Page 8

My flat is a mess; cardboard boxes are piled high in every corner, and a suitcase sits half-unzipped on the sofa with its contents threatening to spill out. The air smells like paint, and new carpet too, and I can’t help but grin widely.
“I think I might have overpacked.”
I say with a small laugh, glancing over at my brother who’s carrying in another box into my new place.
“Understatement of the year.” Dario says under his breath, setting the heavy box down on the coffee table with a slight huff. “Why does one person need so many things, Chiara?”
I bite down on my lips, trying to stop myself from laughing any further.
Papa, as he stands by the hallway, shakes his head as he adjusts his suit jacket. He’s dressed impeccably as always, even though it's a moving day for me, and this is just another one of our casual days together. His shirt is crisp, his tie is perfectlyknotted, but his eyes carry a hint of weariness that never seems to leave him these days.
“I cannot believe this.” Papa mutters in a deep, rumbling voice. “My one and only daughter, living all alone in aflat.What kind of father allows this?”
I breathe out a laugh as I cross the room to wrap my arms around him, leaning into his hold.
“I’m only ten minutes away from you both, Papa. You’re acting like I’ve moved halfway across the world.”
He grumbles something in Italian which I don’t understand.
After moving here, Papa rarely spoke to us in Italian, and Dario and I didn’t know enough to continue speaking the language between ourselves.
I look up at Papa, noticing the way his expression softens as he hugs me back, his embrace warm and strong as I press my body against his, taking comfort in his hold.
“Ten minutes is still too far.” Papa says as he pulls away to press a kiss to my forehead. “If anything happens, you will call me immediately. No excuses.”
I smile, still looking up at him.
“I promise, Papa.”
He presses another kiss to my forehead, holding onto me a little bit longer.
“You better, Chiara.”
Papa says quietly, his words laced with a hint of warning, though his tone is gentle.
Dario’s voice rings out from somewhere in my new place.
“Chiara! Maybe you can come and help out, considering the fact that this isyournew place?”
I roll my eyes as I pull away from Papa with a playful sigh.
“Your son is as dramatic as ever, Papa.”
He chuckles, giving me a small nudge in the direction of Dario’s voice.
“Go, Chiara, before your brother starts crying about me playing favourites again.”
I smile at Papa as I leave him, walking through my place before I find Dario in my kitchen, whistling a tune as he opens one box after another.
He’s surrounded by a mountain of mismatched mugs, plates, and utensils when I step inside.
“About time.” He says without even turning around. “I was starting to think that you lost the ability to move.”
I breathe out a laugh, shaking my head at my brother.
“I was too busy being the favourite child.” I retort as I step closer to him. “It’s not my fault that you can’t multitask.”
That makes him turn around.