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

Italy, Rome. March 7, 2026.

Giovanna Rinaldi

Auditorium: Parco Della Danza

The red curtain opened and I saw my little ballerina in the center ready to start and the sound of the first chords of the classical ballet began to play, they are going to stage the play "Giselle."

The story is quite simple, in the first act Giselle falls in love with Albrecht, a nobleman disguised as a peasant. When Giselle discovers the deception, she is inconsolable and dies.

In the second act, Giselle's undying love for Albrecht, who comes at night to visit her grave, saves him from having his life spirit taken over by the spectral Willis, the ghosts of brides who died before their wedding day. Whenever a man approaches them, they force them to dance themselves to death. Giselle dances in Albrecht's place and thus prevents him from reaching exhaustion, breaking the Willis' spell. In the end, she forgives him.

Mia played Giselle, it was her first time playing the lead in a play, she worked hard to get this role and she did it very well today. At the end of the performance everyone stood up and applauded, they thanked her and left the stage.

Gradually the Auditorium emptied out and most of the families chose to wait outside. I went back to the dressing room, this time accompanied by Lorenzo, and when I saw my beautiful girl my world lit up. At that moment I was even more sure that I had done the right thing when I adopted Mia and I know that I did a great job with her, I hope I can do the same with Aurora.

- You were amazing, my beautiful girl. - I said and hugged her as tightly as I could.

- Thank you mom, Giselle is a very complex character and Mel told me that I played her very well.

- You were magnificent Mia. Congratulations. - Lorenzo told her and she smiled at him, all my daughter wanted was his approval, and as much as I don't approve of it, that's what she expects from him.

- Mom, where is Aurora?

- With her grandparents, she's looking forward to seeing you and told me she's going to give you a very tight hug.

- Why didn't you bring her here?

- Aurora would be too excited here, your sister is very electric when she's with you.

- I have to agree with that, Mom. - she said and the three of us laughed.

- I have to go, Lorena is alone and I'm worried about her. - Lorenzo said and Mia's smile died.

- You really know how to ruin something we're trying to rebuild, you promised you'd stay here, I thought you'd have dinner with us too. I should be used to it, since you never keep your promises, I really understand that separation is common, but what you put my mother through wasn't right and I won't forgive that, so you can go, I don't care, I'm tired of giving you the chance to be my father. I'm sure Brian will do better than you. - Mia said disappointedly, your words about Brian, I know they were meant to hurt Lorenzo, that's not good.

- I'm sorry darling, but I need to see Lorena, I told you she needs me now. And I'm her father, not Brian, he never will be.

- And I don't need you? - Mia asked, surprising me.

- I didn't say that, I just...

- It doesn't matter now, you can go, I never want to see you again. - Mia said, and he looked at her and left.

- Darling...

- I'm fine, Mom.

- You're not, don't keep your feelings to yourself, it could hurt you. - I said, stroking her cheek.

- I just don't want to talk about it now...

- It's okay, I'll be here when you feel ready and just tell me.

- Thanks mom, I love you.

- I love you too, my angel.