Determined to Keep the Peace 

In the following days, Javier plunged himself into family life, focusing on keeping things as normal as possible. He spent time with Maria and the kids, immersing himself in their activities to stave off the gnawing sense of loss that haunted him. But with each passing day, the absence of Sharla deepened, leaving a gap that was hard to fill amidst his family’s joy.

Maria seemed to appreciate his efforts, and they shared a lovely dinner that week, laughing and reminiscing over cherished memories. Yet, as Javier looked into her eyes, the pang of guilt tugged at him, a reminder of the secret shadows that loomed just beyond their walls.

On another night, he found himself at the park with the family, watching the kids chase after each other, their laughter ringing out like an enchanting melody. Maria stood beside him, taking his hand as they cheered on Lucas and Sofia.

“I love this time with all of you,” he murmured, squeezing Maria’s hand, trying to drown out the storm shaking him from within.

“So do I! It feels good to reel everything back in and focus on us,” she said, her smile bright.

Javier forced himself to smile, but the thoughts of Sharla loomed in the back of his mind, keeping curl of anxiety coiled tight. After putting the kids to bed that night, he lay in bed, unable to shake the sense that the recent tension was only the calm before a potentially devastating storm.