Chapter One Hundred Thirty Two - Reflections on Change

The soft beeping of hospital monitors filled the room as Alessandro paced back and forth, his mind racing. It was well past midnight, but sleep eluded him. Amelia's labored breathing from the bed only added to his restlessness. Stepping out into the dimly lit hallway for some air, Alessandro overheard hushed voices coming from around the corner. He recognized his mother's whisper and the gravelly tone of his Uncle Vittorio. "...can't believe this is happening again," Eloise was saying, her voice tight with worry. Vittorio's response was too low to make out, but Alessandro caught the words "family curse" and "should have known better." Frowning, Alessandro leaned closer, straining to hear more. But at that moment, a nurse walked by, forcing him to retreat to Amelia's room. As he settled back into the chair by her bed, Alessandro's mind whirled. What did his mother mean by "again"? And a family curse? It sounded absurd, like something out of a Gothic novel. Yet, the seriousness in t