Bella’s voice surprised everyone. “Miracles are just things science has not caught up to yet.”
The courtyard fell silent. Rafael studied her. “Do you even understand what you are saying?”
“Yes,” Bella replied calmly. “I understand everything you are afraid to feel. You want to get better, but wanting is not the same as trying.”
Gerard scoffed. “This is rich. A philosopher in ragged shoes.”
Rafael ignored him. “Tell me, Bella. Why should I believe that you, a child, can fix what the top surgeons in the country could not?”
Bella looked at his legs. “Because you believe they can. And you believe money can. But you do not believe you deserve to heal. So nothing works.”
Something in Rafael flinched. His jaw clenched. His fingers tightened around the check.
“Who told you that?” he asked quietly.
Bella lifted her chin. “No one had to tell me. I can feel it. Pain leaves echoes. Guilt leaves scars deeper than surgery.”
Teresa grabbed her daughter’s shoulder. “Enough. We are leaving. I will not let you be punished for speaking.”
Rafael’s voice softened for the first time. “Wait.”