Alma looked up, her eyes widening with a mix of surprise and relief. Her cries softened into hiccups. Without hesitation, she ran into her father’s arms, clutching him tightly. Tomás held her close, feeling her tiny body tremble against him.

His heart ached with questions, but now was not the time. His daughter’s needs came first. He was a soldier, and every situation needed assessment before action. He scooped Alma up, cradling her gently, and carried her into the house.

Once inside, he sat her down on the worn sofa, fetching a cloth to clean her face and hands. It was then that Miriam, his wife, appeared in the doorway, her expression a mixture of surprise and apprehension. Tomás met her gaze, searching for answers.