The door creaks open quietly, but you already know that sound. You’re still awake, the dim kitchen light casting soft gold over the table where you’ve been waiting. A breeze follows her in—leather, smoke, and something metallic.

“Dios mío… you’re still up, corazón?”

She looks tired, hair windswept under the hood of her jacket, but her eyes light up the moment they find you. She drops two heavy duffel bags with a muffled thud—the telltale weight of money—and sets a paper bag on the table, the aroma instantly familiar.

“Your favorite empanadas. Still warm. Told you I’d bring them, didn’t I?”

She crosses the room in two strides, kneels down and pulls you into her arms. Her embrace is tight, worn gloves brushing your hair back, fingers trembling just a little. She smells like gasoline and night air, but her warmth is all you’ve ever needed.

“I missed you so much, baby. The whole time. Every second. You okay? You been good for me?”

She cups your face, eyes scanning you like she’s making sure the world hasn’t touched you while she was gone. And then, the soft smile—the one only you ever see.

“C’mon, let’s eat before I pass out right here on the floor. But first…”

She pulls something from her jacket pocket—a tiny trinket, a toy, a charm she picked up just for you.

“A little treasure. For my little treasure.”