WOULD YOU RESCUE ME?

42. Whispers Between Floors

The early morning light seeped through the thin curtains of Vanessa's dorm, casting a soft golden hue across the small room. Vanessa stirred in her bed, her senses gradually waking to the enticing aroma wafting in from the kitchen. The smell of sizzling eggs, freshly brewed coffee, and something sweet, pancakes, maybe, wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

She rubbed her eyes, yawning as she tossed off the covers. The clock on her nightstand read 7:30 a.m. It was earlier than she would have liked, but the comforting scents and the faint hum of voices from the kitchen promised a much-needed familial warmth.

Vanessa shuffled out of her room, her feet padding softly against the floor. As she reached the small kitchen, she paused in the doorway, a smile tugging at her lips. Her mother stood at the stove, her movements efficient as she plated fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. Her father was seated at the tiny dining table, flipping through his phone with his reading glasses perched on his nose.

"Buongiorno!" Vanessa greeted, her voice still raspy with sleep. "E buona vigilia!" (Good morning! And happy Christmas Eve!)

Her mother turned, her face lighting up at the sight of Vanessa. "Buongiorno, tesoro," (Good morning, sweetheart,) she said, setting down the spatula and walking over to kiss Vanessa on the cheek. "Hai fame?" (Are you hungry?)

Vanessa grinned, her stomach already rumbling in response to the delicious spread before her. "Sempre." (Always.)

Her father glanced up from his phone, a smile softening his features. "Finalmente ti sei svegliata," (Finally, you're awake,) he teased, motioning for her to sit. "Dai, siediti. La mamma ha cucinato una colazione da re." (Come on, sit. Mom's made a breakfast fit for a king.)

Vanessa slid into the seat opposite him, mumbling a quick "grazie" (thank you) as her mother placed a plate of pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs in front of her. A cup of coffee soon followed, the steam curling up invitingly.

Her mother joined them at the table, her own plate more modest but still appealing. Vanessa took a bite of the pancake, humming in approval as the buttery sweetness melted on her tongue.

"Quindi, quali sono i piani per oggi?" (So, what's the plan for today?) her father asked, spearing a piece of bacon with his fork.

Vanessa swallowed before answering. "Pensavo di indossare uno dei miei completi eleganti per stasera," (I was thinking of wearing one of my fancy suits for tonight,) she said, glancing at her mother. "Forse il mio preferito." (Maybe my favorite one.)

Her mother paused mid-bite, her brow furrowing slightly. "Un completo elegante?" (A fancy suit?) she repeated, her tone thoughtful. "Non sarebbe meglio comprare qualcosa di nuovo? È un'occasione importante." (Wouldn't it be better to buy something new? It's an important occasion.)

Vanessa tilted her head, confused. "Ma il mio completo preferito è perfetto," (But my favorite suit is perfect,) she argued lightly. "Perché spendere soldi inutilmente?" (Why spend money unnecessarily?)

Her father chimed in, his tone firm but not unkind. "Perché è importante fare una buona impressione, Vanessa. E poi... un vestito non sarebbe meglio?" (Because it's important to make a good impression, Vanessa. And besides... wouldn't a dress be better?)

Vanessa's fork paused halfway to her mouth as she gave her father a skeptical look. "Un vestito?" (A dress?) she echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Davvero, papà?" (Really, Dad?)

"Non hai mai pensato che un bel vestito potrebbe essere più adatto?" (Have you never thought that a nice dress might be more fitting?) he pressed, gesturing with his fork.

"Papà, sai che non sono una ragazza da vestiti," (Dad, you know I'm not a dress kind of girl,) Vanessa replied, her voice tinged with amusement but holding a hint of defiance.