Oblivion

39| Winter Wonderland

THIRD PERSON

Zeus noticed how the human beside him began to squirm again. Gently, he nudged her with his cold nose, pressing himself closer as if to cocoon her in warmth. The rhythmic rise and fall of her breathing calmed, and he settled back, content to close his eyes once more, the soft sound of the wind whispering through the open window lulling him into a peaceful slumber.

Outside, Domenico sat on the snow-covered terrace, bundled in a thick winter jacket that smelled faintly of Josephine, mixed with the earthy scent of the cold night air. The moonlight bathed the world in silver, casting long shadows across the glistening snow. He stretched out his legs, taking a deep drag from his cigarette. The smoke curled upward, merging with the crisp night air, swirling like ethereal wisps before disappearing into the vastness above. His gaze fell on the branch he and Riccardo had dragged in that morning-a ridiculous, oversized gift for the dogs. If they didn't appreciate the effort, they certainly wouldn't be getting any more antlers. What a silly present. Well, it would have been less silly if he hadn't been the one to carry it. "Hey, brother."

"Are you smoking?" Matteo asked, hesitantly sliding into the space beside him. The chill of the night clung to him, and Domenico scooted over to make room. "Since when?"

"Oh, for quite a while," Domenico replied, exhaling a cloud of smoke that hung momentarily before dissipating.

"I've never noticed," Matteo murmured, his gaze drifting to the snow-draped garden, a pensive look settling on his face. "A lot of things seem to escape my notice."

"That's how it should be. And if I ever catch you doing it, we'll have a problem, understand?" Domenico's tone shifted, serious yet protective. Matteo nodded quickly, the weight of the moment sinking in. "Good. Why aren't you in bed? Tomorrow is the big day."

If anyone in the family anticipated Christmas, it was Matteo. But this year felt different, a shadow lingering in the air. "Can I ask you something?" he ventured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Domenico took another drag, watching the smoke spiral upward. "Of course."

"Have you-have you ever wished things were different? That you didn't have us?"

Wrapping an arm around his younger brother, Domenico spoke softly, "No. Sure, there are moments when I wish you were on an other planet, and I won't lie, I have a folder of boarding schools I glance at when you all are particularly-let's use Vito's words here-challenging. But you and your brothers are the most important thing to me."

"And Josephine?" Matteo asked, the burden of his worries lightening.

"And Josephine, of course." Domenico chuckled, a genuine warmth in his voice. "You know I'm very proud of you?" Matteo looked at him, wide-eyed. "Unfortunately, you had the least time with Mum and Dad. You know them mostly through our memories, yet you've grown into a good man. You take what comes your way and make the best of it. That impresses me."

Matteo shook his head, as if trying to comprehend. "I just try not to disappoint you."

Domenico smiled, his expression softening. "You can't disappoint me. Still, I'd appreciate it if you stopped getting Riccardo into trouble. If this keeps up, Vito will be in a real bind."

"But Valen-"

"If you even think about following his example, you'll be on the next flight to India. Or Italy; then the rest of the family can deal with you." He stubbed the cigarette out in the snow, the ember sizzling against the cold. "So, what brings you out here so late?"

"I couldn't sleep," Matteo admitted, and although Domenico had already figured as much, he allowed the statement to linger in the chilly air.

"Want to do something?" he proposed, surprising Matteo. As Domenico stood up, the snow crunched underfoot, and Matteo watched in awe. "Come on." Domenico led the way through the house to the garage, retrieving the key for his car from the hook, his expression expectant. "How about a little drive?"