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"Yes," I confirm, nodding at Laurel's reaction. "I think it could help both of you. It's a good opportunity to explore and understand, you know?"
Ruben seems pensive, considering my words. "Maybe it's worth a shot."
I smile encouragingly. "All you have to do is open up and be ready to change. You’ll find talking to someone is surprisingly helpful."
Laurel nods in understanding. "Thank you, Mr. Lombardi. This means a lot."
"We're here for each other," I reply earnestly, feeling a sense of camaraderie growing between us. "And this is just a step in the right direction."
It feels good to offer a chance at healing, even in the smallest way. The room hums with potential, hope mingling with uncertainty, but the prospect of change hangs tantalizingly in the air.
25
Kelly
One year later
I hold Camillo close as I look around the room, taking in the lively atmosphere of my child's first birthday party. The air is filled with laughter and the sweet melodies of joyful chatter as our home welcomes the warmth of family and friends. Molly has taken charge of decorations, transforming my place into a whirlwind of colors and festivity.
Balloons of various shapes and colors adorn the living room while streamers crisscross overhead. Mom and Dad, radiant with smiles, walk around, ensuring everyone is comfortable, while Louisa, Rachel, and Jenna engage in animated conversations, punctuated by bursts of laughter.
It's heartening to see everyone here, sharing this precious moment. Alessia is not here, and it weighs on my heart, but it's for the best. We'd agreed she should stay away, lest her presence alert Enzo. She joins the call on the laptop screen on the table.
I'm grateful for this moment, surrounded by the people I love most. Well…most of them…
We're gathered around the table with a big birthday cake and a stack of presents. The room is filled with laughter and chatter, and I smile as I watch my loved ones enjoying themselves.
I can't believe my little one is already a year old. Time has flown by so quickly.
I feel grateful for this moment, surrounded by family and friends. It's been a tough year, but seeing everyone here, especially after the support they've shown, makes my heart swell.
They've been my rock through everything
I steal a glance at my little Camillo, looking adorable in a cute blue outfit blissfully oblivious to the festivities, cradled in my arms, all giggles and innocence. His first birthday is a moment I'll treasure forever.
Despite the joy of the occasion, there's a lingering ache in my heart as I think about Enzo. I miss him so much. It's been a year since I last saw him, and a part of me longs for his presence. As Camillo’s birthday approached, I fought the urge to reach out. He’d already missed his son’s first word. I felt a bit weird leaving him out of the birthday preparations.
Just then Camillo chuckles at something Jenna says, his innocent giggles echoing through the room.
"Kelly, dear, let me take him for a while," Mom insists, reaching out to hold Camillo. "How are you holding up?" she asks, concern etched in her expression as she takes the baby from my arms.
I relinquish him with a smile, grateful for her help and the chance to mingle. "I'm good, Mom. Just thrilled to see everyone here." I offer her a reassuring smile, masking the pang of Enzo's absence.
Why do I miss him? After it all?
I glance at my reflection in the mirror. The past year has etched lines of exhaustion on my face; but after a while, something shifted. A spark ignited within me — a slow burn of resilience. The sleepless nights, the endless diaper changes, the tears, I'd weathered them all. And now, as I smoothed my blonde hair and adjusted the azure dress that hugged my curves, I felt a glimmer of the old Kelly resurfacing.
Enzo Lombardi had shattered my heart, but my child had stitched it back together.
Damn, I’m thinking of him again. Distracting myself is the key.
I shouldn't let my mind wander to him. I mingle, chatting and laughing, enjoying the playful banter and catching up on everyone's lives. Molly looks radiant, her usually serious demeanor breaking for a moment as she tries to tell jokes. The room erupts in laughter as Molly shares one of her favorite jokes. I don’t know where she heard it, but she tells it all the time as she truly thinks it is funny.
"Picture this," she begins, eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'm in this tiny restaurant in Beijing, attempting to order food in Mandarin. But instead of asking for noodles, I end up telling the waiter, 'I have a pet turtle'!"
The room erupts in chuckles, and I join in, shaking my head in amusement. "Oh, Molly." It’s more funny because of how eager she gets to tell the joke. She’s a polyglot, so it must seem hilarious for someone to misspeak.
Molly tries to finish the joke with an impression of a turtle, and it looks so silly, watching someone as put-together as her flapping her arms. The room erupts with unrestrained laughter. I revel in the moment, cherishing the joy these friends bring into my life. This is what I need to focus on, I remind myself, savoring the laughter and pushing thoughts of Enzo aside for the time being.
