The evening air was thick, heavy, pressing against my chest like a weight I couldn’t shake off. A sharp shiver ran down my spine as I folded my arms across my body, trying to hold in some warmth that just wasn’t there. But that wasn’t what bothered me most.
My mind was stuck in a loop, circling the same thoughts over and over. Mom’s health was getting worse. The doctors advised that Mom would need surgery soon, but where would I find the necessary funds? And then there was Carlotta. My sister. She had been absent for months. Officially, they called it a disappearance. Unofficially, they called it death.
Life had never felt this cruel before.
A gust of wind howled through the compound, making me clench my jaw. Just as I was about to get up and go inside, small arms wrapped around my neck from behind.
“Hey, what are you doing out here?” A tiny voice whispered against my ear.
I turned, already smiling. “Leo, you little troublemaker.” I tapped his nose. "Didn't I tell you to keep indoors?"
His curls bounced as he shook his head, grinning up at me. "You missed me, Mommy."
Like every other time, my heart melted. "Who's your mother, huh?" I poked fun at it.
"Alright, okay. Sister. But I am only used calling you that."
"Used to it, huh?" I shot him a glance. "And what exactly do you know about 'being used to something'? Four is you."
Leo rolled his eyes very dramatically. "Ugh, I have no interest. I am a manly big boy."
"Big boy, huh?" I grabbed him, gave him a quick kiss on his forehead, then set him on my lap. "Come on, dear. Let us enter now."
"Okay, Mommy."
I stopped short when I saw them—my two best friends, Beatrice and Sofia, approaching my small compound—and I stood carrying him toward the house.
"Baby!" Sofia exclaimed, her delight evident even from a distance. She practically skipped toward me, her face shining like she had just won the lottery.
Leo seemed to change in my arms, his eyebrows wrinkling. "Mommy," his voice carried the weighty tone he always used before posing an unusual inquiry. "What’s a babe? Your name, Isabella, sounds like one to me."
I bit back a laugh. “Oh, sweetheart. It’s just how some people greet their friends. Similar to a nickname."
His frown deepened. “Swwlang? What’s a swang?”
I groaned. “It’s nothing. Please don't worry about it, alright?"
Leo shrugged slightly. "Okay. Like my mother, I always believe."
"Good man." I planted a cheek kiss on him. "Now enter inside. Mother has to talk".
"Alright, Ma!" he chirped as he fled.
I exhaled with a sense of relief. This time, I didn't argue. An illusion. Sofia was already by my side, beaming with joy.
Sofia was already at my side, ear to ear in a smile. “I’m so excited, Isabella!”
Beatrice, who trailed behind, rolled her eyes. “Oh, here we go again.”
“You’ve literally said this like two hundred times today,” Beatrice groaned.
“Duh, because it’s exciting!”
I raised a hand, cutting off what was about to turn into a full-blown argument. “Alright, alright. Please let me know what's causing your concern."
Sofia’s eyes practically sparkled. "Alessandro asked me at last on a date!"
I knew that. I saw this coming a mile away.
“Aww, that’s wonderful!” I pulled her into a tight hug.
“When you two are done with your nonsense, let me know.” The voice of Beatrice was tinged with annoyance.
Sofia whipped her head around. "What is your issue, Bea? Can’t you be happy for me?”
Beatrice folded her arms. “I’m just saying. Is it necessary for us to make the episode into a major production?"
I sighed, stepping between them. “Enough. Let's not act as children since we are not young."
Beatrice laughed dismissively. "Boy, you say that, but I still don't care."
I pointed her in the direction. "Bea, can you not be rather easy for once?”
She grumbled. "Good. I'll keep my mouth closed. Let us, then, discuss something else."
“Good girl.” I grinned and gently poked her cheek.
"Stop that!!" She gave my hand a smother.
Sofia chuckled. “Alright, ladies. I have to be ready for this date; thus, I have to visit the grocery shop."
"Go ahead." I nodded.
She planted a cheek kiss on mine. "Bye, Bella."
As she followed, Beatrice waved sloppishly. "Latest."
Shaking my head, I watched them. At that moment, reality seemed to weigh heavily on me once again.
Entering, I took a long inhale. The moment I did, reality seemed to weigh on me once more. Not employed. Not even money. Mom is declining. Everything seemed to be falling apart.
Turning toward the living room, I almost ran across Maddalena. She looked terrible: pale, worn out, as though she hadn't slept in days.
"What's incorrect?" I felt a wave of anxiety.
She paused, her lips pressed together as though she wanted not to say it.
"Maddalena." I spoke with a firm voice. "Just let me know."
She let out a wobbly breath. “It’s your mom. Could you explain what happened? What happened? What’s happening? It’s getting worse.”
A sharp pang of panic stabbed through me. "What?" asked She's good? Then what happened?
She took my hands, her hold frigid. "Isabella, the surgery has to happen soon."
I pushed the lump down in my throat. "Soon?"
She nodded, forcing a weak smile. “Yes, dear.”
I wrapped my arms around her, holding on tight. This couldn’t happen. I couldn’t lose Mom. She was all I had left. Carlotta had already left. I couldn't let it happen once more.
There had to be a change.
I owed it to someone else.
I nodded to myself as I drew back. No matter what it took, I would find a way. I would go to any lengths to secure financial resources or employment.
I spun and headed for my room. If necessary, I would stay up all night. I was determined to protect my family. To not let my family slip through my fingers.
Once more. Not once more.
