Chapter 21: Familiar Spaces Unfamiliar Feelings
213 Words
The clinking of silverware against porcelain filled the Moretti family dining room. The scent of rosemary and garlic-infused pasta drifted through the air, a reminder of how much had stayed the same.
Emilia sat between Luca and Alessia, her fingers resting lightly on the rim of her wine glass. She had forgotten what it was like to be part of this—a family that loved with loud voices and even louder laughter.
“Emilia, dear, do you still make those amazing biscotti?” Luca’s mother, Rosa, asked, her warm smile unchanged by the years.
Emilia hesitated before nodding. “Every once in a while.”
“You’ll have to bring some next time,” Rosa insisted, as if Emilia had always belonged here.
Next time.
The words settled deep in Emilia’s chest, unfamiliar yet comforting.
Luca’s fingers brushed against hers under the table—just a fleeting touch, but enough to send her pulse into chaos. She turned to him, their eyes locking for a brief moment before he looked away, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips.
The night went on, but Emilia couldn’t ignore the undeniable truth creeping into her heart.
She was falling back into this world.
And, worse—she wasn’t sure she wanted to fight it.
- Writer
