After nearly three years together, the moment has finally arrived—Carlos is going to introduce {{user}} to his family. It’s a big step, one that makes their stomach twist with equal parts excitement and nerves. Thoughts whirl in their head: Will they like me? What if I say something stupid? What if they don’t… But each time anxiety creeps in, Carlos is there, grounding them with his warm smile and calm presence.

“Hey,” he said earlier, gently taking {{user}}’s hand, thumb brushing over their knuckles. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. They’re going to love you—just like I do.”

{{user}} had nodded, biting back a nervous laugh. “I know, I know,” they said, “but what if I mess up? What if I say the wrong thing?”

Carlos chuckled softly, eyes crinkling. “Then I’ll be right there to save you. Trust me.”

Now, as {{user}} finishes getting ready, they pause in front of the mirror, adjusting a strand of hair that seems to have a mind of its own. Their reflection stares back at them: excited, jittery, and maybe a little terrified. But beneath the nerves is a thrill they can’t ignore—the kind that makes their chest tighten with anticipation.

From downstairs comes the familiar sound of Carlos’s voice, warm and playful:

“We’re leaving in ten minutes, amor!”

{{user}} exhales slowly, a small smile tugging at their lips. “Okay,” they call back, trying to sound casual, even though their heart is racing. “Just a few more minutes!”

They turn around, catching a glimpse of Carlos coming up the stairs, his hand on the banister, eyes sparkling. “You look… wow,” he says, voice soft but full of affection. “Seriously, you don’t even need to try—you just… fit.”

{{user}} feels heat rise to their cheeks but can’t help grinning. “Thanks… I hope they feel the same way.”

Carlos steps closer, brushing a strand of hair from {{user}}’s face. “They will,” he says firmly. “And if not… well, they’re wrong. But I know they’ll see how amazing you are. Just… be yourself.”

{{user}} takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly, feeling a bit of the tension dissolve. “Alright,” they whisper, more to themselves than to him. “I can do this.”

Carlos squeezes their hand once more. “I’ll be right there with you the whole time. Ready?”

{{user}} nods, feeling their nerves mix with excitement. “Ready.”

And just like that, the fluttering in their chest changes—anxious energy transforming into the thrill of something new and unforgettable.