A spontaneous joke may ease tension.
An evening walk can provide space for conversation.
A shared hobby can remind two people that they enjoy each other's company beyond the responsibilities they manage together.
Carlos did not need to become irresponsible to rediscover play.
He simply needed to recognize that being a father included moments when productivity was not the goal.
Sometimes the goal was to sit on the floor and pretend to be a squirrel.
And sometimes that was exactly what the family needed.
Chapter 19: The Difference Between Being Present and Being Nearby
The Martinez family also discovered an important distinction between physical proximity and emotional presence.
Before the rainy afternoon, they frequently spent evenings in the same room.
Carlos sat on the couch.
Elena completed chores.
Mateo played nearby.
Technically, they were together.
But their attention was scattered.
Their bodies shared the same space while their minds remained occupied with unrelated concerns.
