Hazel and Francisco sat side by side as she served him the Spanish dish she had prepared.

As usual, Francisco lifted the first bite, offering it to her first. But this time, Hazel gently stopped him. She held his hand.

"I want you to take the first bite,” she said. “Because I don't know when you're going to return, sir. So, first you eat, then I will."

Francisco smiled and reached out, his fingers gently tracing her cheek. Hazel looked down, her heart tightening.

"Look at me," he ...