Chapter 4 - THE FATHER AND SON REUNIONAs Victoria was hauled away kicking and screaming into a waiting federal transport van, the courtyard finally grew quiet.
Mateo stood alone on the marble steps, trembling as he stared at the red toy car in his hand, then up at the tall, tired man standing before him.
Daniel walked slowly up the steps, stopping just a foot away. He didn't rush the boy. He gave him all the space in the world.
"Do you remember the day we painted this car, Mateo?" Daniel asked gently, his voice thick with emotion. "You spilled red acrylic paint all over my workbench. Your mother laughed until she cried."
A tear slipped down Mateo’s cheek. He blinked rapidly, fragments of a forgotten life suddenly piercing through six years of lies and isolation.
"My... my mom?" Mateo choked out. "She's... she's really alive?"
"She has been waiting for you every single day for six years," Daniel said, opening his arms wide.
Mateo didn't hesitate anymore. He dropped the toy car, burst into tears, and launched himself straight into his father’s arms, burying his face against Daniel’s chest.
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Daniel wrapped his arms around his son, holding him tighter than he had ever held anything in his life. The six years of cold nights, dead-end searches, and agonizing grief finally melted away in that single embrace.
"I've got you, my boy," Daniel whispered, kissing the top of Mateo’s head. "We're going home."
