Rescued by Darkness

A Mother's Love

Alessia's mornings always began the same way these days: with the soft, endearing babble of her daughter filtering through the baby monitor. Today, however, the sweet sounds felt different—brighter, fuller, like a melody designed to tug at her heartstrings. With a contented smile, Alessia stretched, slid out of bed, and crossed the hall to Luciana's nursery.

As she opened the door, she saw her daughter lying in her crib, tiny fists waving in the air and legs kicking energetically against the mattress. Luciana's wide green eyes found Alessia immediately, her expression transforming into a gummy smile that never failed to melt Alessia's heart.

"Good morning, my sweet girl," Alessia murmured, scooping her daughter into her arms and peppering her chubby cheeks with kisses. Luciana squealed happily, tiny fingers curling into Alessia's robe as if she didn't want to let go.

Holding Luciana close, Alessia inhaled her baby's soft, powdery scent. It was a scent she wished she could bottle up and keep forever, a tangible reminder of these fleeting moments. "You're the best start to every day, you know that?" she whispered.

As Alessia carried Luciana to the changing table, her mind wandered, as it often did, to the wonder of having a daughter. After years of raising five boys, she had often wondered what it would be like to have a little girl. Now, with Luciana in her life, Alessia was discovering joys she hadn't known she'd been missing.

She hummed softly as she changed Luciana's diaper and dressed her in a lavender romper with tiny white bows. "You're going to be the most stylish little girl in the world," Alessia said, smoothing down the fabric.

Luciana let out a delighted gurgle, her green eyes sparkling. Alessia laughed. "You like that, huh? Just wait until we go shopping together. Oh, the fun we're going to have!"

As she carried Luciana downstairs for breakfast, Alessia's mind filled with dreams for her daughter. She imagined the two of them wandering through boutiques, Alessia holding up little dresses and shoes while Luciana clapped her hands in excitement.

"I can't wait to take you shopping," Alessia said as she strapped Luciana into her high chair and set a small bowl of mashed bananas in front of her. "We'll pick out the prettiest outfits, with matching bows and shoes. You'll be the best-dressed girl everywhere we go."

Luciana responded with a happy squeal, smacking her tiny hands against the high chair tray and sending some of the mashed bananas flying. Alessia laughed, grabbing a napkin to wipe her daughter's face.

"And just wait until I get to do your hair," Alessia continued as she fed Luciana small spoonfuls of banana. "Pigtails, braids, curls—you name it, we'll try it all. One day, I'll teach you how to do it yourself. And when you're older..." Alessia's voice softened as she imagined a future that felt impossibly far away. "When you're older, I'll help you get ready for your first date. I'll pick out the perfect dress with you, help you with your makeup, and make sure you feel like the princess you are."

Luciana stared up at Alessia with wide eyes, as if she understood every word. Alessia smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter's face.

"But don't tell your father that, okay? He's not going to like the idea of you dating, not one bit." Alessia chuckled, imagining Lorenzo's protective scowl when the time came. "Your brothers, too. They'll probably scare the poor boy off before he even makes it to the door."

As the day went on, Alessia found herself soaking in every little moment with Luciana. They read picture books together, with Alessia using silly voices that made Luciana giggle uncontrollably. They played on the living room floor, surrounded by colorful toys that Luciana loved to explore with her tiny hands. Alessia cherished the sound of her daughter's laughter, the sight of her gummy smile, and the way she reached out for her with complete trust and love.