An elderly man of 89 felt insulted when he requested a basic sandwich at a café. Stunned, a prosperous woman spotted something on his wrist and went still. As she approached and recognized what it was, her expression turned vacant, and she was utterly…

Not just me, but Giuseppe too. When Emanuele left I lost my footing, and now so many years later, I see that you weren’t to blame, I just didn’t know how to cope with the loss. Isabella felt her own tears welling up, those words, heavy with regret and sadness, pierced through the walls she had built around her heart.

We’ve all lost, Victoria. I lost the love of my life, and you lost your son. We both suffered in different ways, but neither of us came out unscathed from this.

Victoria quickly wiped her tears, trying to maintain the little dignity she had left. I don’t know how to thank you for helping us now, after everything I put you through. Isabella looked at her with compassion.

I don’t want thanks, Victoria. What I want is for all of us to find some peace. Guilt and resentment have eaten away at us for too long.

I think it’s time we let that go, if not for ourselves, then for Emanuele. Victoria smiled, a small and timid smile, but genuine. He would be happy to see this, wouldn’t he? Isabella nodded, her eyes misty.

Yes, he would. At that moment Giuseppe appeared in the room, interrupting the delicate conversation, but bringing with him a different energy. He seemed more relaxed, as if the simple fact of having a roof over his head and a comfortable bed to sleep in had renewed him.

You two are here talking? he asked, a light smile on his lips. I think that’s a good sign. Victoria and Isabella exchanged glances and laughed softly.

Yes, Giuseppe, we’re talking, Isabella replied, waving at him. I think we’re starting to put the past in its place. Giuseppe sighed in relief and sat down beside Victoria, gently taking her hand.

I always knew that what we had wasn’t living. After we lost everything the pain swallowed us, but now maybe we can have a second chance. Isabella looked at the couple with a renewed sense of hope.

You have a place here for as long as you need, but I hope that with time we can find something more permanent for you. You deserve a fresh start. Victoria squeezed Giuseppe’s hand and a shy smile formed on her lips.

Thank you, Isabella, maybe this is our chance to finally let Emanuele rest in peace. Time passed quickly after that morning of reconciliation, and Giuseppe and Victoria began to adjust to their new life in Isabella’s home. The atmosphere, once heavy with unspoken grievances and hurts, was now filled with a sense of peace that they had long forgotten.

Isabella dedicated herself to providing the best for them, offering not just a roof, but also a new perspective on life. The transformation wasn’t immediate, but gradually, the presence of human warmth and empathy began to heal their deepest wounds. One afternoon while Isabella was organising papers in the living room, Giuseppe walked in slowly and sat beside her.

His gaze seemed distant, but there was a quiet determination in his eyes. Isabella, he began, I’ve been thinking a lot. I don’t want you to feel like we’re taking advantage of your generosity.

I know Victoria and I have been living here for some time, and I’m immensely grateful for everything you’ve done for us. But I think it’s time for us to start looking for something more permanent. Isabella looked at him in surprise, but also with admiration.

Giuseppe, you’re not taking advantage of anything. I’m doing this because I want to help, and because I know that in a way it helps me move forward too. But I understand what you’re saying.

You feel the need for something of your own, right? Giuseppe nodded slowly. Exactly. I think it’s time for us to try to build something for ourselves again.

Maybe something simple but that we can call home. Isabella smiled, touched by Giuseppe’s honesty and desire to rebuild his life. I think that’s wonderful…