“Go without worry,” my mother said. “We’ll take care of everything.”

So I left—trusting them.

For four days, I called constantly. My mother always answered. Valeria only appeared briefly on video calls, looking weaker each time.

“She just gave birth,” my mother said. “Stop worrying.”

I wanted to believe her.

But something didn’t feel right.

On the fourth day, I returned early without telling anyone.

The apartment door was slightly open. Inside, the air was freezing. My mother and sister were asleep under blankets, surrounded by leftover food and trash.

There was no sign of care—no warm food, no clean clothes, nothing prepared for a newborn.

Then I heard it.

A weak cry.

I ran to the bedroom.

Valeria lay unconscious. Santiago was beside her, feverish, exhausted, barely crying anymore.

Panic hi:t me instantly.

I rushed them both to the hospital.

There, everything became clear.

The doctor told me my wife was severely dehydrated, with infection and signs of mistreatment. My son was also in serious condition.

“This didn’t happen on its own,” she said. “Call the police.”