His voice went on in a steady stream,yet Astrid only smiled,her expression glowing with joy.
Watching them together,Aurelia felt the burns on her back sting faintly,but the ache in her heart cut even deeper.
Three days later came Santino’s birthday.Astrid had planned a party for him,inviting classmates and even asking Aurelia to attend.But Aurelia refused.She no longer wanted to be caught up with Santino.On that same day,her flight to Iceland awaited.
From that moment on,she and Santino would never cross paths again.She mailed the gift she had prepared for him,ten safety charms she had prayed for over the years,one for each year,meant for him and his mother.
Before leaving,Aurelia went to see his mother.The elderly woman lay in a hospital bed,kept alive only by the ventilator.No matter how hard Aurelia had tried to bring in the best doctors,she had never woken again.
Aurelia let out a soft sigh.Only three hours remained before her flight.
At the airport,a birthday video from Astrid arrived.Laughter filled the screen,voices urging Santino to cut the cake.He complied,taking the knife and pressing it down.