Chapter 22 – Seeds of a New Bond

It had been nearly a year since Mary's death, and George was about to turn eight. Time had softened the sharpest edges of his grief, though the ache still lived quietly within him. Yet something else had begun to bloom—something new.

Mariana had started spending more time around the family. What had begun as a chance meeting in the park grew into shared moments: helping George with his studies, listening to his dreams, and offering gentle advice when needed. She was a stranger and yet… not. Lucia and John found comfort in her presence. They couldn't explain it, but something about the girl pulled them in, stirred a warmth in their hearts.

One quiet afternoon, George sat beside Mariana, drawing in his notebook. She watched his fingers work with an odd mix of familiarity and pride.

"You like designing things," she said softly.

"I want to build cities one day," George replied, eyes shining. "Not just buildings. Safe places for people. Like my mom used to dream."

Mariana smiled, her throat tightening. "That's a beautiful dream."

"I think she'd be proud," he added, looking up at her with those big, knowing eyes.

"She would be," Mariana whispered.

Later, when they were alone, she gently took his hand and told him, not everything—but enough. About how she wanted to make a better world, about how she was working quietly toward something important. She didn't say she was Mary, but her words echoed the same hope, the same fire.

George listened, serious beyond his years. "Then let me help," he said.

"You already are," Mariana said, touching his cheek. "But one day… we'll do so much more. Together."

And somewhere, far in the background, the final thread of Mary's old sorrow unraveled. Justice had been served. Love endured. And now, something new was beginning.