Amara was only a few weeks away from giving birth, and the family decided to celebrate with a small gathering in their garden. It wasn't fancy—just them, a few new friends from the neighborhood, homemade food, fairy lights, and laughter under the warm Italian sky.
Santiago lit the candles while Israel helped place flowers on the table.
"Is this for the baby?" she asked, holding a daisy in her little hand.
"Yes," Amara said with a smile. "To welcome your little brother or sister with joy."
As twilight set in, the garden came alive. Music played softly in the background, and Santiago danced with Amara, careful and gentle. Her laughter echoed like a song he hadn't heard in years.
Israel twirled around in a white dress, shouting, "I'm the party princess!"
Later, Santiago raised a glass. "To new beginnings, second chances, and the people we fight for."
They clinked glasses. And for a moment, it felt like nothing in the world could ever go wrong.
But as the night ended, and the stars claimed the sky, Amara held her belly and closed her eyes.
Something was coming.
And they had no idea what the next chapter would bring.