Arin stepped out of the bathroom, rubbing the last drops of water from his hands. The house was almost completely silent.
He started walking back toward the boys' room—
And then he froze because he a a voice which soft and Shaky.
It was clearly Miss Rose's voice.
His enhanced hearing picked it up clearly, even through the slightly closed door of a Room.
He hesitated, then walked closer.
The door was open just enough for him to hear—but not enough to be seen.
He didn't want to invade her privacy, but…
The sound in her voice made his stomach tighten.
"…please… just one more week," Rosa said quietly, trying to sound calm. "I'll pay it, I swear. I only need a little more time."
The man on the phone replied with a tired sigh.
"I understand your situation, Miss Vásquez. Really, I do. You've always been responsible. But I can only give you one week. After that… I'll have no choice."
There was a long pause.
Arin could almost hear Rosa swallow her fear.
"…Thank you… thank you so much."
The call disconnected.
For a moment, Rosa just stood there with the phone still in her hand.
Then slowly, she lowered it.
Her shoulders fell.
Her back trembled.
And she whispered to herself…
"…What am I going to do…?"
Arin's chest pulled tight.
He didn't wait.
He stepped forward and knocked on the door gently.
"Mrs. Vásquez?"
She almost jumped, quickly wiping her face with the back of her hand.
"O–Oh! Arin .. I… I thought you were asleep."
Her voice was still unsteady.
Arin stepped inside.
"I heard your voice when came ," he said softly. "Are you… okay?"
Rosa straightened, trying desperately to put her warm smile back on.
"Oh, I'm fine. Really. It's nothing, just… adult problems. You don't need to worry about me."
But her voice cracked on the last word.
Arin watched her hands—
they were shaking.
"Mrs. Vásquez," he said quietly, "you don't have to pretend."
The moment he said it—
her eyes flickered.
Just a tiny moment.
Just enough to show how tired she really was.
Rosa chuckled weakly, but it wasn't joy. It was the kind of laugh someone makes right before they break.
"You're… too observant, Arin," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"I'm supposed to be the strong one. The mother. They can't see me like this."
Her breath hitched, and she covered her mouth.
Arin stepped closer—slowly, carefully.
"You've carried everything alone," he said softly. "And you're still carrying it. You're doing everything you can for your children."
Rosa's lips trembled.
Her eyes filled.
And then—
She broke.
Quietly, painfully.
Tears slipped down her cheeks one by one.
"I'm trying so hard," she whispered into her hand.
"I just… I can't fall apart. Not in front of them"
Arin didn't even think.
He moved closer and gently put a hand on her arm.
That was all it took.
Rosa leaned into his chest resting her forehead lightly against his shoulder…
Like someone who hadn't had a moment to breathe in months.
"I'm sorry," she whispered shakily.
"I shouldn't… burden a you with this."
Arin shook his head.
"It not burdened," he said quietly.
"You shouldn't have to suffer alone."
Rosa's breath trembled again.
"You're… such a good boy," she whispered.
"I don't know why, but… I feel safe talking to you."
Arin didn't smile.
He just held her steady, letting her cry quietly into his shoulder.
After a long moment, Rosa pulled back, wiping her eyes, embarrassed.
"I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cry on you."
"It's alright," Arin said. "Everyone needs someone sometimes."
Rosa exhaled shakily, trying to regain her composure.
"You should get some sleep," she said softly.
"Thank you… for being here."
Arin nodded once.
"Goodnight, Mrs. Vásquez."
She managed a small, tired smile.
"…Goodnight, Arin."
As he walked back to the boys' room, he glanced once over his shoulder.
Rosa was sitting on the edge of the bed , hands covering her face… finally letting herself feel the weight she'd been carrying alone.
Arin's mind was already spinning as he had one million dollars.
And he knew exactly what he was going to do , thinking this Arin made a quiet promise to himself.
I'll help you. I won't let you lose this home.