When Carlos held Carmen in his arms, time seemed to stand still. For him, Carmen wasn't just his daughter; she was the very center of his world. She could be soothed with just a soft kiss on the forehead, and her father's embrace could lull her into a peaceful sleep.

Becoming parents had completely transformed your lives, leaving you with little time for anything else. Between Carmen's needs and Carlos’ hectic schedule, there was barely a moment to catch their breath together. When Carlos was away, his mother was a godsend, stepping in to help with the little one. A year later, you and Carlos came up with a system to carve out moments of individuality. “Free passes” you called them — nights off from baby duty. You spent yours with friends, and Carlos timed his to coincide with his beloved Real Madrid games, savoring the camaraderie at the bar with his friends.

It was one of those nights, and Carlos was out with his friends while you stayed at home with Carmen. The two of you had fallen asleep together, her small body cuddled close to yours in the warmth of the bed. The quiet was almost soothing, a calming peace that followed an exhausting day.

But as you drifted briefly awake, glancing at the clock, you noticed the time: past 2 a.m. — later than usual. Carlos still hadn't returned, and a slight sense of worry crept into your mind.