"Carlos, go and attend to our guests," Ravenna requested of her grandson. She wanted to have a conversation alone with Amelie.
Carlos nodded and left, understanding his grandmother's need for private time with Amelie.
As the doors shut quietly behind him, Amelie turned back to the old woman. "Grandma, I heard about your medical condition," she said softly. "I wish even my age would—"
"No, don't say that," Ravenna interrupted firmly, shaking her head. "I told you even before that I've lived enough years." Her frail hand patted Amelie's hand reassuringly before she took a deep, steadying breath. "But Carlos hasn't lived his life fully. Do you remember the promise you made to me?"
"Yes. Don't worry, Grandma," Amelie replied with a bright, comforting smile. "I'll be Carlos's family. Gabriel and I will never let him feel alone in this world. Who knows, he will soon find the woman of his dreams, too, and then he will have his own family as well."
