Isabela smiled slightly, picked up the chopsticks, and tasted a little, but she already understood the situation. The atmosphere at the table became tense.
After a while, she put down her chopsticks and calmly stood up. Everyone at the table looked at her. Her voice was calm but clear:
“Ma’am, I know your family is more well-off than mine. I was born in a small town, and eating boiled vegetables or watery soup is normal for me; there were even days when we had nothing at all. But today I didn’t come here to test my endurance, but to meet and share with your family. Food isn’t just sustenance; it’s also a sign of welcome. I brought this basket of fruit, not because I couldn’t afford something luxurious, but because it’s the best I could find with my own hands. I believe that affection and sincerity are worth more than any gift.”
The atmosphere fell silent. Diego’s father coughed slightly, looking at Doña Carmen with meaning. Diego lowered his head, clearly embarrassed.
Isabela continued: “I love Diego and I hope, if I’m lucky, to find another family to love. But I also understand that a family only exists if there is mutual respect. If I’m only judged for being poor, I think it’s best to stop here.”
Having said this, Isabela bowed and prepared to leave. Diego stood up abruptly: “Isabela, wait for me!” He turned to his mother, his voice unusually firm: “Mom! I love Isabela, not because she’s rich or poor. If you keep judging her like that, I’ll leave the house with her.”
Doña Carmen was confused. The looks from everyone in the house made her blush. Diego’s father spoke calmly: “What we should value is good people, not the food on the table.”
Doña Carmen was silent for a few seconds and sighed: “Good heavens… I beg your pardon. I’ve been too critical. Those dishes… well, I’ll have them served to everyone.”
Isabela smiled: “Thank you, but I think it’s best if we go back today. If there’s a chance, I’ll come back, but I hope we’ll all be more honest then.”
She went out the door and Diego ran after her. Doña Carmen stared at her small figure, feeling an unexpected emptiness. She realized that with just a few words, Isabela had made the whole family reflect on their behavior.
And from that day on, the abundant food continued to be served, but Doña Carmen no longer found it as delicious as before.
