The Financial Reality
Behind him came his mother, a hardworking woman who juggles two jobs to provide for her son. Her expression said it all: a cake that size was out of reach.
“Mateo, love, we’ve talked about this. A very big cake costs a lot of money,” she said tenderly, though her tone carried resignation.
The boy, still hopeful, asked quietly:
“How much is the biggest one?”
Lucía gave him the price. Silence followed. His mother clutched her purse to her chest. Mateo’s eyes, moments ago sparkling with excitement, dimmed.
“Then… I’ll invite fewer people,” he whispered.
That was when the baker felt something break inside her.
