In a small town on the Valencian coast, where the sea breeze caressed the whitewashed facades and the scent of orange blossoms mingled with the salt air, Patricia and Antonio lived in a house near the beach. It wasn't a mansion, but it was a warm home, with a terrace adorned with bougainvilleas and a porch where they enjoyed starry nights with a glass of wine in hand.
Patricia was 42 years old and was a primary school teacher at the town's school. Her passion was teaching, and the children adored her for her tenderness and patience. Blonde with brown eyes and a slender figure, she had a vibrant energy and a natural charisma that lit up any room she entered. Antonio, a year younger than her, worked remotely as a data analyst for a technology company, which allowed him to manage his time flexibly. With brown eyes and thick eyebrows, had a somewhat robust build and a chest covered in hair. His laughter was deep, the kind that resonates and spreads joy.
Their life was simple but happy. Patricia woke up early and made coffee while Antonio checked emails on his computer. After taking the children to class, she spent the day among blackboards, books, and small lessons, while he worked from home, with views of the sea and the sound of the waves in the background. At sunset, they would meet for a walk along the shore, letting the water wet their feet and talking about anything, from their dreams to anecdotes of the day.
One afternoon, Patricia's phone rang. Seeing her sister's name on the screen, she answered with a smile.
--Hello, Sonia! How are you?
--Alright, alright, but I need to ask you a favor. It's about Álvaro.
--Álvaro? What's wrong with him?
--Look, the boy is a bit down, he doesn't have many friends, and we can't afford a vacation this year. I thought that, since your house is near the beach, maybe he could spend the summer with you.
Patricia paused for a moment, lost in thought.
--Let me talk to Antonio about it and I'll call you in a bit, okay?
--Sure, thanks, Patri.
That night, while they were having dinner, Patricia mentioned the conversation with her sister.
--Honey, Sonia called me today. She wants Álvaro to spend the summer with us.
Antonio looked up from his plate and raised an eyebrow.
--Álvaro? The shy nephew?
--Yes. He doesn't have many friends and besides, they don't have money to go on vacation. Do you think it's okay if we take him in?
Antonio smiled and shrugged.
--Of course. It will be good for him.
Patricia returned the smile and took her phone to call her sister.
--Sonia, I just spoke with Antonio. He says yes, that Álvaro can come.
--Oh, Patri! Thank you! You don't know how much this means to us.
Although they didn't know it, the arrival of the young man would bring a different summer, full of new experiences and small changes in their peaceful routine.
The town's bus station was small, with barely a couple of platforms and an old sign indicating the destinations. Patricia and Antonio were waiting by the car when the bus arrived. The door opened with a creak and, among the passengers disembarking, Álvaro appeared.
Patricia felt a pang of surprise upon seeing him. It had been a couple of years since she last saw him, and the shy young man she remembered had changed drastically. Álvaro was tall, with a strong and well-built physique, the sun seemed to have bronzed his skin, and his face had defined and attractive features. For a moment, her mind wandered to how well the change suited him, although she kept the thought to herself.