Mateo pointed to the giant screen behind him.
“Today I am proud to announce the launch of the Elena Garza Foundation. A world-class biomedical research center, here in Monterrey, that will provide this neurostimulation treatment completely free of charge to thousands of low-income Mexican families.”
The room erupted in a deafening ovation. Elena covered her face, crying tears of joy.
But the most shocking moment of this whole story didn’t happen in front of the television cameras or under the glare of the press. It happened that same afternoon, when they returned to the tranquility of the mansion.
Mateo took off his tie and sat down on the floor of the playroom. The afternoon sun streamed in through the large windows. The three children were playing on a colorful Mexican rug. Elena was off to one side, arranging some wooden blocks.
Santi, who was almost four years old, was playing with a small blue train. Suddenly, the train got stuck under a piece of furniture. The boy tried to reach it, but couldn’t. Frustrated, he slowly turned around. He looked around the room until his eyes met Mateo’s.
Little Santi took a deep breath. His chest rose and fell. He opened his little mouth.
And with a raspy, clumsy, but infinitely beautiful voice, he uttered a sound.
—…Pa…
Mateo froze. The air left his lungs.
Santi frowned, concentrating with all his might, and tried one more time.
