𝐀 𝐁𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐬︱Pablo Gavi

85: A heavy heart

The car ride back to the apartment was quiet, and the weight of the day hung heavily between Pablo and me. I could feel his concern and frustration, but I was too drained to talk. I needed to process everything that had happened, and I knew I couldn't do it alone.

When we finally arrived home, the apartment felt oddly comforting, a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions from earlier. Matteo and Clara had returned from their short holiday, and I knew I needed to tell Matteo everything. I could almost hear his voice in my head, demanding answers and offering support. I took a deep breath, knowing that this was the moment to lay bare the truth.

As I walked into the living room, I saw Matteo lounging on the couch, flipping through a magazine. He looked up, and his face instantly fell into concern when he saw my tear-streaked face. Clara was with him, sitting beside him, her expression a mix of curiosity and worry.

"Hey, Isa," Matteo greeted, his voice soft but filled with concern. "Everything okay?"

I nodded slowly, trying to hold back my tears. Pablo stood beside me, a steady presence as I faced my brother. "I need to talk to you about something," I said, my voice trembling.

Matteo's eyes sharpened, and he sat up straight. "What's wrong?"

I took a deep breath and began recounting everything that had happened. "I saw him at the market... Dad. He was with a new wife and kids. I was in shock, but I didn't confront him then. I just couldn't. It felt like a violation of the life I'd built for myself."

Matteo's eyes narrowed in anger, and Clara reached out to hold his hand, offering him a reassuring squeeze.

"And today," I continued, my voice breaking, "I went to that café with Pablo. He recognized Pablo, of course. He asked about Mom, and I... I just couldn't hold it in anymore. I told him it was his fault she died. After he left, she started drinking heavily, and... and then she died in a car accident."

Tears flowed freely now, and I felt Pablo's comforting hand on my shoulder, his presence a solid anchor in the storm of my emotions.

Matteo's face turned a shade of red I'd only seen when he was deeply angry. "How could he? After everything, he just goes on with his life like nothing happened?"

"I don't know," I sobbed. "He didn't even seem remorseful. It was like he was just... moving on, forgetting us."

Clara's voice was gentle as she spoke, "Isa, you're not alone in this. We're here for you."

Matteo stood up and walked over to me, pulling me into a tight hug. "You did the right thing by confronting him, even if it hurt. I'm so sorry you had to go through that."

Pablo stepped forward, his expression a mix of frustration and sympathy. "Isa, I'm sorry you had to deal with this. I'm here for you, no matter what."

I looked up at him, my heart aching from the day's events. "Thank you," I whispered. "I just need time to process all of this."

Matteo nodded, his face softening. "You take all the time you need. We'll handle everything together."

As the evening wore on, we all sat together, the conversation moving to lighter topics to give my mind a break from the heaviness of the day. But I knew that the pain of the past wouldn't vanish overnight. It was something I would have to face, with the support of those who loved me.

Pablo stayed close, his hand in mine as if to remind me that I wasn't alone in this. Matteo and Clara were a pillar of strength, offering support and love in the way only family could. It was a small comfort amidst the chaos, but it was enough to help me find a sliver of peace as I prepared to navigate the challenges ahead.