Unmasking The Mafia

Chapter 29

It's been years since that peaceful day on the beach. Life continued its steady rhythm, bringing both joy and challenges. Ethan, now a few years older, shows all the signs of developing into a curious and thoughtful child. He approaches William and you with more questions than ever, his growing mind brimming with curiosity.

You're in the kitchen one day, helping one of the maids with lunch when Ethan walks in, having just returned from school.

You glance up at him to say 'hi' but notice a frown on his face.

"What's wrong honey?"

Ethan looks at you, a mixture of curiosity and frustration evident in his features. His small hand holds a book, and his eyes scan the pages, his brow furrowed as he tries to make sense of the words.

"Mom, what does 'mafia' mean?" he asks, his young voice filled with innocent curiosity.

You freeze upon hearing the word.

"Why do you ask?"

Your son's face is a portrait of pure honesty and curiosity. He holds up the book in his hands, a textbook from school.

"We were learning about different types of organized crimes in class today. I saw it in my textbook," he explains, his eyes searching yours for an answer.

"What does it mean?"

You sigh, "it's like you said, it's an organized crime."

Ethan nods, a mixture of understanding and confusion evident on his face. He scratches his head, still trying to wrap his young mind around the concept.

"So, it's like bad guys working together?"

His eyes meet yours, seeking confirmation in your gaze.

"...yes."

You watch as Ethan's expression shifts to one of curiosity, his young mind trying to make sense of your brief response. He opens his mouth as if to ask another question but decides to keep it to himself, perhaps sensing the seriousness of the topic.

He shifts his focus to the book in his hands, flipping through its pages thoughtfully. The light from the window illuminates his face as he reads, casting soft shadows onto his skin.

"You don't seem convinced."

Ethan looks up at you again, his small face filled with a hint of worry and concern. The weight of his unspoken question lingers in the air, a testament to his growing awareness of the world around him. He clutches his book tightly, as if seeking reassurance in its pages.

"No, it's... just... is there more?" he asks, his voice soft as he eyes you, waiting for a more detailed explanation.

"Ethan, I don't know anything about it. I mean, I know what it is but that's it."

He nods quietly, understanding your point of view. He seems to accept your answer with a maturity beyond his years, though a flicker of curiosity still dances in his eyes.

He sighs softly, his expression betraying a touch of disappointment.

"Alright," he says softly, his voice tinged with resignation.

You place a hand on his cheek, "hey, why don't you go put your bag away? Lunch is almost ready."

Ethan looks up at you, his expression thoughtful. The mention of lunch seems to distract him from his unanswered question, and he nods in agreement.

"Okay," he replies quietly, a small smile forming on his face.

"I'll go do that and be right back."

The atmosphere in the kitchen settles into a more relaxed ambiance as Ethan returns.