We just settled into a more comfortable conversation and the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed. They kept asking several questions about Dawson and couldn’t help smiling at his antics.

"He sounds like quite the character," Mrs. Hernandez said, her eyes twinkling. "Just like his father at that age."

Alex chuckled. "I wasn't so mischievous, was I?"

Mr. Hernandez lifted an eyebrow. "Son, you once convinced the gardener's boy to help you 'redecorate' my study with finger paint. It took weeks to get the walls clean."

"Oh, I remember that!" Mrs. Hernandez laughed. "You were so proud of your 'artwork'. We couldn't stay mad at you for long."

As laughter filled...