The evening light filtered gently through the curtains of the living room, painting long, soft streaks across the wooden floor. The bakery’s books lay open on the table — the numbers balanced, the day’s exhaustion neatly recorded in columns of ink.
Elena picked up her phone and called Gabriela.
“Hey, Gabriela,” she said gently. "Yeah, it’s been a long week. Listen, I wanted to tell you something — I think you should take the day off tomorrow.”
There was a pause. “A day off? Why? Did something happen?” Gabriela’s tone carried a hint of concern, maybe even curiosity.
Elena hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “No, nothing’s wrong. I just thought since we’ve both worked really hard this week — from morning till night — it’d be good to rest. You know, clear our heads, recharge a little
