Chapter 17 - Elena's Recipe
Sofia possessed one final thing from Elena.
Her recipe book.
Inside was the original blackberry cobbler recipe.
The pages were stained and faded.
Sofia brought it to Rafael's home.
Lucille was there.
The two women faced each other.
No dramatic music.
No audience.
Just history.
Lucille touched the recipe.
“Her handwriting.”
Sofia nodded.
“You don't deserve this.”
“I know.”
“My mother died without hearing you admit the truth.”
“I know.”
“She waited for Mateo.”
Mateo lowered his head.
“I know.”
Sofia's voice broke.
“Everyone keeps saying they know.”
Silence.
“None of you knew what it was like to grow up without her.”
Rafael approached his sister.
He didn't tell her to forgive.
He simply stood beside her.
Eventually Sofia handed the recipe to Emmett.
“You want to help me make this?”
Emmett grinned.
“Yes.”
That afternoon, flour covered the kitchen.
Emmett cracked an egg badly.
Rafael rescued half a shell from the bowl.
Sofia laughed.
Even Lucille laughed.
May you like
And for several hours, the Montaro family did something unfamiliar.
They existed together without pretending the past hadn't happened.
