Chapter 171 Movie Night
Chapter 171 Movie Night
In the evening, back in the Romano household,
The living room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of the television and a small lamp in the corner. A movie played quietly in the background, one of those old romantic comedies Isabella’s mother loved, the kind where laughter came easily and endings were always gentle.
Isabella sat curled up on one end of the couch, a blanket pulled over her legs. Sofia was beside her, legs tucked under herself, leaning slightly into Isabella’s shoulder, Marco sprawled on the floor with his back against the couch, a bowl of popcorn balanced on his stomach, while their mother sat comfortably in her favorite armchair, a shawl draped around her shoulders.
For the first time in a long while, the house felt full and lively.
Marco laughed loudly at a scene on the screen. “This guy is an idiot,” he said, shaking his head. “How do you forget your own anniversary?”
Their mother chuckled softly. “Men,” she replied, waving a dismissive hand. “They remember what matters to them.”
Isabella smiled faintly, her eyes still on the screen. The sound of their voices, the liveliness of it all, felt strange and comforting at the same time, it was just like old times.
Sofia reached into the popcorn bowl and stole a handful. “You’re eating too fast,” she teased Marco.
“That’s because if I don’t, you’ll finish it,” he shot back, nudging her foot playfully.
Their mother watched them with a fond smile, her eyes warm. “I missed this,” she said quietly, almost to herself.
Isabella’s chest softened. She glanced at her mother, noticing the faint lines of worry still etched on her face, the tiredness she tried so hard to hide. “Me too,” Isabella said softly.
For a moment, no one spoke. The movie continued, characters laughing, music swelling gently.
Sofia leaned closer and whispered, “I know things are messy right now, but I’m glad we’re here. Like this.”
Isabella nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Yeah. Me too.”
Marco suddenly sat up straighter. “Hey, no sad faces tonight,” he said, pointing at them. “This is movie night. Rules say we enjoy ourselves.”
Their mother laughed again, louder this time. “Your rules change every day, Marco.”
“And they’re all correct,” he replied proudly.
That earned another round of laughter.
As the movie reached a funny scene, their mother handed Isabella a plate of sliced fruit. “Eat,” she said gently. “You’ve barely touched anything today.”
Isabella accepted it without protest, surprising herself. She took a bite, the sweetness grounding her.
For those four hours, they laughed at predictable jokes, argued over characters, shared snacks, and forgot just briefly about enemies, betrayals, fear, and loss.
__________________
Morning light filtered through the hospital windows as Sofia stepped into the corridor, the quiet hum of machines and distant footsteps greeting her.
She held a small file against her chest, her fingers gripping it tighter than necessary. Today was the day her father was finally allowed to go home.
She stopped briefly outside his room, inhaled deeply, then pushed the door open.
Her father was awake, sitting up with the help of extra pillows, dressed in the clothes she had brought him the night before. His eyes lifted the moment he saw her, and a faint smile tugged at his lips.
“You’re early,” he said softly.
Sofia forced a smile as she walked in. “I didn’t sleep much,” she replied, placing the file on the bedside table. “The doctor said you’re stable enough to leave today.”
He nodded, though his expression shifted, something unreadable flickering across his face. “So… we’re really leaving.”
“Yes,” she said firmly. “You’ve stayed here long enough.”
“I know you are still mad at me, but I want to know that I'm really sorry, and I plan to make up for my actions.”
“We can discuss that later, I'm not really in the mood to talk about it.” Sofia murmured.
A nurse then entered immediately, checking his vitals, adjusting the IV, explaining the medications he would need to continue at home.
Sofia listened carefully, asking questions, and nodding as a response. She signed the discharge papers with steady hands.
When the nurse finally left, silence filled the room.
Sofia began packing his few belongings into a small bag. “The cab is waiting outside for us,” she said casually. “and we will be staying with Mrs Romano, for the time being and I am sure you have so much apologizing to do.”
Her father watched her quietly. “You’ve done well,” he said after a moment. “I’m proud of you.”
She paused, her back still turned to him. “I didn’t have a choice,” she replied, her voice flat.
He sensed it then, the distance, the tension hanging between them. “Sofia—”
“Let’s not talk about anything heavy right now,” she cut in softly but firmly. “You need rest. Home will be better for you.”
He nodded again, accepting her boundary.
When everything was ready, Sofia helped him stand. He leaned heavily on her. Slowly, carefully, they made their way out of the room, down the hallway, past nurses who offered polite smiles and quiet well-wishes.
As they stepped outside, the morning air hit Vittorio 's face. It felt different, he hadn't come outside in a while.
She guided her father into the car, fastening his seatbelt with gentle hands. Before closing the door, she looked at him.
“We’re going home,” she said, more to herself than to him.
He met her gaze, guilt and gratitude swimming in his tired eyes. “Thank you,” he murmured.
Sofia closed the door without replying, walking around to the passenger side. As the car pulled away from the hospital, she kept her eyes on the road ahead.