What a surprise to see you here talking with Diego. Hello, Doña Lupita. I came to apologize and offer you my job back. Thank goodness. I was outraged by the way you treated this young man. He’s a treasure, just like his mother always said. Did you know my mother too? Of course I knew her.
Carmen and I had been friends for over 20 years. She always told me about the people she helped, including this boy here. Why was I never told about this? Your mother asked for discretion. She didn’t want people to feel ashamed for receiving help, but after she passed away, we assumed you already knew everything.
Valeria realized there was so much about her mother’s life that she knew nothing about. Carmen had led a parallel life of charity and generosity that went unnoticed by her own family. « Diego, when you come back to work for me, I’d like you to tell me everything about my mother that I don’t know. » « It will be a pleasure, Doña Valeria. »
She was an extraordinary person. Doña Lupita, may I ask you a question? Um, why did my mother keep these actions secret? Because she believed that true charity doesn’t seek recognition. She said that helping others was an obligation of those who had the means, not a favor that deserved public gratitude.
These words made Valeria reflect on her own stance. Regarding social responsibility, she always made donations to institutions, but in a calculated way, thinking about tax benefits and public image. Her mother, on the other hand, helped people directly and anonymously.
Diego, can you start work tomorrow morning? Yes, I can, Doña Valeria. I’ll finish here this afternoon and be at your house bright and early tomorrow. Excellent. And one more thing, you can just call me Valeria. There’s no need for so much formality. If you prefer, Valeria. When Valeria returned home that day, she felt different, not only because she had righted an injustice, but because she had begun to see the world through her mother’s eyes.
She realized she had become very focused on money and status, forgetting the human values Carmen had tried to teach her. The next morning, Diego arrived promptly at 7:00. Valeria was having coffee on the terrace and invited him to join her. « Thank you, but it’s not necessary, » he replied.
I brought my own coffee in a thermos. Diego, if we’re going to work together, I want you to feel comfortable. Please, sit with me. He accepted the invitation, though still a little hesitant. « Tell me about a special memory you have of my mother, » Valeria asked. « There’s one I’ll never forget. I was about 12 years old and I’d gotten into a fight with some boys at school. »
I arrived here all bruised and crying. Your mother didn’t ask me what had happened, she just treated my wounds, fed me, and then took me to the garden.” And what happened in the garden? She showed me a rosebush that had some branches broken by a storm. She explained that even though it was hurt, the plant would continue to grow and bloom if it received proper care.
She said that people were like plants; they also needed care and patience to heal from their wounds. She always had that wisdom to transform simple situations into life lessons. Exactly. After that, whenever I felt sad or angry, I would go and take care of the plants with her. It was my form of therapy.
Valeria was moved to imagine her mother caring for an injured child with such devotion. She herself rarely received that kind of loving attention when she was hurt as a child, since Carmen was always busy with the family business. « Diego, can I tell you something? I feel like you knew my mom better than I did. » « Don’t say that, Valeria. »
You were her daughter, the most important person in her life. But she spent more time with you than with me. I was always at school, then at university, then building my career, but she always talked about you, about your achievements, your projects, your dreams. She was so proud of the strong woman you became, and at the same time, I feel like I became a cold and calculating person.
You’re not cold, Valeria. You were just taught to protect yourself in a competitive world. But your true nature is still there. It just needs to be rediscovered. Diego’s words brought Valeria unexpected comfort. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had spoken to her so sincerely and comfortingly.
You have your own family, Diego, a wife, children. No, I’ve never been able to maintain lasting relationships. I think growing up without family role models left me insecure about how to start my own family. But my mother was a maternal role model for you. She was, and one of the best. But even so, when it comes to romantic relationships, I always feel inadequate.
It’s inappropriate how the women I’ve been involved with always ended up being interested in men with better financial means or social standing. I understand that’s normal, but it makes me wary of getting emotionally involved. Valeria was surprised by Diego’s honesty. She herself had ended relationships for similar reasons, always prioritizing partners who could enhance her social standing.
And have you gotten married yet? I was engaged once two years ago, but I found out he was more interested in my company than in me. How did you find out? I found emails of his talking to lawyers about how he would be entitled to my assets after marriage. He had also looked into my financial situation without telling me.
What a terrible situation. How did you handle it? I ended everything immediately. Since then, I haven’t been able to trust anyone who comes near me. And now, do you still feel that distrust? Valeria hesitated before answering. Talking with Diego, she felt safe in a way she hadn’t experienced for years. There was something about his simplicity and honesty that reassured her.
With some people, yes, but with others, no. Diego smiled, understanding that she was referring to him. Your mother always said that true trust is built over time and through actions, not words. And what else did she say about relationships? That the right person would be the one who would love you even if you lost everything you owned, and that you should feel comfortable being completely yourself with that person. Wise advice.
She was truly wise. That’s why I always thought you’d find someone special. She was certain of it. How can you be sure if she didn’t even know me well? Valeria, your mother knew you better than you can imagine. She knew about all your plans, your fears, your dreams. She talked about you every day.
What kind of things did she say? That you were brave enough to take over the family business at such a young age, that you were fair to your employees and always tried to do the right thing, that behind the businesswoman was a sensitive person who was simply protecting herself from disappointment. Valeria was touched to know that her mother understood her so deeply, even from a distance.
She also talked about her worries for you. What worries? That you were closing yourself off too much to love for fear of being hurt again. She wanted you to find someone who could see your true self. And what would that ideal person be like, according to my mom? Someone who wouldn’t be intimidated by your strength, but who could also awaken your gentleness.
Someone who valued your intelligence, but who also made you laugh at the simple things in life. She seems like a character from a fairy tale. Your mother believed that such people exist. We just need to be open to recognizing them. The conversation was interrupted by Valeria’s cell phone ringing. It was her younger brother, Alejandro, calling from Guadalajara.
Valeria, I need to talk to you urgently about Mom’s inheritance. What’s happening with the inheritance? Everything has been settled legally. I’m coming this afternoon. Let’s talk in person. Valeria was worried. Alejandro had always been the most irresponsible son in the family, and she suspected he was having financial problems again.
Diego, my brother is arriving today. Could you work in the back of the garden so you don’t run into him? Sure, no problem. I can even come back tomorrow if you prefer. No need. I just prefer to avoid any unnecessary complications. Actually, Valeria was embarrassed to introduce Diego to Alejandro.
Her brother had always been prejudiced against people of different social classes, and she didn’t want him to be rude to someone who was becoming important to her. Alejandro arrived in the mid-afternoon driving a new, expensive car. As soon as he entered the house, he got straight to the point. « Valeria, » he said, « I discovered that Mom had more money hidden than she declared in her will. »
What do you mean, more hidden money? I found documents in her office showing investments that were never mentioned in the inheritance distribution. Alejandro, I personally took care of all of Mom’s documents. There was nothing hidden. Then how do you explain these bank accounts? He showed her some papers. Valeria examined the documents and noticed that it was an account her mother used specifically for her charitable work.
The money wasn’t deliberately omitted; there simply wasn’t any left to inherit because it had all been donated over the years. Alejandro, this money was used by Mom to help people in need. It wasn’t a hidden inheritance. Helping people in need? What kind of story is that? Our mother did charity work that you never knew about. Charity.
Valeria, you’re being naive. Someone took advantage of Mom’s good faith and stole that money. Nobody stole anything. I found letters that prove the donations. What letters? Where are they? Valeria showed the correspondence she had found in the garden. Alejandro read them quickly, but his skepticism only increased.
Valeria, anyone can write fake letters. You need to investigate where that money really went. I’m not going to do that. Our mother was a generous person and had the right to use her money as she pleased. She had that right, but we also have the right to our full inheritance. The argument between the siblings grew increasingly heated.
Alejandro was convinced that someone had taken advantage of his mother’s kindness, while Valeria defended her charitable actions as a legitimate choice. And another thing I don’t like: I heard you hired a gardener who already knew Mom. Doesn’t that seem suspicious to you? How did you find out about Diego? I asked around the neighborhood before coming here.
People told me about a young man your mother helped for years. Don’t you think it’s too convenient that he shows up to work at our house right after the inheritance was settled? Alejandro, are you being paranoid? Diego is an honest person. Valeria, you were always smart in business, but naive with people.
This man might be taking advantage of your emotions. Just then, Diego appeared at the kitchen window carrying some tools. Alejandro immediately became alert. That’s the gardener over there. Yes, but there’s no reason to distrust him. Look how casually he moves around the house, as if he were family.
Only Alejandro is working. I’m going to talk to him right now and clear a few things up. Before Valeria could stop him, Alejandro left through the back door toward where Diego was. She followed him, fearing the worst. “You’re Diego, right?” Alejandro said authoritatively. “Yes, sir.”
How can I help you? Can you explain how you met my mother?” Diego looked at Valeria, who signaled him to answer normally. “Doña Carmen helped me when I was a child. She gave me a job and opportunities to study, and now you come back here right after she dies. Doesn’t that seem suspicious to you? Alejandro, that’s enough.”
Valeria intervened. « Let him answer, Valeria, » Alejandro insisted. « How much money did my mother give you over the years? » Diego was clearly uncomfortable with the question, but he maintained his composure. « Doña Carmen helped me with my education and some basic necessities during my adolescence. I never asked for anything beyond what was necessary to live with dignity. »
And you think it’s fair that she spent her children’s inheritance on strangers? Alejandro! Valeria shouted indignantly. Mr. Alejandro, Diego said calmly. I never asked your mother for anything. Everything she did for me was spontaneous. And if you believe I benefited unfairly, I’m willing to work for free to compensate for any harm you think I caused the family. Work for free.
Alejandro laughed sarcastically. « Does he think that makes up for 20 years of financial support? Alejandro, that’s enough. » Valeria stepped between the two men. « You’re being extremely disrespectful, Valeria. This man took advantage of our mother’s generosity, and now he’s trying to take advantage of your naiveté as well. »
I’m not taking advantage of anyone. Diego finally lost his patience. His mother was like a second mother to me, and I would never do anything to dishonor her memory. Second mother. Alejandro became even more irritated. Now you think you’re part of our family. No, sir, I’m just acknowledging the kindness I received and trying to repay it in the best way I can.
You reciprocated by getting closer to my sister right after our mother died. Valeria realized the situation was spiraling completely out of control. Alejandro was projecting his own frustrations onto Diego, who was being unfairly attacked. Alejandro, Diego never approached me. I hired him through a landscaping company.
He didn’t even know initially that I was Carmen’s daughter. Oh, yes. And how did he get the contact for that company just when you needed a gardener? Was it a coincidence, Valeria? Do you really believe in so many coincidences like that? Diego, who had overheard the whole discussion, finally made a decision. Mr. Alejandro, if my presence here is causing problems for the family, I’d rather leave.
I don’t want to cause discord between siblings. Diego, Valeria didn’t interrupt. You didn’t do anything wrong. Valeria is right, said a voice behind them. It was Doña Lupita, who had overheard the argument and decided to intervene. « Doña Lupita, this is a private family matter, » said Alejandro, clearly annoyed by the interference.
Alejandro Ramírez, I knew you when you were a child, and even back then you were spoiled and disrespectful, the woman retorted fearlessly. Your mother would be ashamed to see how you’re treating this boy. You have no right to speak about my family. Of course you do, because Carmen was my best friend and she told me everything about you, even how you only showed up when you needed money.
Alejandro turned red with fury, but Doña Lupita continued. « Diego never asked your mother for anything. Everything she did for him was because she wanted to, because she saw in him the respectful son you never were. How dare you? I dare because it’s the truth. Your mother used to cry here at home, telling us how you only spoke to her when you had debts. »
Meanwhile, Diego visited her every week, even as an adult, without asking for anything in return. Valeria was shocked to learn that her mother felt neglected by Alejandro. She herself rarely visited Carmen, always justifying her absence with work commitments. And another thing, Alejandro Ramírez, your mother gave money to whomever she wanted because it was hers.
He didn’t owe an ungrateful son any explanations. Alejandro was so furious he looked like he was about to explode. « Diego, » Doña Lupita continued, « don’t let this spoiled brat intimidate you. Your mother is watching over you from heaven, I’m sure of it. » « Thank you, Doña Lupita, » Diego replied, his voice filled with emotion. « But I don’t want to cause Valeria any more trouble. »
You’re not causing any problems. Valeria finally found the courage to stand up for herself. Alejandro, either you treat Diego with respect or you can leave my house. Your house. This house is also mine by right of inheritance. This house was specifically left to me in the will, and you know it. So here, people are to be respected, especially those our mother loved.
Alejandro realized he had lost the argument. Doña Lupita had publicly exposed him, and his own sister had taken sides against him. “Fine, Valeria, but don’t come looking for me when you find out this man has ulterior motives toward you. The only ulterior motives here are yours regarding Mom’s inheritance,” Valeria retorted.
Alejandro stormed out, puffing with rage, got into his car, and sped off. Doña Lupita shook her head in disapproval. “I apologize for having to witness such an unpleasant scene. Alejandro has always been like this. Even when Carmen was alive. Thank you for defending Diego, Doña Lupita. There’s no need to thank me. I only told the truth.”
Your mother really considered Diego like a son. Valeria looked at Diego, who seemed affected by the whole situation. « Diego, are you okay? » « Yes, I’m fine. I’m just saddened that I caused this fight between you two. » « You didn’t cause anything. My brother has personal problems that have nothing to do with you. »
Even so, maybe it would be best if you looked for another job so as not to complicate your life. Absolutely not, Valeria said firmly. You’re going to continue working here, and my brother will have to accept it. Are you sure? Absolutely. In fact, after what I witnessed today, I’m certain my mother chose the right person to take care of her favorite plants.
Doña Lupita smiled, satisfied with how the situation had been resolved. Carmen would be proud to see the two of them getting along so well. « Why do you say that? » Valeria asked. « Because she always dreamed of seeing you find someone who valued you for who you are, not for what you own. »
Doña Lupita’s words continued to echo in Valeria’s mind for the rest of the day. Her mother must have noticed something that Valeria herself couldn’t yet see clearly. That night, after Diego left, Valeria stayed on the balcony watching the garden in the moonlight. The plants seemed different, more vibrant, since he had returned to tend them.
There was something special about the way she treated each one, as if she were truly conversing with them, just like her mother did. She remembered the words Carmen used to say: « Plants respond to the love they receive. Whoever cares for them with affection always sees the difference in the result. Perhaps the same principle applied to people. »
Diego had received love and care from his mother during his childhood, and now he reciprocated that affection by preserving the memories she had left behind. It was a cycle of gratitude and love that Valeria was only beginning to understand. The next day, Diego arrived earlier than usual. Valeria was having coffee in the kitchen when she saw him coming through the window.
« Good morning, » he called from the window. « Would you like to have coffee with me before I start work? » « Good morning, Valeria. » « Thank you. » « Yes, I’d like to. » When he sat down at the kitchen table, Valeria noticed he seemed worried. « Are you okay? Are you still thinking about yesterday’s argument? » « Actually, I spent all night thinking about something Doña Lupita said. »
What exactly? About your mother considering me like a son. That touched me, but it also made me wonder if I’m taking up space that isn’t mine. What do you mean, Valeria? Your mother had two biological children. Maybe I’m being inconvenient by accepting so much affection from a family that isn’t mine. Diego, do you think love has limits? That because my mother loved you, there was less love for me and Alejandro? It’s not that.
The thing is, what my mother felt for you didn’t diminish in any way what she felt for us. On the contrary, it demonstrates her capacity to love without limits. But your brother clearly doesn’t see it that way. My brother has his own issues with his relationship with our mother. That has nothing to do with you. Are you sure it doesn’t bother you that I had a closeness with her that you didn’t have? Diego’s question touched a nerve with Valeria.
It was true that she felt a pang of jealousy knowing that Diego knew things about her mother that she didn’t, but she also knew that it was her own fault for having distanced herself from Carmen over the last few years. I admit I feel a little envious, but not of you, but of myself, for having wasted so much precious time with my mother.
She knew you were busy building your career. She understood that it was important to you, but I could have made more time for her. Valeria, your mother would be sad if she knew you blame yourself for that. She always said that love isn’t measured by the quantity of time, but by the quality of the moments shared. And now I realize that I wasted many moments that could have been special.
You can still honor her memory in other ways, such as continuing her charitable work, helping people in need, just as she helped you become the strong person you are today. Diego’s suggestion awakened something in Valeria that she didn’t know existed: the desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
Just like your mother did. Do you think I’m suited for that kind of work? I’m sure of it. Your mother always said you were generous by nature, but you learned to protect yourself in the competitive world you live in. How do you suggest I start? Perhaps by talking to the people your mother helped; many of them still need support.
Could you introduce me to those people? Of course, it would be an honor. At that moment, Valeria realized that Diego wasn’t just someone who tended her mother’s garden. He was a bridge between her and a side of Carmen that had remained hidden. Through him, she could rediscover aspects of her mother’s personality and, who knows, perhaps aspects of herself.
Diego, can I make a confession? Sure, since you came back to work here, I feel more connected to my mother than I have in the last five years. I’m glad to hear that. And I also feel more connected to myself, as if I’m rediscovering who I really am beneath all the layers of protection I’ve built up.
Your mother always said your true personality would emerge when you found the right environment and the right people. And do you think I’ve found that environment? Only you can answer that, Valeria. She glanced around the kitchen, then out the window at the garden where her mother had spent so many happy hours.
For the first time in years, that house truly felt like a home, not just an inherited property. I think so. I feel at home here in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. « And the right people? » Diego asked with a shy smile. Valeria looked into his eyes and realized the answer was right there in front of her.
I think so too. The moment of connection between them was interrupted by the doorbell. It was the mail carrier delivering a registered letter for Valeria. The correspondence was from a law firm in Guadalajara representing Alejandro. He was officially contesting his mother’s will.
claiming that Carmen wasn’t in full possession of her mental faculties when she decided to bequeath a significant portion of her estate to charity. Valeria was furious at her brother’s behavior. « I can’t believe he’s doing this. » « What happened? » Diego asked, worried. « My brother is trying to invalidate my mother’s will, claiming she was mentally ill when she made it. That’s terrible. »
Is there any chance of that happening? I don’t know. I’m going to have to hire a lawyer and prove that my mother was lucid when she made her decisions. Is there anything I can do to help? Could you testify about my mother’s mental state in the last months of her life? Of course. I visited her regularly until shortly before she passed away.
She was completely lucid and making conscious decisions, above all. Thank you. That could be crucial to the case. Valeria, is there anything else I can do? Actually, yes. Could you help me document all the charitable work my mother did? If we can prove that she had a pattern of helping people over the years, it will be harder to argue that they were impulsive decisions from a disturbed mind.
Yes, I can. I know several people who were helped by her at different times. Excellent. Let’s start today. During the following weeks, Valeria and Diego worked together collecting testimonies and documents that verified Carmen’s sanity and her tradition of generosity.
The process brought them even closer, as they spent hours talking about the life and personality of the woman they had both loved in different ways. Valeria discovered that her mother had helped pay for medical treatments for at least 15 people over two decades. She had also financed university studies for eight young people from needy families.
She had helped 12 families pay off their mortgages and had contributed to the construction of a small daycare center in the neighborhood where she grew up. Diego had no idea that my mother had helped so many people. She was always discreet about those things. She said that charity doesn’t need an audience.
How did she identify the people who truly needed help? She had an incredible intuition for recognizing genuine needs and always discreetly investigated before offering assistance. She researched by talking to neighbors, shopkeepers, and people in the community. She never helped someone based solely on a first impression.
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