Shadow of the mafia

~~𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 2~~

I slipped on my favorite denim shorts and crop top, the familiar comfort of the clothes a brief respite from the turmoil brewing inside me. As I brushed my hair, my mind began to wander back to the tension at home. Pappa's increasingly distant behavior, Alex's secrets, and the unspoken fears that hung in the air like a challenge.

My thoughts drifted to the night I overheard pappa and Alex talking in hushed tones. The memory was like a festering wound, refusing to heal. I remembered the fear etched on Father's face, the determination in Alex's eyes. They spoke of a man, a nameless entity who threatened to destroy everything we held dear.

The flashback hit me like a wave, carrying me back to that fateful evening...

I saw myself standing outside the study, listening as Pappa and Alex discussed the mysterious figure. Their words were laced with a fear I'd never heard before, a fear that made my blood run cold.

"...if we cross him, he'll show no mercy," Father's voice whispered in my mind.

I shivered, despite the warmth of the summer evening. The memory faded, leaving me breathless and anxious. Who was this man, and what did he want from us? Why did Alex and Pappa fear him so?

I forced myself back to the present, focusing on the task at hand – getting ready for a lunch date with Francesca. But the memories lingered, refusing to be silenced. I knew I had to confront the secrets head-on, but for now, I pushed them aside, seeking solace in the familiar rhythms of friendship and fun.

I finished getting ready, slipping on my sandals and grabbing my bag for dance classes later. I also snagged my keys, tossing them into my bag with a habitual clink. My mind was still preoccupied with the secrets and tensions at home, but I was determined to shake them off for now. Lunch with Francesca was just what I needed – a dose of normalcy and friendship.

As I headed out the door, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My hair was tied up in a messy bun, and my sunglasses perched on my forehead. I looked like I was ready for a casual afternoon out, not like I was carrying around a weight of family secrets.

I took a deep breath, pushing aside the thoughts of Alex and Pappa, of unspoken fears. Today was about fun, about living in the moment. I locked the door behind me and set off to meet Francesca, feeling a sense of freedom in the warm sunlight.

But as I walked, my fingers instinctively drummed against my leg, a nervous habit I'd developed recently. It was a small reminder that even as I tried to escape the tensions at home, they lingered, waiting to surface when I least expected it.

As I opened the door, a warm wave of sunlight enveloped me, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the faint hint of saltwater from the nearby sea. I couldn't help but smile at the perfect summer day unfolding before me in the charming coastal town of Portovenere. The sky was a brilliant blue, with just a few puffy clouds drifting lazily across it. I felt alive, energized by the heat and the freedom that came with it.

I made my way to the garage, flipping on the light to reveal my trusty Piaggio bike, adorned with colorful stickers and a worn leather seat. I grabbed my helmet, a faded pink one with a few scratches, and slung my bag over my shoulder.

As I pedaled out of the garage, the wind whipped through my hair, carrying with it the whispers of the town and the cries of seagulls flying overhead. I rode past the picturesque harbor, where sailboats bobbed gently in the turquoise water, and continued on to Francesca's home, enjoying the gentle summer breeze and the stunning sea views that Portovenere was famous for.

As I pedaled up to Francesca's house, a charming yellow-hued villa with a terracotta-tiled roof and a lush green garden, I spotted a familiar figure waiting by the gate. It was Francesca's little brother, Luca, a bundle of energy with a mop of curly brown hair and bright hazel eyes. He was seven years old and always seemed to be grinning from ear to ear.