𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗟, sᴇʙᴀsᴛɪᴀɴ ᴠᴇᴛᴛᴇʟ

five

THE funeral had been an overwhelming blur of grief and strained politeness. Inés moved through the motions, her face a mask of controlled sorrow as she greeted friends and family. The church was filled with mourners, many of whom she barely recognized. The air was thick with the scent of lilies and the quiet hum of hushed conversations.

After the service, Inés and her brothers gathered at a nearby hall for the wake. The room was somber, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of their loss. Tables were set with food, but no one had much of an appetite. Inés sat with her brothers, her gaze occasionally drifting to the door, where the flow of guests was constant.

Sebastian's late-night calls had become a small beacon of normalcy in the chaos. The night before, their conversation had been particularly comforting.

"Sebastian," Inés had said, her voice trembling slightly. "I feel like I'm barely holding it together. My family... they're not exactly making it easy."

"I'm sorry," Sebastian had replied. "I wish I could be there with you. It must be incredibly tough. Just remember, you're stronger than you think. And if you need to talk or need anything, I'm here."

"I appreciate that," Inés had said. "It means a lot."

Now, at the wake, she fumbled with her phone, looking for a moment to call Sebastian. She found a quiet corner and dialed his number, hoping to find some solace in his voice.

"Hey, Inés," Sebastian answered, his tone warm and concerned despite the late hour.

"Hey," she replied, her voice softer than she intended. "I just needed to hear a familiar voice. It's... a lot."

Sebastian's voice was steady and reassuring. "I'm here for you. How's everything going? I know it's probably overwhelming."

"It is," Inés admitted. "There's a lot of tension, especially between my brothers and me. They don't really want me involved in the arrangements."

"I can imagine how difficult that must be," Sebastian said. "I wish I could be there to help."

Inés sighed. "Thanks. It's just been really tough. I feel like I'm caught between trying to support my family and dealing with my own grief."

"Well, you're doing the best you can," Sebastian said. "Just remember that it's okay to take care of yourself too. You're important."

Inés smiled faintly at his words. "Thanks. That really helps."

As they continued to talk, Sebastian filled her in on his preparations for the Canadian Grand Prix. The conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the connection they shared was palpable. It was clear to both of them that their bond had grown stronger.

Later, while the wake continued, Inés felt a presence behind her. Turning around, she came face to face with Armando, her ex. His sudden appearance was jarring, and she tensed as she recognized him.

"Armando?" she said, her voice cold.

Armando gave her a forced, apologetic smile. "Inés, I didn't expect to see you here. I just wanted to pay my respects."

"Why are you here?" Inés asked, struggling to keep her voice steady. "You have no right to be."

"I know it's been a long time," Armando said, his tone insincere. "I just... heard about your mom and felt I should come. I'm sorry for your loss."

Inés felt a wave of anger and hurt. "This is not the time or place for this. You should leave."

Armando's expression hardened. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I just wanted to show my support."