Later, as we sat down for dinner, the atmosphere was thick with silence.Both of them stared at their plates, avoiding eye contact.Suddenly, my mom dropped her utensils and leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.Her gaze was intense and unwavering.
“I've received an incredible opportunity at work.I've been offered a partnership at one of the most famous studios in Rome, starting immediately.We're in the middle of a major project, and I'll need to spend a lot of time there until we figure out a long-term plan.”
I was rendered speechless.What did that mean?Was she planning to leave us—leave me?
“But… you have a studio here,” I managed to say.
“Andrea can handle it on his own.This town is dying anyway; we might as well close it soon,” she replied dismissively.
“But… are you really leaving?”I asked, my voice trembling.
“Of course not.I'll travel back and forth, but there will be days when I'll need to stay in Rome.Maybe most of the time at first, but we'll adjust.And you can visit; I found a great apartment not far from the studio.”
“An apartment?Why do you need an apartment if you're just going to travel?”I questioned, feeling a mix of anger and worry.
“Because hotels are expensive, and an apartment is more economical,” she said matter-of-factly, continuing her meal.My dad didn't look at her once.
“But why?”The question slipped out before I could stop it.
“I've told you, it's a fantastic opportunity.I can't stay here forever,” she replied, her tone sharp.
“You mean staying here with me?”my dad interjected, disappointment etched on his face.
“That's not how I meant it.Luna will finish school in less than a year; she could go to university in Rome or find a job there.We could all move to the city,” she said, her eyes filled with dreams.
“But what about my dental studio?”he asked.
“Oh, I'm sure there are plenty of people in Rome who need cleanings,” she countered, and I could see the pain her words caused him.To him, the studio represented more than a business; it was a legacy passed down from his father.Before I chose to pursue art, he had hoped I would follow in his footsteps and take over the family practice.
After dinner, I went back to my room, burying my face in a pillow.I felt an overwhelming urge to scream and to soothe myself at the same time, a deep ache in my chest.My mind was a whirlwind, unsure of where this turmoil would lead, but it was clear that my dad was the one bearing the brunt of it all.
In a fit of anger, I snatched my hoodie and dashed outside.The road was glistening from the rain, which had started to fall again as I made my way to Marco’s house.By the time I arrived, I was completely drenched.
I rang the doorbell, and Marco’s mom opened the door with a surprised expression.
“Oh, Luna!I didn't expect to see you out this late.Come in.”She seemed unaware of the latest events as she gestured for me to head upstairs to Marco’s room.My heart sank as I knocked on his door.
“Come in,” he replied, his tone irritated, likely assuming it was his mom.
“Hey,” I said, stepping inside and leaving a puddle of water at my feet.Marco, lying on his bed with headphones on, looked up in shock.He jumped out of bed, wearing a white sleeveless shirt.I hadn't seen him in a week, and he already seemed taller.
“What are you doing here?”His voice was impossible to read.
“I miss my friend,” I confessed, my voice trembling as tears threatened to spill.“I really need a hug; I miss my best friend.”He fell silent, and I could feel frustration bubbling inside me.
“You said we could try to be friends, and yet you're taking a different bus?”I raised my voice, anger seeping through.
“Yes, I said that, but I didn't mean right away—eventually,” he replied, maintaining his calm demeanor.
“So you don't care at all?Didn't you miss me even a little?”I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me.
“Of course I did.That's why I gave you space; I would rather not push you further,” he explained.
We stood there, our gazes locked, both of us on the brink of tears.He moved to his dresser, pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, and handed them to me.
“Here, you can change into these.”
“So that means I can stay?”I asked, a flicker of hope igniting within me.
