That was enough. The music began at one. Jimena went first. Before stepping through the doorway, she looked back and winked. I stood alone for a moment. Then I put in one earbud and played Grandma Elena’s recording. Her voice filled one ear while the ceremony music filled the other. You have always been the builder. My throat tightened. You make things grow where nothing existed before. I closed my eyes. Family is who shows up. I stopped the recording. Franco stepped beside me. He offered his arm. Warm. Solid.
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