CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY THREE - WHISPERS IN THE DARK

Isabella held her tighter, her own tears falling silently. "That's it, let it out," she murmured. "It's okay to grieve, Amelia. It's okay to be angry, to be sad. But please, don't shut out the people who love you. Don't shut out Alessandro." As Amelia's sobs began to subside, she pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes. "I don't know how to face him," she admitted quietly. "Every time I look at Alessandro, I see Leo. I see what we've lost." Isabella brushed a strand of hair from Amelia's face. "But think of what you still have, too. The love you share, the memories you made together as a family. Those are precious gifts, Amelia. Don't let your grief steal them from you." Amelia nodded slowly, a tiny spark of something – not quite hope, but perhaps the possibility of it – flickering in her eyes. "I'll try," she whispered. "I... I think I'd like to talk to Alessandro. When he gets home." Isabella smiled, squeezing Amelia's hand. "That's a good start. And remember, we're all here for yo