Finding Him

C H A P T E R - F I V E

Whistle Blower

E L E O N O R A ' S P O V :

The sun wakes me up. I realize that somehow during the night, I fell asleep with my head on papà's side. His arms hold me and mine drape across his stomach. He fell asleep too.

I really don't feel like moving, I'm still tired. I feel like it would be weird if papà got up and I was laying on him. So, I slowly sit up and stretch.

Seconds later, I hear the bed rustle beside me and papà is up too.

I think he forgets I'm here. When he sees me, he stares for a long time. Slowly, a loving smile presses his lips.

"My Ellie." He whispers, pulling me into a hug.

• • •

"Hey.. just wondering but when do you think I could see everyone else?"

I bite my lip, nervous.

Papà looks up from his coffee. "Whenever you're ready." Something is distant in his voice. "I didn't bring it up because I thought you'd want time to adjust here first."

Unluckily.. I have no time for time.

"Yeah, I'm ready." No I'm not. I want to hide away here with papà forever. I don't want to face them yet. "Can we go today?" When his face turns surprised, I rush out, "Y'know because everyone is still in town. They might want to go home soon." I hope he doesn't ask any questions.

"Well, I'm sure your zii would gladly stay in town for you. They're just as exited as I am that you're home."

"That's okay." Cool, calm, collected. "I'm good with today." I give him a smile.

Papà wipes the confused look off of his face. He lifts his eyebrows once and nods.

"Today it is then."

• • •

I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?"

I glance over at papà. I stop my shaking leg. "Yeah, I am. We can go in."

Papà gives me an encouraging smile. "Okay." He gets out of the car. I follow behind him, cowering like a lost puppy.

I stand behind papà. My hair lays natural. My nails are undone, my white shoes dirty, my hair is frizzy, my eye bags are a deep purple and I feel like complete shit.

I cross my arms over my chest when the wind chills through. Snow lays on the ground. My cheeks are probably turned pink by now.

Papà opens the door. My heart races. Nerves stir in my stomach.

Inside, nonno is waiting for us. The familiar house smell reaches my nose. I want to cry.

Nonno looks so old now. His short beard is grey, his hair too. His eyes have a soft look in them. A sad smile takes his lips, his eyes water.