Chapter 21

The warm glow of the dining room envelops us as I set the table with Miguel's help. The absence of Pedro's usual bustling presence in the dining room is palpable, his illness forcing him to take a step back. Earlier, when I noticed his flushed face and heard his congested voice, I insisted on taking over dinner preparations under his guidance.

"One person is missing," Miguel observes, his eyes lingering on the empty space. 

"He won't be eating," I reply softly, turning to fetch the final dish from the kitchen.

As I step back into the kitchen, Pedro's voice, hoarse from his cold, greets me warmly. "Everything looks lovely, dear."

"Thank you," I respond, a mix of pride and nervousness in my voice. "I hope everyone likes it."

Returning to the dining room, I'm placing the last dish on the table when I feel a sudden weight against my legs. Looking down, my heart swells with relief and