~The lost one~

Chapter 24

As the car door clicked shut behind me, I felt a sense of finality, like I had just crossed a threshold into an unfamiliar world. Vittorio settled into the seat beside me, his expression still unreadable. I could feel the tension in the air, thick and heavy, as if both of us were bracing for something we couldn't quite name.

Officer Steffan walked around to the driver's side, but instead of getting in, he tapped on the window. Vittorio rolled it down, and the cool morning air rushed in, mixing with the scent of leather from the car's interior.

"Mr. Gabrini, before you leave, we still need to complete some paperwork inside," Officer Steffan said, his tone professional but gentle. "It won't take long, just a few signatures to finalize everything."

Vittorio nodded, his expression not changing. "Of course," he replied, his voice calm but distant. He glanced over at me briefly, then turned his attention back to Officer Steffan. "We'll be right in."

As Officer Steffan walked back toward the station, Vittorio exhaled softly and looked at me. "We need to finalize a few details," he explained, his tone more businesslike now. "This is just a formality, but it's necessary."

I nodded, though I wasn't sure what to say. The reality of the situation was starting to sink in, and I could feel the weight of everything pressing down on me. Paperwork. Signatures. It all felt so clinical, so detached, like I was just another name on a document, another obligation to be fulfilled.

"We'll go inside, take care of this, and then we can talk," Vittorio continued, his green eyes locking onto mine. There was something there, a flicker of emotion that I couldn't quite read. But before I could dwell on it, he opened the door and stepped out, waiting for me to follow.

I hesitated for a moment, gathering my thoughts, then grabbed my duffel bag and stepped out of the car. The morning air felt cool against my skin, a stark contrast to the warmth inside the car. Vittorio gestured for me to follow him, and I did, walking beside him as we headed back toward the station.

Inside, the station was quiet, the early hour leaving the hallways mostly empty. Officer Steffan was waiting for us near the front desk, a stack of papers in hand. He gave me a small, reassuring smile before turning to Vittorio.

"This is everything we need," he said, handing the papers to Vittorio along with a pen. "Just a few signatures, and you'll be all set."

Vittorio took the pen, his movements precise and controlled, as if he'd done this a thousand times before. He quickly signed the documents, his expression never wavering, and then handed them back to Officer Steffan.

"Thank you," Officer Steffan said, glancing at me again. "Simi, this is just the final step. Once this is done, you'll be officially in your father's custody."

I nodded, my throat feeling tight. The words "your father's custody" felt strange, foreign, like they didn't quite belong to me. But I forced myself to smile, trying to appear calm even though my mind was still racing.

After a few more formalities, Officer Steffan handed Vittorio a small packet of papers. "These are for you," he said. "They include some basic information and contact details in case you need anything else."

Vittorio nodded in acknowledgment, slipping the papers into the inside pocket of his suit jacket. "I appreciate your assistance, Officer Steffan."

With that, the paperwork was done. It was official. I was now under Vittorio's care, a man I barely knew, yet who was supposed to be my father. The realization hit me like a wave, but I kept my emotions in check, determined not to show any weakness.

As we made our way back to the car, Vittorio's demeanor shifted slightly. There was still a distance between us, but I could sense a change, a softening around the edges. He opened the car door for me again, a gesture that felt oddly old-fashioned, but I accepted it without comment.

Once we were both seated inside, Vittorio turned to me, his expression more thoughtful now. "We can talk on the way to my home," he said, his voice quiet but steady. "I know this is a lot to process, but I want to give you time to ask any questions you might have."

I nodded, grateful for the opportunity, but unsure of where to start. My mind was still a jumble of emotions—anger, confusion, fear—but beneath it all, there was a flicker of something else. Hope, maybe. Or at least the possibility of it.

As the car pulled away from the station, I looked out the window, watching the world blur past. This was the beginning of something new, something I couldn't quite define yet. But no matter what happened next, I knew one thing for certain: I would face it on my own terms, with strength and resilience. Because after everything I'd been through, I owed myself that much.