Mother and son hurried back to the hotel, the soft hum of the lobby music greeting them as they entered the elevator. They rode up to the twelfth floor, where the faint aroma of roasted herbs and truffle butter drifted through the air.The maître d’, recognizing them at once, offered a warm smile. “Welcome back, Ms. Alvarez, Master Cello.” He guided them to a table by the window, where the city skyline glittered beneath the early evening haze—buildings catching the last gold of the setting sun.As Ava began perusing the menu, Cello slipped down from his chair.“Mommy, I’ll wash my hands,” he said softly.“Alright, sweetheart. Don’t take too long,” she reminded, half-focused on the waiter standing by with a notepad.The boy nodded and trotted off. Having been to the hotel countless times before, he knew the way to the restroom perfectly. The corridor leading there was lined with framed watercolors—calm seaside scenes that shimmered faintly under the amber lights.At the sink, Cello tur
Last Updated : 2026-01-03 Read more