Chapter 25 - A PROMISE IN THE ROSES
Dante remained on his knees for a long time, holding Sophia tightly against his broad chest in the middle of the sunlit studio. The deep, agonizing wound that had bled inside his soul for thirty-six months was finally closing, healed by the truth, the art, and the unshakeable love of his sister.
Sophia buried her face in his neck, her tiny hands holding his collar. "Don't cry, Daddy. I'm right here."
Dante let out a long, shaky breath, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand before looking down at her sweet, bright face. "I know you are, sweetheart. I'm not crying because I'm sad. I'm crying because... because we are finally free."
He stood up, lifting Sophia smoothly into his arms. He walked over to the large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountain valley, watching the bright golden sunlight illuminate the vast city below.
Sister Beatrice stepped back into the studio, holding a small silver key attached to a lavender ribbon.
"Elena left one final request, Mr. Falcone," Sister Beatrice said warmly. "She wished for Sophia to plant a new rose bush in our garden before you leave today. A symbol of new life taking root."
Dante nodded gratefully. "We would be honored."
They walked out into the central courtyard, where a small patch of rich black soil had been prepared near a stone bench surrounded by blooming white roses. Sister Beatrice handed Sophia a small brass spade and a young lavender rose sapling with deep green leaves and small, tightly closed buds.
Sophia knelt down on the stone path, her lavender dress spreading around her like flower petals. With Dante kneeling right beside her, guiding her small hands, Sophia scooped the cool, damp earth into a small hole, carefully placing the roots of the lavender rose sapling into the ground.
"You have to press the dirt down soft, like this," Sophia instructed proudly, tapping the soil with her small fingers just as Rosa had taught her in the estate garden.
Dante helped her push the soil firm, his broad, tattoo-covered hands working alongside her tiny fingers. "There. Perfect."
Sophia stood up, wiping her dirty hands on her knees before looking up at the sky. "Will the rose grow big and tall like you, Daddy?"
"It will grow stronger every single year," Dante promised, picking her up and holding her close. "And every time we visit this sanctuary, we will come check on it together."
May you like
He looked at Sister Beatrice, bowing his head deeply. "Thank you, Sister. For keeping them safe when I couldn't."
"It was our blessing, Mr. Falcone," Sister Beatrice said softly. "Go home in peace."
