Episode 6

Catalina hailed a cab to her home, drew in a deep breath, and attempted to soothe her simmering anger. She needed to rein in her fury because she was about to see her sister, who was blameless in all this. Inhaling sharply, she leaned against the car window; November's chill had intensified, and Christmas decorations were beginning to adorn the streets. Catalina didn't notice her ringing phone and time flew by until she arrived at her home, only to peer through the glass at the catastrophe awaiting her...

Her sister was weeping in a friend's embrace. Catalina hurried out, feeling as though time had stopped; she heard nothing, just fixated on the scene and her sister on the ground, and she rushed over and held her.

Catalina: Sofia, are you okay? Are you hurt?

Sofia: Oh, sister...

Catalina: What happened? Tell me, did something happen to you?

Sofia: Not to me, but our home...

Catalina: Why didn't you call me?

Stephanie: Calm down, we did call but it went straight to voicemail.

Seeing her sister unharmed, Catalina forced herself to look at their house, something she'd been dreading. She didn't want to face the harsh reality but she did, and her world collapsed. The home their parents had left them was reduced to ashes; nothing remained. It had burned down, leaving only wisps of smoke from the flames doused by firefighters.

Catalina: No, this can't be happening (she covered her face with her hands and began to cry).

Stephanie: Relax, friend.

Catalina: How did this happen?

Stephanie: They're still investigating, friend, but it looks like a gas leak caused the fire. They tried calling you, but when you didn't answer, the neighbors called me. Thank God Sofia wasn't in the house (since she was out doing homework with a friend).

Catalina: What am I going to do? Why do such tragedies happen to me?

Stephanie: Let's go to my apartment; we can sleep there tonight.

Stephanie stood and helped Sofia to her feet, then Catalina, and with her friends in tow, she walked to her car and drove to her apartment. She felt so sorry for her friend, taking them in and making tea to comfort them. She prepared dinner, but neither could eat. Silence hung heavy; Stephanie led Sofia to the bedroom to sleep, while Catalina lay awake all night, tormented by her plight. Come morning, with swollen eyes from crying, Catalina rejected Stephanie's offer to go shopping, devoid of spirit. Later, Stephanie brought breakfast, coaxing them to eat almost by force.

Stephanie: Friend, you've got to be strong and brave. I bought you clothes and some essentials. Life must go on; you can stay here as long as you need.

Catalina: I know, but I don't even know where to begin. Our house was the only thing of value we had; our money's running out. I think I'm going to have to suspend my studies and find a full-time job.