Silence fell across both moments simultaneously.
Mother and son sitting face to face despite the impossible distance, despite the time that stretched between them.
Then Mariana's hand rose, waving with movements that came out clumsy and uncertain.
"H-hey there, my little babies."
Her voice came out softer than before, stripped of the earlier sharpness.
"It's your… mother."
A pause, her lips curving into something warm.
"First of all, today is the day you were born, so... happy birthday~"
The last word came out almost playful despite the nervous tremor underneath.
"And I... I just wanted to let you know that both of you mean more to me than words could ever explain."
Her hands pressed against her chest, fingers spreading over where her heart would be.
"You're the best thing that ever happened to me in my entire life."
Another pause, her expression shifting into something mischievous.
"Well, the second best thing, actually."
