Chapter 14 - THE PROMISE BENEATH THE STARS
Two years later, Sophie turned seven.
We celebrated in our backyard.
Balloons.
Cake.
Friends.
A small inflatable pool.
And Bruno, who had been granted special permission to attend.
Dante arrived with Teresa.
He wore a simple blue shirt.
No expensive suit.
No security entourage.
Sophie ran toward him.
"Uncle Dante!"
He laughed.
"Happy birthday, troublemaker."
She hugged him.
Then whispered:
"Did you bring Bruno?"
Dante smiled.
"Look behind you."
Bruno bounded across the grass.
Sophie squealed.
The party lasted until sunset.
After the guests left, Sophie sat beside Dante beneath the stars.
"Uncle Dante?"
"Yes?"
"Do you remember when I borrowed Bruno?"
He smiled.
"Very well."
She looked down.
"I was really scared."
Dante nodded.
"I know."
She leaned against him.
"But he made me feel safe."
Dante looked toward the dog sleeping nearby.
"He's good at that."
Sophie smiled.
"You were too."
Dante's eyes filled.
He looked at her.
"Thank you."
Later, Miguel joined us.
He sat beside Sophie.
She looked up.
"Daddy?"
"Yes, princess?"
"Do you promise you won't disappear again?"
Miguel's face changed.
He took her hand.
"I promise I'll always do everything I can to come home."
Sophie considered.
Then nodded.
"Okay."
I watched them.
My husband.
My daughter.
The life I had almost lost.
And I realized something.
We couldn't promise that nothing bad would ever happen.
But we could promise to tell the truth.
To listen.
May you like
To protect each other.
And to never take ordinary days for granted.
