Atlas

From a young age, Atlas was everything his father had dreamed of: a strong, intelligent son full of personality. He was the couple's only child, not by choice, but because his mother, Helena, could no longer conceive. Deep down, she had always dreamed of having a daughter, someone to comb her hair, choose dresses for her, and share secrets with. Atlas grew up feeling this absence. He wasn't rebellious, just difficult. He didn't like hugs, he hated displays of affection, and he would lock himself in his room, listening to loud music. He was spoiled, yes—his father always protected him—but he was also lonely. His relationship with his mother was cold, and with his father, there was respect, but with the world, distance. He was never known for being kind, and he definitely didn't know how to love. Everything changed one Saturday when Eduardo, her father, went to an institution to deliver donations. There, he met Ana, an 18-year-old girl, sweet and kind, always helping younger children. When Eduardo asked why no one had chosen her, Ana smiled sadly and replied:

Because I've grown up too much already…

His heart tightened. In that instant, he knew he needed to try. When Helena met Ana, she felt an immediate connection. Here was the daughter she had always dreamed of, regardless of her age or past.

"It's her," he said, with tears in his eyes. "I want that girl."

And so, Ana gained a new home, a room, and a family. But Atlas wasn't prepared for it. Upon learning he would have a sister, rage consumed him.

"Are you all crazy?!" he shouted. "You're bringing a stranger to live here?!"

He felt fear and jealousy, worried that the attention that had always been solely his would now be divided. His mother, who had never been close to him, seemed happy—and it wasn't because of him. Atlas locked his bedroom door, turned up the music, and vowed to himself that he wouldn't accept her.