A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER XV

Isabella sat by the window in her apartment, staring out at the city lights, her heart heavy with mixed emotions. Her mother, now fully recovered from her illness, had decided to return to their hometown. It was something Isabella knew was best for her mother-being back in the familiar countryside where she could rest and enjoy a slower pace of life. But despite knowing this, Isabella felt a pang of sadness at the thought of not having her mother nearby anymore.

The two of them had always been close. Her mother was her rock, her constant source of comfort and strength throughout everything. She had been there through Isabella's long hours in medical school, the sleepless nights during residency, and now as she navigated the complicated path of her career and personal life.

Isabella had thought about telling her mother about Matteo-how he had came into her life and how much she enjoyed spending time with him. But something held her back. What were they, really? She and Matteo had shared some intimate moments, sure, and there was definitely a strong connection between them, but she couldn't quite define their relationship. Was it too soon to tell her mother? Was Matteo serious about her, or was he just enjoying the time they spent together? The uncertainty gnawed at her.

She decided she'd wait until things were clearer between them, until she could confidently tell her mother about the man who had captured her thoughts and heart.

As she packed her mother's things for the trip back to their hometown, Isabella felt her chest tighten. She walked over to where her mother was sitting, resting comfortably on the couch, and knelt down in front of her, taking her hands.

"Mom, I know you're feeling better, but please promise me you'll take care of yourself," Isabella said softly, her eyes full of concern. "Don't skip meals, and make sure you take your medicine every day. And don't push yourself too hard."

Her mother smiled warmly, gently squeezing Isabella's hands. "I'll be fine, sweetheart. You've done more than enough for me. It's time for you to focus on your work and take care of yourself."

Isabella nodded, though the worry in her heart didn't entirely subside. "I'll visit you as soon as I can, maybe on my next day off."

"You've always been so responsible," her mother said, her eyes filled with pride. "But don't forget to take time for yourself too, Bella. You deserve to be happy."

Isabella's heart swelled at her mother's words, but there was a flicker of hesitation. Would her happiness include Matteo? She hoped so, but the future remained uncertain. For now, she would focus on her work and let things unfold naturally.

They shared a long embrace together.

Isabella drove quietly, the hum of the car filling the silence as she made her way to the train station with her mother sitting beside her. The air between them was warm but tinged with the bittersweetness of goodbye. Though her mother was healthy and strong again, the thought of letting her go back to their hometown alone left Isabella feeling a little lost. For the past few months, caring for her mother had been her focus-her way of showing love and gratitude for everything her mother had done for her over the years.

As they neared the station, Isabella glanced at her mother, who gazed out the window with a contented smile. There was peace in her mother's expression, a look that said she was ready to return to the quiet life she loved. Isabella knew this was what her mother wanted, but it didn't make the parting any easier.

When they arrived at the station, Isabella parked the car and helped her mother with her luggage. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the platform as the evening train pulled in, ready to take her mother back to the countryside. They stood together on the platform, the moments of farewell sinking in.

"You don't have to worry about me, Bella," her mother said gently, placing a hand on Isabella's arm. "I'll be just fine. You've taken such good care of me."

"I know, but I still worry," Isabella admitted with a soft smile. "I'll miss having you close."

Her mother chuckled. "You're the one who should be focusing on yourself now, not me. You have so much ahead of you-your career, your life. Don't forget to live it."

Isabella nodded, her eyes misting with emotion. She took a deep breath, trying to push away the sadness. "I'll visit you as soon as I can," she promised. "And call me if you need anything, okay?"

Her mother embraced her, holding her tightly. "I will. And you, take care of yourself too, my dear. You've been running yourself ragged."

Isabella let out a small laugh, her heart warming at her mother's concern. "I'll try. And don't forget-take your medicine, and don't skip meals, okay?"

"I won't," her mother reassured her. "I'll be fine. You've raised me well."

They both laughed softly at the joke, but the weight of the moment remained. As the train whistle blew, signaling its departure, Isabella helped her mother onto the train, giving her one last hug before she boarded.

"Goodbye, Mom," Isabella said softly, standing on the platform as the train began to pull away. "I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart," her mother called back, waving as the train started to move. Isabella watched as the train disappeared from view, a mix of pride and sadness swelling in her chest.

As she stood on the empty platform, she felt a sudden wave of loneliness. Her mother had always been her constant, and now, with her gone, the apartment would feel emptier. But Isabella knew her mother was right-she needed to focus on her own life now.

With a deep breath, she turned back toward her car. And though her heart felt heavy, she also felt a quiet resolve. There was work to be done, patients to care for, and perhaps, with time, something more waiting for her in the form of Matteo.

The apartment suddenly felt emptier without her Mother. As she sat down on the couch, her thoughts once again drifted to Matteo, and she felt a twinge of longing.For now, she would keep their budding relationship to herself. But one day, when things were more certain, she'd share it with her Mother. Until then, she'd keep navigating this path between her work, her responsibilities, and the growing connection with Matteo.