Chapter 12 - THE NIGHT HE CHOSE HIS FAMILY
Matteo met his daughter three days later.
Natalie had agreed to a brief hospital visit.
He entered quietly.
She sat beside the window holding the baby.
When she looked up, he stopped.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Natalie said, “Her name is Emilia.”
Matteo swallowed.
“Emilia.”
He stepped closer.
The baby slept in a pale pink blanket.
Matteo stared.
His eyes filled.
“She's beautiful.”
Natalie nodded.
“Yes.”
He looked at her.
“May I hold her?”
Natalie hesitated.
Then nodded.
A nurse helped him position the baby safely.
Matteo looked down.
Emilia's tiny fingers curled against his shirt.
He stopped breathing.
For years, he'd imagined becoming a father.
He'd imagined teaching his child to ride a bicycle.
Taking her to the beach.
Watching her grow.
But he'd never imagined meeting his daughter while her mother watched him like a stranger.
He swallowed.
“Hello, Emilia.”
His voice broke.
“I'm your father.”
The baby moved slightly.
Matteo began crying.
Natalie looked away.
He held Emilia carefully.
Then whispered, “I'm going to do better.”
Natalie said nothing.
May you like
Because promises were easy.
And she had heard enough of them.
