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“And your compassion and warmth,” I reply, feeling a deep connection in this shared vision for our child.
“This is all so surreal, but in the best way possible,” I confess, a sense of awe in my voice. “I never imagined I’d be here, discussing baby names.”
Emily smiles, a glow of happiness on her face. “Life has a way of surprising us. I can’t wait to see you as a father.”
“You’ve worked incredibly hard, and I’ve never been prouder of you,” I reply, handing her the envelope.
“What’s this?” she asks.
“This is for you, to help set up your practice.”
She looks at me, a mix of curiosity and surprise in her eyes, and opens the envelope. Inside is a check – a substantial amount that would more than cover the costs of starting her own child psychology practice.
Her eyes widen as she takes in the amount. “Alessandro, this is too much,” she stutters, overwhelmed.
“It’s exactly what you deserve. You’re going to be an amazing psychologist, Emily. You have so much empathy and understanding to offer. This is just my way of supporting your dream.”
Tears of joy well up in her eyes as she leans in to hug me. “Thank you,” she whispers, her voice choked with emotion. “This means everything to me. I’ve dreamed of this for so long.”
“I know. So do you know what kind of space you want?”
“I want to create a space that’s welcoming and safe,” she starts, her eyes alight with passion. “A place where children and their families feel supported and understood.”
I nod, genuinely interested. “What kind of design are you thinking of?” I ask.
She leans back, visualizing it. “I’m imagining soft colors, lots of natural light. A play area where children can feel at ease. And a separate, tranquil space for parents to talk.”
“That sounds wonderful. It’s going to be a place where real healing can happen,” I respond, impressed by her thoughtfulness.
“And I want to focus on early intervention, especially for children from challenging backgrounds. To give them the support they need early on,” she continues, her determination evident. “Make a difference.”
“You’re going to change so many lives,” I say, feeling a swell of pride.
She smiles, a mix of gratitude and excitement in her expression. “With your support, I know I can do this.”
I reach for her hand, squeezing it gently. “I’ve always believed in you. Your compassion, your empathy – it’s going to be the heart of your practice.”
The next day, Emily and I make our way back to the nursery store, the site where our lives had taken a dramatic turn six months ago.
Since that fateful incident, I’ve ensured that the boutique was not only rebuilt but also enhanced, symbolizing our dedication to transforming a place of chaos into a beacon of hope and new beginnings.
As we step into the boutique, again a sanctuary of peace and happiness, it’s bustling with customers. Bianca, the owner, greets us with her characteristic warmth.
“Mr. and Mrs. Vittorio, welcome back,” she beams, her eyes shimmering with gratitude and recognition.
I nod, feeling a sense of pride. “It’s great to see your business thriving again,” I say sincerely.
Bianca smiles, her face lighting up. “Your support has been invaluable. Since the renovation, business has doubled. What can I do to repay you?”
I chuckle lightly. “Maybe ten percent off a crib for a start?”
Emily playfully shoves me. She then turns to Bianca. “We’re actually here to pick up a few more essentials for the nursery,” she says, her hand resting affectionately on her belly.
Bianca’s eyes twinkle with delight. “Let’s make sure you have everything you need.”
As we begin to browse through the store, Bianca starts listing items. “You’ll need a crib, of course, and a changing table. How about a rocking chair for those late-night feeds?”
Emily nods, jotting down notes. “And a baby monitor, a stroller, and probably a diaper genie,” she adds, her excitement evident in her voice.
