“You can come back whenever you want,” I respond.
Adalina slips her small hand into mine so naturally, it steals my breath. “Can we see my room, Daddy?”
I walk next door and watch as she takes in the sunny room. She sets her bunny on the pillows of her bed.
“Watch this,” I say. I turn off the lights and the ceiling lights up with stars.
Her hands clasp under her chin as she stares upward in wonder.
“Do you like it?” I ask.
“I love it.”
“Daddy, come here,” Rocco bellows from next door.
“How about you three come with me?” I say. “I’ve got another surprise.”
Once they’re grouped around me, I take them downstairs to a room that’s been closed up since I left for college. This week, I had it cleaned out and updated.
“What’s this room?” Rocco asks, eager for me to open the door.
I turn the knob and push it open.
Three pairs of eyes light up like they’ve just walked into Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. But instead of sugary confections, there are toys and games.
“Wow!”
I smile, pretty pleased with myself. “It’s your playroom.”
“Can we play now?” Elio asks. Rocco is already pulling out gaming controls.
“Absolutely.”
“Will you play with us?” Adalina looks up at me with her sweet face.
“Of course.”
The kids are like a whirlwind, touching everything before settling on building a fort with the cardboard bricks.
The kids are just crawling through the doorway they’ve made into the fort when my phone buzzes. Ignoring it, I peer into the doorway.
“Look out, the monster is trying to break in!” Rocco cries out and holds up a foam dart gun at me.
“Eek.” Adalina holds hers up as well.
I growl at them. “I’m coming to eat the little children.” The buzzing of my phone continues, insistent.
“Are you going to get that?” Elio asks.
“Yes. Just give me a minute.” I check the screen. Five missed calls from Nic.
As if summoned by my attention, a sharp knock sounds at the door. Nic stands there, face tight with tension.
"Don Monti, I apologize for the interruption, but there's a situation that requires immediate attention."
The kids look up, curiosity on their faces.
I feel a pang of frustration.
