Meanwhile, my wife, Tia Perez, was slouching on the couch, fully engrossed in her phone. The sound of a chess game played from the speakers as she absentmindedly nudged our daughter’s baby walker with her knee.
When she saw me, my daughter’s face crumpled and, her tiny lips quivered before she burst into tears, looking utterly wronged.
Ignoring the pain from my wounds, I stepped forward and gently picked her up, rocking her in my arms.
Looking around at the lively, cheerful scene, then back at my daughter sobbing in my arms, a wave of regret and sorrow washed over me. No, we were less than outsiders.
When he saw me, Mateo smirked and tugged his fiancée closer as he pointed in my direction and said mockingly, "Oh wow, look at my cousin. He treats his daughter like she’s a precious little princess. So delicate!"
My aunt burst out laughing.
My mother doubled over, clutching the armrest of the couch. "Isn't that the truth? He coddles her like she’s made of glass! I can’t even scold her as a grandmother without him throwing a fit."
"Mom," I finally spoke, my voice firm. "She’s just a child. It wouldn’t hurt for her grandmother to look after her a little."