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And before I can even take another breath, they’re here.
Papa.
Dario.
I can’t believe it.
I blink, and they’re still standing there, just as I remember them—yet somehow, they’re different.
Older.
More worn.
More determined.
My father, standing tall and strong, with sharp features, and an intensity that I’ve always known. His eyes, so dark and fierce, bore into mine, and for a moment, neither one of us move.
Dario, my big brother, steps beside Papa. His broad shoulders and muscular frame nearly fill the doorway. His face is a little older now, his jaw sharper, but his eyes—the ones which I grew up with, the ones which would comfort me when I wasyounger—are full of worry and concern. His gaze lingers on me, just as intense as my father’s, but there’s a vulnerability there.
And in that moment, all the dread, the fear, and the uncertainty, melts away, replaced with a rush of warmth and love I never thought I would ever receive from my family again.
I stand up, taking steps towards them, when my knees buckle, unable to hold myself up any longer. I’m about to collapse to the floor when my brother is suddenly there, catching me, wrapping his strong arms around me, pulling me into him with such a great force.
“Chiara.” my big brother whispers, his voice so rough, almost as if he’s fighting back tears too. “You’re alive. You’re alive.”
I can’t breathe.
I can’t think.
All I can do is let myself melt into him, taking in the warmth of his embrace.
And then, Papa is here too.
His hands grip my shoulders, asking me to look over at him, and as I do, his gaze softens.
“Papa.”
I somehow manage to choke out, the word barely escaping my lips before my voice breaks.
His hands tremble as he helps me stand, pulling me closer, wrapping me in an embrace that feels like the safety I’ve been longing for. His voice is thick with emotion as he speaks.
“Chiara…my daughter…you’re alive.”
I can’t hold back the sobs any more.
They pour out from me, uncontrollable, a mix of both relief, and exhaustion.
I bury my head between their bodies, feeling the strength of them both holding me up.
They’re here.
They’re really here.
In their arms, I allow myself to fall apart, tears streaming down my face as I cling on to them, not caring about anything else.
Both Papa and Dario speak to me softly, their voices soothing and steady. They reassure me time and time again, their hands stroking the back of my hair as they keep me close.
“Chiara.” Papa says once more. “You are safe now. You are safe, and we are not leaving without you.”