- He Is My World… And You’re Still Learning.

The car glided smoothly along the avenues that wound between trees still tinged by the warm light of sunset. Lara had one hand on the steering wheel and the other resting in her lap, while a soft song played on the stereo — one of those that spoke of long journeys and gentle promises.

Thiago hummed quietly from the back seat, the gift bag resting on his legs and his head leaning against the window.

"Mommy," he said suddenly, "can I sleep with my dinosaur tonight?"

"The gift is for Pablo, remember?"

"I know… but just to see what it feels like to have an epic one."

Lara laughed and shook her head, more amused than annoyed.

"We’ll see, little birthday saboteur."

The car turned the corner into their neighborhood, and as they approached the house, Lara noticed a figure leaning against the wall beside the gate. It was Patricio. He wore a light jacket and had his hands in his pockets, eyes downcast, as if silently counting the seconds.