Diego insisted on inviting her for coffee. Carmen accepted. That coffee turned into dinner the following week. And that dinner into Sunday walks. Carmen became a constant presence in Diego and Luna’s lives. She fell in love with Luna’s infectious laughter and Diego’s quiet, kind strength. And Diego, little by little, began to look at Carmen not only with gratitude, but with something deeper, something warm and promising.
But the secret weighed heavily. Carmen felt like an imposter every time Diego spoke of the “anonymous donor” with such reverence, wondering who he was, where he was, wishing she could thank him for her daughter’s life.
Finally, the year was over.
Carmen received the official letter that allowed her to reveal her identity. That same day, Diego had invited her to dinner at his house. He had prepared something special, and Luna was excited that Carmen was going to be there.
During dinner, the atmosphere was magical. There was a comfortable intimacy between the three of them, as if they had always been a family. When Luna went to bed, Diego poured two glasses of wine and sat next to Carmen on the sofa.