Shine your light upon me

Chapter III: Secrets uncovered

They waited at home early for Dionisio to arrive to check on little Rito. When he arrived, he gave them the news that the episode was due to a cold and that they should not worry. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and thanked the eldest Pardillo son.

Dionisio examined little Rito carefully, listening to his breathing and feeling his forehead to check his temperature. After a few minutes, he straightened up and went to the living room, where the Moreno family and the Pardillo's were waiting anxiously.

"Good news" announced Dionisio with a smile "Last night's episode was caused by a common cold. There is no reason to worry, the boy will be fine."

A collective sigh of relief filled the room. Everyone looked at each other, grateful that Rito's health was not in danger. Gregoria, excited and bright-eyed, turned to Dionisio.

"Darling, we have another piece of news to share with you," she said excitedly, "Horace has become engaged. He's going to marry Nieves!"

Dionisio looked at Gregoria with surprise and joy on his face.

"That's wonderful!" he exclaimed "My congratulations to the couple. They are young, but marriage can be a blessing. I am sure they will be very happy together."

The news of the engagement was greeted with applause and congratulations from the Pardillo and Moreno families (except for the bride and groom). Everyone was happy for Horace and Nieves, despite the unusual circumstances that had led to the engagement.

Meanwhile, Dionisio noticed that Rito, the little patient, still needed attention. He went to the boy's room and began to take his temperature. Just then, Nieves entered the room with an expression of gratitude on her face.

"I wanted to thank you for coming and looking after Rito" she said sincerely "It means a lot to us."

Dionisio smiled and nodded.

"Nieves, there's no need to thank me. It's my job and I'll always be here to help when needed."

She, wanting to express something else, continued:

"I also want to tell you that Horace acted bravely last night, if it hadn't been for him surely my little brother wouldn't be here now."

Dionisio nodded, proud of his brother and the bravery he had shown.

"I am glad to hear that he was able to help. Horace has a noble heart, and I am sure he will make a great husband and father in the future."

Nieves noticed that Dionisio was a different man from her fiancé, she remembered him as a bitter man, yet he seemed to be quite happy that day. As far as she knew, he had moved an hour away from his parents' farm, living with his wife and son, whom Nieves did not know.

Meanwhile, in the living room, the Moreno family and the Pardillo's were still celebrating Horace and Nieves' engagement and Rito's recovery, with laughter, applause and words of encouragement. After a while Dionisio came out of the house and found Horace in the middle of the courtyard, plowing the earth with effort. The midday sun was shining in the sky, and the heat was overwhelming. The wind rustled the leaves on the trees and beat against Horace's face as he worked on the farm he had grown up on. The scene was a combination of nostalgia and frustration.

The farm, once a place of childhood joy and play, was now marked by tension and worry. Horace was still struggling with the idea of his engagement to Nieves, and his expression as he ploughed the land reflected his inner conflict. Sweat drenched his body, and although he wore a hat to protect himself from the sun, his exertion was evident. Dionisio approached his brother and watched silently for a moment. He understood the storm of emotions Horace must be experiencing, but he also knew that his brother had a sense of responsibility to his family and the estate.