Chapter 22

• 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.