Unspoken

Euphoria

As Selena reached home, her mind still lingered on the girl who had hugged Rafael. Lost in thought, she walked into the living room and spotted her father, seated on the couch, watching TV. Her face lit up as she rushed over, and they shared a warm hug.

"Selena!" he smiled, ruffling her hair. "So, how's the new place? And school? Are you liking it here?"

"Yes!" Selena replied, her excitement unmistakable.

From behind, her mom's playful voice chimed in, "Oh, she's more than just 'liking it'—she's already made some new friends!"

Selena smiled, then asked her father, "And how's work, Dad?"

Her father's expression shifted slightly as he sighed. "It's going fine, but there's one case that's been... demanding a lot of time." For a moment, a serious look crossed his face, and Selena thought of her father's personality—bold, disciplined, always focused, yet so devoted to his family.

Just then, Kevin ran into the room, and her mom clapped her hands, breaking the tension. "Alright, enough seriousness! Let's have a little fun tonight."

Kevin's face lit up. "Can we go to a restaurant, Dad?"

Her father chuckled, glancing at them all. "Why not? Let's go out tonight."

The room buzzed with excitement as everyone started talking at once, planning what they'd eat and which restaurant to go to. Selena felt a swell of happiness being with her family, their laughter filling the room.

Selena took a deep breath as she stepped out of her room, her red dress flowing gracefully as she descended the stairs. Her parents were standing on the porch with Kevin, waiting for her. When they saw her, their faces lit up with pride and admiration.

"Wow, look at you!" her mom gasped, her eyes shining. "Selena, you look absolutely stunning! Our beautiful girl is growing up into a real diamond," she added, clearly touched.

Selena blushed deeply, her cheeks matching the shade of her dress. "Mom, stop it," she muttered, half-smiling and feeling shy.

Her dad chimed in, grinning proudly. "Your mother's right, Selena. You look like a star tonight. You'll be turning heads everywhere we go!"

Selena laughed, feeling a little embarrassed but also warmed by their words. Just then, Kevin jumped in with a mischievous grin. "Yeah, yeah, you look alright... but only if you ditch those glasses!" he teased, folding his arms with a smirk.

Selena rolled her eyes and playfully nudged him. "You're just jealous!" she laughed, making a face.

"Maybe a little," Kevin admitted with a chuckle, but then he reached out and gave her a quick hug. "But you still look awesome, even with the glasses," he added, softening his tone.

Her parents exchanged smiles, taking in the moment before they all set off, feeling a mix of joy and warmth as a family.

As the family settled into the car, their conversation flowed easily, a mix of laughter and stories filling the small space. Selena felt a warm glow as she listened to her mom and dad swap tales about their day.

"Tonight's all about us," her dad, Mr. Alvarez, declared cheerfully. "It's been too long since we had a family night out."

"I know, I missed this so much," her mom said, looking back at Selena and Kevin with a smile. "We'll make up for it tonight!"

After a short drive, they arrived at a grand restaurant with a name that glittered in gold lettering. Mr. Alvarez carefully parked the car, and they all stepped out, gazing up at the impressive facade. The exterior was nothing compared to the beauty inside, though. As they entered, Selena's jaw dropped.