d it in Gianna's mouth. Strangely, Gianna accepted it readily, sucking the milk inside hu

es Miss Olivia's scent," t

er forehead creased in co

mfort in the 'smell' of certain people. Most children cling to their mother's 'scent,' an

r's embrace constantly and refuse to be apart. If they are even slightly detached, the baby will cry an

nt.' That's why she's more comfortable in her arms than in

'm not anyone to Gianna," Olivia respo

t have to be 'someone' to m

feel safe and comfortable. They can sense sincerity, just as they can sense someon

her sleeping granddaughter, having consumed three-quarters of

ed a gentle yet sad smile. Some

ia couldn't refuse. Shortly after, the woman left Gianna's room, followed

n-sized bed, ignoring the baby crib against one wall. Her left hand stroked the baby's head, wrappe

ne until, unknowingly, she too

. Claire was talking to Rianna, asking her to pers

le, els

rnal creatures, and the crackle of burning wood became the night's accompanying music. A ta

e since he arrived. The man sat on a folding chair on the other side of the bonfire and looked sharply a

feel," Ignazio repli

way they do." Zello retorted somewhat roughly. Zello was older than Ignazio, but in t

st and sad. I don't know what it's li

decided her fate, and

iving family. Remember Aunt Claire, Uncle Antony, who never stops thin

uit of your love with the late Gretta. Don't b

g her," Ignazio

from her like this? Why aren't you by her side

rply at Zello. "I don't blame her for Gretta's departure. But her pre

her, but seeing

I lost Gretta, th

tiness simultaneously." Ignazio said softly. He sat back down on his fol

ed his head and saw the screen of the phone in Zello's hand light up. "Dad knows

al the pain of losing Gretta.

But don't stay away

very sad because you're gone. I

ds the presence, attention, and love of her father. D

ove Mama, Dad, your siblings, and I can give to Gianna, it will ne

ience what D

being by your sister's side when she needed Dad. Don't

heart too. A small realization dawned on him; he didn't want the past to repeat i

in of loss still haunted him

r all that, he had turned his daughter-the daughter he had once

is father's voice echoed again. "Go, heal your heart until you think it'

not getting any younger. God only knows

hopes you've returned and take

ing for you. Gianna needs you. Come back before it's too late." And the recordi