Their early years together had not been luxurious, but they had been filled with warmth.
They used to dance in the kitchen while dinner cooked.
They took long walks without worrying about where they were going.
They made elaborate plans for vacations they could not yet afford.
Even when money was scarce, they somehow found reasons to celebrate.
But the years had changed their routines.
The demands of adulthood grew heavier.
Their conversations increasingly revolved around expenses, schedules, and practical decisions.
Carlos stopped telling jokes at dinner.
Elena stopped suggesting spontaneous outings.
Neither of them deliberately chose to become less joyful.
It simply happened gradually, one exhausting week at a time.
The most painful part was that they still loved each other deeply.
They simply had less emotional energy available to show it.
Chapter 2: When Worry Becomes a Way of Life
Financial stress rarely remains confined to money.
It spreads into other parts of life, affecting sleep, patience, relationships, and the ability to enjoy even simple experiences.
