He entered the kitchen and began preparing breakfast.
Nothing elaborate.
Just eggs, toast, and fruit.
But when Elena arrived, she found him humming softly.
She stopped in the doorway.
"You're in a good mood."
Carlos smiled.
"I think I'm trying something new."
"What?"
"Not waiting until everything is perfect to enjoy a normal day."
Elena laughed.
"That sounds reasonable."
When Mateo entered the kitchen, Carlos greeted him with exaggerated seriousness.
"Captain Mateo, your breakfast mission is ready."
Mateo immediately recognized the reference.
"Did the aliens come back?"
"Not yet," Carlos said. "But we're monitoring the situation."
Mateo grinned.
It was a tiny interaction.
Less than a minute long.
But it established something important.
The previous afternoon had not been forgotten.
Carlos wanted the laughter to become part of their everyday life again.
Of course, good intentions did not instantly transform his personality.
He still became tired after work.
Bills still frustrated him.
