Alice and Tomás met at university.
He was an energetic, entrepreneurial young man with a keen interest in business and dreams of running his own company. She was a calm and intelligent student, studying linguistics, with a passion for books and a dream of building a family.

A few years later, they got married. Soon after, their son Lucas was born. Alice happily left her job to dedicate herself entirely to motherhood. Later, their daughter Sofía arrived.

But taking care of the house and two children drained all of Alice’s energy. She didn’t complain, but the exhaustion mounted. She suggested hiring someone to help out, even if just for a few hours a day. Tomás disagreed:

— Motherhood is your main job. I’ll handle the business. Everything will be fine.

And yes, he was growing his company. But at the same time, he bought new things and went out on weekends with his friends. When Alice asked for a new hairdryer because the old one wasn’t working well anymore, he simply replied: “The old one still works.”

The years passed. The children grew older and started school. Alice began to feel more and more alone. She tried to invite Tomás on walks, suggested they go to the theater together — but he was always “too busy.”

One day, he simply said:

— I think we should separate. I no longer feel part of this family.

Alice was left alone with two children and many questions. At first, it was especially tough. She found work at a supermarket, working night shifts, trying not to miss any moments with her kids.

— Mom, can’t you be with us more? — Sofía asked one day.

— I’ll try, darling — Alice whispered.

And in that difficult moment, something unexpected happened. Her late grandmother had invested small sums in stocks, something few people knew. Now, this money was passed down to Alice as inheritance.

She didn’t spend the money impulsively. First, she took courses to learn new skills. Then the idea came: open a small café near her children’s school.

Two years passed. The café became a cozy spot, frequented by the locals. Alice learned how to run a team, bake pastries, and even organize literary evenings.

One day, Tomás walked into her café. He barely recognized her.

— Do you work here? — he asked, surprised.

— Not exactly — Alice smiled. — I opened it. It’s my café.

He was silent, unsure of what to say.

Alice returned to her work — with the customers, with her children, with her new life. She didn’t blame anyone. She had simply learned to choose herself and move forward.

Sometimes, even the most difficult circumstances can mark the beginning of a new and inspiring story. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and never give up.