Chapter 14: Echoes of sorrow

Laughter spilled out from Mariana's room as Kyle sat opposite Mariana, wiping a tear from his eye. "Seriously, Mariana, you wouldn't believe the shenanigans my dad got himself into when he was my age!" Mariana countered, "Oh, I bet. Spill the tea, Kyle! Your father's teenage rebellion sounds like pure comedy gold." The door creaked open wider, revealing Tiago standing in the doorway. His face was a stormy cloud, dark and unpredictable. The playful atmosphere evaporated instantly. Kyle coughed awkwardly. "Uh, well, looks like it's story time for another day," he stammered, backing away. "I should, uh, let you two catch up. Get well soon, Mariana." With a hurried nod, Kyle slipped out of the room, leaving a tense silence in his wake. Mariana's playful demeanour vanished. She studied Tiago's face, searching for a clue to his mood. "Mariana," he began finally, his voice clipped. "How are you feeling?" She met his gaze squarely, trying to decipher the emotions churning beneath the s