Rosalie beamed, her earlier disappointment replaced with a triumphant glow. She walked over to Dolores and gave her a hug, small arms wrapping around her grandmother’s waist. Dolores hesitated only briefly before returning the embrace, a tentative smile gracing her lips.

The room, once tense and confrontational, now felt infused with a newfound warmth. Parents exchanged relieved glances, and the children resumed their chatter, sensing the shift in atmosphere. The party, which had teetered on collapse, found its way back to celebration.