The silence that followed Anaís's words was almost comical in its contrast with the gravity of the situation. Alejandro and Amelia exchanged a startled glance, at a loss for how to respond immediately to the child's spontaneous proposal.

Alejandro was the first to react, letting out a low chuckle, though something deeper gleamed in his eyes—perhaps disbelief that the little girl would make such a suggestion, or perhaps he was remembering his mother’s recent hint.

"Anaís..." he said gently, knee