Marcos stopped her, placing a soft but firm hand on her shoulder, preventing her from moving toward room 304, where laughter and lively voices could be heard.

“Mom… wait,” Marcos said quietly, glancing at the closed door as if afraid someone might come out. “Listen, this is difficult. Elena is very sensitive. The labor was long and… well, she’s asked that only her immediate family be with her right now.”

Lucía blinked, confused. “But I am her family, Marcos. I’m the grandmother. I’ve traveled twelve hours. I just want to see the baby for a minute, give him this blanket, and then I’ll go back to the hotel.”