Lucía looked up.
Alejandro observed the empty room: the crystal chandeliers, the immaculate floor, the tables set for people who were no longer there.
« For years, I spent far too much money trying to impress people who would never have bothered to come out for me if I had nothing to offer them, » he said. « I want that to stop. »
Lucía didn’t know where the conversation would lead her.
Alejandro explained that the residence would no longer be used for private dinners or social gatherings. Part of the ground floor would be transformed into a support center for the children of local workers, with a library, music workshops, after-school activities, and tutoring services.
Lucía’s eyes widened.
« It costs a fortune. »
« Organizing dinners like this also costs a fortune, » he replied. « The difference is that this one can actually serve a purpose. »
Then came the sentence that left her petrified.
« I want you to help me manage it. »
Lucía thought she had misheard.
« I’m cleaning this house. »
« You know this house. You know the people who work here. You know what the families need. I know how to manage the money, but you understand things my managers can’t see. »
She shook her head, overwhelmed by emotion.
« I don’t have the necessary skills to manage a project of this kind. »For illustrative purposes only
« You will then have training, a team, and a salary commensurate with your responsibilities. I’m not offering you anything. I’m offering you a job because I trust your judgment. »
This distinction changed everything.
Lucía accepted with fear, but also with a dignity that Alejandro had observed for years without understanding it.
The following morning, architects, teachers, and representatives from educational organizations arrived. Alejandro requested that the fragile furniture be removed, that the spaces be opened up, and that a room formerly reserved for private tastings be transformed into a library.
Sofía was the first to enter.
She ran between the still empty shelves and asked if children who did not live in the house could come here.
« That’s precisely the problem, » replied Alejandro.
Over the following weeks, the residence changed.
The clinking of glasses gave way to the clatter of pencils hitting the floor, children’s laughter, and the sound of badly played piano notes. Lucía shed her cleaning uniform and began working in a small office, surrounded by schedules, budgets, and meetings. At first, she felt a little lost. Some of the administrative staff greeted her with a stiff politeness that masked their doubts.
Alejandro noticed it.
During a meeting, an official tried to correct Lucía before she had even finished her presentation.
« Let her finish, » said Alejandro.
Lucía offered to provide transportation for children whose mothers left factories and hospitals late. The director countered that this would increase costs.
« This also helps to increase visitor numbers and security, » she replied.
Alejandro reviewed the figures and approved the pilot program.
It worked better than expected.
For the first time, Lucía stopped feeling like she was occupying a borrowed place.
Their relationship also changed. It was no longer that of an invisible employer and employee. They argued about budgets, schedules, scholarships, and practical matters. Lucía was one of the few people who dared to tell him that an idea was unfeasible.
One afternoon, Alejandro wanted to rent a huge stage for the opening festival.
“Children don’t need a magazine-worthy stage,” Lucía said. “They need shade, enough toilets, and places for their grandparents to sit.”
Alejandro looked at her for a few seconds then burst out laughing.
« That’s why you’re here. »
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