“Do you want to see it?”
She had drawn two small houses side by side, with a rainbow above them and little paths connecting the doors.
“This is where my mom and dad live. In different houses, but close. Do you get it?”
Tomás and Leticia looked at each other. The simple drawing said more than any conversation they’d ever had.
“Of course we understand, sweetheart,” Tomás said.
“Can we put it on your fridge, Mommy?”
“Of course!”
Alma ran off happily. Tomás turned back to Leticia.
“I think we’re doing okay.”
“We are… but we can’t relax even a little.”
The following weekend they kept their promise of a sleepover at Leticia’s house. There were movies, popcorn, and pillows scattered across the living room floor. Santiago picked an action movie. Alma brought her lucky blanket. Tomás demolished a couple of pizzas. Leticia prepared mugs of hot chocolate.
Watching the children laugh, argue about the last slice of pizza, and huddle together under the same blanket felt priceless. They were small moments—but moments they had nearly lost forever.
Later that night, after the kids fell asleep, Tomás started putting on his sneakers.
“You’re leaving already?” Leticia asked from the kitchen.
“Yeah, it’s getting late.”
“You could stay on the couch if you want. You know how Alma gets if she wakes up and doesn’t see you.”
Tomás thought for a moment, then kicked his sneakers aside.
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