Carlos closed his eyes.
A tear slipped down his cheek.
For the first time in years, he allowed himself to rest.
The recovery was not easy.
Carlos had spent so long taking care of everyone else that he didn’t know how to take care of himself.
Every morning, he asked when he could return to work.
Every afternoon, he worried about money.
Every night, he asked whether the children had eaten.
But Laura refused to let him return too soon.
“You’re not going back until the doctor says you’re ready.”
Carlos smiled.
“You’re becoming strict.”
Laura laughed.
“Maybe I learned something from you.”
Weeks later, Carlos was finally strong enough to walk without feeling dizzy.
Elena was also improving.
The children were back in school.
The house was still small.
They were still far from wealthy.
But something had changed.
They no longer felt completely alone.
