Two weeks later, at Madrid-Barajas Airport, she held Cameron's hand as they walked through the terminal. Her aunt's hug still lingered on her coat, the scent of lavender and goodbye.
Outside, the tarmac shimmered under the Spanish sun. The flight attendants smiled as they boarded.
8 hours later, the plane doors yawned open. Merlina stepped into the jet bridge, Cameron half-asleep against her hip, his dinosaur backpack dragging on the floor.
Merlina wheeled their suitcases into Arrivals, the air thick with fatigue, coffee, and jet breath. America again, after six long years.
A driver in a black suit held a sign that read "Safe Haven – Ms. M. Sanchez."
He took her luggage and opened the car door with a polite nod. "Welcome back to America, ma'am," he said.
Cameron tugged her sleeve. "Mami, are we in 'Merica now?"
She managed a tired smile, ran her fingers through his tousled hair. "Yeah, baby. We're here."
