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