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After what felt like an eternity, Enzo finally stood, tossing cash on the table and heading outside again. This was my chance, however risky. I tossed a hurried tip to the bartender and made my way through the drunken crowds until crisp night air hit my face.
In the alley adjacent to the bar, I scanned quickly for any sign of Enzo. There - I spotted him farther down about to mount his motorcycle again. Heart hammering, I called out on impulse before I lost my chance.
"Enzo Moretti!"
He froze, shoulders coiling subtly as he turned with lethal grace to face the potential threat. I slowly raised my hands in supplication and removed my hat, waiting as recognition flashed across his expression.
"You have some real nerve approaching me, Delacruz," Enzo bit out tersely. His eyes narrowed, assessing me. "I take it you finally got Natalia's letter then."
My already battered heart cracked further hearing her name aloud again after so long. I moved closer warily, desperation outweighing caution now.
"I've respected her wishes to stay away all this time," I said hoarsely. "But I can't take it any longer, Enzo. I'm barely surviving without her." My fists clenched at my sides. "Just tell me Natalia's safe. That's all I need to know."
For an agonizing moment, Enzo just stared me down, jaw working. I braced for volcanic rage or violence to erupt. But instead his shoulders slumped wearily.
"Honestly, I wish I knew more myself," he admitted quietly. At my stunned look, Enzo continued heavily, "Natalia was always skilled at disappearing when she wanted to stay hidden. No one has heard anything in all these weeks."
The confirmation that Natalia had truly vanished rocked me. I swayed on my feet as fresh despair threatened to crush what was left of my mangled spirit. She was lost to me forever then.
Perhaps sensing my devastation, Enzo clasped my shoulder in a rare show of empathy. "For what it's worth, I know Natalia loved you deeply. Leaving to protect you broke her heart too."
I could only nod mutely, overcome. Enzo watched me a moment longer with pity. "Look, it's unlikely I'll hear from Natalia again. But if by some miracle I get word, I'll find a way to contact you. You have my word."
I rasped out a grateful thanks, past words now. Without another glance back, Enzo swung onto his motorcycle and sped away, leaving me alone with my anguish in the darkened alley. The heavy truth weighed upon me - my last feeble hope of finding Natalia again had sputtered out.
Many bleak nights later, I found myself parked across from the imposing Moretti estate gates, searching futilely for answers I knew deep down would never come. Enzo was not lying - Natalia had ensured no loose ends this time. She was gone, only a ghost in my haunted dreams now.
Some flicker of acceptance must have finally surfaced in me. Because suddenly the urge rose unbidden to speak to her one last time, even if just as another broken prayer swallowed by the ether.
Craning my neck up towards the heavens, I closed my eyes and whispered into the dark. "Natalia, amore mio, I hope you found the life you deserved, far from this ugliness. I'm trying to let you go, I swear it. Just know you'll have my heart through eternity..."
A throat clearing loudly made my eyes fly open in alarm. But it was only Enzo, regarding me pensively in the shadows. Perhaps he too came here seeking impossible answers from time to time. Kindred spirits haunted by her spectral absence.
"Come on then, enough wallowing," Enzo pronounced gruffly, not unkindly. "I could use a drink if you're buying, Delacruz."
I hesitated only a breath before turning my car to follow Enzo's motorcycle away from the imposing estate gates and all the painful memories lingering there with Natalia. Each day going forward would be a battle not to look back, waiting in vain for her return. But maybe one day the fight would get easier. I had to try, if only to honor her unwavering love.
With Natalia lost to me forever in this life, the only flicker left to sustain me was the fervent hope we would find each other again in a kinder world beyond this one. Until then, her last wish remained etched upon my soul - be free, and know you were loved beyondmeasure.
THE END
