Chapter 4

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SASHA

Uncle Alberto's face lit up as he saw us enter the room. His eyes sparkled with affection, despite the tired lines etched around them. I felt a swell of emotion in my chest. The doctor explained that he couldn't move half of his face. His mobility and speech would be a bit unnatural as a result, but as it was a mild stroke, with therapy, he could still go back to normal in time.

"I'm happy to see you, Uncle Alberto. Stay strong." I held his hand.

Despite his efforts to hide it with a smile, the struggle was evident in the way his features contorted unevenly. I couldn't imagine the frustration and pain he must be feeling.

Turning to Carl, I could see the concern in his eyes. He kissed his father's cheek.

"How are you feeling?" I asked him.

His gaze met my eyes and smiled. Although he was stammering, he explained. "My dear, Sasha. I'm getting...there. I'm happy Carl's home with you."

My heart ached at the struggle in his speech, the effort it took for him to form each word. "I'm sorry to hear about what happened," I said, my voice filled with genuine empathy. "Carl's here, and I want to see you."

"How are you coping, Dad?" Carl asked, dragging a seat next to the bed.

Uncle Alberto sighed, his expression weary. "It's been... difficult," he admitted, his words punctuated by pauses as he struggled to find his voice. "The stroke... it took me by surprise. I never thought... I never thought I would end up like this."

Carl squeezed his arm gently. "You're a fighter, Dad," he said softly. "You've always come out on top. I know you'll overcome this, too."

A flicker of determination sparked in his eyes as he nodded, a small smile gracing his lips as he looked at his son. "I will. Gotta show my boy how strong Pop I am," he said, his voice steadier now, yet his eyes welled up with tears. "Your words mean more to me than you know, Son."

"I love you, Dad," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Uncle Alberto smiled. "I love you too, Son," he replied, his voice choked with emotion. "More than words can express."

Feeling a lump form in my throat, I squeezed Uncle's hand. His gaze shifted to me, a grateful smile spreading across his lips. "Thank you, Sasha, for staying with my boy. He may look like a caveman, but he can be a baby still."

Carl let out a low growl. "Dad," he protested, shooting his father a squinted glare.

I laughed, feeling lighthearted at their exchange. Aunt Beth arrived, her face beaming with excitement as she bustled into the room. "Oh, my darlings!" she exclaimed, her arms outstretched for a hug. "I'm so glad you're here!"

Her infectious enthusiasm spread like wildfire, filling the room with warmth and joy. She had this boundless energy that could lift one's spirits and brighten the atmosphere.

Uncle Alberto's eyes lit up at the sight of his wife, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Beth, my love. What took...you so... long?" he asked her.

Aunt Beth rushed to his side, kissing his forehead. "I bought fruits," she said. "The doctor said that a healthy lifestyle can help you recover faster. No more drinking from now on, old man."

I chuckled at the glare she gave him.

"Hey now, I'm not that old," he protested.

Aunt Beth laughed. I liked her. She was nice. Carl had told me before how he hated her because, two years after his mother's death, his father remarried. Carl had hated her before, but as she proved to him that she loved his father, he had eventually warmed up.

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