Chapter 11: Sophia’s Fear
The next morning, Sophia woke up early. She sat on the porch, her little feet dangling, holding her father’s old telephone.
Vittrio came out and sat down beside her.
“Couldn’t sleep?” he asked gently.
Sophia shook her head.
“I dreamed of Mom,” she said softly. “She cried. She said I had to stay with Dad. But I don’t want to leave Dad.”
Vittorio looked at Sophia. Although they had only been together for a little over a week, he had realized that she was very sensitive and more mature than her age.
“You want to stay with your father?” Vittorio asked.
Sophia nodded.
“But I also want to stay with you,” she said honestly. “You promised you wouldn’t let anyone hurt me again.”
Vittrio felt a tightness in his chest. He gently stroked Sophia’s head.
“I will keep my promise,” he said. “You won’t have to live in fear anymore.”
Sophia was silent for a moment, then asked a question that surprised Vittorio slightly:
“Are you angry with my father?”
Vittrio looked at her.
“Why do you ask?”
“Because my father once loved my mother. My mother once hurt you.”
Vittrio sighed. He answered sincerely:
“I was angry. But I’m not angry with your father anymore. He protected you for many years. That’s the most important thing.”
Sophia nodded, her expression somewhat relieved. She leaned her head on Vittorio’s shoulder and said nothing more.
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For the first time, Vittorio clearly felt that he wasn’t just protecting a child—he was becoming the person Sophia needed.
