CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY ONE - THE RETURNED SHADOW

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the park as Amelia and Alessandro packed up their picnic blanket. Little Leo, just over a year old now, giggled as Alessandro scooped him up, tickling his belly. "Did you have fun today, mio piccolo?" Alessandro cooed, nuzzling Leo's chubby cheek. Amelia smiled, her heart swelling with love for her little family. "I think he did. He certainly enjoyed chasing those ducks." "Ah, yes. Our little duck hunter," Alessandro chuckled, strapping Leo into his car seat. "Ready to go home, amore?" Amelia nodded, climbing into the passenger seat. As they pulled away from the park, she reached back to smooth Leo's unruly curls. "I can't believe how big he's getting. Seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital." Alessandro glanced at her, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Time flies, doesn't it? But every day with you two is a blessing." They drove in comfortable silence for a while, the radio playing softly in