Chapter 138 — Family and the Promise

The table at Isabel and Fabián’s house was overflowing: platters of homemade pasta, fresh salads, the ever-present red wine, and a flan that Isabel had prepared with all the love of a grandmother celebrating life. Outside, the garden was filled with laughter, with Valente running in circles around Ayden’s stroller, as if he too understood that this day was different.

“He won’t be a guide dog anymore,” Isabel said, her voice trembling with joy. “Valente is