voice… you were singing.”
She smiled and finished the song—the one that chased nightmares away. Tears streamed down his face.
The door burst open. Dr. Herrera stormed in, followed by Sofía, pale with fear.
“Valentina! Get out of here—now!” But Alejandro, still weak, held tightly to the girl’s hand.
“Wait,” he said. “She’s the one who saved me.”
“You’ve just woken from a three-month coma,” the doctor insisted. “You’re confused.”
“I’m not,” Alejandro replied calmly. “Your daughter sang to me. I heard her.”
Sofía stood frozen.“Valentina,” she asked softly, “what were you doing?”
“Taking care of the lonely old man,” the girl said. “Like you taught me.” Silence filled the room.
Later, Alejandro learned the truth—Sofía was Valentina’s mother. Instead of punishment, he offered gratitude and asked to speak with her once he recovered.
Days later, his sister Victoria arrived, suspicious and sharp.
