"Thanks a lot for coming, aunt Maria." Sophia gave the final guest a genuine hug.
"May my friend's soul rest in peace," the elegant woman's eyes wandered towards Gabriela and Liliana before landing on Natalie, "She would have loved to see her girls all grown up, she would have loved to see her beautiful daughter-in-law too."
Natalie was taken aback when Maria walked over and grabbed her hands.
"It was a beautiful tribute from a talented young lady like yourself, bless you, my child."
"Oh, thank you," Natalie replied shyly then waved as Maria made her way out. While almost all the other women took their time to exchange a few words of consolation with the president, Maria gave him the cold shoulder before hopping into the white car waiting to take her.
What was that all about?
"Alright," Sophia clapped twice, "Let's sit down and grab a well-deserved cup of coffee."