217

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4

Italy, Rome. March 7, 2026.

Giovanna Rinaldi

Sometimes it takes a lot of faith to keep believing that there will come a day when the tears and the sadness, the pain and the hatred, the fighting, this madness, that everything will disappear, yes. I will call your name because it is you that I need, Lord... Forgive me for moving away, but I feel it's time to come back and please take me into your arms once again.

- Mom, is everything all right? - Mia caught my eye.

- Honey, it's okay, why?

- Are you kneeling on the balcony looking at nothing?

- I was just praying, dear, asking the Lord to forgive me for walking away and asking him to welcome me into his arms once again.

- I'm sure He'll hear you, Mom, you taught me so much about Him and made me believe, or rather made me have faith.

- You know what, darling, I'm going to Mass on Sunday.

- Really, Mom?

- Very serious, my little ballerina. I owe it to my soul to be there again.

- You'll feel lighter than ever, Mom.

- I'm sure you will, but why didn't you go to the course?

- Today is Saturday, the day of my ballet performance and you don't work today, have you forgotten?

- I would never forget your performance, my love, I can't wait to see you on that stage, but I thought you were going to the course.

- Since Aurora and I are sleeping at Grandma's, I asked her to leave me here to rehearse in the studio she made for me, and in the afternoon I'm going to the gym to rehearse with the other girls.

- All right darling, go and rehearse my angel, I'll continue my prayers. - I said to her and she smiled in agreement.