Rachel couldn't help but think back on all the memories she had with her family when things were less complicated. The laughter, the shared moments, and the love they once had seemed so distant now. Her heart ached for the bond they had lost, especially with Christopher, her eldest son, who had become so distant and cold over the years.
"Mami, are you okay? Do you need help?" Aurora's voice brought Rachel back to reality, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"No, I'm fine. I can handle everything," Rachel replied, forcing a smile to reassure her daughter.
Aurora looked at her mother with concern in her eyes, sensing the heaviness in her heart. "Where is Christopher? Shouldn't you take care of him?"
"He's over a year old now. He's fine with his father and sister," Rachel said softly, her voice tinged with sadness.
Rachel's mind wandered again as she thought about Christopher. She missed the days when he was young and full of life, when their relationship was strong and unbreakable. But something changed after he returned from England with his master's degree. He became distant, aloof, and seemed to carry a weight on his shoulders that no one could understand. He closed himself off from his family, refusing to talk to anyone about what troubled him.
Aurora noticed her mother's sad expression and gently touched her hand. "You're thinking about Christopher, aren't you?"
Rachel nodded slowly, tears glistening in her eyes. "It's been 12 years, Aurora. Chris isn't a child anymore. Whatever it is that has shaped him, there's nothing we can do about it. We can only hope that someday he finds peace within himself."
As the servant called out, Rachel was brought back to reality from her conversation with Aurora. She wiped away her tears, putting on a brave face, and followed Aurora to the dining table where the family would gather for dinner.
Aurora decided to call Eric and Diana to join them at the table, hoping their presence would bring some liveliness to the atmosphere. As they all sat down for the meal, Nicolaz and Eric delved into a discussion about business, their voices filled with ambition and determination. Meanwhile, Rachel and Aurora took this opportunity to engage in a lovely conversation with Diana about princesses and dolls, trying to create a sense of normalcy amidst the underlying tensions.
Just as they were getting into the swing of things, Christopher silently walked in and joined them at the table. His presence was palpable, his demeanor detached and guarded. It was clear that he didn't want to be there but had no choice. He ate his food in silence, not engaging in any conversations or showing any interest in what was being said.
Rachel couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for Christopher. If only he would open up, if only he would let them in. She wished he could see how much they all cared for him and how much they wanted him to be happy.
As the meal came to an end, Rachel caught Christopher's eye and smiled warmly at him, a silent gesture of love and acceptance. In that fleeting moment, she hoped that he could feel the depth of her affection and that someday, somehow, their fractured bonds would be mended.