Just as the weight of their shared grief seemed almost unbearable, the soft click of the door opening drew their attention. Gabriel, with his mischievous and light laugh, stepped into the room, his eyes twinkling with affection.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Gabriel exclaimed, his voice filled with playful amusement. "Looks like I stumbled upon a rather dramatic and sad moment between you two." 

Valeria couldn't help but smile through her tears at Gabriel's gentle teasing, grateful for ...