Eventually dispatched from the hospital, Camila headed home, spending that week coming to terms with everything that occurred, including her mother actually excited for their invitation.

"Mama, you just want to mend things between us, right?"

"Sure, sure. But if his mother would like to continue the conversation, I'll be equally inclined."

"At least the cops finally stopped asking us questions."

"How long did they say he might be locked up?"

"They say normally it would be a year. But he had an accomplice, came in with intent to murder, and he has information on the other groups smuggling those pills, he'll either have to do probation or stay a while longer."

"Serves him right."

"I'm just worried about his family. He acts so sweet when they're around."

"Rules for love, mija, if a person rarely offers kindness, never think being the exception is their rule. That's their choice."

Camila lowered her eyes. "I don't need a reason to be nice, but it helps," going to wash your hands.

"What are you working on?"

"It's a surprise. I just need to wait for my annoying partner to hurry up."

Silas got out of the hospital the next day with Cammy joining him to do the attendance, with everyone in the main office asking him if he was sure he should be back.

"I'm fine, everyone's at work and I can't bother grandma."

Cammy still had doubts, showing him more of the recording.

"Don't lie to me. You're still scared."

"I'm just happy I survived. If you missed me-"

She looked away while wrapping his torso in her arms.

You've could've just said so, ruffling her hair and nesting on it.

"I wasn't worried about you. Only sometimes."

"Only I'm allowed to kill you. Got that?"

"Whatever you say. You're in charge today then."

"Are you and your mom talking?"

He told her about the meeting with Camila.

"Good, hope it works out," pulling away from him. "Don't mess things up."

"Or you'll kill me?"

"Because I'll have to listen to you complain about it."

"Someone has to make sure you're not lonely."

At class, everyone, including Roberto watched him not react to anything but seeing Camila's empty desk, until he felt a vibration, smiling.

Three days later, Silas and his mother found themselves in front of Camila's house, who opened the door.

He immediately rushed to hug her. "Where were you?"

"Resting, unlike someone."

"Everyone's busy. No child endangerment accusations."

With the older woman's cough, Camila brought them inside: shoes off, bathroom location, and Carlos and Cabello re-introduced themselves.

"Silvia Knight. Thank you for the invitation."

"The pleasure is ours."

Silas and Camila sat side by side, his mom was on the left, and her parents were on the opposite side.

He gasped. "You made churros at home?"

Carlos nodded. "Ate them all the time when I was younger. Wanted to learn to not pay for them myself."

"Too bad the supermarket doesn't agree."

While they chuckled, Camila sat surprised by that.

"Don't give me that look. There were food vendors at middle school!"

"I'm not used to you eating anything other than carrots, french fries, fried chicken, or nuggets," she teased.

He dropped his head in her direction. "Excuse me? The audacity from your mouth! Next time," pointing at her, "I'm stealing your fries."

She shoved a churro into his mouth, laughing as he swallowed it in seconds.

"That's not how I taught you to eat. Don't embarrass us outside."

Charlos noticed his shift to annoyance and complacency.

"Hey, Your son knows how to entertain our daughter. Let them have fun."

"I think we should talk about how that comes to an end tonight."

"But-"

"The police gave me just enough information. I know she was involved with the person who put my son in the hospital! And you should've known better: we talked about playing dead."

"But you said-"

"I changed my mind, now stop talking about and learn from this."

"Ms. Cabello, permission to eat inside Camila's bedroom with her?"

"Uh, sure."

"You're not supposed to eat in the bedroom!"

Silas got up and Camila got the we can handle this look from her dad, to go ahead.

Silivia rose out of her chair to follow them. "We're leaving, stop messing with my ass and acting like a frigging child!"

Carlos interjected.
"We also wanted to continue our conversation from later. He's been able to respect our daughter and our rules: we listen and communicate before we get angry. Mi vida and I would like you to do the same."

She shrugged, sitting back down. "Nothing you will say will change my mind."

"I understand. But I want to thank you instead."

Cabello also nodded while Silivia cocked her head. "For what?"

"Raising your son to have that compassion. The first time I spoke to him he was making sure my daughter was safe and sound after she fell asleep. I didn't know it at the time, but when she mentioned she was out late with a friend, it looked like she was getting her passion back."

That got Silvia to look around, finding an artwork of the three of them.

"She and I had got into an argument around Thanksgiving. When she came up, she finished this. My daughter's had a bit of a creative block but she recorded your son praising her," laughing, "and sent it to me."

"She recorded my son without permission?"

Carlos chuckled. "It was his idea. My daughter's been hurt by enough people she thought she could count on. I don't want to assume, but he's never talked about his father. Is there a reason?"

"That's...he may have hurt me. His damage was psychological, torturous," shedding goosebumps. "He even tried to use our own child against me. I have to protect my son from people like the one she was associated with!"

"My apologies for your situation. But you and my daughter may have more in common than you think."