Epilogue

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Author's POV

Six months later, the girl who was broken, scared,  and flinched on slightest of the slightest sound, wasn't broken, scared anymore. 

She still is fighting with her demons, her nightmares, but she is healing. 

Healing because of her family, who gives her all the love they can. 

She smiles more often, smiles which aren't forced. 

Her room isn't a basement, it's the sunniest one in the house, with a window full of morning light and a bookshelf filled with stories she's finally ready to live. 

Her parents support her; they are no longer Mr. or Mrs. Romano. 

Her brothers are the force to be reckoned with...

Luca still protects Ariel like he would die for her or start a world war for her.

Stefano checks her room every night just in case. And when he sees her cry, he doesn't speak—he just pulls her into a hug and lets her feel small without shame.

Leonardo makes her laugh like no one could, and plays with her every game in the world. 

Antonio still stumbles over his words, but he leaves sticky notes on her mirror with dumb jokes and soft reminders like "You're doing great." He tries. Every day.

Matteo brings her chocolate when he knows she's had a hard day.

Allesandro is her quiet anchor. He walks her to school. Waits for her outside her classes. And always knows when to sit beside her in silence—no questions, just presence.

Ariel Cleo Hale is saved. 

Saved by God. 

Saved by family.

Her prayers are finally answered, she is still healing, but not alone, around the people that love her, protect her make her feel safe. 

And for the first time... she is home.

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