057

                                    

                                          

Aurora and Miguel sat at the Diaz family's kitchen table, their laptops open as they shared their college essays for Stanford. Aurora went first, her voice steady but passionate as she read aloud. When she finished, the room erupted into praise. Carmen beamed, Rosa clapped, and even Johnny gave her an approving nod.
"That was incredible, Aurora," Carmen said warmly.
Miguel smiled at her, squeezing her hand under the table. "Tough act to follow," he joked before starting his own essay.
Miguel's voice softened as he read, drawing everyone in:
 "Not all of us have to learn how to walk twice in one lifetime.
 But we do all have to learn how to pick ourselves back up when we're down and stand firmly on our own two feet.
 In the end, I learned that first steps are harder the second time around.
 I hope my next step brings me to Stanford University."
As Miguel finished, Aurora wiped a tear from her eye, overcome with pride. Without thinking, she pulled his face toward her and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"That was beautiful," she said softly.
Carmen, who had been standing behind Miguel, leaned down and grabbed his shoulders. "I'm so proud. I'm going to cry!" she said, her voice cracking.
Rosa beamed, pulling Miguel into a hug. "This is brilliant! It's the greatest story since Don Juan DeMarco!" She turned away dramatically, wiping her eyes. "Oh, now I'm crying too."
The room filled with laughter as Johnny chimed in, looking uncharacteristically proud. "Go for the jugular at the end. They'll be begging you to go there."
Miguel grinned and nodded, turning to Robby, who had been quiet the whole time. "Okay, what about you? What do you think?"
Robby gave him a small smile. "It's great. Even though I'm kind of the bad guy in it."
Miguel's eyes widened, glancing nervously at his laptop. "Uh, I... I'll change your name. I—"
Robby laughed, holding up a hand. "No, dude. I'm kidding. It's not like I'm applying to Stanford. Or anywhere, really."
Aurora frowned, turning to him. "You could if you wanted to. I'll even help you."
Johnny pointed at her, backing her up. "Come on, Robby. You've got a great future ahead of you. Both of you. When we win the Sekai Taikai, doors will be flying open for all of us."
Before Robby could respond, Rosa suddenly draped herself over Miguel and Aurora, now full-on crying.
"I'm just so proud of my little grandson and his novia!" Rosa sobbed, clutching their shoulders.
Aurora patted Rosa's back awkwardly while Miguel, trying not to topple over, murmured, "Uh... It's okay, Yaya. Really."
Johnny's sharp voice cut through. "Hey, hey, easy with the waterworks—" He stopped, noticing droplets falling onto the table. "Rosa, you're soaking the—"
But it wasn't Rosa. Everyone looked up just in time to see the ceiling sag ominously before a stream of water burst through, soaking the table.
Aurora yelped, grabbing her laptop and darting backward. Johnny lunged to save Miguel's computer just as the ceiling caved further, pouring water everywhere.
Miguel turned to Robby, his voice urgent. "Rob, the bowls! Quick!"
Robby darted toward the kitchen, yanking open cupboards as Miguel scrambled to catch the water pouring from the ceiling.
Aurora retreated to the living room, inspecting her laptop with a look of relief. She glanced back to see Miguel and Robby running around with pots and pans, trying—and failing—to contain the flood.