Chapter 14 - THE LITTLE GIRL WHO CHOSE HIM
Elena liked Nicolo.
Not because he was wealthy.
Not because he brought gifts.
But because he listened.
He helped with homework.
Attended school events.
Learned her favorite books.
He never tried to replace her father.
Sofia had told him Elena's father died before she was born.
Nicolo respected that history.
One afternoon, Elena approached him.
"Nicolo?"
"Yes?"
"Can I ask something?"
"Of course."
She looked nervous.
"Do you love my mom?"
Nicolo smiled.
"Yes."
Elena considered.
"Do you make her happy?"
He hesitated.
"I hope so."
She nodded.
"Good."
Then she asked:
"Are you going to leave?"
Nicolo's chest tightened.
He knelt.
"Why would you ask that?"
Elena looked down.
"People leave."
He swallowed.
"I know."
She looked at him.
"Will you?"
Nicolo took a breath.
"I can't promise nothing difficult will ever happen."
Elena's eyes filled.
"But I can promise I won't disappear because things get hard."
She studied him.
Then hugged him.
Nicolo closed his eyes.
Later, Sofia found him sitting alone on the porch.
"Everything okay?"
He nodded.
"Yes."
She sat beside him.
"Elena told me what she asked."
Nicolo looked down.
"I hope I answered correctly."
Sofia smiled.
"You answered honestly."
He looked at her.
"Is that enough?"
She took his hand.
May you like
"It's a good beginning."
For the first time, Nicolo understood that being trusted by a child was more important than being feared by a city.
