« Come help me finish the cookies, » Rosa said softly.
Emma hesitated.
« But— »
« It’s all right. »
Emma glanced at Alessandro before following her mother into the kitchen.
The front door closed behind them, leaving only Alessandro, Elena, and Mateo standing beneath the porch light.
For the first time in over a year, they were alone.
Alessandro finally found the strength to speak.
« I looked everywhere. »
Elena lowered her gaze.
« I know. »
« I searched every city. »
« I know. »
« I buried men because they lied to me. »
« I know. »
His voice cracked.
« I thought you were dead. »
She swallowed hard.
« I wanted you to. »
The words landed like a blow.
Alessandro stared at her in disbelief.
« What? »
« I wanted you to believe we were gone. »
« Why? »
She looked at Mateo before answering.
« Because I couldn’t risk you finding us. »
His confusion deepened.
« Risk? »
« You think I took him away from you. »
