FIVE YEARS LATER
[GIOSEFFO]
As the cool evening breeze gently caresses my skin, I watch the sun slowly dip below the horizon. The harmonious blend of orange and indigo in the sky is a masterpiece that never ceases to captivate my soul.
It has been half a decade since my wife and I made the decision to embrace a simpler, more ordinary life. We tied the knot once more after I completely distanced myself from our organization. I still support my family, but I am no longer entangled in our criminal affairs. My roles have now dwindled down to just two: a husband to my wife and a father to my children.
Today, we are on vacation in Minnesota, the place where our love was rekindled. This is where we witnessed all the transformations in our lives. I assured Millie that, even though I no longer work as I used to, I have secured our financial future for generations to come. I have investments and businesses that I can manage from anywhere in the country. These five years of peaceful living have been, I can confidently say, worth every moment. I never could have imagined having the opportunity to truly live life to the fullest. I used to think I’d die alone, with no one by my side. Millie, my wife, changed that fate for me.
I still vividly remember the conversation I had with my father five years ago when I expressed my desire to step down from my position.
“Are you sure about this, Gio?” My father asked.
“Yes, Dad. Even though I know I could continue to protect my family as the head of our organization, I don’t want to take that risk. I don’t want my children to experience what Gianna and I went through,” I said, taking a deep breath. “You once told me that you wanted that position to protect our family, my mother. Well, I’m doing this, Dad, to protect my family. I want to do things I might not be able to if I’m bound by obligations. I don’t want my children to live in fear for their lives or the lives of the family they have, all because of our family’s nature. I want something different for them. I want to create a future for them that doesn’t involve trauma, death, killing, and murder. I want a normal life for them. And this,” I gestured around me, “this isn’t normal, not at all.”
At first, I thought it would be a challenge to convince Dad to let me leave, but I was mistaken. The moment he smiled at me, I already had the answer I had hoped for. They labeled me as one of the best family heads, following the path established by my grandfather and father. However, the truth is that I wasn’t the best; I was restrained. There were things I could have done but didn’t. They called me heartless because I used my heart sparingly. When I assumed the role of the boss, I rarely stained my hands with the blood of our enemies because there were others who could do that for me. There was someone who could do a better job than me, a man named Locatelli, whose mind was unhinged. It may not be evident from his appearance, but he was a monster in sheep’s clothing. I was merely ahead of him due to my age and experience, but if he were groomed to be the next boss, he could undoubtedly surpass me. I could recommend him to my father, but I wanted most of the officials to recognize his capabilities the way I did. I wanted him to attain this position because everyone saw what I saw in him. If he becomes the next boss, then I’m certain it will mark a new era for the entire Locatelli family.
I snapped out of my reverie when small hands tugged at the hem of my clothes. I looked down and saw Grant. His large metallic eyes were fixed on me. I squatted down to his level and ruffled his hair slightly. “What is it, Grant?”
“Mommy’s calling,” he told me before wrapping his arms around my neck. I lifted him and carried him, asking him where his mommy and little sister were. He directed me to their location.
Once I set Grant down, I walked towards them. They were collecting seashells carried in by the waves. Grace noticed me and turned her gaze in my direction.
“We saw a jellyfish,” she told me. “Mommy told me not to touch it, or it will sting me.” I smiled at her and kissed the top of her head. I let them play while I moved closer to my wife, placing my hand on the small of her back and caressing it.
“Where were you?” I asked.
“I just went for a walk.” She replied with a smile.
I moved closer to her and kissed the side of her head. We watched our two children play by the seashore.
“Grant is growing so much like you. I hope he doesn’t change,” I said to Millie.
“Grace is becoming just like you,” she chuckled as she spoke.
I shook my head. Unlike my sister and me, our children didn’t share the same personalities. They were polar opposites. Grant was energetic and outgoing, while Grace was reserved but still approachable. Maybe she was just naturally shy.
Millie and I fell silent for a moment as we watched our child. These past years have been the happiest of my life. I never thought I’d desire to smile every single day. I couldn’t have imagined that I’d wake up and the first thing I’d see would be Millie and our children.
“Do you have any regrets, Gio?” My wife turned to me, her eyes filled with so much emotion. “I mean, it’s been years, but I can’t help but wonder, what if you hadn’t made that decision? Do you regret doing what you did and choosing this life?”
I shook my head and smiled, placing my forehead against hers. “I don’t have any regrets, Millie. Even if I were to relive those moments over and over again, this is the life I would choose. The five years I’ve spent with you and our children are the happiest memories I will cherish endlessly. I exist because of you, Millie, and it’s you I will choose time and time again.”
She embraced me, and despite the many years of marriage and being together, my love for Millie hasn’t waned; if anything, it has grown stronger. My love for her deepens with each passing day.
“I will always choose a life with Millie because this woman has given me a purpose in life. She understands and sees the real me when no one, not even myself, can comprehend or see me. She embraced me with all my imperfections. She loved me for who I am. When the world saw me as a monster, Millie saw me as her savior. When I discarded my heart, Millie picked it up and restored it, teaching it to love again. This man who was once heartless learned how to love and be loved. For that, I offer her all my love, my soul, my body, and my heart. I am eternally hers.”
~END~