Chapter 14 - THE BROTHER WHO CAME BACK TO BUILD
Matteo returned to architecture.
Not immediately.
He needed time.
Therapy.
Medical care.
And the freedom to decide what he wanted.
Eventually, he began designing community spaces.
Libraries.
Parks.
Youth centers.
Buildings meant to make people feel welcome.
One afternoon, he brought me a set of drawings.
I studied them.
“A children's center?”
He nodded.
“Near the old Saint Agnes property.”
I looked up.
He continued.
“I want to turn part of that land into something different.”
I stared.
“A place for children?”
He smiled.
“Exactly.”
We worked with nonprofit organizations, local officials, and community representatives to develop the proposal.
The project would include counseling services, educational programs, family support, and recreational spaces.
It would be governed independently.
No Moretti family control.
No hidden agendas.
No children treated as assets.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Matteo stood beside me.
He looked nervous.
I smiled.
“You okay?”
He nodded.
“Just thinking.”
“About what?”
He looked toward the old building.
“Seventeen years.”
I swallowed.
“I know.”
He turned.
“Luca.”
“Yes?”
“You can't give me those years back.”
I closed my eyes.
“I know.”
He continued.
“But we can make sure something good happens here.”
I looked at him.
Then nodded.
“Yes.”
Mia stood nearby holding Elena's hand.
She wore a yellow dress.
Just like the day she'd climbed into my chair.
She saw me.
“Uncle Luca!”
I crouched.
“Yes, boss?”
She pointed toward the construction site.
“Is that our castle?”
I smiled.
“Something like that.”
She grinned.
“Does it have cookies?”
Matteo laughed.
I looked at Elena.
She was smiling.
May you like
I turned back to Mia.
“We'll make sure it does.”
