CHAPTER 13

"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." - Dalai Lama

Isla Isabelle POV

After we had finished enjoying the view from the window, Papa gently lifted me into his arms once again and carried me to his office. He carefully set me down on the soft couch, making sure I was comfortable.

To keep me entertained, he handed me some paper and coloring materials, knowing how much I loved to express my creativity.

As I happily occupied myself with drawing and coloring, Papa settled down at his desk, engrossed in his work. The air in the office was filled with the faint hum of productivity and the occasional sound of typing.

Even though he was busy, Papa's presence reassured me, providing a sense of security and comfort.

As time went on, my attention waned, and boredom crept in. Restless, I decided to leave the couch and make my way towards Papa's desk. However, I barely made it past the table before mustering up the courage to speak.

"P-papa, I'm h-hungry. C-can w-we e-eat?" I asked, a tinge of worry lacing my voice. I hoped he wouldn't be mad at me for interrupting his work.

"Love, where are you?" Papa's voice echoed through the room, laced with confusion. I raised my hand, trying to catch his attention from behind the desk.

However, my hiding spot only seemed to amuse him, and he chuckled softly before getting up from his seat to come and find me. With gentle steps, he made his way around the table, and with a warm smile, he scooped me up into his arms.

As Papa held me close, he reached for the phone on his desk, a determined look in his eyes. He dialed a number and spoke briskly into the receiver, "Bring me enough food for four, and make it quick." The coldness in his tone surprised me momentarily, as it was rare to hear Papa speak in such a serious manner. However, I trusted that he had his reasons, and I held onto his comforting presence.

While we waited for the food to arrive, Papa and I engaged in playful activities, creating our own little world within the office. Laughter filled the room as we shared moments of joy and connection, momentarily forgetting about the outside world and its worries.

Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted our playful escapades, causing me to jump and feel a pang of fear. Papa's reassuring presence, however, grounded me once again. He gently placed me down and walked towards the door, his steps confident and purposeful.

As we eagerly awaited the arrival of our food, a young girl entered the office, carrying a bag filled with delicious treats. She approached Papa confidently, offering a polite greeting.

"Sir, here's your food," she said, her voice filled with a professional tone. With a nod of gratitude, Papa acknowledged her and she placed the bag on the table, ensuring everything was in order before excusing herself and leaving the room.

The aroma of the freshly delivered food filled the air, teasing our senses and igniting our appetites. Papa, ever the composed figure, remained focused on his tasks at hand. But it was evident that he had something planned as he spoke into the phone, his voice carrying a tone of authority.

"Son, come to my office and bring Salvatore with you," Papa's words resonated through the receiver. I could sense the anticipation building within me, realizing that my older siblings, Bubba and Gelo, were about to join us in Papa's office.

As I eagerly awaited the arrival of Bubba and Gelo, the door swung open without warning, revealing their familiar faces. Overwhelmed with excitement, I couldn't contain myself and leaped towards them, my heart brimming with joy. The room was instantly filled with their comforting presence.

But Bubba, always the thoughtful and protective older brother, caught me mid-air and gently lowered me down. "Woah, little nymph, easy there.

We don't want you to hurt yourself again," he said, his voice filled with concern and tenderness. I giggled, appreciating his care and mindful words.

Papa, noticing our joyful reunion, called our attention, his voice commanding yet filled with warmth. "Boys, let's eat," he announced, guiding us to the chairs arranged around the table. We all settled down, eagerly ready to indulge in the feast before us.

As we savored the delicious food, the atmosphere shifted. Papa and the boys engaged in conversations about business matters, their voices laced with a mix of seriousness and familiarity. Gelo, always curious and attentive, directed his attention towards me, breaking the business-oriented discussion.

"How was the check-up?" Gelo inquired, his concern evident in his voice. Papa took a moment, ensuring he had my attention, and proceeded to share with them the details of the visit to the hospital. As he spoke, I listened intently, grateful for their genuine interest in my well-being.

Meanwhile, I focused on my meal, determined to eat like a grown-up and not make a mess. However, despite my best efforts, a small mishap occurred. I couldn't help but spill a bit of food, creating a tiny mess on the table.

After our meal, Bubba and Gelo excused themselves to return to their respective offices, engrossed in their work responsibilities. Papa, too, seemed to have a few tasks to attend to, but he took a moment to recline on the couch and catch his breath. As for me, the warmth of the room and the comforting presence of my loved ones lulled me into a peaceful slumber.

Time seemed to pass swiftly as I surrendered to the embrace of sleep. However, Papa gently shook me awake, his voice filled with tenderness as he whispered, "Love, wake up. We're going home." My eyes fluttered open, still heavy with sleep, and instinctively, I reached out my arms towards Papa, seeking his reassuring embrace. As he lifted me into his arms, a sense of comfort washed over me, lulling me back into drowsiness.

When I eventually woke up again, the sight that greeted me was unfamiliar. I found myself in a room, different from the one I had fallen asleep in. It was adorned with soft, pastel-colored walls, dotted with colorful artwork.

Toys and books were neatly arranged on shelves, giving the room an inviting and playful ambiance. The sound of water running from the bathroom reached my ears, causing a momentary sense of unease.

My eyes widened as I watched Emi, step out from the bathroom. He greeted me with a warm smile, his voice filled with gentleness. "Good morning, little bee. How was your sleep?" he asked, his eyes brimming with genuine care. I yawned, rubbing my eyes sleepily, and replied, "It was good, Emi. What about you?"

Although I was initially startled by the unfamiliar surroundings, Emi's presence and friendly demeanor quickly put my worries at ease.

"Let's clean you and go down for breakfast, everyone is already there," Emi said with a gentle smile. I nodded in agreement, trusting his care as he guided me to the bathroom, where he bathed and dressed me in comfortable clothes.

Once ready, we made our way downstairs together. As we entered the dining room, the welcoming sight of Papa and my brothers engaged in conversation and enjoying their meal greeted us.

I greeted each of them with a cheerful "G-good m-morning!" before taking my seat at the table. The aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air, enticing my taste buds and adding to the sense of togetherness.

As we indulged in a hearty breakfast, exchanging stories and laughter, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the love and warmth that permeated the room. The company of my family brought a sense of security and belonging, reminding me of the bonds that tied us together.

After the meal, Gio, handed me my medicine. Though I found the taste unpleasant, I knew it was necessary to aid my healing and strengthen my body. With a determined resolve, I took the medicine, accompanied by encouraging words from my loved ones.

Just as I thought our morning couldn't get any more delightful, Lu-Lu, suggested a visit to the garden to witness the beauty of blooming flowers and graceful butterflies.

My eyes sparkled with excitement, and I eagerly nodded, unable to contain my enthusiasm. The prospect of exploring the garden alongside Lu-Lu filled me with wonder and anticipation.

In the company of Lu-Lu, surrounded by the beauty of nature, I found solace and joy. We laughed and chased after butterflies, marveling at their elegance and the magic they seemed to bring to our world.

As we strolled through the vibrant garden, my eyes danced with delight, taking in the kaleidoscope of colorful flowers and the graceful flight of butterflies.

I couldn't contain my excitement and began running around, attempting to catch a glimpse of every beautiful bloom and elusive butterfly. However, my attempts proved fruitless, and a sense of longing started to creep into my heart.

Noticing my disappointment, Emi, always attentive to my emotions, joined in my pursuit of the butterflies. We laughed and reached out our hands, but no matter how hard we tried, the delicate creatures always eluded our grasp. Despite our efforts, the butterflies remained free, their ethereal presence a reminder of the untamed beauty of nature.

As we continued our explorations, a glimmer of curiosity caught my eye. Peeking through the lush greenery, I discovered a small bush, seemingly hiding a secret within its branches. Intrigued, I approached cautiously and, to my amazement, discovered a tiny bunny digging a hole in the soft earth.

My excitement couldn't be contained, and I let out an excited squeal, prompting Lu-Lu's immediate attention. Concerned, he hurried over and asked what had happened.

With great enthusiasm, I pointed towards the little bunny, my eyes wide with wonder. Lu-Lu's face lit up with a smile, mirroring my joy.

Carefully, Lu-Lu reached out to pick up the bunny, hoping to share in the wonder of its presence. But just as his hand neared, the bunny darted away, disappearing into the foliage. We stood there, momentarily taken aback, as the elusive creature vanished from our sight.

Although we weren't able to hold the bunny in our hands, its fleeting presence left an imprint on our hearts. The brief encounter with the bunny reminded us of the beauty and spontaneity of nature, the way it gracefully slips through our fingers, leaving behind a sense of wonder and a longing for more.

As the rain began to drizzle from the sky, Lu-Lu, urged me to go inside to seek shelter. However, in my excitement, I stubbornly refused, determined to relish every drop of the refreshing rain.

Despite his best efforts to persuade me otherwise, I darted around in sheer joy, my laughter echoing in the rain-soaked air. Lu-Lu chased after me, his voice filled with concern, warning me about the possibility of falling ill if we stayed out for too long. But my youthful enthusiasm overshadowed his words of caution, and I continued to embrace the rain with unbridled happiness.

As the rain shower subsided and the sun emerged from behind the clouds, I turned my attention to Lu-Lu, only to find him in a corner, seemingly upset. Concern flooded my heart, and I approached him tentatively, unsure of the reason for his distress.

"L-Lu-Lu, what's w-wrong? A-are y-you m-mad at m-me?" I asked, my voice trembling with worry. The thought of him being upset with me weighed heavily on my young mind, fearing that my actions had disappointed him.

Lu-Lu's gaze softened as he looked at me, his expression filled with a mixture of affection and concern. He gently shook his head and knelt down to my level, reaching out to hold my hand.

"No, my piccola fiore, I'm not mad at you," he reassured me, his voice tender. "I was just worried about you. I wanted to keep you safe and healthy."

A sense of relief washed over me as his words sank in. I realized that his concern stemmed from his deep care for me, wanting only the best for my well-being. The realization brought a wave of gratitude, strengthening the bond we shared.

With a gentle smile, Lu-Lu explained the importance of taking care of ourselves and listening to the guidance of those who care about us. He assured me that his worry was born out of love and a desire to protect me from harm.

As Lu-Lu gently scolded me, emphasizing the importance of listening to our elders, a tinge of remorse colored my cheeks. I understood the weight of his words and realized the significance of their guidance in navigating the world. Humbly, I apologized to Lu-Lu, promising him that I would be more attentive and obedient in the future.

"I'm s-sorry, Lu-Lu. I w-won't d-do it again, I p-promise," I replied, my voice sincere and filled with determination. I understood that their wisdom and experience were invaluable, and it was my responsibility to respect and heed their advice.

Realizing the need to care for my well-being, Lu-Lu suggested that we head inside and take a warm shower to ward off any potential sickness. Nodding in agreement, I followed him, feeling a sense of gratitude for his concern and his commitment to my welfare.

As we entered the comforting embrace of shelter, Gio, who had witnessed our rain-soaked escapade, joined the conversation. With a stern expression on his face, he expressed his own disapproval, scolding us for spending an extended period of time in the rain. His words carried a note of concern, mirroring the sentiments of Lu-Lu.

Understanding the gravity of Gio's words, I lowered my gaze, acknowledging my mistake. I appreciated their guidance, even in moments of reprimand, knowing that it stemmed from a place of love and a desire to protect me from harm.