Chapter 76: New Information

Ana
The day began with the first rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains of my room. Paolo woke up early, as usual, and his laughter filled the air. I lifted him from his crib, hugging him tightly. His little arms wrapped around my neck, and I felt a love so deep that it made me forget for a moment all the chaos in our lives.
"Good morning, my little one," I whispered, kissing his forehead.
We spent the morning playing in his room. He loved exploring his toys, especially a teddy bear he always carried with him. I watched him as he tried to put the colored blocks in place, his little face lighting up every time he managed to fit one in.
"You're so smart, Paolo. Soon you'll be solving much harder problems than these."
Martin entered the room with a smile. He had become a constant and protective figure in our lives. His presence always gave me a sense of security.
"How's the little genius doing today?"
"He's discovering the world, one toy at a time."
We laughed as Paolo looked at us, not quite understanding but enjoying the attention. Martin crouched down to his level and started playing with him, showing him how to build a tall tower with the blocks. Paolo watched attentively, imitating Martin's movements.
"How are you feeling today, Ana?"
"Better. These moments with Paolo give me the strength to keep going."
We moved to the garden after breakfast. Paolo crawled on the grass, marveling at every leaf and flower he found. I followed closely behind him, making sure he didn't get into trouble. Martin watched us from a safe distance, always alert.
"It's amazing how something so small can bring so much joy."
"Yes, Paolo is a miracle. In the midst of everything that has happened, he is my light."
We spent the rest of the morning in the garden. Martin and I chatted about trivial things, enjoying the time without immediate worries. Paolo fell asleep in my arms as I sang him a lullaby.
"You're a great mother, Ana. Paolo is lucky to have you."
"Thank you, Martin. I don't know what I would do without your help. You've been a pillar for us."
"I'll always be here for you and Paolo. That's my promise."
In the afternoon, we took Paolo to the nearby park. He loved the swing, and his laughter echoed through the air every time I pushed him. Other parents looked at us with smiles, and for a moment, I felt like we were a normal family, with no worries or dangers lurking.
"Look at him laugh. It's pure happiness."
"Yes, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
Martin took out his camera and started taking pictures. He captured every smile, every laugh, every moment of happiness. Paolo enjoyed the attention, posing for the camera with his biggest grins.
We returned home as it began to get dark. I gave Paolo his bath, enjoying his laughter as he splashed in the water. After drying him and putting him in his pajamas, I laid him in his crib, kissing his forehead once more.
"Goodnight, my little one. Sweet dreams."
Martin and I sat in the living room, enjoying a moment of peace.
"Today was a good day."
"Yes, it was. We needed this. A day of peace, of joy."
"And there will be more days like this, Ana. I promise."
"I know. And with your help, I know we can overcome anything."
We sat in silence, enjoying each other's company. I knew the road ahead would be difficult, but moments like these gave me the hope and strength to keep going.
"Thank you, Martin. For everything."
"You don't have to thank me, Ana. Mafia or not, we're still a family, we support each other in this world."
We stayed a while longer, talking, reminiscing about good times, and planning how to ensure Paolo had a happy and safe life.
Finally, I retired to my room, feeling lighter. I allowed myself to enjoy the feeling of calm that washed over me after a day filled with laughter and precious moments with Paolo. However, that peace was interrupted by a soft knock on the door.
"Ana?" Martin poked his head through the doorframe, with a serious expression that contrasted with the relaxed atmosphere of the day.
“What’s going on, Martin?”
“You have a call from Nick. It seems important.”
I felt a knot form in my stomach as I took the phone Martin handed me. Nick’s voice on the other end was serious but calm.
“Ana, I have a plan to take down Luisa once and for all. But that’s not all. I’ve discovered something that will interest you greatly.”
“What did you find out, Nick?”
“I’d rather not say over the phone. Let’s meet tomorrow at the Golden Garden. I’ll explain everything there. First, about the plan for Luisa. We’ve found a way to expose her movements and weaken her position in the organization. But beyond that, there’s something more. Something I discovered recently.”
I tried to press him for more information, but Nick was adamant. After hanging up, I stood silently for a moment, processing his words. Martin was by my side, his presence always comforting.
“Should I be worried about this?”
“I don’t know. Nick sounds serious, and if he has a plan, it means things are moving faster than we thought. But we have no choice but to wait until tomorrow to find out more.”
I leaned against the headboard, feeling the day’s accumulated tension begin to dissipate a bit. Martin sat in the nearby chair, watching me closely.
“We’ll get through this, Ana. Together.”
“Thank you, Martin. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
I got up and started getting ready for bed, but my mind kept racing. The idea of a plan to get rid of Luisa was tempting, but what could Nick have discovered that he couldn’t share over the phone? The uncertainty kept me awake long after I lay down.
The night dragged on slowly, each minute crawling by as my mind explored all the possibilities. Finally, exhaustion took over, and I fell into a restless sleep. I dreamt of Dante, his eyes looking at me intently, full of promises that now seemed so distant. I woke up several times, each time with the feeling that something was about to happen.
Taking down Luisa won’t be easy, but with what I know now, we can face it together.
Martin and I knew we were on the brink of something big, something that would change our lives forever. The uncertainty was still there, but so was a new spark of hope. Tomorrow, everything would become clear.