Chapter 1
ROSALIA POV:
You know how people say that no matter how far you run from your past it will always catch up with you? That is my story.
I ran away from a life I did not want. My family had already planned out my future before I was old enough to make my decisions. I wanted to be my person. I wanted to be a doctor. Not just someones daughter. I wanted to be Rosalia.
At twenty three years old I finally became a doctor. I worked at a hospital in Corleone, Italy. It was not easy. I had to work every day.. It was worth it. Helping people made my life meaningful. I was not rich or famous. When patients said "Thank you Doctor " I remembered why I chose this path. People think doctors have lives. We do not. We just learn to smile when we are tired.
My personal life was simple. I did not have a family to go to. I did not have parents waiting for me after work. It was just me.. I thought that was enough.
Then I met Sophia. She was like sunshine. She came into my life during medical school with her funny jokes and love of coffee, made me love coffee She never let me spend my birthday alone. She celebrated every small achievement like it was her own. Over time she became like a sister to me. She was my family.
Then there was Enzo. He was sweet and patient. He made me feel like I was the person in the world. We had been together for one year. We had movie nights and late night phone calls. He sent me flowers at the hospital. He promised me a future together. For the time in a long time I let myself imagine a life with someone. It scared me.. Enzo made it easy. He made me think that maybe I deserved to be happy.
Today was our anniversary. I had been looking forward to it for weeks. I even switched shifts so we could spend the evening together.. Then my phone buzzed. Enzo texted me. "Baby I'm sorry. Work is crazy today. I don't think I'll make dinner tonight."
I sighed. This was typical. He worked hard. I knew he could not control it.
I texted him back. "That's okay. Don't work hard. We'll celebrate another day. I love you."
He replied away. "I love you too."
I put my phone away, then Sophia appeared at the doorway of the staff lounge. She had two cups of coffee in her hand. A big smile on her face.
"Talking to Enzo again?" she asked.
I looked up at her. "How do you always know?"
She handed me a cup of coffee. "It's a gift. I saw you smiling at your phone. That's either Enzo or you found a meme."
I laughed. "It's Enzo."
She sat down next to me. "What's the plan for your anniversary?"
I took a sip of my coffee. "There is no plan. He texted me. Said he can't make dinner tonight."
Her smile faded. "What? On your anniversary?"
I shrugged. "It's not his fault. His job is demanding."
Sophia folded her arms. "You always make excuses for people, Rosalia. You deserve better."
I thought about what she said. Maybe she was right. Maybe I should surprise Enzo. Make his day better.
I smiled at Sophia. "You know what? I think I'll go surprise him. I'll take him dinner. Buy that expensive chocolate cake he loves."
Sophia clapped her hands. "That's the Rosalia I know. Go make it happen."
