“Dad doesn't want to deal with him anymore.He's shipping Zane off to London.And it's all because of you,” she spat, her contempt cutting deep.
How much pain could mere words inflict?More than I had ever imagined.I gasped for air, as if her words had stolen my breath.My heart raced wildly, trapped within my chest.Air.No more air.
“When?”I managed to ask through the haze of panic.
“He's probably already left,” she said, her voice tinged with defeat.Her body relaxed, and she stepped back.
Love.I had little understanding of love and its power.It defied reason, operated without rules, and erased shame, hesitation, and embarrassment.It created a world where only instinct mattered.And my instinct screamed for me to run.I sprinted through hallways and down stairs, propelled by the singular desire to reach him.
Outside, I continued to run; my legs ached, my calves burned, and a sharp pain jabbed at my side as if a knife were twisting within me.But I pushed through the agony, running and running, until I finally reached his apartment.
Breathless and drenched in sweat, I rang the doorbell and pounded on the door with both fists, harder and harder until it finally swung open.Zane’s father stood by the door, watching me intently.
“Just leave!”he ordered, blocking my entry.
“Is it true?”I gasped, struggling to catch my breath.“Are you really sending Zane to London?”I asked, desperately hoping he would deny it, but all I received was silence.
“I don't have time for this.We need to catch a flight,” he stated, beginning to shut the door.Instinctively, I pressed against it with my hand, forcing one foot inside.
“Please, don't do this.It's my fault.This happened because of me.I'm begging you,” I pleaded, tears streaming down my face, blurring my vision.
“I'm sorry, but we had an agreement.If he breaks one more rule, his mother will take over his education.I'm out of options,” he said firmly.
“He's your son, and you're giving up on him.What kind of father does that?”I regretted saying it the moment the words left my mouth.I could see his anger boiling as he swung the door open wider and stepped out.
“The kind that protects him.I can't do that here.I've done everything I can.This time, he could face three years in jail,” he replied, striving to control his emotions.I gasped at the thought of it.
“But what about his schooling?”I pressed, searching for any argument that might sway him.
“London has schools too,” he shot back.
“But it's the end of the school year!You can't just—”
“I don't care!If he has to repeat the year, then so be it!”he yelled, cutting me off mid-sentence.
“I'm begging you,” I cried out in desperation.“Please!Don't do this.It will ruin him.”His silence only added fuel to my anxiety, but then, the next words tumbled out of me, effortless and warm, filling me with a sense of relief.“I love him!I love your son.His sister loves him, and I know you love him too.”For a brief moment, he hesitated, then placed his hand on my arm and responded.
“I believe you're a good person and that you could be good for him, but he's not good for you.Zane is troubled and needs help.”
“Help?”I recoiled in disbelief.“All he needs is love.”I emphasized each word, hoping it would resonate.
“I'm sorry, but I've made my decision.You can go upstairs to say your goodbyes,” Davide said, reluctantly letting me enter.
I stepped into the kitchen, and memories of meals he had prepared for me flooded my mind, vibrant and nostalgic.I ascended the stairs slowly, each step feeling heavy, until I reached his door.I knocked softly before walking in.
Zane stood by his open suitcase on the bed, packing away the final items.He didn't glance in my direction, but both of us froze, suspended in a silence that spoke volumes.
“Leave!”he ordered, his voice icy.
“Zane,” I pleaded, my heart heavy with sorrow.
“I said leave,” he reiterated, anger seeping through gritted teeth.
“I won't,” I replied with determination.
“Then I'll make you,” he said, advancing toward me without meeting my gaze.With a harsh shove, he pushed me out and shut the door, rendering any resistance futile.
The wall he had constructed between us felt solid, reinforced by his physical rejection.Yet, I refused to let that deter me.I grasped the doorknob, turning it with resolve, and little by little, breaking through his barrier.
