- A Piece of Home That Smells Like Cookies.

The plane landed in the city under a clear sky, as if even the weather had wanted to give Dimitri a welcome worthy of his return. After several years working in Europe, jumping from runway to runway as a fashion photographer, there was nothing he longed for more than seeing his sister again.

But above all... meeting his nephew.

He had spent months imagining that moment. Ever since Lara, with a mix of strength and tenderness, had sent him the first photo of Thiago, wrapped in a mint-colored blanket, sleeping like an angel.

And yes, it was also him who, unable to bear the weight of the truth any longer, had looked Leo in the eyes and blurted out:

—That child is yours, Leo. Don’t lie to yourself.

Lara never reproached him for that. In fact, when they talked, she only said:

—If someone had to do it, I'm glad it was you.

When he arrived at the house, Lara came running to meet him. They hugged like when they were kids, like when he protected her from everything and she looked at him with the same faith she now dedicated to her son.

—You look the same —Dimitri said, squeezing her against his chest—. Though with more dark circles... and that glow only mothers have.

—And you're as unbearable as ever —Lara replied, laughing.

—Where's my heir?

—In the garden. Don't be scared if he looks at you strangely, sometimes he needs a little time.

But he didn’t need time.

As soon as Thiago saw him, he stared at him with wide, inquisitive eyes… and then ran toward him, as if something in his instincts recognized that man as part of his tribe.

—Uncleee! —he shouted, arms wide open.

Dimitri knelt down and lifted him up with a gesture overflowing with emotion. He hugged him tightly, feeling how a part of himself was completed by that small body smelling of cookies and sunshine.

—You’re even cuter than I imagined —he said, pressing his nose against his—. And that’s saying a lot.

Thiago laughed, and Lara watched them in silence, a sweet knot forming in her throat.

They spent the rest of the afternoon between stories, games, and spontaneous photos. Dimitri didn’t let go of his camera, constantly exclaiming:

—This is gold! Look at that little face, Lara! This kid is going to be on a magazine cover!

—Let him be a kid, please —she begged between laughs—. It's already enough having two model parents.

Dimitri gave her a knowing look.

—Are you okay with all this, Lari?

—Yes. Leo is stepping up. And the most important thing is that Thiago doesn’t have an emptiness. He has love.

—And you? Do you have love?

She took a second to answer. Then she simply said:

—I have peace. And I have Thiago. For now, that’s enough.

When night fell, Dimitri tucked Thiago into his little bed after telling him a story he made up, complete with a French accent and ridiculous names. The boy fell asleep with soft giggles and the lull of his new best friend.

Back in the living room, the siblings shared a glass of wine.

—Thank you for coming back —Lara said.

—Thank you for giving me the family I didn’t know I needed —he replied.

They stayed silent for a moment, listening to the sounds of the night. It was a house with a new history, soft scars, and love replanted like flowers that resist the winter.

And in the middle of it all, a child slept, certain of being deeply loved.

Suddenly, his familiar ringtone, "Goo Goo Muck," played.

—You still haven’t changed that song.

—You know it’s my favorite. Sorry, I need to answer.

—Sure. I’ll pick up Thiago’s toys.

While Dimitri spoke on the phone, Lara grabbed the basket and began gathering the scattered toys. Occasionally, she glanced at her brother, sensing that something about his manner was different... guessing the call was from a woman.

Once she finished picking up the toys, she cleared part of the table and asked him a question. He turned his face toward her:

—Would you like another coffee? —she asked, pointing at his cup.

Dimitri nodded and pulled the phone slightly away from his ear.

—Bring more pound cake and cookies too.

—Sure, kid.

Lara went to the kitchen with the empty plate, took out the pound cake from the container, cut another slice, and added more walnut and chocolate chip cookies. She also poured another coffee for him and a café con leche for herself.

Since becoming a mother, she had learned a wide variety of recipes from cookbooks, social media, and, of course, her own memories of their mom’s recipes. She returned to the table.

—Let me help you —said Dimitri.

—Thanks. I see your call was very interesting.

—It was just a friend.

—A friend? I'd like to know her name.

—Her name’s Estela. She’s a restoration architect. We met at an event. Do you remember Alfonso?

—Yes.

—Well, he invited me, and she’s a friend of his. That’s how I met her.

—So you like her. Are you two dating?

—No. We've only gone out a few times. We’re both very busy people.

—Well, I must say you should take the risk, because in those minutes talking to her, I saw you looking very much in love. I haven’t even met Estela yet, but I can tell you like her a lot.

—I’ll do it, Lara. When I come back.

—Are you staying at a hotel or at Dad’s?

—Well… I was hoping you’d let me stay here.

Lara smiled at the puppy face her brother made.

—Alright. You’ll stay in the guest room.

—Thanks, sis.

—Come on, I’ll show you to your room so you can rest.

Dimitri accepted, grabbing his suitcase and following Lara up the stairs.

—And does Thiago sleep in his own bed?

—Sometimes. Since he stopped crawling and started walking, he often moves over to my bed —she said as they reached a door and she opened it.

—Thanks, Lara.

—It’s good to have you back. Get some rest. Good night.

—Good night. You too.

Lara left, closing the door gently. She went back downstairs, finished tidying the table, left the dirty dishes in the sink, stored the remaining cookies, and then headed to her bedroom.

She changed into her plaid pajama set, finished getting ready, and lay down.

There, already in bed, was Thiago, who, sensing his mom’s presence, immediately snuggled up to her.

The next morning, still in pajamas, Lara was finishing preparing breakfast for the three of them when she saw Dimitri approaching, carrying Thiago.

—Perfect timing! Come sit down, breakfast is ready.

The three of them sat down and started eating together.