~~Elene~~
“Elena, my parents are really getting on my nerves! How can they ask me to get engaged to their business partner’s son before I even get into university?” Mariana burst out over the phone, her voice sharp with frustration.
“Calm down,” I said gently. “You need to stay calm if you want to think this through.”
There was a brief pause on the line. “I’m coming over tonight,” she said firmly, then hung up before I could respond.
I sat quietly beside Grandma, holding her hand tightly. My head rested against it, and for a moment, the world felt completely still. The only sound in the room came from the steady beeping of the machine beside her bed. It was both comforting and terrifying at the same time.
The door opened softly, and Mateo stepped in, carrying a small food flask.
“Mr.
