Vina's POV
“Vina, come help me grab another tray.”
“Sure.”
I followed Maria inside, leaving the noise of the backyard behind us.
The second the door closed, everything became quieter.
“Where are the trays?”
“Kitchen. Bottom cabinet.”
I followed her.
Then I stopped.
Not because of the kitchen.
Because of the wall.
Pictures.
So many damn pictures.
My eyes moved slowly over them.
There was Ava underneath the hood of her Mustang with Ramiro.
Both of them had grease on their hands, and Ava was laughing at something he'd said.
Another showed her asleep on the couch with Rojo curled against her.
There was a Christmas picture.
Ava was squeezed between Ezra and Xavier, all three smiling at the camera.
Another showed Ava in nursing scrubs.
She looked younger.
Proud.
Happy.
I
