Chapter 6 - The Woman at the Microphone
Six months after Nora's hospitalization, the Vellini Foundation held another event.
This time Nora stood at the microphone.
Matteo sat in the audience.
Not beside her.
Not behind her.
In the audience.
Exactly where she had asked him to be.
Nora looked across hundreds of guests.
“This foundation is opening a new cardiac screening program today.”
Applause filled the ballroom.
She continued.
“Six months ago, I experienced a medical emergency that I almost ignored because I was afraid people would think I was overreacting.”
Matteo lowered his eyes.
Nora saw him.
She continued.
“I learned something important. Pain doesn't become less real because someone dismisses it.”
The room grew quiet.
“If your body tells you something is wrong, ask for help.”
She paused.
“And if someone you love asks for help, listen.”
Matteo looked up.
Their eyes met.
Nora smiled.
“Sometimes listening is the difference between regret and a second chance.”
The audience applauded.
Matteo did not.
He simply watched her.
Proudly.
---
Afterward, they stood alone on the balcony.
“You were good,” Matteo said.
“I know.”
He smiled.
“You've become arrogant.”
“I learned from you.”
“Terrifying.”
Nora leaned against the railing.
“You didn't like what I said?”
“I hated hearing it.”
She looked at him.
“But?”
“You were right.”
Nora studied him.
“Six months ago, you would've hated me saying that publicly.”
“Six months ago, I was an idiot.”
“Also true.”
He laughed.
Then Nora became serious.
“I'm ready.”
Matteo stopped.
“For what?”
“To come home.”
He stared at her.
“Don't say anything stupid.”
“I wasn't going to.”
“You definitely were.”
“I was going to ask whether you're sure.”
Nora smiled.
“That wasn't stupid.”
“I'm growing.”
She reached for his hand.
“Yes.”
Matteo looked toward the ballroom.
“There's something else.”
“What?”
“I sold Aurelio's.”
Nora blinked.
“Why?”
“I hated the restaurant.”
“You loved Aurelio's.”
“Not anymore.”
She understood.
“That night?”
He nodded.
“I couldn't walk inside without hearing myself laugh.”
Nora squeezed his hand.
“You don't have to punish yourself forever.”
“I'm not.”
He looked at her.
“I'm remembering.”
There was a difference.
May you like
Nora understood that too.
---
