Eternal Echoes

27

The long day at the amusement park left Aria feeling exhilarated yet exhausted as she nestled into the warmth of the blankets in her room. The comforting weight of Alessandro and Isabella on either side of her made her feel safe and cherished, and soon they drifted off into a peaceful sleep, their soft breaths harmonizing in the stillness of the night.

Meanwhile, in the guest rooms down the hall, Conti and Vinci settled into their beds as well, unaware of the conversations that were about to unfold.

In the quiet hours of the night, Aria stirred, feeling a parched sensation in her throat. She blinked awake and carefully untangled herself from her partners, trying not to disturb their slumber. Slipping into a comfortable crop top and shorts, she padded quietly down the hallway, the cool air brushing against her skin as she made her way to the kitchen.

As she entered, the soft glow of the fridge light illuminated the room. She spotted Conti sitting at the small kitchen table, nursing a can of beer. He looked up, surprised but not displeased to see her.

"Hey there, Aria," he greeted, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Couldn't sleep either?"

"Just a little thirsty," she admitted, rummaging through the fridge for a bottle of water. "What about you?"

"Just unwinding a bit," he replied, taking another sip. "It was a long day, and I thought a cold one would help me relax."

She filled her water bottle and joined him at the table, their conversation flowing easily in the dim light. As they talked about the day's adventures, Aria felt a sense of camaraderie with Conti that was unexpected but comforting. There was a depth to their exchange that made her feel seen and understood.

As they shared stories, Aria couldn't help but notice Conti's relaxed demeanor. He wore a worn T-shirt that accentuated his muscular arms, and in the soft light, she caught sight of a scar peeking out from his sleeve—a mark that told a story of its own.

"What happened there?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

Conti glanced down at the scar and then back at her, his expression shifting to one of vulnerability. "Ah, this old thing? Just a reminder from my younger years. I used to be reckless, trying to find a way to cope with everything life threw at me. It's a long story, but it taught me a lot about pain and healing."

Aria's heart raced at his admission. The openness between them felt like a bridge connecting their experiences. "I can relate to that," she said softly, instinctively lowering her gaze. She unconsciously tugged at the hem of her crop top, revealing a glimpse of her own scars on her hips.

Conti noticed immediately, his expression shifting from casual curiosity to a deeper concern. "Hey, are those...?" He paused, searching for the right words.

Aria hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, it's a part of my past. But I've stopped." She looked up, meeting his gaze. "Alessandro and Isabella—they give me what I crave in a way that's healthy. They understand me."

Conti's brow furrowed as he leaned closer. "It's good to hear you've found a way to cope, but you know there are healthier outlets for pain, right? You don't need to hurt yourself to feel alive. Pain can be a tricky thing."

Aria swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words. "I like the pain, though. It grounds me. But now, with them, it's different. I don't have to do it alone anymore."

Conti nodded, his expression softening. "I get it. Sometimes we seek pain because it's familiar. But it's important to find ways to feel alive that don't involve hurting ourselves. We all have scars, but we can choose how we carry them."

Aria felt a lump form in her throat as she considered his advice. The conversation took a turn toward vulnerability, and she found herself sharing more than she intended. "I used to think the pain was the only way to feel something, to take control. But now... now it's like I've found a different kind of high. A safer one."