Chapter 57: A new focus

Dante
The house was silent, the kind of silence that only comes after a tragedy. Ana had spent the past few days locked in her room, barely eating, barely sleeping. I did my best to be there for her, to offer the support she needed, but her pain was deep and overwhelming.
I sat in the living room, listening to the faint sound of her footsteps upstairs. Every movement was a reminder of the loss we both felt, but for her, it was worse. Paolo had been her everything, her rock, and without him, Ana seemed to be falling apart.
“Dante, can you go check on her?” Valeria approached, her face mirroring the concern I felt. “She hasn’t come out of her room in hours.”
“Yeah, I’ll go see her.”
I climbed the stairs slowly, each step a struggle against my own sorrow. When I reached her door, I knocked gently before entering. Ana was sitting on the bed, staring at a photo of her and Paolo with a distant expression.
“Ana, how are you feeling?”
“I don’t know how to go on, Dante. Everything feels empty without him.”
I walked over and sat beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“I’m here to help you, Ana. You don’t have to go through this alone.”
“Thank you, Dante. I know you’re trying, but the pain is too much.”
Before I could respond, the door swung open abruptly and Luisa walked in. Her presence always brought a mix of authority and danger.
“Ana, we need to talk.”
Ana looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and apprehension.
“Mom, I’m not in the mood to talk right now.”
“This can’t wait. It’s time for you to get up and face reality. Paolo isn’t here, and we can’t afford any weaknesses.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Paolo’s death must be avenged. We can’t show any weakness to our enemies. If they see us vulnerable, they’ll exploit it.”
“I don’t know if I’m ready for that, Mom.”
"You have to be. For Paolo, for yourself. We can’t let his death be in vain. The ones responsible must pay."
I stayed silent, watching the conversation. I knew Luisa had a powerful influence over Ana, and I feared she was pushing her down a dark path.
“Maybe you’re right,” Ana murmured, her expression shifting. “Maybe I need to do something to feel in control again.”
“Exactly. Revenge is the first step to reclaiming your power, to show everyone that we’re not weak.”
“But... what about the baby?” Ana touched her stomach, a shadow of doubt in her eyes.
“The baby needs a strong mother, a leader who isn’t afraid to face her enemies. Seeking justice for Paolo will not only restore your strength but also protect your child.”
I could see the conflict in Ana’s eyes, the internal struggle between her pain and the desire to avenge Paolo. I knew Luisa’s words made sense to her in her vulnerable state.
“Maybe... maybe you’re right, Mom. I can’t let Paolo’s death go unpunished.”
“That’s the Ana I know. The one who isn’t afraid to fight for what’s hers.”
I stood up, unable to stay quiet any longer.
“Ana, please, don’t make any hasty decisions. You’re going through a lot, and I don’t want you to regret this later.”
“Dante, I appreciate your concern, but this is something I have to do. I can’t sit here while the people responsible for Paolo’s death are still out there.”
“I’m with you, Ana. Always. I just want you to think things through before you act.”
“I will. But I also know I have to do something. I can’t keep going like this, consumed by pain without taking action.”
Luisa smiled, pleased to see Ana making a decision.
“Then it’s time to start planning. Together, we’ll make sure Paolo gets the justice he deserves.”
“Thank you, Mom. I needed to hear that.”
I remained silent, feeling that the situation was spiraling out of control. I knew Luisa was using Ana’s pain to manipulate her, to turn her into a colder, more vengeful version of herself. And although I understood Ana’s desire for justice, I feared this new direction would only lead to more pain and destruction.
When Luisa left, I moved closer to Ana again, my voice soft and concerned. “Ana, I just want you to remember that you don’t have to do this alone. We’re all here for you, to help you carry this burden.”
“Thanks, Dante. I know I can count on you. But this is something I have to do. For Paolo, for our baby. I can’t let his death be in vain.”
“I understand. Just... please be careful. I don’t want to lose you too.”
Ana nodded, her eyes filled with determination but also deep sadness. I knew the path she was about to take wouldn’t be easy, but I also knew I couldn’t stop her. All I could do was stand by her and support her every step of the way. At least until I found a viable alternative to help her, I knew what happens to people consumed by vengeance, and nothing good ever comes from it.
“I promise to be careful. And I promise not to forget who I am or what truly matters. I’m Ana Salvatore, and I know I can handle anything. Besides, this will help me; a new focus might be what I need.”
“That’s all I can ask for.”
We stayed silent for a moment, sharing the pain and determination we both felt. I knew that, although the future was uncertain and full of challenges, I would be by her side, helping her find her way and fight for what she believed in.
And as we left the room, I knew that the battle for Ana’s heart and soul was just beginning. Luisa had planted the seed of revenge, but only time would tell if it would bloom into destruction or a new form of strength. I just hoped it wouldn’t lead to Ana’s downfall.