María Lourdes Pérez found herself at the center of one of the most heartbreaking stories of the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela. Her 16-year-old son Gonzalo was rehearsing an end-of-year choreography with schoolmates in Tanaguarena, La Guaira state, when the disaster occurred.
The group was preparing a performance inspired by Michael Jackson. María Lourdes had commissioned a costume for Gonzalo with a shiny jacket, sequins and gloves for the school event. That day, the young man took the clothes hidden away because he wanted to practice before graduation.
The mother is also searching for Santiago José Márquez Pérez, her older 21-year-old son, and remains in the affected area awaiting answers. Her story reflects the anguish of many families who continue clearing rubble almost without rest.
