Anika:
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Isabel this happy.
Honestly, I expected the nightmare from earlier to leave her shaken—just like it’s still haunting me—but no.
She’s bouncing with so much joy.
Right now, I’m sitting quietly on a long wooden bench, my lips curling into a smile as I watch them.
Matteo and Isabel.
“Where are youuu? Show your face…” Isabel squeals, her tiny feet thumping against the grass as she scurries about.
Matteo is crouched low behind a bright blue barrel. He’s grinning like a mischievous child himself. She’s already passed him twice, completely oblivious.
“I’m getting tired!” she huffs, pausing to put her hands on her hips, “but I’m not giving up. I’m gonna find you, and then you’re buying me that cotton candy!”
She throws me a sly little glance, as thoug
