Catalina walked up the stairs to her bedroom. The door was left ajar by Pedro. She gently pushed the door and was greeted by a beautiful sight that cast a tranquil ambiance in the bedroom. Her baby, Lucia was cradled in Pedro’s strong arms, sleeping soundly. Her tiny chest rose and fell with each peaceful breath, a picture of innocence as Pedro rocked her.
Catalina stood watching them, a smile on her lips but tears glistening in her eyes. Pedro, her devoted pretend husband, gently rocked her little baby back and forth, his eyes fixed lovingly on the sleeping child. The sight before her was heartwarming, and yet, it also stung with a bittersweet ache.
Deep within her, Catalina yearned for Manuel's presence, envisioning him gently rocking their child and cradling her with the same tendern
