They used their cutlery with impeccable precision. They only spoke briefly when Marcos asked them something, and always in a respectful tone. Lucía kept serving him, cutting the meat for the children, and barely touched her own food, always maintaining that affable smile. Marcos mentioned that he was an executive at a medical supply company, a very demanding and stressful job. “That’s why order and tranquility at home are so important to me,” he said, taking a sip of wine and looking at Lucía.
“Luckily, Lucía takes care of everything perfectly, and the children are very well-behaved.” Lucía lowered her gaze and said softly, “It’s my duty.” “And what do you do, Sofía?” she asked me suddenly. “I work in the marketing department of an import-export company,” I replied. “Ah, international trade must be tough, especially for a woman.” She nodded in a neutral tone. “Lucía also considered working, but I believe a woman’s true place is in the home.”
Her greatest achievement is managing the family well, isn’t that right, darling? Lucía looked up, met Marcos’s gaze, and quickly looked down again, nodding softly. “Of course, Lucía, you’re the epitome of a perfect wife and mother,” I chimed in with a smile to lighten the mood, though her words had left a bad taste in my mouth. There was nothing wrong with what she said, but coming from her, it sounded like a condescending judgment. After dinner, Lucía told the children to wash their beds.
Marcos invited me for a drink in the lounge. “I’ve heard China is growing very fast. There are many opportunities,” he remarked, swirling his glass. “But the competition is fierce too. A woman like you traveling alone through Europe shows great independence and courage.” “Well, it’s just a trip to disconnect,” I said. “The freedom of being alone. Not like me, with a large family to support.” He smiled, and there was something enigmatic about that smile, but sometimes freedom comes at a price, don’t you think?
I smiled without replying. Lucía, who had already finished in the kitchen, joined us. She sat on the sofa next to Marcos, but not as close as during dinner, leaving a small space between them. She resumed the same demeanor I’d seen when I arrived: quiet, submissive, with a smile on her lips, but her gaze fixed on Marcos as if she were gauging his mood. Marcos asked me a few more trivial questions about my trip and how many days I planned to stay.
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