Chapter 21 - The Aftermath|
Mateo spent four days in the hospital. He had two cracked ribs, a mild concussion, and a dozen stitches across his left arm, but the doctors said he was incredibly lucky.
The news of the cartel bust, the corrupt lawyer, and the brave teenager who took down a kidnapper dominated the national headlines. Arthur Vance was denied bail. Mateo's grandmother, Beatrice, was sent back to maximum security prison for violating her parole and aiding a criminal conspiracy.
On the fifth day, Mateo was finally discharged.
Mariana pushed him in a wheelchair through the double doors of the hospital, where a massive crowd was waiting. Every single child from the community center was there, holding handmade signs that read WELCOME HOME MATTY and OUR HERO.
Sarah was in the front, holding the hand of a terrified but smiling little girl—Chloe. Sarah broke down in tears the moment she saw him, mouthing the words 'thank you' over and over again.
Mateo felt a lump form in his throat. This was his family. This loud, chaotic, beautiful group of survivors.
As they loaded him into Mariana’s car, Elena stood by the bumper, holding her purse tightly. She looked nervous, unsure of her place in this celebration.
"Are you going back to Chicago?" Mateo asked her, rolling the window down.
Elena stepped closer, a bittersweet smile on her face. "I have a lot of legal messes to clean up with my father's trust. But... I was hoping I could come back. Maybe visit sometimes? If you and Mariana are okay with it."
Mateo looked at Mariana, who was in the driver's seat. Mariana nodded softly, offering a warm smile to the woman outside.
"Yeah," Mateo said, looking back at Elena. "I'd like that."
Elena leaned in and kissed his forehead gently. "I love you, Mateo. I always have."
As they drove back to the community center, the evening sun bathed the city in a warm, golden glow. The nightmare was finally over. The shadows of his past had been dragged into the light and burned away.
That night, a massive feast was held in the dining hall. There was music, laughter, and more food than Mateo could ever eat. For the first time in a long time, he felt completely light. The chains were truly gone.
Later, as the younger kids were tucked into bed, Mateo walked out to the backyard. He stood under the old oak tree, looking at the spot where the doghouse used to be. Grass had grown over it completely.
Mariana stepped out onto the porch, holding two mugs of hot chocolate. She walked over and handed him one.
"You did good, kid," she said softly.
Mateo took a sip, the sweet warmth spreading through his chest. He looked at the stars, feeling at peace.
But then, the quiet night was shattered by the sharp, piercing ring of Mariana's cell phone.
Mariana frowned, pulling it from her pocket. The caller ID simply read: UNKNOWN.
She answered it, putting it on speaker. "Hello?"
A raspy, distorted voice echoed from the speaker, sending a spike of ice straight through Mateo's heart.
"Did you really think it would be that easy to get rid of me, Mariana?"
May you like
It was his father.
And he wasn't calling from prison.
