Page 322 of Valentino

Poor Val.

The tears stream down my face, I can’t stop them. I want to try and be strong for Val but I’m failing miserably.

“Can I get you anything, dear?” the kind old woman asks me.

I think for a moment. “His chickens.”

“I’ll look after them until we work something out.” Her voice is soft, just a whisper.

“Okay.” I nod, distracted. “That would be nice.”

To think I was so excited to come and see those chickens today…my God. A random thought pops into my head.

My ring box.

My God.

Shut the hell up about your stupid fucking ring box, Anna. What the hell is wrong with you that you would be thinking about a ring box at a time like this?

I hear car doors out the front and my heart breaks all over again because I know what’s about to happen.

Be brave.

I stand and walk around the side of the house to see Valentino and Giuliano getting out of the car. His haunted eyes rise to meet mine and instantly my bravery disappears, my face screws into tears, I rush over and pull him into a hug.

“Are you alright?” he asks.

I nod.

“I’m so sorry.” I sob out loud, tears are streaming down my face.

He looks up at the house. “Stay here, Anna.”

“I’m coming,” Giuliano replies.

“Don’t.”

“Shut up.” He walks up the path beside him.

They walk into the house….

Silence.

It feels like forever….

Silence.

Time stands still.

The most bloodcurdling scream cries out, and I put my hand over my mouth.

Luigi and Gino are openly crying too.

“Noooooooo,” Valentino cries. “Nooo…. Papa…. Noooooooo.”

It’s 2 a.m. when we arrive back at the apartment, our security code is punched into the keypad and the gates slowly open. We drive into the parking lot and around to the parking area.

The car is quiet, and depressingly still.