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Life moved forward in small, careful increments. Elena celebrated the anniversaries of her late husband’s passing, remembered his gentle smile, and continued to serve her loyal customers, all while nurturing the unyielding hope that Sofía was out there somewhere. Then, one seemingly ordinary morning, the universe intervened in the most extraordinary way. A small group of young men entered the bakery, laughing softly, their energy light and casual. Elena greeted them with her usual cheerful tone, pouring water into glasses and placing fresh pastries on the counter. As she reached for a glass, her gaze inadvertently landed on a tattoo on one of the young man’s arms — a delicate, finely detailed portrait of a little girl with bright eyes and braided hair.
Something inside Elena tightened, a mixture of fear, disbelief, and an indescribable recognition. Her voice caught as she asked, trembling, “Who… is that?” The young man’s face shifted from casual amusement to calm seriousness.
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