Yes. She does.

Diego- Later That Day

Diego watched his mother walk through the door, her usual poised appearance now replaced with something unkempt. Her hair was dishevelled, clinging to the side of her face in loose strands, and her clothes were wrinkled as though she’d been through something physically exhausting. There was a distinct smell of sweat, something that hadn’t been there before — something uncharacteristic of his mother, the woman who always maintained her immaculate presence.

He didn’t miss the faintly disturbed look in her eyes, though, as if something had changed in her.

“Mom?” Diego asked, walking into the entryway, his tone laced with concern, but his voice faltered as he caught sight of her expression. “Where were you today? The hospital called, they said you didn’t show up.”

Valeria didn’t immediately answer. Instead, she stood there for a moment, as though processing his words. Her eyes flickered briefly to him, but there was no real warmth in her gaze anymore — only a cold, distant detachment.

“I didn’t feel like going in today,” she finally muttered, though the words seemed dismissive, flat, as if she were no longer motivated by the usual compassion she always showed. She seemed... different.

“Mom?” Diego asked again, a bit more insistently, but there was a trace of frustration creeping into his voice. “Are you okay? You’re acting weird. You’ve never been like this before.”

Valeria looked at him, and for a moment, the same loving, caring woman he was used to seeing seemed to flicker in her eyes, but it quickly vanished. The new demeanor she carried, though subtle, was undeniable. Something had changed, and the awareness in her expression made Diego uneasy.

Before he could ask again, Valeria moved toward him, closing the gap between them with a purposeful stride. The faintest smirk danced across her lips.

Without warning, her hand came up and slapped him across the face — not a gentle tap, but a sharp, precise motion that left his cheek stinging.

“Shut up, Diego,” Valeria said, her voice low but firm, filled with an edge that Diego had never heard before. Her tone was completely different, detached from the maternal warmth that usually defined her. “You’ve been acting like a spoiled child. You think I’m going to entertain your little questions, your annoying behavior?”

He stood frozen, hands trembling slightly, unable to comprehend what had just happened. His mother had never treated him like this before. He stared at her, wide-eyed. “What the hell, Mom?!”

Valeria’s eyes narrowed as she stepped closer, her gaze unwavering as she whispered, her voice colder than before. “You’re weak, Diego. You’ve always been weak. And you’ll never be strong, not unless you learn the real meaning of discipline.” She turned her back on him and walked away without another word, her posture sharp, as though she were completely done with him.

The words you’re weak echoed in his mind, reverberating like a warning bell. His mother had always been the one to care for him, to make sure he felt loved and protected. But now, there was nothing but contempt in her voice. She didn’t even flinch as she walked out of the room, her movements sharp and purposeful.

Diego stood in the hallway, still stunned, his face throbbing from the sting of her slap. He couldn’t believe it. What was happening to his mother? Why had she changed so drastically?

It was like he was seeing a completely different woman. One who had no problem dismissing him like he was nothing.

Confusion, shock, and a rising sense of fear gripped him. What the hell was going on? He could feel the weight of the words she had whispered hanging in the air, sinking deep into his chest. "Weak..." Was that how she saw him?

His mind raced, but all he could do was stare at the spot where she had been standing. He wasn’t sure if he was scared, angry, or just confused. He was definitely unsettled.

To Be Continued...