Maya’s palms were clammy as she adjusted the delicate necklace around her neck. She paced back and forth in the living room, her mind racing with anxious thoughts. Today was a big step—she had arranged for Alejandro to meet her family in the hopes of gaining their validation and acceptance. Her heart pounded with both excitement and nervousness as she glanced at the clock. The meeting was set to begin soon.
The doorbell rang, jolting Maya from her thoughts. She took a deep breath and walked to the door, opening it to reveal Alejandro standing there with a bouquet of fresh flowers in hand. His warm smile did little to ease her anxiety, but it was a comfort nonetheless.
“Ready?” he asked, his eyes full of reassurance.
Maya nodded, though her nerves were still evident. “As ready as I’ll ev
