Sun started to set below the horizon. Painting the sky in orange and purple hues.Corrine closed her eyes listening to comforting sounds of dusk.
Distant bird calls. Rustle of leaves stirred by flowing breeze. Faint chatter and laughter from inside the house. This was a time for peace.
Corrine lounging on the porch. Her toes swinging just above the ground. Eyes tracing the reflection of rays on the mango trees. Carmen sat beside her silently.
Seeing her sister lost in thought, Carmen disappeared inside briefly and returned with a couple glasses of juice.
Its cool amber liquid catches the fading light. She nudged her sister and handed the glass gently with a grin, "Ate, this will make it sweeter for you."
Corrine took the glass gratefully, the simple kindness knitting a deeper bond between them. "Are you sure you didn't spit on it first?" she teased Carmen.
"I'm not you, gago!", and they both giggling before back to silence, enjoying the sunset.
The familiar rumble of the old Volvo broke through the silence. Gravel crunching under its tires as it eased into the driveway.
Ricardo Padilla stepped out of the car. He removed his cap and smoothing his hair back. His eyes showed the mild weariness of the day's end.
Yet tonight, he carried the joy of small surprises. Colorful sweets wrapped in shiny paper and crispy treats that made Carmen leap forward excitedly.
"Look! Dad brought gifts!" Carmen shrieked, breaking Corrine's reverie. Jumped with joy, they each accepted the parcels. Their eyes lighting up like candles in twilight.
Ricardo's eyes sparkled with soft affection. "You girls deserve a little joy. And maybe, your mama too," he said. He exchanged a glance with Lucia who was coming out of the house. She responded with a silly smile.
Ricardo stepped closer to Lucia. He gently tucked a loose strand of her hair. "Uhmm... Mama... how about we skip dinner and go watch 'Dances with Wolves'? It's playing nearby," he suggested with a teasing grin.
Lucia chuckled softly. Warmth blooming in her pale now rosy cheeks. "That sounds perfect. A date, just the two of us?" she replied.
"Is it ok, mother?" Lucia asked Juana.
"Just scram... enjoy your date, and let us have our dinner," Juana chuckled and swinging her hands to them. Hand in hand, they left the cheerful clamors behind.
The house buzzed with the lively chatter of cousins, aunts, and grandparents gathered around the dining table.
"Corrine, watch your manners," scolded Nena firmly, eyeing the girl's playful antics at the table. "You're the eldest, you know."
Lorna chimed in from across the room with a gentle wagging finger, "Eieee Carmeeen, stop hiding behind Grady! Eat your vegetables first."
The children giggled under the watchful eyes of their elders. The small scoldings mixed with love and care in every word.
Juana sat in her chair, serene. Cracking a knowing smile as she observed the family's gentle chaos.
After the dinner plates were cleared, Corrine and Carmen took on the evening ritual of washing dishes.
The cold water cascaded over their hands and chased away the warmth of the day. Their conversations were quiet, filled with whispers about school and silly animes.
Laughter occasionally bubbled to the surface like hidden springs. The echoes of their cousins bickering lingered softly behind them.
Corrine, Carmen, and their cousins were ready for bed, brushed their teeth and changed into pajamas. The house was gradually growing quiet, save for the gentle footsteps and murmurs of bedtime routines.
Later, Ricardo and their mother returned from the cinema. Their once joyful mood now shadowed by a certain heaviness. Corrine hopped downstairs to greet them and noticed her mother wear a nervous smile. Her face betrayed an odd, unreadable expression. "Back to your room, Corrine, let's go," she ushered her upstairs.
Ricardo cleared his throat and called out to the gathering family members. "Could you... all please join me in the living room? There's something important I need to convey."
Juana felt a sudden chill ripple through her. She exchanged a glance with her husband and murmured, "Something's not right."
One by one, the grandparents and mothers' siblings gathered. Curiosity and concern laced their faces.
Ricardo's tone was a bit trembled as he began, "I want to talk about something difficult. I know I practically begged you all to allow me marrying into this household. But..."
He glanced upstairs for a brief moment before continuing, "I'd like to divorce Lucia."
A heavy silence fell. Juana's eyes widened slightly, her intuition confirmed.
The house, filled with laughter and love just couple hours ago now felt suddenly fragile.
Upstairs, unseen by the others, Corrine's mother tucked her and Carmen into bed, smoothing their hair with quiet care and whispering reassurances.
Despite the tension below, she did her best to shield them from the gathering darkness.
"Sleep well, my loves," she whispered softly.