A veil of grief settles over Sofia as she stands in the shadow of a church in her home village in Italy, surrounded by mourners. The sun beats down, but it does little to warm the chill of her father's funeral that hangs heavy in the air.
With each step of the procession, Sofia is weighed down by memories and regrets, the pain of her past mingling with the sorrow of her present. She watches as the coffin is lowered into the ground, her heart aching with the finality of it all. As the last handfuls of earth are scattered over the grave, Sofia turns to her mother, Gabby, her face etched with grief and weariness. She reaches out, her fingers curling around Gabby's hand, seeking comfort in the strength of her mother's embrace.
Gabby's eyes, still red-rimmed with tears, meet Sofia's own, and in that moment, the weight of their shared loss is palpable. They cling to each other, drawing strength from their bond, a bond that has only been strengthened by the hardships they've faced together.
The mourners begin to disperse, leaving the two women alone with their grief. As the sun dips below the horizon, Gabby turns to Sofia, her voice heavy with emotion.
Mrs Gabby: He was so proud of you, Sofia ( she says, her hand gently cupping Sofia's cheek ). You brought him so much joy.
Sofia's tears fall afresh, the truth of her mother's words cutting through the pain like a knife.
Sofia: I wish I could have done more ( she whispers, her voice breaking ).
Gabby pulls Sofia close, her arms wrapping around her daughter like a shield against the world.
Mr Gabby: You did everything you could ( she says softly, her voice breaking with unshed tears ). And I know he would have wanted you to be happy, no matter what.
Sofia leans into her mother's embrace, the comfort of her words a salve against the raw pain of her loss.
Sofia: What do I do now? ( she whispers, her voice trembling ).
Gabby holds Sofia tighter, her voice steady and strong.
Mrs Gabby: You live, Sofia ( she says ).
Gabby and Sofia return to their quaint home, a sanctuary of comfort and familiarity amidst the turmoil of their grief. They step through the front door, their footsteps echoing in the quiet, and are greeted by the warm and comforting scent of home-cooked food.
The maid, a kindly older woman named Antonia, smiles at them, her weathered hands moving deftly as she places a piping hot bowl of pasta on the table.
Antonia: There, there, Signora, ( she says, patting Gabby's hand reassuringly ). A little comfort food will do you both good.
Gabby and Sofia sit at the table, the warmth of the food seeping into their bones, the comfort of Antonia's presence a soothing balm against the ache in their hearts.
As they eat, they share stories of Sofia's father, recalling fond memories and cherished moments from the past. Antonia joins in, her eyes twinkling with humour as she regales them with tales from Sofia's childhood.
As the night wears on, Gabby and Sofia find themselves laughing through their tears, their hearts filled with bittersweet memories. But even amid their laughter, the spectre of Sofia's past looms over them, the shadows of her heartache creeping in.
As they retire for the night, Gabby places a gentle hand on Sofia's shoulder.
Mrs Gabby: He would have wanted you to be happy, Sofia, ( her voice soft with love ). Don't let the darkness steal that from you.
Sofia nods, her eyes misting over.
The night enveloped Sofia like a shroud as she stepped out of the bathroom, the chill of the tile floor sending a shiver down her spine. Water dripped from her hair, the droplets glistening on her bare shoulders like diamonds in the dim light of the bedroom.
She sat at the vanity, her reflection staring back at her from the mirror, a silent sentinel of the memories that haunted her. Sebastian's face flashed in her mind, his once-beloved features now twisted with betrayal and deceit.
Her heart ached with the weight of her pain, a pain that seemed to settle deep within her, seeping into the very marrow of her bones. But even as she felt the bitter taste of his betrayal, she felt something else too—a strange numbness, a coldness that seemed to coat her soul like frost.
Standing before the walk-in closet, she let the towel fall from her shoulders and stepped inside, her eyes scanning the rows of clothes
She reached for a nightgown, her fingers brushing against the soft fabric as her mind wandered to her past. To the moments they had shared, the promises they had made, the life they had once envisioned.
A single tear slid down her cheek, falling to the floor as she slipped into the gown, the warm, soft material like a hug around her body. But even as she smoothed the fabric over her stomach, she could not escape the harsh reality of her situation—her stomach was no longer as flat as it once was.
She stood before the mirror, the gown a stark contrast to the turmoil within. Her hand rested on her stomach, the swell of life hidden beneath the fabric.
She sank to the edge of the chair, her mind spinning, her heart breaking anew. A child—their child—growing inside her, a symbol of the love they had shared, now tainted by the betrayal she had suffered.
Sofia's eyes closed, the tears falling, as she whispered into the darkness,
Sofia: What am I going to do with you?
As the tears dried on her cheeks, Sofia knew she had to make a decision. Her hand still resting on her stomach, she considered her options, her thoughts spinning like a whirlwind.
She could keep the child, raising him or her alone, a constant reminder of the love she had lost and the betrayal she had endured. Or she could terminate the pregnancy, erasing this final, painful reminder of Sebastian from her life.
Sofia's hand trembled as she weighed the possibilities, her heart struggling to find a way forward. She will have to talk to her mother in the morning and tell her about it.
The sun is a golden orb on the horizon. Sofia stirred from her sleep, her body heavy with exhaustion and her mind still clouded with pain.
She rose from the bed, her hand flying to her mouth as a wave of nausea swept over her. Morning sickness is a physical manifestation of the turmoil within. She stumbling towards the bathroom, she leaned over the sink
Sofia steadied herself against the sink, her body wracked with the aftershocks of the sickness. As she splashed water on her face, the truth of her pregnancy settled like a lead weight in her stomach.
After a quick shower, she emerged from the bathroom, her hair still damp, her eyes still red from tears. She followed the scent of breakfast into the kitchen, where her mother and some maid, were bustling around the stove.
Sofia: Good morning Mom
Mrs Gabby notice her presence as turns
Mrs Gabby: Good morning Sofia ( she smiled ) you slept well?
Sofia: Almost. Where is Antonia
Mrs Gabby: She went to the market to get some vegetables
Sofia: Okay. Mom
She did not finish her word as she ran to the kitchen sink
Gabby's smile faltered, the concern in her eyes growing as Sofia dashed to the sink, her face turning a shade of green.
Mrs Gabby: Sofia, are you alright? ( hurrying to her daughter's side ). You look terrible.
Sofia retched again, the morning sickness refusing to abate.
Sofia: I'm fine ( she gasped, her voice hoarse )
Sofia straightened, her hand pressed against her stomach, her expression a mask of determination.
Sofia: Mom ( she said, her voice strong and clear despite the lingering nausea ). I need to speak with you.
Gabby placed a gentle hand on Sofia's shoulder, her eyes filled with concern.
Mrs Gabby: Of course ( she said, her voice soft ). What is it you need to discuss?
Sofia: Let's talk in the garden
Mrs Gabby followed Sofia as she led the way. She sat on the bench side by side with her.
Sofia took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say.
Sofia: I'm...I'm pregnant, Mom ( she whispered, her eyes downcast ).
Sofia's eyes snapped up, her mouth falling open in surprise.
Sofia: Y-you knew? ( she stammered, her mind reeling ). How did you know?
Gabby chuckled softly, her smile radiating with warmth.
Mrs Gabby: Oh, sofia, ( she said, reaching out to brush a stray hair from Sofia's face ). A mother knows these things. I could see in your eyes, your body and since you came back you crave weird food ( she laughs). And, to be honest, I was hoping you would tell me yourself.
Sofia's eyes shone with unshed tears.
Sofia: I...I didn't want to disappoint you. I'm so sorry, Mom.
Gabby's smile remained, her eyes full of love and understanding.
Mrs Gabby: Disappoint me? When you were little I thought controlling your life would make it easier for you, but it pushed you away from me. After you left I realized I was trying to build you the way I wanted to be as a little girl, I was too proud to call you or apologize. Whenever your father calls you am always by his side listening to your voice, he tried hanging up the phone with me many times but my pride wouldn't let me. I want to make up for the time I lost you, you are my only family. My darling girl, how could you ever disappoint me? This is a blessing, a new life growing inside of you. How could I be anything but happy for you?
Sofia leaned into her mother's embrace, her tears finally falling.
Sofia: But I don't have a partner, Mom.
She explains what happened between her and Sebastian to her mom
Mrs Gabby: What are you going to do
Sofia: I don't know mom, I don't want to hurt an innocent life
Mrs Gabby: I will support you anytime any day and am glad, am not getting younger I will have a little one running around the house
Sofia: Mom, Sebastian will find me here
Mrs Gabby: so what do you want to do
Sofia: Mom am sorry I don't mean to be selfish but I don't want him to find me. I know Sebastian will look for me
Gabby's eyes softened at her daughter's words, understanding the fear that lurked behind her words.
Mrs Gabby: You're not selfish, sofia ( she said, placing a gentle hand on Sofia's arm ). You're protecting yourself and your child. But running away from your problems won't make them disappear.
Sofia nodded, a tear rolling down her cheek.
Sofia: I know, Mom. But I'm scared. What if he tries to take the baby? What if he hurts us?
Gabby shook her head, her eyes burning with a fierce determination.
Mrs Gabby thought for a moment and then said
Mrs Gabby: I will go with you I lost you once I will not lose you again. I will. Come with me
She followed her to her home office, which once used to be her father's
Gabby led Sofia into her father's old office, the air thick with memories of happier times. The shelves were lined with dusty books, the desk littered with papers and photographs. Gabby motioned for Sofia to sit, her eyes glimmering with determination.
Gabby turned to face her daughter, the will held tightly in her hand.
Mrs Gabby: Your father's will, ( she said, her voice filled with a strange mix of pride and sadness ). He wanted you to have it if anything ever happened to him.
Sofia reached out, taking the document from her mother's hands.
Sofia: What does it say, Mom? ( she asked, her voice barely above a whisper ).
Gabby's eyes shone with unshed tears as she spoke.
Mrs Gabby: It says that if anything were to happen to your father, you would inherit everything he owned.
As Sofia read the document, her eyes widened in shock, the full weight of her inheritance settling on her shoulders. The winery in Italy and Germany, the vineyards, the estate—it was all hers.
Sofia: Mom, ( she whispered, her voice shaking ). This is...this is everything.
Gabby smiled, her eyes glistening.
Mrs Gabby: It's your father's legacy, Sofia. It's his way of ensuring that you will always have a place to call home, a place where you can be safe.