I grew up learning that I needed independence, but with care and love. And where is your sister now?, Julia asked, always curious. She graduated in music and teaches piano in Puebla, my hometown. Teresa replied proudly. She always says that blindness doesn’t define her, it only changes the way she sees the world.

José noticed how Teresa spoke of disability in a natural way, without pity or drama. During the afternoon he continued to observe. He saw Teresa arrange Julia’s toys in a specific way, always in the same places, so that the girl could easily find them. He saw her adapt games so that Julia fully participated.

He saw her being firm when necessary, but always with kindness. When Susana arrived from her shopping, the atmosphere changed immediately. Julia tensed. Teresa discreetly walked away and the house, which minutes before was full of laughter, fell silent.

“José, I need to talk to you about that employee,” Susana said during dinner, when Julia was already asleep. He is creating a very strong bond with the girl. That is not healthy. Why not? José asked, genuinely curious. Because Julia is going to depend on her and Susana hesitated. A cleaner shouldn’t have as much influence on a girl’s education. Joseph felt something bothered him deeply in those words.

Teresa seems to have good preparation with special children and Julia is happier than I have seen her in months. Exactly, Susana exclaimed. He is getting too attached. When Teresa leaves, Julia will suffer. Who said Teresa is going to leave? Susana looked at him in surprise. José, is temporary, an employee. We cannot allow it to become essential. That night José could not sleep.

He walked through the silent house and stopped in front of Julia’s room. The door was ajar, and he could hear his daughter’s calm breathing. Next to the bed, on the bureau, was a small tape recorder. Curious, José pressed the play button. Teresa’s voice filled the low room.

I was once a brave girl who saw the world in a very special way. I could hear the colors of the wind and feel the shapes of the clouds. Joseph realized that Teresa had recorded personalized stories for Julia so that the girl could listen to them whenever she wanted. Stories where the protagonist was a blind girl who lived incredible adventures, who was strong, independent and loved. Tell me what city and country you are watching this video from.

I’m going to read all the comments. Back in his room, José found Susana putting on anti-wrinkle cream in front of the mirror. “Susana, we need to talk about our family.” She turned around noticing something different in her tone. What do you mean? When we got married, you said you would love Julia as if she were your own daughter.

And I love her, she protested. But wanting it does not mean consenting to it. You need to learn how to live in the real world. Joseph sat on the edge of the bed, choosing his words carefully. Do you think yelling at her and treating her impatiently is preparing her for the real world? I don’t scream,” Susana began to say, but she stopped.

They both knew it wasn’t true. “I want you to think of something,” Jose said softly. Before Teresa arrived, Julia spent most of her time locked in her room afraid to move around the house. Now he’s learning, laughing, exploring. What changed? Susana didn’t answer, but José saw something pass through her eyes.

Maybe it’s guilt or maybe just annoyance at being questioned. Good evening, Susana. Joseph got up and walked to the guest room. I need to think about a few things. Alone in the cramped bed, Joseph wondered how he had allowed his life to get to this point, when did he really stop seeing his daughter? When did you allow work to consume all your time and energy? And why was it taking him so long to realize that Teresa Montes was perhaps the best thing that had happened to his family in years. A week later, José made a decision that would surprise

everyone. He canceled an important business trip to stay home. “But José, the Guadalajara contract is worth millions,” Susana protested during breakfast. “You can’t just not go. I can and I will do it,” he replied calmly, pouring orange juice to Julia.

“Ramiro can take care of the negotiations, that’s why I have a team.” Julia smiled when she heard her dad’s voice next to her. “Daddy, are you going to stay home today?” “I’m going to stay home all week, little one.” Susana went out to her social activities visibly angry. And Joseph had his first real chance to observe Julia and Teresa’s routine without interruption.

Teresa arrived at 7 a.m. as usual, but this time she found José drinking coffee in the kitchen. Good morning, Mr. Márquez. I didn’t know I was home. Did you make him breakfast? I’ve already had breakfast. Thank you, Teresa, can we talk? She nodded somewhat nervously. Tell me about yourself. Where do you come from? How did you get to our house? Teresa poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down at the kitchen table. A simple gesture that José noticed that he never did when Susana was present.