In The Shadows ✔

[49] Quarantanove - Back home

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pappa = dad

vi amo = I love you (plural)

fratelli = brothers

sorellina = little sister

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Scorpia is lying on the couch with Bruno, her head resting on his chest and his arms around her protectively. Bruno kisses the top of her head and says: "Scor? I've got something to tell you."

Scorpia looks up at him and he says: "We gave Mia a new name. Her name is Pia now, after the strongest woman I know."

Scorpia looks at him with tears in her eyes and a smile on her lips. "Oh Bruno, that's beautiful."

Bruno hugs her tight and kisses her forehead. "She's really sweet Scor. And so little. Thank you for saving that sweet girl."

"I know how good you are with a little girl. She is going to love you so much."

Bruno smiles and says: "Yeah, another sweet girl to love. Let's hope this one behaves herself."

Scorpia chuckles and says: "Auntie Scorpia will teach her a few things."

Bruno tickles her and hears the front door. Matteo walks into the living room, curious because he heard Scorpia laugh. Bruno looks at the boy and says: "Come Matteo. Help me tickle Scorpia!" Matteo comes running and tickles Scorpia with his good hand.

"Noooooooo! Mercy! Have mercy!" Scorpia laughs while the joyful tears roll down her cheeks.

Mamma is looking at the scene and shakes her head: "Be gentle with my girl! Or I will be angry with you boys!" Matteo looks at mamma with a worried expression on his face, but Scorpia pulls him close for a hug.

"It was Bruno's idea mamma. Matteo only has one hand to tickle."

Mamma stares Bruno down and says: "Get up! Go get the groceries from the car! Now!"

Bruno pretends to be sad and drags his feet towards the front door.

Matteo whispers: "Is mamma really angry?"

"No, she's just teasing Bruno a little. What did you get for dessert?"

"Cannoli with cream and chocolate."

Scorpia stares at him and says: "I can taste them already. I should take you shopping sometime, you're good at it."

Matteo smiles and says: "Mamma bought a lot of them."

He grabs a marker from the coffee table and asks: "Scorpia? Will you sign my cast?"

Scorpia smiles, accepts the marker from him and draws a scorpion, and writes 'ti amo' next to it.

Matteo looks at it and says: "Ti amo Scorpia. Grazie."

"You're welcome Matteo. I'm happy to be the first to write on your cast."

Matteo shakes his head and looks at her seriously.

Scorpia asks: "What do you mean sweetheart?"

He wraps his arm around her and says in a broken voice: "Grazie. Because I don't have to fight anymore. Grazie."

Scorpia feels the tears sting in her eyes and holds Matteo close. "You never have to thank me for that again. I'm so glad I was able to save you. And that you live with my mamma now. The only thing I need in return is a kiss or a hug every once in a while."