CHAPTER NINETY - ONE - RELIVING THE HORRIFIC MOMENTS.

Mateo sat at the kitchen table, staring blankly into his coffee cup. Cordelia - the housekeeper - entered the room, her eyes still puffy from their emotional reunion earlier. She sat beside him, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "I'm so proud of the man you've become. Emilia would be beaming with pride if she were here." Mateo tensed at the mention of his Mama. He knew that Cordelia was just trying to be there for him, but at the moment, he wanted to be alone. And he didn't want to think of his parents either. Which was why he had sat at the kitchen island and not the dining table out there. He sighed and relaxed. "I wish she were here too," he whispered honestly. " I miss her so much. It feels like a part of me is missing." "I know, dear one. I miss her too. But we have each other, and we have the memories we shared with her. That's what keeps her spirit alive." Mateo nodded. " How have you been, Aunt Delia?" He asked, looking up at her. She shrugged. " I have been aroun