The morning, which had begun with the aftermath of a distressing dream and the weight of family secrets, now unfolded with a series of surprises that kept Lysandra on emotional alert, a mix of joy, confusion, and growing intrigue. As Fernando continued enthusiastically detailing his architectural visions for the future of Mexico, Lysandra made an internal decision. She had two appointments scheduled for that afternoon, routine meetings with antique dealers. She would cancel them. They weren't urgent anyway, and the truth was, her mind wasn't on appraising 18th-century porcelain or authenticating viceregal silver.
A sudden longing invaded her: the beach. She imagined the fine white sand beneath her feet, the hypnotic murmur of the waves, and the vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea, that turquoise blue so intense it seemed to hurt and heal at the same time. She needed that space, that vastness, to reflect, to try to process the whirlwind of the last twenty-four hours: the trunk, the letters, the revelation of her mother's cancer, her lost son, the dream of the shipwreck, and now, Fernando's arrival with the enigmatic Ruby at his side.
"Well, well, enough with the megaprojects for now, little brother!" Lysandra interrupted with a smile, trying to sound lighter than she felt. "Before you design a new Cancún, how about we honor Nana's efforts and move on to that hot chocolate and bread that smells like heaven?"
The transition was a welcome one. Agnes, with a satisfied smile, had already set everything up on the everyday dining table, which was now bathed in a soft, golden morning light. Three steaming cups of thick chocolate, with that intoxicating aroma of cocoa and cinnamon, waited next to the undisputed star: Region 101 bread, cut into generous slices that revealed its incredibly white and fluffy crumb, protected by a golden and tempting crust.
The moment Lysandra took a slice, the simple act of feeling its soft, airy texture, the aroma that intensified as she drew closer, transported her. And she knew, seeing Fernando's expression as he bit into his own piece with his eyes closed for a moment of pure pleasure, that he felt the same. It was as if the love of Elara, his mother, was infused into every particle of that bread. They could almost hear her laughter as they enjoyed it, feel the warmth of her presence in the way the chocolate comforted and the bread nourished not only the body, but also the soul. It was a taste of home, of childhood, of an unconditional love that transcended time and absence.
Even Ruby, after tasting a small portion with initial curiosity, seemed genuinely impressed. Her green eyes widened a little, and a smile of genuine appreciation spread across her full lips. "This is... extraordinary," she murmured, her melodious voice expressing a delight that seemed to please both Fernando and Agnes. "I've never tasted anything like it."
As they enjoyed breakfast in a more relaxed atmosphere, Lysandra couldn't help but watch her brother and Ruby. Fernando, more relaxed now, took out his phone. Discreetly, he began texting Ruby, who was sitting next to him but close enough that their shoulders would almost touch if they leaned in. Soon, Fernando was showing her something on the screen—a short video, perhaps, or a series of images—and they both began to laugh quietly, sharing a complicity that was both intimate and exclusive. It was a soft, contained laugh, but charged with a mutual understanding that piqued Lysandra's curiosity even more. It wasn't the forced laughter of simple "acquaintances"; it was the easy laughter of those who share an inner world.
It was Ruby who, with a transition as smooth as her smile, turned her attention away from the phone screen. She noticed Lysandra's observant gaze; perhaps she sensed the need to include her or simply saw an opportunity. Her green eyes met Lysandra's, direct and kind.
"Lysandra," she began, her voice with that musical cadence that made her so captivating. "Fernando has told me that this city is much more than just beaches and hotels. I see that you two," she said, referring to the laughter she'd shared with Fernando, which now seemed a little less serious under her scrutiny, "have a lot to catch up on. But, selfishly, I must admit that I'm very interested in getting to know the less touristy corners, the true soul of Cancún, if such a thing exists." She paused, and her gaze became more personal. "Do you think... you could be my personal guide during my stay? I'd love to explore it with you, if you have time."
The request was direct, straightforward, but phrased with a grace that made it hard to refuse. Lysandra was surprised. She'd been planning to go to the beach, to immerse herself in her own reflections. But the idea of spending time with her...
Spending time with Ruby, having the opportunity to unravel a little of the mystery surrounding her, was tempting. Besides, there was something about the way Ruby looked at her, a mix of intelligence and unexpected openness, that intrigued her deeply.
"Of course, Ruby," Lysandra replied, a smile forming on her lips. The beach could wait. "It will be a pleasure to show you my city."
The promise of joint exploration hung in the air, and Lysandra felt that, somehow, the unpredictable path her mother spoke of in her stories was beginning to take shape before her, leading her into the unknown, guided by a woman as beautiful as she was enigmatic.