As we walked, Manuel and I talked about the future. We discussed how we could use the inheritance to start anew, how we could find a place that valued elderly people for their wisdom and experience rather than seeing them as burdens. We envisioned a small home in a quiet town, where we could live peacefully, surrounded by people who cared.

The thought of confronting our children was daunting, but it was a conversation that could wait. For now, the focus was on reaching the next town, finding shelter and sustenance, and making plans for the life we deserved. The pain of our children’s abandonment wouldn’t disappear overnight, but the promise of a fresh start brought a sense of purpose back into our lives.