Carmen and I had been sitting on the bench for what felt like hours, letting the cool evening air and the quiet embrace of nature soothe whatever was left of the day's tension.
It had been a long, emotionally charged day, and while I knew there were still challenges ahead, I felt lighter just being beside her.
Carmen shifted beside me and turned her head, her dark eyes catching the faint moonlight.
She gave me a small smile, the kind that was just for me intimate and unspoken. Without a word, she reached for my hand, threading her fingers through mine with an effortless familiarity.
"It's almost time for dinner," she said, her voice warm and steady, pulling me out of my reverie.
I nodded, squeezing her hand lightly. "Guess we should head back inside."
Carmen stood first, pulling me up with her, and we made our way back toward the villa. Her hand stayed clasped firmly around mine, as if letting go wasn't an option.