Lucía knelt beside Mariana, wrapping an arm around her. “You’re not alone, Mariana. We’re all here for you,” she promised.

The remaining minutes passed in a flurry, with Mariana’s mother being contacted and arriving shortly thereafter. Her relief was palpable as she embraced her daughter, tears of gratitude and sorrow mingling.

Lucía watched the reunion, feeling a sense of peace knowing that Mariana was finally safe. As the officers led Rogelio away, Lucía hoped this would be the beginning of healing and justice for Mariana and her family.