The heavy gates of Claudio's estate creaked open as Leonard's black SUV rolled into the familiar driveway. As the car came to a halt, the porch lights flickered on automatically, illuminating the tall figure standing by the door—Paula.
Her arms were folded across her chest, lips pursed in a look that hovered somewhere between disapproval and amused resignation. Her eyes locked onto Leonard as he got out of the car, brushing windblown strands of hair from his face.
"You didn't mention the amusement park adventure would go on until nightfall," she said dryly, arching an eyebrow.
Leonard exhaled a half-laugh and scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah… Sorry about that. Things got a little out of hand. We lost track of time."
Paula eyed him for a beat, clearly waiting for more, but before she could say anything, Julio burst from the car door with uncontainable energy.
"Mom!" he shouted, running toward her.
