The next morning, the household bustled with a rare sense of energy. Jessica had already laid out Alvaro’s tiny sneakers and his favorite shirt with cartoon dinosaurs. As she tied his laces, her son squirmed on the edge of the couch, kicking his legs playfully.
“Alvaro, stay still, please,” Jessica said, stifling a laugh.
“Go mall!” Alvaro babbled enthusiastically, clapping his small hands. “Me big boy! Ice cweam too?”
Jessica smiled and kissed his forehead. “Yes, maybe ice cream if you behave, okay?”
Alvaro nodded solemnly, though his mischievous grin hinted at mischief brewing. He tugged at Jessica’s sleeve and pointed toward the stairs. “Papa come too?”
Jessica paused. “Yes, Papa’s coming. He’s just getting ready.”
The memory of her conversation with Armando the night
