MARIA POV
The morning shift at the cafe with Val was already buzzing with energy. We’d barely gotten through the first rush of orders when Val and I found ourselves finally catching a breather. I wiped down the counter with a soft smile on my face, memories from last night’s dinner still warm in my mind.
It had been one of those surprisingly perfect evenings. The boys, in their own chaotic, clumsy way, had managed to put together a meal that wasn’t just edible, but actually pretty tasty. My mom and Robert had sat together, laughing and teasing each other like a pair of teenagers. Seeing her like that—relaxed, supported, even happy—had a soothing effect I hadn’t realized I needed. Mom would start her rehabilitation this morning, and Robert had gone above and beyond, setting up everything
