A Promessa

Regalo Di Compleanno

Everyone celebrates Giulia's third birthday

Thanks to my friend Wumbo and Noody_Noodles for borrowing me their characters-

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When Giulia was little, she was very curious. While this often got her into trouble, Alessio never raised his voice at her. He gently taught her about 'no' places and things. His baby girl was smart and understood perfectly. Usually, whenever Giulia disobeyed, Alessio scolded her gently and let her know he wasn't happy. That was enough for her to understand she'd done something wrong.

This time, however... He wasn't sure what had come over him: anger, sadness, sorrowful rage, or all combined. But when he saw a broken urn of ashes at Giulia's feet...

Alessio stiffened and ran a hand down his face as he remembered his outburst. The worst part? He couldn't get the look on Giulia's face out of his head. The way she looked at him in fright, tears running down her cheeks as Cecilia came to take her away. When she saw the broken urn, his sister knew what was wrong, so she said nothing as she carried his frightened daughter away.

"Papa!" Pietro's voice brought him out of his thoughts.

"What do you have there, figlio?" he inquired curiously when the pup ran toward him with a paper sheet.

"I made this for Giulia!" Pietro held up a drawing of Giulia and himself holding hands alongside the words Happy Birthday written in bright pink. Alessio smiled.

"I'm sure she'll love it," he said, stroking his son's head.

"Why is Giulia staying with Zia Cecilia?"

His expression fell almost instantly. His daughter had become afraid of him to the point she'd run and hide when he tried apologizing. Ultimately, GaGarret suggested she stay with them for a few days until she calmed down.

"I figured she'd want to have a sleepover with her cousin. Besides, we needed to keep her busy so we could get the house ready for her birthday," he lied, getting to his feet. "Let's go help Nonna with the cake."

Thankfully, helping Mother with Giulia's birthday cake took his mind off his regrets. Pietro was allowed to help decorate it because he had a good hand for art.

"What's on your mind, Alessio? You haven't slept well, haven't you?" Mother inquired while Pietro was busy with the task.

Alessio sighed sadly. "I can't stop thinking... What if Giulia never looks at me the same way again? She was afraid of me, Mamma...." he placed a hand on his forehead, sighing again. "I don't want to lose my bambina..."

"Just be patient, figlio. It might take a while, but Giulia will remember that you adore her. Just give it time."

The doorbell rang.

"Oh, that must be them!"

Mother and Pietro went to open the door. Alessio briefly hesitated, but as he heard them greeting and congratulating Giulia, he ran into the hallway. His baby girl and her cousin Arianna wore cute pink dresses with white bows adorning their hair. Giulia was happily hugging Pietro.

Then she spotted him.

"There's my birthday girl!" Alessio knelt, holding out his arms. "Come give Daddy a hug!"

But his hopes were crushed when Giulia didn't come running into his embrace as usual; instead, she hid behind GaGarret.

"Come on, Giulia. Go with Daddy." GaGarret tried coercing her out gently with his tail to no avail.