"But son, I will not allow you to do that!"
Felix's voice was sharp, his jaw clenched as if he could bite the words back, but the fear in his eyes betrayed him.
"I'm doing this for us, Dad!" Brando's own voice rose, though not in anger—more in desperation. "You can't carry the burden alone. Please, give me a chance."
Felix's mouth opened, but before he could speak, Dalia stepped in, her voice trembling. "But son, I can't—" Her throat tightened, cutting her words in half.
Brando took a step toward her. "I'll prove to you I can succeed," he said, his tone firm now, leaving no space for doubt. "I can continue school, but first I need to earn. Trust me, Mom. Please."
"What if something happens to you?" Dalia's eyes filled with tears. "You're still young… this world, it's cruel—"
"Don't think that way, Mom," Brando said gently, reaching out to take her hands. "I'm old enough. I can do it."
