The next morning Leo came early to the hospital. He found Ever humming next to sleeping Isla .
Leo's small voice filled the quiet hospital room.
"Mommy, I miss home... home in Italy, where there's only us happily. Mommy... can we go back when Isla recovers?"
Ever froze, her soft humming coming to an abrupt stop. Her heart clenched at the longing in his voice, the innocence of his request slicing through the chaos of her life. She turned to him, brushing his hair gently.
"Leo, sweetheart..." she whispered, kneeling to his level. "I know you miss Italy. I do too."
Leo pouted, clutching the hem of her sweater tightly. "But here... everything is messy, Mommy. You cry a lot and that man " his voice trailed off as his big eyes darted toward the hallway, where Allesandro had just stepped out. "He's always around."
Ever swallowed hard, forcing a smile despite the pain in her chest.
