They stayed talking in the living room until late, sharing moments from their childhoods, school days, and every possible topic, as both had a genuine desire to get to know each other, and the conversation flowed through the night.?

  "So you're saying you were a tree climber as a kid? Now I see where the brilliant idea to climb the wall came from", he laughed with a hearty laugh that filled Lara's heart with joy.

  "Yes, it was my favorite game as a little girl, I loved it... you know, I felt so light and free", at first she laughed and joined Gabriel's hearty laugh, but as she spoke, the memories surfaced, bringing with them the weight of nostalgia; she grew more serious, now remembering how good it was to be innocent in the adult world—at the time she thought that way, innocently, but now she had to deal with all the weight imposed on her, mainly by her parents.

  "I don't have much to tell about my childhood, I was always sheltered from everything and everyone... my parents thought it best that way," for the first time, he had mentioned someone from his family.

  "Do they still visit you?" Lara asked curiously.

  "No... they passed away many years ago", She felt the weight of his words and turned toward him, grasping Gabriel's hand.

  "I'm sorry... so much", In that moment, it wasn't just a matter of empathy, she wanted to rip the pain from his heart and realized how cruel it was, beyond dealing with prejudice from those who didn't know him, he still had to carry such a heavy burden in solitude.

  He tenderly placed his hand over Lara's.

  "Thank you... you were something very unexpected, but I confess, something good."

  She blushed instantly; she wasn't used to the attention she was receiving, much less any kind of compliment, as she had never heard one in her life.

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  She slightly averted her gaze with shyness, whenever she felt like this, she blushed, and Gabriel, noticing, laughed, but politely; he found her way of being funny and unique, which was captivating him.

  "Hum... thank you... I confess I think the same", at that moment she managed to turn even redder, and he watched her, realizing that Lara had an immense heart within her, but equally closed off, as if she wanted to protect herself from the world.

  He realized she was tender and affable, and he was enjoying her company very much.

  They locked eyes, something strong between them, but neither dared to speak.

  After a few minutes, he spoke up.

  "Maybe it's better if you stay tonight... don't take it the wrong way, I have no bad intentions, I know we only met today, but... you can't walk with that ankle, and... unfortunately, I can't take you, I can't leave this house...", cautious at first, but by the end of the sentence, he became aware of the discomfort this confinement caused him.

  "Oh... I don't know what to say...", she looked at him with tenderness and confusion, and he understood her discomfort.

  Little by little, he began to understand how she easily brought a smile to his face, with an ease that only she could manage.

  He stood up, as it was already late and he was worried about Lara and her condition, not to mention it was the early hours of the morning, and she must be exhausted.

  "Let's do this, I have guest rooms; you'll stay in the most comfortable one, which has a view of the village. If you feel unsafe, look out there to feel like you're still at home... and I know we met today, but I don't want to harm you at all quite the opposite."

  Lara was still insecure, and it showed on her face.

  Gabriel, noticing Lara's fear, had another idea. He knelt at her feet and said.

  "Let's do this, I'll carry you to the room, you can't walk in that state. We'll talk until you fall asleep. Agreed? I understand your fear, this way, you'll feel more protected."

  "I've never had anyone care about me like you are now..." Gabriel felt a pang in his heart; his world shattered in two; he was incredulous at what he heard, how so? Why would they hurt Lara? She was such a kind girl, she didn't deserve to suffer...

  Her eyes were shining, as if she were about to cry, Gabriel felt touched by the situation, in many ways, Lara reminded him of himself. He hugged her to comfort her, and she returned the hug.

  Then he picked her up in his arms and carried her toward the guest room, so they could both rest.