In quarantine

Ready to go home

*Emilia*
I watch as Matt gathers his belongings and packs them in the car as he is preparing to leave for Canada and his home. The time has come for him to say goodbye to everyone, including me. It is a weird feeling I have to admit that.

As he approaches, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions... nostalgia, gratitude, and a touch of sadness. Our history together is a complicated one, but I can't deny the bond we once shared, even if it was not as I had thought. He will always be a part of me.

"Emilia," Matt says, his voice filled with warmth and genuine affection. "I want to wish you all the best with your new life here. I hope you have found true happiness, you deserve it."

I meet his gaze, appreciating the sincerity in his words. "Thank you, Matt. I truly wish the same for you. May you find your true mate and the happiness you deserve, and please give my love to all of your family at home."

There's a pause between us, a silence filled with unspoken memories and unfulfilled dreams. We both know that our paths have diverged, leading us to different places and different partners. But in this moment, we can acknowledge the significance of our past connection and part ways with kindness and well wishes.

Matt's eyes shift toward LZ, who stands beside me. After Our battle with the virus a respekt seems to have grown between them. There's a knowing nod between the two of them, a silent understanding of the roles they have played in my life. "Take good care of her, LZ," Matt says, his voice carrying a mixture of earnestness and gratitude. "She deserves nothing but love and happiness."

LZ smiles, his expression reflecting a deep sense of appreciation. "I will, Matt. Thank you for your words. I understand the importance of Emilia's happiness to you, it means just as much as me, and I promise to cherish and protect her always."

"Nick," Matt says, his voice filled brotherly with warmth and affection. "I'm going to miss you, cousin. You've always been like a brother to me."

Nick's eyes glisten with emotion, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I'm going to miss you too, Matt. We've been through so much together, and it's hard to imagine life without you here after all this time."

They share a moment of silence, their connection speaking volumes. As cousins who have grown up side by side, they understand each other in a way only family can.

Matt reaches out, squeezing Nick's shoulder gently. "Take care of yourself, Nick. Keep being the amazing person you are. I have no doubt you'll achieve great things."

Nick's voice quivers slightly as he responds, his gratitude evident in his words. "Thank you, Matt. You've always been there for me, and I'll carry your support and love with me wherever I go."

A bittersweet smile graces Matt's face as he leans in closer to Nick. "And don't forget, anytime you need me, I'm just a phone call away. Distance won't change our bond."

Nick nods, a mixture of pride and sadness in his eyes. "I know, Matt. You've always been there, and I'll never forget that. Take care of yourself too, okay?"

Matt embraces Nick tightly, their hug filled with unspoken understanding and a lifetime of shared experiences. "I will, Nick. Thank you for everything. Our bond is unbreakable, no matter the miles between us."

As Matt bids his final farewells to Pilar, Zac, and Nina, I can't help but feel a sense of closure. Our chapter together has come to an end, and though our paths may never cross in the same way again, we can part ways with respect and goodwill.

In the midst of our complicated history, I find solace in knowing that we can leave each other's lives with kind words and genuine hopes for happiness. As Matt gets in his car to make the long drive home to Canada alone, I take a deep breath, ready to embrace the future that lies before me, grateful for the lessons learned and the love that now surrounds me.

*Zac*
Pilar's eyes are filled with a mix of excitement and concern as she sits me down telling me that she has some news to share. She has been having a Long talk with Margarita, and it seems she wants to return to her pack in Mexico and leave little Daniel in our care. My heart skips a beat at the thought, but I hold back my emotions, wanting to gauge Pilar's feelings first.

"Pilar," I say cautiously, my voice tinged with both hope and uncertainty. "How do you feel about Margarita's decision? Are you ready to take on the responsibility of raising Daniel as our own?"

Her face lights up with a warm smile, and her eyes sparkle with a newfound sense of purpose. "Zac, I can't deny that I'm excited about the prospect of raising Daniel as our own. It's a big responsibility, but I believe we're ready for this. We've seen firsthand how much love and care he needs, and we can provide that for him."

Relief washes over me as her words sink in. We're on the same page, ready to embark on this journey together. I reach out and take Pilar's hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm so glad you feel the same way, Pilar. Daniel deserves a loving home, and yes, I believe we can give him that."

We delve into a discussion about the logistics, how we'll navigate the legalities and ensure that Marguarita can maintain a role in Daniel's life despite the distance. Pilar is adamant that we support Margarita's visits, and I wholeheartedly agree.

"Pilar, we need to make sure Marguarita knows that she will always be welcome in Daniel's life," I say earnestly. "We can offer to cover her travel expenses if that helps. It's important for Daniel to have a connection with his birth mother, even if she can't be with him every day."

Pilar's eyes well up with tears, her voice filled with gratitude. "Zac, that's so kind of you. I know it will mean the world to Marguarita. We want to create a loving, supportive environment for Daniel, and that includes honoring his relationship with his mother, and for him to know his history and the traditions of his mother's homeland."

As we continue to talk, plans begin to take shape. Our hearts are filled with anticipation for the new chapter that awaits us. We both know the challenges that lie ahead, but we're ready to face them together, for the sake of Daniel and the love we have for him.

.