Chapter 11 – The Trip
Two months later, Sara was living in temporary housing.
She had returned to the bakery.
Matteo was still in her life, although their relationship had changed.
He no longer asked her to leave everything behind.
He understood now that leaving was not one decision.
It was hundreds.
One Thursday, Sara told Lucia she needed four days off.
“Holiday?”
“Family wedding.”
“Here?”
“No.”
“Where?”
Sara hesitated.
“Abroad.”
Lucia’s face changed.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Your family is going?”
“Yes.”
Lucia put down the order sheet.
“Sara.”
“Don’t.”
“I’m asking.”
“I know.”
“Do you want to go?”
Sara looked toward the bakery window.
Rain had begun outside.
“It is my cousin.”
“That isn’t what I asked.”
Sara’s expression hardened.
“Yes. I want to go.”
Lucia waited.
Sara said:
“They’ve changed.”
Lucia did not answer.
Sara immediately became defensive.
“You don’t know them.”
“I know.”
“Everyone thinks my family is some monster.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“They’re not.”
“I didn’t say they were.”
“They love me.”
Lucia nodded.
“I believe you.”
That answer almost made Sara cry.
The next morning, Sara boarded a flight with her parents and brother.
She sent Matteo a photograph from the airport.
Not romantic.
Not dramatic.
Just coffee and a boarding pass.
Underneat,h she wrote:
Four days. Don’t panic.
Matteo replied:
I won’t if you keep replying.
Sara sent a heart.
