Just as Grandpa was about to approach, Beatriz threw her arms around Ezra, sobbing dramatically. “Ezra, are you okay?”

Ezra, looking confused, let himself be pulled into her embrace, going along with the act.

The whole thing felt too smooth—like they’d rehearsed it before.

“Mom...?” Ezra mumbled hesitantly.

Beatriz’s expression shifted, as if something had just clicked in her mind. “Didn’t you say Isla gave you some snacks today?”

Ezra paused, ...