- Growing Every Day.

Life doesn't always move forward with big leaps. Sometimes, it grows in the small things: in the days that seem the same, in the laughter that repeats itself, in the routines that unintentionally become home.

Lara knew this. She felt it every morning when Thiago ran down the hallway with his clumsy, joyful steps, dragging his teddy bear as if it were a hero. She felt it when they sat together for breakfast, and he, with his mouth full of bread, tried to tell her about his dreams.

The boy was growing, and with him, Lara was growing too.

After years wrapped in lights, makeup, runways, and photo shoots, now her days moved at a different pace. No more impossible schedules or endless campaigns. Her agency understood that she was now a mother, and her projects adapted: maternity campaigns, children's products, warm editorials, full of tenderness.

And she enjoyed it. Because being a mother was not an obstacle: it was a new lens through which to view life… and also to view herself.

Viridiana, on the other hand, gave birth amidst an insistent press. Her hospitalization did not go unnoticed, and although she tried to maintain her privacy, magazines quickly filled their covers with golden headlines: “The heir has been born,” “Leo and Viridiana celebrate the arrival of their first child.”

Leo, now more attentive than ever to his role as a father, divided his time between both worlds. But he had also taken the necessary step with Lara: after discussing it with respect and seriousness, they both met with their lawyers and established a formal agreement for child support, visitation, and shared responsibilities.

It wasn’t a battle. It was an act of maturity.

Leo didn’t want to be a sporadic visitor in his son's life. And Lara, although still firm in her independence, allowed it. Because it wasn’t about them, it was about Thiago.

Thus, twice a week, Leo arrived at the house with toys, books, or simply with the desire to watch his son play in the garden. Sometimes he took him to the park; other times, they stayed home. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start.

One Tuesday morning, while Lara was reviewing some photos on her tablet, the phone vibrated with an international call. When she saw the name, her eyes lit up.

—Dimitri! —she exclaimed, answering immediately.

On the other side, her brother's voice sounded warm and excited.

—Finally, you answer! How’s my star sister?

—Exhausted —Lara laughed—. But happy. And you, where are you now?

—I’m in Madrid. But I already have a ticket to fly to the city. I’ll be there in three days.

—Are you serious?

—Of course. I want to meet my nephew. And I have a proposal for you… but we’ll talk about that when I arrive.

Lara smiled. She hadn’t seen him in years. Dimitri, the free spirit of the family, had become a model photographer in Europe, always moving from country to country, capturing faces and emotions with his privileged lens.

—Thiago is going to love you —she said—. Just… get ready. He has more energy than an entire soccer team.

—Great. I have more batteries than a drone —he joked—. See you soon, sis.

That afternoon, Lara picked Thiago up in her arms and took him to the balcony. She loved watching the sun set from there. While cradling him, the little one played with her necklace, babbling nonsensical words that sounded like music to her.

—You’re growing so fast, my love —she whispered, kissing his forehead.

And although the world sometimes seemed to move in spirals of past, cameras, fame, and secrets to be revealed, in that moment everything stopped. It was just her and him. A simple, real love.

Life went on. Growing every day.

Thiago was sleeping, waking up to the sound of a song, the “mañanitas” that Lara, his mom, sang while bringing a beautiful tres leches cake with the candle for his birthday.

The beautiful smile with that spark in the little one's eyes as he blew out the candle with Lara and Thiago together, clapping in happiness.

—We're going to grandpa Lauro's house.

Thiago rejoices at the mention of grandpa, but the sound of the call interrupts this moment. Lara answers without looking at who’s calling.

—Hello!

—Hi Lara, did Thiago wake up?

—Yes, and his face is full of cake.

Lara quickly takes a photo and sends it to Leo. When he looks at it, he sees how funny and cute he looks. Leo then asks for a video chat. She agrees. Everything happens quickly.

—Dad —Thiago said, smiling, still with some white cream cake on his face while Lara cleans it with a napkin.

—Happy birthday, champ! What are you planning to do? —Leo says happily, quickly noticing that he’s in his office.

—We’ll be at my dad’s house. It won’t be anything big, just a few friends, and some kids are also invited to come.

—Thanks, Lara. I’m sorry, I won’t be able to attend. We’ll visit Viridiana’s family.

—No worries. I’m glad you called for Thiago's birthday.

—I hope you received the gift.

—Yes, he loved it. Thiago adored the musical piano rug, listening to the melodies and the different animals that entertain him.

—I’m glad he liked it. I need to go, I’m working.

—Yes, goodbye. Have a good day.

—You too.

—Thiago, dad is leaving.

—Goodbye, dad.

—Goodbye, Thiago, have fun.

The call ended. Lara then took Thiago to the bath and dressed him in his superhero underwear, jeans, a t-shirt with a cowboy and horse drawing, brown socks with sneakers. Lara, dressed casually in comfortable clothing: white pants, a sleeveless shirt with layered ruffles and blue flowers, and an open white sweater.

They both left the house to get in the car, while Lara secured Thiago in his seat.

—Mom, can I sit in the front?

—No, sweetheart, it’s still dangerous.

She sees his sad face.

—Don’t worry, you know it’s better to sit in the back. It’s safer. Later you can sit with me in the front.

—Okay, mom.

—Now, let’s go to grandpa's house.

—Yes! —he says joyfully, shouting.

After closing the door, she calls her dad to let him know they're on their way. The journey began, and upon arrival, they were warmly received, meeting good friends and family. Later, Lara had another call with her brother to sing the “mañanitas” again.