AT 4:30 HE ASKED ME FOR A DIVORCE WHILE I WAS COOKING FOR HIS FAMILY, BUT HE DIDN’T KNOW I ALREADY HAD EVERYTHING READY TO BRING THEM DOWN

and Valentina’s tired crying filled the kitchen, her 3-month-old daughter pressed against Mariana’s chest.

She had been awake since 2:15.

First because the baby had colic.

Then because her mother-in-law, Doña Mercedes, had left a note on the table:

“Breakfast ready before 6. No onions in the eggs for your father-in-law. Smoothie for Fabiola. Strong coffee continue reading …