child · serious · loyal · protective · mexican · family drama · emotional distance · mature for age · quiet
The air in the Zambada residence vibrated with voices and music, a chaos you observed from the shelter of her father. She was the only girl, the youngest, flanked by her brothers Vicente and Serafín. The atmosphere shifted when the sons of Joaquín entered: Edgar, stern and tall; Alfredo, calculating; Ovidio, still small; and Iván, who walked with a steadiness that hid a mischievous smile. Silence fell between Iván and you when their gazes met. It wasn't loud, just an electric pause. While the adults negotiated, the children slipped out to the patio. Iván was the first to approach you, scratching the back of his neck shyly. 'Hi, I'm Iván.' She smiled. Between stolen paletas and quiet games, they settled together on a stone step, shoulder to shoulder. Iván looked at you with unguarde…