And that happiness filled the room.
Chapter 6: The Sound That Broke Through the Silence
Carlos had not heard his son laugh like that in a long time.
At least, he could not remember the last occasion when he had truly stopped long enough to listen.
He stared at Mateo, who was still rolling around among the pillows.
Something about the moment reached him in a way that ordinary conversations had not.
Perhaps it was the contrast between the heavy silence that had filled the house earlier and the sudden explosion of joy.
Perhaps it was the innocence of Mateo's laughter.
Perhaps Carlos simply realized how much he had missed the sound.
Whatever the reason, he began smiling.
Then he laughed.
At first, it was a quiet, surprised laugh.
Then Mateo looked at him and made another absurd monster face.
Carlos laughed harder.
Elena joined them.
Soon, the three of them were laughing together.
