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“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.” –— Lucius Annaeus Seneca
But the higher you fly, the harder you fall. And boy, did I fall.
The past three years have been torturous for me, but it’s been a hell of a lot worse for Dad. He lost Mom, and now he’s going to lose me as well.
There are dark moments where I feel it would be better for me to die right now.
I’m tired of the sword hanging over my head.
I can’t do this anymore.
“We’re not giving up. Be strong for a little while longer. Okay?” I don’t have any strength left, Daddy.
“Thank you for being the best father a girl could ask for. Thank you for being everything I needed and taking care of me. Thank you for loving me.”
“Stop talking like that. I’m not letting you die, and I sure as fuck don’t want other kids. I want you, Skylar. You’re my daughter, and no one can take your place.”
How do I say goodbye to my father, knowing he’ll be all alone in this world? How do I ask him to carry on after I’m gone? I would do anything to save him from the grief and loneliness.
“I have so many special memories thanks to you.” Dad’s chin quivers, and he clears his throat before he says, “And we’ll make many more.”
Tears sneak from Dad’s eyes, and his voice is hoarse as he says, “You’re going to be okay, sweetheart.”
“Addio, fratello. Ti vendicherò.”
Even the heavens weep for you, Giulio. That’s how fucking special you were.
“I’ll miss you so fucking much, Giulio.”
A life for a life.
“Your time will come, and I’ll show you the same mercy Giulio received when they fucking butchered him,”
“There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for you.” I know. I’m the luckiest person alive to have him as my father.
“We brought you lilies, Mom,” I say as I read the words engraved on the granite. “Hi, Sadie,” Dad whispers while he wraps his arm around my shoulders. “I brought Skylar so you could see how good she’s doing.”
“This is getting insane. There’s no one there.” The corner of my mouth lifts in a predatory smirk. “Oh, I’m here.”
It’s the same man I saw the day we went to the cemetery, and I’m one hundred percent sure it’s the man I saw at the hospital. I’m being stalked.
Honestly, I should feel flattered. The man might be interested in me and is looking for the right moment to approach me. Don’t be freaking stupid!
There’s nothing flattering about being watched, and it feels sinister as hell.
Topolina.
“Are you scared yet, topolina?” She nods frantically. “Y-Y-Yes.” “Good.”
“I’ll see you soon, topolina.” It’s time to implement the next stage of my plan.
“Skylar!” “Daddy,” I scream just as I’m thrown to the floor and a knee presses into my lower back.
I’ve experienced intense fear before when I was told I was going to die, but it’s nothing compared to what I’m feeling right now.
After everything I’ve been through, I’m still going to die.
“I’m one of the heads of the Cosa Nostra, and the kidney in your body belonged to my little brother.”
“My little brother was killed so you could fucking live.”
“As long as my brother’s kidney is in your body, you belong to me.”
“Your choice, topolina. Either you do exactly as I say, or I take the kidney back right now.”
“I would rather have died a dignified death than be subjected to this horror.”
My rights were violated, and an innocent person died so I could live.
I’ll make them suffer, Giulio. I’ll make them fucking pay.
“Every time you were in the kitchen, or watching TV, or in your bedroom, and you glanced around thinking you were losing your mind, I was watching you.” My mouth drops open, and before I can stop myself, I mutter, “That’s not creepy at all. ”
“I’ve devoted my life to saving people.” “Yet my brother is dead,” Renzo snaps.
“Thank me for showing you mercy,” Renzo demands. Dear God. “T-Thank y-y-you.”
“Breathe, or your father dies.”
“You’ll never comfort your daughter again, Harlan. She’s mine.”
Not even killing a man can get his heart rate up.
“No matter what happens, I love you, sweetheart.”
I didn’t get to say goodbye. Christ. I’d give everything I have to hug Giulio one last time. To tell him I love him.
“D-Daddy,” she sobs. “I love y-you.” “I’m so sorry for this mess I’ve caused,” he whispers to her. “I just wanted to save you. Please forgive me.”
“I’m taking Skylar to her new home, where she’ll serve me on her hands and knees.”
“It’s okay, Daddy. Go home.”
“This will never be my home.” I let out a dark chuckle. “We’ll see about that.”
“They won’t do anything to risk my life.” “You sound so sure,” he murmurs. Letting out a sigh, he adds, “It’s going to be fun watching it all unfold.”
“I’ll leave the TV on so you can watch your father from your tower, principessa. If you turn up the volume, you’ll be able to hear them.”
