SEVENTY-SIX

ABUELA’S POV

“Catherine, would you be kind as to fetch my phone?” I called out from the backyard, the relentless ringing grating against my peaceful mid-morning.

I took a deep breath and sipped my mango juice, feeling its coolness wash over me while I waited for her to arrive.

“Here you go, ma’am,” she said, her voice warm as she handed me the phone.

To my surprise, it wasn’t Gabriel’s name lighting up the screen but Rafael’s.

A smile blossomed on my face, genuine and bright. I glanced at Catherine, a conspiratorial grin breaking free as I mouthed, “It’s Rafael,” followed by a soft giggle.

“Hi, Mom,” he said, his voice like a soothing melody that instantly warmed my heart.

“If I didn’t know you better, I’d swear you’ve forgotten all about your mother,” I teased, though my heart ached a bit as I said it.

“Mom, that’s not fair! I’ve been swamped!” He replied, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his tone.

“Swamped, indeed, but surely not too busy to give your mother a call? It’s been o