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She’s been helping me tidy up my bedroom before my family came over, so she hasn’t seen them until now. As she steps forward, she wraps her arms around Papa before pulling back, looking up at him.
“Papa F! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you!”
Papa smiles at her, replying to her as she laughs.
Dario glances from her to me, raising an eyebrow.
“Is this the infamous Tamana you always speak of?”
I roll my eyes at him as I step forward, introducing them both.
“Mana, this is my very crazy, overprotective big brother, Dario. Dario, this is one of my closest friends from uni, Tamana.”
Tamana steps closer to Dario, extending her hand as her grin only widens across her pretty face.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you, crazy, overprotective big brother, Dario.”
Dario reaches out to shake her hand, keeping his smile polite.
“Likewise. I’m sure I can count on you to keep an eye on my sister, yeah?”
Tamana’s eyes flicker to mine, and we both share a small, secret smile.
“Of course.” Tamana says for the sake of it. Then, with a wink in my direction, she adds, “But something tells me that your sister doesn’t need much looking after.”
Dario breathes out a laugh, then they both take a step back from each other.
Papa clears his throat, his deep voice cutting through the banter.
“Let us finish unloading, va bene? We should finish before it gets dark.”
I smile at him, grateful for his steady presence.
He’s changed in many ways, but he’s still my Papa; so strong, so protective, and he’s always there to keep me safe.
“I’ll finish up here.” Dario says. “You both can finish elsewhere.”
And with that, Tamana and I decide to hit the bathroom first, getting everything in order there.
It takes us almost another two hours, but finally, we’re done.
My new flat is already beginning to feel a lot like a home now.
Though it’s a little smaller than what I’m used to, it’s enough for me.
It’sperfect.
Papa takes another look around, his usual stern expression in place on his face, though I do see the faintest hint of pride in his eyes.
“This is beautiful.” He says as he moves to be closer to me. “You should be proud of yourself, Chiara. I know your mother would be.”
Just the thought of Mama being proud of me makes my throat feel tight.
I nod my head as I wrap my arms around his body, resting my head against his chest.
“Thank you, Papa.”
I say after a beat has passed.