Once in the kitchen, she couldn't help herself. “Tilda, Mr. Fernandez seems like a good guy."

Tilda paused, dishes in hand. “Elma, all I want is to be with Sheldon forever."

"But he's Sheldon's dad after all, isn't he? Don't you want to hear Sheldon call you 'Mom'?"

As Tilda was about to dump scraps into the bin, Elma's words hit her hard. The plate slipped from her hands, shattering on the floor.

Elma pulled away Tilda, concerned. "You okay?"

Tilda shook her head, dabbing at the stains on her clothes.

"Go change, I'll handle this mess," Elma urged, sounding rushed.

Wordlessly, Tilda headed for her room, leaning against the door once inside.

Elma's words echoed in her mind, stirring up pain.

She wanted Sheldon to call her Mom too.

But the idea of living with Lyndon? No way.

That night had been a nightmare, haunting her every thought, sending shivers down her spine.

The mere thought of facing Lyndon scared her senseless. How could she ever accept him into their lives?

As the evening darkened, Brian came back to the Moreno household, carrying a faint scent of alcohol.

Rosalynn assisted him in removing his coat, inquiring, “Were you out for work?"

"Yeah," he replied.

With a tender expression, he appreciated Rosalynn's attention before embracing her from behind.

“Darling, I need some uplifting warmth from you first," he whispered.

Rosalynn giggled, sensing his gentle gestures, and turned to respond with a passionate kiss.

As they parted, both were slightly breathless.