Chapter 14 - THE FAMILY THAT CHOSE TO HEAL
Two years later, Nico moved into an apartment near a supported-living community.
He had his own kitchen.
His own books.
His own choices.
Dante visited every Sunday.
Sometimes they cooked.
Sometimes they walked by the lake.
Sometimes they sat quietly.
Nico was still healing.
But he was no longer hidden.
Gabriel recovered enough to retire.
He spent his mornings fishing.
And his afternoons complaining that Dante worked too much.
Vivien laughed whenever Gabriel said it.
Meanwhile, Dante began restructuring the legitimate parts of the Morello business under independent oversight.
He cooperated with investigations into past wrongdoing.
The process was difficult.
Some associates left.
Others threatened him.
But Dante continued.
One evening, he visited Vivien after her shift.
She was sitting outside the hospital with a cup of coffee.
He sat beside her.
“Long night?”
She nodded.
He took her hand.
“I've been thinking.”
Vivien raised an eyebrow.
“Dangerous.”
He laughed.
Then became serious.
“I love you.”
Vivien stared.
Dante continued.
“I love that you don't need me to be powerful.”
Her eyes filled.
“And I love that you expect me to be decent.”
Vivien smiled through tears.
“I love you too.”
Dante exhaled.
Then she added:
“But I'm not quitting my job.”
He laughed.
“I know.”
May you like
She leaned against him.
And together, they watched the sun rise over Chicago.
