Chapter 152
nothing
“A good friend of mine was lurt. She saved my life a long time ago, and I thought she needed me.
I paused.
“But even if that’s true. I didn’t handle it right. And I want you to know–I get it. I let you down.”
Aiden was quiet for a long time.
Then, softly: “I think the meatballs weren’t as good because you weren’t there.”
I blinked. “You know what? I think you’re right.”
He looked over at me.
“I’m serious,” I said, leaning in like I was telling him a secret. “You didn’t hear this from me, but… Nonna Lucia? She’s a witch.”
His eyes widened
“A good witch,” I added quickly. “She puts a spell on the meatballs when I eat them. Makes sure they taste perfect.”
He grinned. “I want magic meatballs!”
“I’ll take you back,” I promised, laughing. “Just you and me this time. We’ll sit in the corner booth and order three plates. One for each of us, and one just for leftovers.”
“With extra breadsticks.”
“Obviously.”
He kicked his feet a little in the water. “Okay.”
I let the silence settle again, but it felt easier now. Lighter.
We sat there for a few more minutes before I asked, “So, did your mom let you try out the dirt bike yet?”
His shoulders slumped. “No.”
“Too soon? She not think you’re healed enough?”
“No. It’s not that.” He picked at a blade of grass. “It’s ‘cause I don’t know how to ride a bike without training wheels.”
“A”
I nodded like that made perfect sense.
Then: “Want me to teach you?”
He looked up like I’d offered him a golden ticket.
“YES!!”
We practically ran back to the house. I checked in with Elena, who–after a long, dramatic pause–reluctantly
Chapter 152
+25 BONUS
gave us permission. But only after equipping Alden like he was about to enter battle: helmet, elbow pads, knee guards, gloves.
If he gets a scratch, I will blame you personally,” she said,
“I accept my fate.”
We took the bike to the big circular driveway out front. It was wide, smooth, and had just enough slope to make it perfect for practice. I adjusted the seat while Alden buzzed around my legs with excitement.
“Okay,” I said, steadying the bike. “You hop on. Fect on the pedals. I’m gonna hold the back until you get your balance.”
He climbed on, a little wobbly. “Don’t let go.”
“I won’t.”
We
led with slow rolls. I walked behind him, one hand gripping the seat and the other steadying the
handlebars.
He fell
Twice.
“I can’t do it,” he said, arms crossed and eyes brimming with frustration.
“You can,” I said gently. “And I’ll be here until you believe it too.”
The third try, he got a little farther. Then a little farther still. Each time, I felt the shift–the second he started trusting himself more than me. And then he got it. He found his balance.
“Don’t let go,” he said again.
“I won’t,” I said.
But I already had.
He kept going, pedaling harder, wind in his face, the kind of wild joy that only comes from doing something you were sure you couldn’t.
I stood still, watching him ride toward the far end of the driveway.
Watching my son–my son–ride away from me.
And loving every second of it.
Aiden shouted, “I’M DOING IT!”
I smiled.
“Yeah,” I shouted, “You are!”
I turned toward the house, instinctively wanting to share the moment. And there she was.
Elena. Standing behind the upstairs window.
Watching
I raised a hand, not sure what I expected. A smile. A wave. Maybe just a nod
Chapte
But she turned away.
Chap
C
