Nearby, Elma caught a glimpse of the showdown. Seeing their clash, she grinned kindly.

To Elma, they looked like a couple having a spat. Mr. Fernandez sure knew how to spice up the place!

Later that evening, Rosalynn came home to find Gail just finishing up some baking.

“Whoa, smells amazing!" Rosalynn gushed.

Gail beamed, saying, “Rosa, whipped up some blueberry cookies. Fresh out of the oven. Want to try?"

"You bet."

Rosalynn sauntered over, a grin plastered on her face.

Gail popped a cookie in her mouth, asking, "How's that?"

Rosalynn nodded eagerly. “Delish! Mom, your cooking gets better and better!"

Hearing the praise, Gail grinned and handed Rosalynn another piece once she'd finished.

“Easy on them, don't spoil your appetite for dinner," Gail advised.

Rosalynn was tempted for more cookies but she heeded her mom's words and stopped.

Glancing around, she inquired, "Mom, where's my mother-in-law?"

"She made her way to the psychological consulting center this afternoon. She insisted on going alone," Gail shared.

The smile that had been playing on Rosalynn's lips vanished at the mention of Noemi.

The knowledge of her mother-in-law's continued treatment weighed heavily on her, prompting a silent nod of acknowledgment.

Rosalynn caught the brief pause in Gail's speech, a hint that there was more she hesitated to say. With a warm smile, she encouraged, "Mom, what's on your mind? Please, tell me."

Taking a deep breath, Gail ventured, "Rosa it seems Noemi's attitude towards you has softened a bit, but she's yet to fully welcome you into her heart. I'd advise you to tread lightly around her. Try to be understanding, okay?”

Gail then recounted how Noemi had mentioned seeing Rosalynn and Lyndon together the other night.

She trusted her daughter completely, yet the delicate nature of Noemi's health meant Gail couldn't openly disagree with her.