Page 187 of Before Dawn

His father stepped closer, his deep voice warm. “It already feels like home,” he said, his eyes scanning the table filled with food. “We’re grateful, and it’s lovely to finally meet you,nuera.119”

Nuera?Apparently, Duolingo had missed that one.

“Also, callus Valeria and Manuel,” she said gently. “We’re family now, Abigail.”

I nodded, their kindness easing my nerves despite expecting a more formal greeting.

“I’ll let you guys settle in for a bit, and then we can eat,” I suggested as I glanced over at the table.

“That sounds perfect,cariño,120” Valeria agreed, her smile never fading as she pulled me into a brief but warm hug. “Gracias de nuevo.121”

Mikkel nodded, slipping an arm around his mother’s shoulder. “I’ll show them to their room,” he said, glancing back at me. “Be right back, baby.”

When he returned moments later, he grounded me with a gentle touch, cupping my face and brushing his thumbs over my cheekbones. “You’re thinking,” he observed softly.

I sighed. “Well, yeah…”

He shook his head. “I know you feel like the walls are closing in, but I promise you everything will be fine.”

I pouted, unable to hide my unease, and tipped up to kiss him softly. As I pulled away, he whispered, “It’s all in your head, baby.”

I rested my forehead against his, letting his words calm me. “I’ve got you,amor,” he murmured, and the tension melted away. “Te tengo.122”

Valeria took a deep breath, her eyes lighting up with approval. “The food smells wonderful.”

Manuel nodded with a soft smile, glancing at me. “Parece delicioso.123”

I smiled shyly, feeling a bit proud. “I hope you like it,” I replied, trying not to let my nerves show.

Valeria’s smile grew wider. “I’m sure we will.”

As Mikkel took the serving utensils from me with a smile, he said, “Let me take care of this, baby,” plating my food with practiced ease before handing it to me with a reassuring nod.

Manuel leaned forward with a broad smile. “I’m sure I’ve said it before, but we do appreciate you cooking for us,nuera.124”

I really needed to translate that word.

Valeria took a bite, her eyes lighting up with delight. She smiled at me. “I’d be happy to teach you more of our recipes before we leave, Abigail,” she said warmly. “But it looks like you’ve already got the hang of it.Está delicioso.125”

“I’d love that,” I replied sincerely, feeling my nerves ease. “Thank you.”

Just then, the conversation shifted, and I noticed Valeria glance over at Mikkel with a sharp, almost knowing look.

“I remember seeing your graduation pictures, and they were beautiful, by the way. What’s next for you in terms of your career now that you’ve gotten your degree?”

“I’m planning to start my real estate apprenticeship next year,” I explained, “but until then, I’m working in a bookstore.”

The moment I finished speaking, I felt a rush of insecurity. The smile on Valeria’s face seemed genuine, but I couldn’t shake the nagging fear that my answer wasn’t enough.

I could see the slight shift in her expression as she processed my words. It wasn’t a negative reaction, but I scrutinized every subtle nuance of her response, searching for any sign of judgment or disappointment.

What if my responses didn’t meet their expectations?

What if they saw my job as a sign of indecision or lack of ambition?

The questions swirled in my mind, making it hard to focus on the conversation at hand.

Valeria’s smile widened, and shefinallyresponded with genuine interest. “That’s wonderful, Abigail. It sounds like you’re on agreat path.”

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