Survivor

30 > "I haven't failed geography as yet fragolina." ~Gerardo

I woke up the following morning feeling relieved. The constant weight that rested on my shoulders long gone and my chest felt much lighter.

I could breathe freely.

I smiled to myself, something I hadn't done in a long time. Pulling back the covers of my bed, I slipped out and made my way over to the bathroom. Having a much needed hot shower, I emerged from the bathroom 30 minutes later feeling much more lively than I had been in a while.

Quickly skimming through my closet, I chose an outfit and got changed. Just as I finished tying my flannel around my waist a knock sounded on my bedroom door.

"Come in." I called out to the person.

"Good morning Rose." Mia greeted, her voice muffled due to the closet door between us.

I stuck my head around the door and eyed her suspiciously. "Why in God's green are you so cheery? Why are you up before me is the better question?"

She was Riccardo through and through. It was either early and grumpy, or late and cheery.

Not both at the same time.

"Haha." She replied sarcastically and rolled her eyes at me to which I responded by pulling a funny face. "The family is leaving today so I thought I'd get up a bit earlier so we can all have a good breakfast before we drop them off at the airport."

Wait, when did this happen again?

Boy did I miss a lot.

"Let's go down for breakfast then." I told her as I walked past her, exiting the room.

What I didn't miss was the slight twinkle in her eyes that told me she was hiding something from me.

I'd just find out later.
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"Can't br-breathe!" I wheezed out as I was squeezed to death.

"Sorry Tesoro (treasure)." Uncle Raf apologized as he pulled back from the hug. "I'm just gonna miss you that's all."

"I'm gonna miss you too uncle Raf." I replied as I snuggled into his side and watched the rest of the family say their goodbyes. "But I will make sure to call you regularly and let you know when your older brother is being too strict."

"I forbid those calls from happening." Dad butted in the moment he heard my words. He narrowed his eyes at the two of us before yanking his younger brother's arm off of me and proceeding to wrap his own arm around me.

"Protective much?" Uncle Raf asked scowling at his older brother.

"Yes stop hogging my granddaughter Giovanni." Nonna said as she walked over to us. "It's not like you two live in the same house or anything." She smacked Dad's arm which he quickly retraced as he gaped at his mother.

I laughed at his expression but quickly turned somber the moment he turned to look at me. Giving him a small grin I stood on my tippy toes and placed a kiss on his cheek, to which he responded with one on my forehead before stalking away to greet the others.

I turned to see Nonna smiling fondly at our interaction. "Can I get a hug Nonna?" I questioned with a small pout.

"Of course principessa (princess)."

She pulled me into a hug just as warm as our very first one and I internally smiled at the memory.

"You let me know if you need anything, alright?" Nonno spoke as he came up from behind us and wrapped us both in his safe embrace.

"Sure thing Nonno." I replied.

My heart sank as I watched them leave, but I knew I'd see them again. And with the promise of calling them atleast twice a week, they finally boarded the private plane that was awaiting them.