When we stepped over the threshold, the small living room immediately felt too cramped with the three of us taking up space. I edged into the narrow, galley kitchen to give the sisters some breathing room.
As soon as I stepped away from Marisol, her joyous laughter died, and ominous silence settled over the room like a dense fog.
Her glow dimmed, and her beautiful face twisted in agony. I noted the direction of her gaze: a garish, multicolored rug that covered the hardwood floor. Her eyes were wide with horror, staring at something that I couldn’t see.
Gabriela stared at the spot, too, and she hugged her arms tight around her middle.
Immediately, I understood. This was where their mother had died. Where Gehovany had murdered her.
I was at Marisol’s side in an instant, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her tight to my chest. She buried her face in my shirt, muffling a soft sob. Her shoulders shook violently, and I felt each of her gasping breaths like a punch to my gut.
I jolted when another pair of slender arms closed around her from behind, but they didn’t attempt to pull her away from me.
Gabriela’s small hands extended far enough for her fingertips to brush my shoulders, including me in her embrace.
My heart stuttered, and something burned behind my eyes. I blinked rapidly to clear it away, but I made no move to extricate myself from the hug. With the added comfort from her little sister, Marisol’s breaths had slowed to a more regular rhythm, and her shaking receded to an intermittent tremor.
“I’m glad you’re here with me, Raúl,” she said thickly. “I…I needed this. I didn’t know how much I needed it until just now. Thank you.”
She turned slowly, gently breaking up the hug, so she could face her sister. “And thank you, Gabriela. Thank you for forgiving me. For welcoming me home after…” Her throat tightened too much for her to speak.
Gabriela swiped a shaky hand over her eyes, clearing away her tears. “You will always be welcome here. We want you at home with us. I love you.” A watery laugh bubbled from her chest, a resurgence of her earlier joy. “I still can’t believe you’re here. I’m so happy I could burst.” Her dark eyes flicked to me. “And I’m happy you’re here, Raúl. You brought my sister back to me.”
She turned a grin on Marisol and linked their arms. “Come on,” she urged, tugging Marisol toward the kitchen. “Let’s all sit down, and you can tell me everything that’s happened.”
I turned to watch them wedge themselves into the tiny kitchen, but I didn’t follow; there wasn’t space for me. As they bustled around—gathering drinks and snacks as though this was just another day in their normal routine—I took a few minutes to study my surroundings.
Marisol had told me her home was small but full of love. The house completely lived up to her description. Each room was made distinct by its own unique, almost aggressively cheery paint color. The living room was tangerine, and the two matchbox bedrooms I glimpsed through open doors practically glowed in sunflower yellow and verdant green. Even the tiny bathroom was bright blue.
The overall effect was a bit jarring, but Marisol appeared utterly serene as she floated around the apple red kitchen. I made a mental note to ask her if she might want to make a few changes in my house. I’d always favored my austere décor, without frills or pretense. But it was her home, too. I wanted it to be ours. Together.
She approached me with an oversized tray in hand, balancing three glasses and a pitcher of agua fresca. Without thinking, I took it from her and tipped my chin, indicating that she should lead the way.
Gabriela’s soft sigh caught my attention, and I noticed that she was looking at the tray in my hands and at Marisol’s devoted smile.
My own lips curved with satisfaction, and I stood a little taller. I liked that her sister approved of me. So far, this reunion was going better than I ever could’ve hoped. I’d anticipated her family’s joy at seeing her, but I’d never imagined that any of them would welcome me.
For the first time in my life, I was getting a glimpse at what a loving family looked like. Watching the sisters interact, their deep bond was evident in their every movement—from the easy affection the offered one another to their shared mannerisms.
Gabriela hadn’t cringed away from me. She hadn’t seen a monster looming behind her beloved big sister. She’d seen a good man; a man who would do absolutely anything to ensure Marisol’s complete happiness.
It might take time, but I will never stop showing you who you really are, Raúl. I will never stop seeing the goodness in you. One day, you’ll see it too.