The Missing Piece // Scarlett Johansson x Daughter

Return to the Warmth of Home

Rose, with the energy and excitement that only the anticipation of such a long-awaited reunion can generate, filled every corner of the house with her presence and contagious joy. The day had arrived: June was coming home after what seemed like an eternity in the hospital. Although Scarlett had advised caution, asking Rose to allow June time to fully recover, little Rose could only think of one thing: her sister was back, and that was reason enough to celebrate with all the enthusiasm in her heart.

"Will it look good here, Nan?" Rose asked her grandmother, showing her a drawing filled with colors and affection as she placed it on the wall. It was more than just a drawing; it was a symbol of unity, of fraternal love that refused to be diminished by distance or adversity.

Melanie, with a smile that reflected all the tenderness and love she felt for her granddaughters, nodded in approval. "It will be the first thing she sees upon entering, and it will remind her how much you've missed her," she assured her, recognizing in Rose's gesture an act of pure and sincere love.

Still concerned about the details of the welcome, Rose turned to her Aunt Lizzie. "Do you think we have enough balloons? It seems like we never have enough," she expressed, her face reflecting the importance she placed on every detail of this special day.

Lizzie, laughing, replied with a playful question, "What are you trying to do, turn the house into a sea of balloons we can swim in?" Her comment not only eased Rose's tension but also added a tone of lightness and fun to the preparations.

Rose's laughter filled the room, already bursting with color thanks to the balloons and a large banner proclaiming: "Welcome home, June," written by Lizzie and adorned with hearts and stars, the result of a joint effort by Rose and Cosmo. Mel watched her granddaughter, her heart overflowing with tenderness at witnessing Rose's diligence. She approached and, placing her hand on the girl's shoulder, guided her to the window.

"Look, dear, the car has just arrived," Mel announced, her voice tinged with emotion.

Rose's eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and a hint of nervousness. She rushed to the door, barely containing the urge to hug her sister. The family gathered behind her, forming a warm welcome. Though not everyone could be there, since they were out of New York, neither Lizzie nor Chris were missing, and Scarlett's family was complete. Colin opened the door for Scarlett, who was holding June in her arms. June's dark circles betrayed her tiredness, yet they lit up at the sight of the decorations prepared for her.

"Welcome home, June!" everyone exclaimed in unison.

Surprised and slightly embarrassed, June blushed, seeking comfort in her mom's reassuring embrace. This spontaneous gesture unleashed a warm laugh from Scarlett. The little one, not used to being the center of so much attention, felt overwhelmed, yet sweetly and excitingly, by the affection flooding the room towards her. Lizzie approached tenderly and planted a kiss on June's still-flushed cheeks, keeping her affectionate smile. "All good, monkey?"

"Yes," June replied, shyness coloring her voice. "Thank you," she added in a barely audible whisper, and in response, Scarlett offered her a kiss on the forehead, moved by her daughter's tenderness.

"Now, let's get you comfortable, my little love bug," Scarlett announced, guiding June towards the dining room. There, she arranged the sofa with soft cushions so June could rest comfortably. At that moment, Rose joined them, sitting next to June and interlocking their hands. "I've missed you so much. Without you, the house felt empty," Rose confessed in a barely audible whisper, laden with emotion.

June, with eyes shining with excitement and relief, responded: "And me, you, Rose. Being in the hospital without being able to play with you was the worst, not to mention that weird contraption for going to the bathroom. It was terribly uncomfortable."