In The Shadows ✔

[6] Sei - Bare

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mia figlia = my daughter 
cara = sweetheart 
ti amo = I love you 
nonna = grandma 
sorellina = little sister 
grazie mille = thank you very much 
signor(e) = mister 
devastazione = disaster / devastation

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Scorpia — – –

She sits at the kitchen table, her cheeks red,  her hair wet and on her lap a little boy who looks the same way. They enjoyed their bath, even though there was some mopping required after their adventures in the bubble-filled water. Enzo sings a made-up song about kisses and Scorpia listens to it with a smile on her face.

Bruno chuckles and sets the table with mamma, who is laughing at her happy grandson too. Bruno lifts Enzo from his aunts' lap en puts him in the highchair. He takes the seat next to it, to help him with his breakfast.

Mamma hands Scorpia a cup of coffee and sits down next to her. She gives her daughter a questioning look and Scorpia says: "I haven't told Bruno everything yet mamma. I have ten whole years to tell him about and explain. But I swear on those two lovely men there, that I will tell you more about it all today. I just need to work everything out in my head first and Bruno is the one who can help me do that."

Her mom looks deep into her eyes and sees that her only daughter is still struggling through it all. But she can also clearly see that she's speaking the truth. "Mia figlia? Has Salvatore hurt you? And are Ciro and Dino involved in it somehow?" Scorpia looks up at her mom with a defeated look and nods.

"Then I know enough for now cara. But remember that I named you Scorpia for a reason. And not because it was that time of year, but because it's a strong animal, that defends itself when it's backed into a corner. An animal that knows how to rise above. Ti amo, Scorpia. I always have and I always will. Rise above, no matter how. But mostly in a powerful way, do you understand?"

She looks at Bruno and makes a fist on the table. Bruno nods when he sees his mom's permission to handle this problem with more than just words.

They finish their breakfast and Enzo asks: "Nonna? Duckies?"

Mamma smiles and says: "Yes, nonna will gather some bread, and then we'll go see the duckies together." His little face lights up and he dances in his highchair. Scorpia feels her phone vibrate in her pocket and pulls it out to see who is trying to reach her. It's a message from Thomas, with a picture of a drawing and a bag of mandarins. She smiles when she sees that the drawing is made by Lucas and Logan.

She looks at her bruised knuckles and bends her fingers. It's already hurting less than yesterday and she will probably be able to go back to school soon. She needs that part of her life, to prevent herself from drowning in the dark side of her soul. Thomas asks if he should bring the gifts over to the pizzeria and asks how she's doing. She types a message back.

Yes please, bring them to the pizzeria this afternoon.
I'm okay.
I won't stay away for long, I promise.
I miss the kids already.

Enzo walks through the kitchen, babbling enthusiastically while mamma gathers bread in a bag. They say goodbye to Scorpia and Bruno and walk out of the door. Scorpia sighs and finishes her coffee, before dialing mister Gentile's number. Bruno observes her from the other side of the table and listens to her end of the conversation.