My uncle got out of prison, and the whole family shut the door on him—except for my mom, who hugged him as if someone else were to blame.

your mother,” Ramiro replied, his voice heavy with something unspoken.

“What?” I felt the chill deepen, wrapping around my bones as confusion surged through me. Ramiro pulled a key tied with a red string from his pocket, and I caught a glimpse of his determination as he approached the gate and pushed it open with a squeal that echoed through the desolation.continue reading …