Chapter 7 - THE BOY WHO WANTED TO GO OUTSIDE
Matteo wanted to visit the beach.
He had been asking for weeks.
Vincent refused.
Too dangerous.
Too exposed.
Too many unknowns.
Clara disagreed.
“He needs a life outside these walls.”
Vincent stared at her.
“He's vulnerable.”
“He's eight.”
Clara leaned forward.
“Those aren't the same thing.”
Vincent looked toward Matteo.
The boy sat beside the window.
Watching the ocean.
Clara continued.
“We can plan accessible transportation. Bring the equipment he needs. Choose a safe location.”
Vincent hesitated.
“And security?”
“Reasonable security.”
She paused.
“Not a military occupation.”
Vincent almost smiled.
Three days later, Matteo visited the beach.
A temporary accessible pathway had been arranged.
The wind was cold.
The sky was bright.
Matteo laughed when a wave splashed against the edge of his wheelchair.
Clara smiled.
Vincent stood nearby.
Watching.
For the first time in fourteen months, his son looked like a child again.
Not a patient.
Not a tragedy.
A child.
Matteo looked up.
“Daddy?”
Vincent smiled.
“Yes?”
“Can we come back?”
May you like
Vincent's eyes filled.
“Absolutely.”
