At 52, I had a stroke. «The trip’s paid for, get better,» my husband said, then jetted off to the Maldives with the kids….

Miguel told me you gave them your blessing so the tickets wouldn’t go to waste. You are such a good person, thinking about your family even in this situation. Pamela closed her eyes, not wanting the neighbor to see the pain reflected in them.

Bless them, she thought. Convenient phrasing. Thanks for coming, she could barely say.

That night, Pamela couldn’t sleep for a long time. From the slightly open door of the room came the muted sounds of hospital life, nurses’ footsteps, the beeping of the machines, distant voices. And somewhere out there, in the dark sky, an airplane was flying, taking her family to the warm sea and white sands.

Pamela imagined them, happy, excited about the upcoming vacation, maybe with a hint of guilt that they would quickly drown with the first glass on the shore. How could I have been so blind? She thought, staring at the ceiling. So many years living with people and not seeing their true faces.

So many years giving everything and getting nothing in return. For the first time in many years, Pamela felt completely alone. And in that solitude, in the silence of the hospital room, with the light of the street lamp shining through the window, the decision was born that would change her entire life.

The next day, when the morning sun barely pierced through the blinds of the hospital room, there was a quiet knock at the door. Pamela slowly turned her head. Standing in the doorway was Gabriel Diaz, a tall, fit man in his 60s, with neatly combed gray hair.

He was holding a leather briefcase and a small bouquet of white chrysanthemums. Hello, Pamela, he said, stopping in the doorway. May I come in? Gabriel, Pamela tried to smile, but it came out as a weak grimace.

Thank you for coming. The notary stepped closer, placed the flowers in a vase with water, and sat on the chair next to her bed. His attentive gaze swept over the room, noting the lack of other flowers or any signs of family visits.

Your nurse called me. She told me about the situation. He spoke calmly, without any excessive sympathy, which Pamela especially appreciated.

At this moment, pity felt unbearable. I brought the documents. Where’s the power of attorney we’re talking about? Pamela weakly nodded towards the bedside table.

Gabriel took the folder, carefully examined its contents, and shook his head. Indeed, a general power of attorney with extended powers. The right to manage all your movable and immovable property, bank accounts, securities.

He furrowed his brow. Who prepared this document? Em, my husband, Pamela said with difficulty. I thought so, the notary nodded.

There are violations in the documentation. First, there is no notarial certification, which already puts the legitimacy of the document into question. Secondly, there is no detailed description of powers, which is mandatory for this type of power of attorney.

He took out some forms from his briefcase and spread them out on the mobile table. We will immediately draft a request to revoke the power of attorney. Then we will prepare notifications to the banks to block all transactions on your accounts until the circumstances are clarified.

Gloria appeared at the door with a tray, on which were cups of tea and a plate of cookies. I thought you might need a little something, she smiled, placing the tray on the table. How’s it going? We’re starting the process of restoring justice, Gabriel replied, nodding gratefully at the nurse.

Pamela, I need to know the details. Which banks should the notifications be sent to? Do you have safe deposit boxes? Any real estate apart from your main home? For the next hour, Pamela, overcoming difficulties with her speech, slowly and thoroughly answered the notary’s questions. Gloria helped when it was especially difficult to pronounce a long name or a sequence of numbers.

Gabriel methodically filled out forms, occasionally clarifying details. The power of attorney will be annulled today, he said decisively, finishing his writing. If I may offer advice, it’s time to review other legal documents as well.

Specifically, your will. Pamela paused. She had written the will many years ago, before Mateo was born…