Pyramid of the sun

 Gabriella grew up in a modest home in the heart of Venezuela, where her mother, Lucia, worked tirelessly to give her a better life. Lucia had once dreamed of exploring the vibrant cultures and landscapes of South and Central America, but life had other plans. Every cent she earned went toward Gabriella’s education and future. Her own happiness was sacrificed for her daughter’s success, and though she rarely complained, the weight of unfulfilled dreams lingered in her tired eyes.

Gabriella, now a successful architect, never forgot her mother’s sacrifices. She often thought about the stories Lucia told her as a child — of the majestic Andes in Colombia, the breathtaking Machu Picchu in Peru, and the allure of Brazil’s Carnival. Despite never having left Venezuela, Lucia’s imagination made these places vivid.

As Lucia’s health began to decline, Gabriella decided it was time to give her mother the gift of freedom — the freedom to step beyond her sacrifices and experience the beauty she had always dreamed of.

“Where would you go if you could choose just one place?” Gabriella asked one evening as she helped her mother prepare tea. Lucia hesitated, her frail hands trembling slightly as she placed the cup down. “I always wanted to see the Pyramids of the Sun in Mexico,” she said softly, a rare smile lighting up her face.

The next week, Gabriella surprised Lucia with tickets to Mexico. Lucia protested at first, overwhelmed by the idea of traveling at her age and worried about the expense. But Gabriella insisted. “You gave me everything, Mamá. Now, let me give you this.”

Their journey to Mexico was nothing short of transformative. Standing atop the ancient pyramid, Lucia’s face reflected pure awe. The feeling of connecting with everything seemed to wash away years of struggle, and for the first time in decades, she felt truly free. Gabriella watched her mother’s joy with tears in her eyes, knowing she had finally given her something beyond what money could buy — a taste of the life she had put on hold for too long.

As they sat together that evening, gazing at the rainbow mist rising from the falls, Lucia took Gabriella’s hand. “I thought I was too old to dream again,” she said. “But you’ve shown me that it’s never too late to live.”

For Gabriella, this trip was more than a gesture of gratitude — it was a reminder that freedom, even when delayed, could still be embraced. And for Lucia, it was a final chapter written not with sacrifice, but with joy. A reminder than wellbeing can be experienced at any age and is best when enjoyed together.