CHAPTER 12

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Isla Isabelle POV

As I finished recounting every detail of our eventful shopping trip, a wave of concern washed over my papa's face. He gently placed a hand on my shoulder and whispered,

"My dear vita mia, we need to take you to the hospital to get your wounds checked. I know it's frightening, but please trust me when I say that we will be right there by your side."

As I began to recall the events of that day, a sudden wave of overwhelming emotions washed over me, causing my mind to go blank. The memories flooded my consciousness, vivid and intense, leaving me gasping for air as a panic attack took hold.

Everything around me seemed to fade into the background, as if the present moment had dissolved into a haze of disorientation.

I strained to hear the voices of my loved ones, but their words became muffled, distant echoes lost amidst the chaos within my mind.

Flashback

"S-sir s-stop I c-can't b-breath a-anymore" I plead to sir when he gripped my neck tightly because I accidentally spilled his drugs on the floor

I see fury in his eyes. I know he can kill me in this moment if he wants. but when ma'am hold his hands, he let go of my neck and they continue doing what they usually do.

they put me in the basement again trembling in pain due sir griping my neck. my whole body hurts and I past out before i can go to bed.

when I wake up I see white walls and ceiling and I see a doctor staring at me weirdly.

"little girl your awake" he says smiling weirdly to me that make me uncomfortable.

"w-where I a-am s-sir?" i asked to him and ma'am and sir open the door and stare at me angrily

"you bitch you cost us a great amount of money to be here" he says gripping my arm tightly.

"i will pay for her medical expenses you will let me do anything I want to her" he smirk while saying that but I don't understand what it means

sir smile widely because of that and agreed happily. they go out of the room and the doctor said I should take of my clothes off because he will clean my wounds but instead he touch and licked me all over body that makes me cry.

before I can scream for help he put clothes on my mouth to silence me and continue what he do to me.

end of flashback

In that vulnerable moment, someone stepped forward, their touch providing a comforting anchor amidst the storm of fear that had consumed me.

Their presence was a silent reassurance, their eyes filled with empathy and compassion. They understood my trembling body, knowing that no words could ease the fear I was experiencing.

As their embrace and soothing words gradually calmed my racing heart, the weight of anxiety began to lift, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

It was then that my papa, the pillar of strength in my life, spoke with a tender resolve, his voice filled with love and determination.

"Vita mia, my precious one," papa said, his voice unwavering. "I want you to know that I promise to be there for every moment you spend at the hospital. Elio and I will never leave your side, no matter what.

We understand your fears, but we really need to go to the hospital to see if you're fine."

As the words "P-papa p-promised m-me" escaped my lips, a flicker of emotion danced across his eyes. It was a delicate mix of surprise, tenderness, and perhaps a hint of vulnerability.

My heart skipped a beat, unsure of how he would respond to my choice of words.

"What did you just call me?" Papa asked, his voice filled with a blend of curiosity and uncertainty. In that moment, fear crept back into my thoughts, causing my heart to race. Had I made a mistake? Did he not like being called Papa?

I stuttered, my voice trembling, "Lu-Lu s-says t-that I s-should c-call y-you Papa, a-and it w-will make y-you happy." The words tumbled out, a desperate attempt to explain my reasoning. I anxiously awaited his response, praying that I had not upset him.

Papa's gaze softened, and a tear glistened in his eye as he absorbed my words. The weight of his emotions filled the room, wrapping around us like a warm embrace.

"I am happy, love," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. The tears welled up, spilling over his lashes, and it was in that moment that I felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over me.

As we made our way to the hospital, the anticipation hung in the air, mingling with a mix of anxiety and curiosity. Papa took his place behind the wheel, his steady hands gripping the steering wheel, while Gio and I settled in the backseat. The engine hummed, the rhythmic sound offering a semblance of comfort amidst the unknown.

In the confines of the car, I turned to Gio, seeking solace in his presence. With wide-eyed eagerness, I asked him about what to expect at the hospital.

His face lit up, and he eagerly shared his knowledge, answering my questions with patience and enthusiasm. With every response, a glimmer of understanding and reassurance blossomed within me.

As we neared the hospital, the anticipation surged within me, mingling with a tinge of nervousness. Papa parked the car, and as he opened the door, I couldn't help but extend my arms, making grabby hands, silently pleading for his comforting embrace.

Understanding my unspoken request, he scooped me up, cradling me in his arms with an unwavering tenderness.

Nestled against Papa's chest, I felt safe, cocooned in his love and protection. With Gio at our side, the three of us formed a united front, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

We stepped through the hospital doors, the sterile scent and bustling energy enveloping us.

As we entered the hospital, Gio took charge, confidently engaging with the people around us. He chatted with the hospital staff, effortlessly navigating the bustling environment, while Papa and I followed closely behind.

Guided by his familiar presence, we were led to a room where I was gently ushered to sit on the bed, the sterile white sheets providing a sense of comfort amidst the clinical surroundings.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Gio entered with a smile, accompanied by a friendly-looking man. "Papa, Principessa, this is my friend Dale Vicenzo," Gio introduced, his voice brimming with warmth and excitement.

My curiosity piqued as I greeted Dale with a shy smile, sensing an immediate connection between him and Gio.

"I am Dale Vicenzo, your doctor," he announced, his smile infectious and reassuring. The sound of his voice carried a comforting tone that eased my apprehension. In his presence, I could sense his genuine care and dedication to his profession.

With a gentle demeanor, Dale began the check-up, explaining each step with patience and kindness. Some of the instruments and procedures made me feel anxious, but Papa, ever vigilant, held my hands tightly, offering a grounding force that quelled my fears. His touch conveyed love, trust, and the unwavering promise he made earlier.

Time seemed to both stand still and race forward as Dr. Dale meticulously completed the examination. Papa's unwavering support provided me with the courage to face each procedure, knowing that he was by my side, offering strength and reassurance.

After what felt like an eternity, Dr. Dale announced, "It is finally done, darling." His smile widened, and a sense of relief washed over me. The check-up had been thorough, and I felt a glimmer of hope as I realized that this was the first step towards healing and recovery.

As Doctor Dale addressed Papa and me, explaining the findings from the check-up, his words left me feeling confused and overwhelmed.

"She is very malnourished," he began, his voice filled with concern. "It seems that she's not used to eating, so we need to watch her diet and not force her to eat a lot for now."

The realization hit me with a mix of surprise and uncertainty. I struggled to comprehend the extent of my malnourishment and the implications it carried.

The thought of adjusting my diet and adapting to new eating habits felt daunting, but I knew deep down it was necessary for my well-being.

Doctor Dale continued, "There are also numerous infected wounds on her body." His words hung in the air, punctuated by a solemn tone. He reassured us, "I will provide you with a prescription for the wounds and medication to boost her immune system."

The weight of his words settled upon me, and I looked up at Papa, my eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and apprehension.

Though I didn't fully understand the implications of Doctor Dale's diagnosis, I found solace in the unwavering presence of my father by my side.

"Love, do you want to go with me to work?" Papa asked, his voice filled with warmth and a touch of excitement.

I nodded eagerly, thrilled at the opportunity to spend more time with him and experience a glimpse of his world.

We climbed into the car, Papa taking his place behind the wheel once again. As he started the engine, a sense of anticipation settled within me. The car glided through the streets, carrying us closer to the destination he had mentioned.

Suddenly, the car came to a stop, and I couldn't contain my curiosity. I peeked out of the window, my eyes widening at the sight before me.

It was a magnificent building, its grandeur reaching towards the sky. I marveled at its architecture, imagining the bustling world that awaited us inside.

Papa unbuckled me from my seat, his strong arms gently lifting me into his embrace. The air inside the building carried a sense of purpose and vibrancy, filling me with a mix of excitement and wonder.

Cradled in Papa's arms, I felt a surge of anticipation for the adventures that awaited us within those walls.

"Vita mia," Papa said, his voice filled with a hint of excitement, "Fabiano and Salvatore are also here. We'll go see them later, okay?" His words sparked a surge of joy within me.

With each step Papa took, I observed the people bustling around us, their purposeful strides and determined expressions painting a picture of a vibrant workplace.

As we stepped into the bustling atmosphere of Papa's workplace, I noticed people eagerly greeting him, their voices filled with warmth and familiarity.

However, to my surprise, Papa seemed lost in his thoughts, barely acknowledging their greetings. I couldn't help but shrug my shoulders, assuming that he must be tired from exchanging pleasantries with numerous colleagues.

Navigating through the maze of hallways, we arrived at the elevator. Papa took a moment to explain its mechanics to me, easing my apprehension.

He assured me that the elevator would take us to our desired floor, emphasizing its safety and reliability. With his comforting words echoing in my mind, I mustered up the courage to step inside.

As the elevator doors closed, a surge of nervous excitement coursed through me. The enclosed space felt slightly intimidating, but Papa's reassuring presence grounded me. With a soft hum, the elevator began its ascent, slowly whisking us upward.

The sensation of movement combined with the muffled sounds of conversation and faint music playing in the background added to the intrigue of the moment.

I gazed up at the floor numbers, watching them change as we climbed higher and higher. The height was both thrilling and awe-inspiring, as if we were floating among the clouds.

Finally, a gentle ding resonated through the elevator, announcing our arrival. The doors slid open, revealing a breathtaking view of the bustling city below.

The sight of tall buildings, winding streets, and the vast expanse beyond stirred a sense of wonder within me. It was as if the world had unfolded before my eyes, offering a glimpse of its vastness and endless possibilities.

Papa stepped out of the elevator, his hand extending towards me. I hesitated for a moment, captivated by the view, before eagerly taking his hand, ready to explore this new place together.

When the elevator doors opened with a ding, revealing the breathtaking height we had reached, I couldn't contain my excitement. I wiggled in Papa's hold, signaling that I wanted to be set down. With a gentle release, he let me stand on my own two feet.

I hurriedly made my way towards the window, eager to take in the expansive view of the sky and the world below.

Peering out, I couldn't help but giggle at the sight of tiny people scurrying about like ants, and miniature cars moving along the winding streets. It felt like a whimsical scene, straight out of a storybook.

Papa, noticing my amusement, couldn't resist chuckling himself. He asked, "What's so funny, love?" I eagerly shared with him about the tiny people and cars, finding joy in the notion that from this height, the world appeared both vast and miniature.

In that moment, as we stood together, observing the bustling city from our elevated vantage point, we shared a simple, lighthearted connection.