Shadow

Chapter 23

I wake up to the sound of a machine beeping. I smell, a sanitary chemical smell. I try to focus on something, so my vision isn't blurry. Galo is above me, I am in the hospital.

I see the few minutes before I blacked out. I had shot papa- no not papa, Armando. Then, then I-. I wanted it to end. I may be young, but how- How can I carry this weight? This utter feeling knowing that nothing is going to be better. I still will not know my father, my mother is dead. And, there will still monsters out there that are bigger than me. There, will, still, be, monsters.

What would mama say.

"There will still be monsters out there, but you can change the amount."

I try to sit up in my bed.

Galo has sat back in a chair.

He says, "Hello sister."

I say, "You mean cousin."

He shakes his head and looks to the ground and says, "Natalia, no amount of blood that we share could change the fact that you are my sister."

I say, "You-u do not want to kill me for killing your father."

He replies, "Natalia, you had the courage to put that bastard where he belonged, Hell."

I say, "I didn't know you felt that way."

Galo says, "Do you remember when Isla, my brothers, and I would be gone for days at a time?"

He pauses.

"Natalia, he- He would beat us. Especially your mother."

He comes closer to me. He sits on the bed and looks me in the eye. Galo says, "My sister, you were destined to move mountains. I do not know why you did what you did after you assassinated father, but Natalia you are better than all of this. You have some visitors."

I say, "I do not want to see them. How did your brothers handle well, me killing your father."

Galo says, "Sister, Luis and Marco want to kill you. And Matteo, he's in shock."

I say, "Please tell me Roman is taking care of them, if you know what I mean."

He replies, "Yes, of course. They let me out to treat you. And I finally convinced them of my hatred for, this."

I say, "Brother, I know I am in no shape to be talking about the future. However, I think what if you and I ran this mafia."

He says, "And do the same things father did?

I say, "No, we erase other mafias. We make living off of street fighting and racing, and stealing from other mafias. We will protect the people affected by these monsters atrocities. Galo, I think this is what I was meant for."

Galo looks me in the eye and says, "Natalia it is what you are meant for. That is brilliant.

I laugh and say, "You really think so?"

He takes my hand in his and says, "Sister, first we have to get your head right. If you will not talk to me you must talk to someone about-"

I say, "I'll get it figured out."

"Can I sleep now,?" I ask.

"Yes of course." He says.

He leaves.

I did it. But why did I try to- No, I know why. I know why.

I know why. I don't know if I can face Roman, Isabella and Aya as well for that matter. They'll think I'm a coward.

I've got to get my head straight.