Chapter 108: The Awakening of Filipe

"Hold on... What do you mean you won't need to stay here in England? Where are you thinking of going?" - I inquired.

I smiled and replied, - "To be with my wife!"

"What? Are you going to leave the mafia and give up the position of Don to go after her?" - the surprise in his voice was undeniable.

"I would never give up the title I've earned. I've fought tirelessly for it, and I am who I am because of this position! I will continue as Don, with all the responsibilities destined for me. However, I can leave you as Capo to take on a significant portion of the responsibilities. But remember, you will still answer to me!" - I smiled ruthlessly.

"That's if I accept, right?" - he retorted.

"Don't pretend to be difficult, I know you'll accept."

"What wouldn't I do for family, right?" - he sighed, extending his hand towards me.

I raised an eyebrow and shook his hand firmly.

"It will be an honor." - he declared, the firmness of his grip revealing his determination.

"When will you depart?" - his curiosity was evident.

"I'm finalizing some preparations. I believe it will be soon."

"Already? And what about Filipe and your mother?"

"My mother wants to stay by Filipe's side. She feels she failed as a mother and is determined to take care of her son. As for Filipe, we're not sure if he'll wake up. Either way, he'll be cared for in the family hospital."

"I understand. I'll take care of them while you're absent."

"I count on that, brother!"

At this point, I outlined Micael's current responsibilities and when he should contact me for certain actions.

As good friends and brothers, I knew I was leaving the mafia in capable hands. Before Micael left, his phone received a message, and his reaction was one of surprise.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" - he exclaimed, widening his eyes as he looked at me.

"Filipe has woken up!" - Micael responded, shocked.

"What?" - I raised my eyebrows.

We quickly headed to the hospital.

"Micael, even with his awakening, nothing will change... The mafia will be in your hands during my absence!" - I affirmed.

"I don't think Filipe will agree with that!" - he shrugged.

"He should be grateful to still be alive, he doesn't need to agree with anything, my voice is the law!"

"Yes, sir."

"And honestly, after everything, Filipe is lucky to still be treated as family!"

"It would only get worse if it weren't like this, your mother wouldn't bear it!" - Micael reminded me.

"That's why I kept him alive!"

We arrived at the hospital, and my mother was smiling through tears.

"Son, he woke up, it's a miracle!" - she said, hugging me. - "Please, be kind, try to forgive him!"

"You know you're asking a lot from me!"

"At least try, enough of the pain..."

"I can't guarantee that."

I moved away from her arms and entered the room. Filipe was sitting on the bed, looking out the window. I approached, and he raised his eyes.

"Ethan did this, didn't he? Another one of his training sessions..." - he seemed confused.

"Ethan?"

I narrowed my eyes. The doctor entered the room.

"Oh, hello, Dom. I'm sorry, I didn't know you were visiting your brother!"

"How is he?" - I asked, furrowing my brow, finding Filipe's questions strange.

The doctor looked at me and spoke a bit lower.

"Apparently, your brother is experiencing what we call Recent Memory Loss. It's a mechanism of the mind to protect him from a trauma he's not prepared to face."

"And what's the treatment?"

"We're gradually helping him remember the past few months, but I have to warn you that memories don't always return."

"What does that mean?"

"I mean your brother might not remember the past few years!"

"Damn!"

"I'm sorry, I'll leave you two now." - The doctor stepped back.

"So, what was it this time? Head kicked in? Broken ribs? Gunshots?" - he asked curiously.

I approached, still thoughtful about what I had just learned.

"What's the last thing you remember?"

He stayed quiet, lost in thought.

"Training. We were talking about the ambush against Ethan... No, damn, he found out, didn't he?"

I shook my head and got closer.

"No, we killed him... Filipe, you had an accident and lost your memory. Maybe this is a second chance, an opportunity to start over and live a better life." - I pondered.

"Wait, what does this mean? How did I have an accident?" - his expression was lost.

I looked firmly at him.

"Did I mess up?" - he finally understood the gravity.

I took a deep breath.

"I handed over the boss position to Micael, you'll answer to him if you still want to stay in the mafia... Brotherly advice? Go live differently, seek happiness, love, build a family, and be happy."

"Wait, I'm not understanding anything... You're leaving the mafia? How? Why?"

"I'm not leaving, you know I'll never give up. But I'm letting Micael handle some things, I'm leaving for France from England tonight... I'm going to be with my wife!"

"Wife? You got married? Adam, what happened in the last few years? What did I miss?" - he was agitated.

"YOU MISSED!" - I clenched my fists, breathing deeply not to lose my temper. - "Filipe, I can't forgive you for what you did, despite understanding your reasons. I want you to be happy, to be able to rebuild! Don't chase your past, look forward, accept this gift of life, and follow your path, creating new memories!"

I stood up, Filipe still seemed confused, looking at me.

"Wait, are you abandoning me?"

He whispered almost inaudibly, making me stop at the door and look at him.

"You're my brother, no matter how much you deserve it, I'll never abandon you. But now, I'm going after my happiness, and I hope you do the same!"

He nodded.

"I don't remember what happened, I hope you'll forgive me someday, and that I can meet this woman who changed you so much. I'm happy for you."

I smiled a bit sadly at the mention of "meeting" Davina... I know it won't happen, as he's the one who dragged her into that abyss, who took everything from her!