Gabriel's eyes remained fixed on the road through the windshield as the car followed closely behind the vehicles carrying his parents and siblings.
His gaze lingered on the vibrant decorations adorning both sides of the wide avenue, strings of lights, floral arrangements, and colorful drapes fluttering gently in the breeze. Despite the festive scene, a growing tension coiled in his chest. Everything had to go according to plan.
From the passenger seat, Karmen glanced back, attempting to break the heavy silence. "Gabriel, you're awfully quiet," he remarked gently.
Gabriel turned his head toward him.
"I'm nervous," he admitted after a pause. "This silence… it feels unnatural." He leaned back, resting his head on the seat's headrest and exhaled slowly, trying to steady his thoughts.