While he prepared a simple pasta with a makeshift white sauce, Celina began to loosen up more and more. The conversation grew lighter, laughter blending with the sounds of boiling water and garlic sizzling in the pan. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had laughed like that. She felt welcomed, safe, alive.

“Attention, madam expectant mother and emotionally renewed,” Gabriel announced as he set the plates on the table. “Dinner is served. It’s not five-star, but it’s made with love. And garlic. Lots of garlic. Which, by the way, is excellent for the heart.”

“Smells delicious,” Celina said, serving herself with a genuine smile.

They ate right there in the kitchen, sitting side by side at the small table, trading jokes and stories. It was a simple moment, but a special one. A breath of peace in the middle of the storm.

When they finished, Celina stood to help, but Gabriel moved quicker.

“Absolutely not. Tonight it’s the full package. Or did you think the prince of homemade dinne