The day of Fina's discharge arrived, bringing with it a mix of relief and apprehension. The morning was quiet, the only sound in her hospital room coming from the soft beeping of the monitors that had become a constant over the past days. Fina sat on the edge of the bed, dressed in a loose sweater and leggings that Mia had brought for her, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

Her family surrounded her, their presence a comforting but heavy reminder of why she was here in the first place. Isabella sat beside her, holding her hand, while Alessandro stood behind them, his expression as stoic as ever, though his eyes betrayed his worry. Her brothers—Antonio, Enzo, Luca, Matteo, and Dante—were scattered around the room, their silence speaking volumes.

The doctor entered with a clipboard, his demeanor kind but professional. "Good morning, Fina. We've completed your evaluations, and you're cleared to go home today. However, as we discussed, you'll be on a strict watch for now. Your family is aware of the protocols, and we've arranged for regular check-ins with a therapist."

Fina nodded silently, her throat too tight to respond.

The doctor continued, addressing the family. "It's important that Fina isn't left alone for extended periods. Keep communication open and watch for any signs of distress. If anything feels off, call immediately."

Isabella nodded, her grip on Fina's hand tightening. "We'll take care of her," she said firmly, her voice steady but filled with emotion.

The discharge process was quick, and soon Fina was wheeled out of the hospital in a wheelchair, as was protocol. When they reached the car, Alessandro helped her into the backseat while Dante climbed in beside her, refusing to let her out of his sight.

The ride home was silent, the weight of everything that had happened hanging in the air. Fina stared out the window, her mind racing. She hated feeling like a burden, like someone who had to be watched every second of the day.

When they arrived home, the family immediately began implementing the plan. Isabella set up a cozy space for Fina in the living room, ensuring she was always within reach. Antonio and Enzo rearranged their schedules to ensure someone was always home, while Matteo and Luca took turns checking in on her hourly.

Dante, ever the most sensitive, stuck by her side like glue, refusing to leave even when she insisted she was fine.

As the hours passed, Fina felt the strain of their concern weighing on her. She appreciated their efforts, but it was overwhelming.

That evening, Isabella sat with her on the couch, stroking her hair as they watched the fireplace crackle. "Fina, how are you feeling?" she asked gently.

Fina hesitated before answering. "I... I don't know, Mamma. I feel like I'm drowning, even though I'm not in the water."

Isabella kissed her forehead, her eyes misting with tears. "You're not alone, tesoro. We're here to keep you afloat. Always."

Fina's lip trembled, and she buried her face in her mother's shoulder. She knew the road ahead would be long and difficult, but for the first time, she allowed herself to hope that maybe, just maybe, she could find her way back to the surface.

The next morning, the smell of freshly cooked eggs and toast wafted through the house. Isabella was in the kitchen, carefully preparing a light breakfast for Fina. She wanted something simple yet nourishing, hoping her daughter would eat after barely touching any food in the hospital.

Fina sat at the dining table, her brothers hovering nearby under the guise of casual conversation. Antonio leaned against the counter, scrolling through his phone, while Enzo and Matteo were setting out plates. Dante sat beside Fina, his knee bouncing anxiously under the table. Luca, ever the observer, stood quietly near the window, his sharp eyes glancing toward her every few seconds.

"Here we go, tesoro," Isabella said warmly, setting the plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of Fina. "Just a little, okay? You don't have to eat it all."

Fina nodded, forcing a small smile. "Thanks, Mamma." She picked up her fork, trying to muster an appetite.

The first bite was difficult. She chewed slowly, her stomach already churning. By the second bite, her throat tightened, and a wave of nausea swept over her. She put the fork down, her hands trembling as she reached for her water.

"You okay, Fina?" Dante asked, his voice soft but filled with worry.

"I'm fine," she lied, but her pale face said otherwise.

Isabella frowned, stepping closer. "You don't look fine, sweetheart. Are you feeling sick?"

Before Fina could respond, the nausea became unbearable. She pushed her chair back abruptly and bolted toward the bathroom.

"Fina!" Dante called, jumping to his feet, but Isabella stopped him with a gentle hand on his arm.

Fina barely made it to the bathroom in time, collapsing in front of the toilet as her stomach rejected what little she'd eaten. Tears streamed down her face as she coughed and retched, the exertion leaving her weak and trembling.

A soft knock sounded on the bathroom door. "Fina, it's me," Isabella called gently. "Can I come in?"

Fina weakly nodded, her voice barely audible. "Yeah."

The door opened, and Isabella stepped in, immediately kneeling beside her daughter. She pulled Fina's hair back and rubbed her back soothingly. "It's okay, tesoro. Let it out."

Fina leaned against the wall once the episode passed, her chest heaving as she wiped at her tear-streaked face. "I'm sorry, Mamma," she whispered, her voice shaky. "I tried."

"Shh, don't apologize," Isabella said firmly, cupping Fina's face with both hands. "Your body's been through so much. It's going to take time."

Fina nodded weakly, tears spilling from her eyes. "I feel so broken," she admitted, her voice cracking.

"You're not broken," Isabella said, her voice filled with conviction. "You're healing, Fina. And healing isn't always pretty, but you'll get there. We'll get there together."

Fina leaned into her mother's embrace, letting herself cry as Isabella held her close. In the hallway, her brothers stood silently, their expressions filled with worry.

"We're going to figure this out," Antonio said, his voice quiet but determined. "Whatever it takes."

As Isabella helped Fina back to bed, the family vowed silently to be her strength until she could find her own again. The road ahead was still uncertain, but they weren't going to let her face it alone. Later that morning, Fina sat curled up on the couch, a blanket draped over her shoulders. She felt utterly drained after the incident at breakfast. Isabella had insisted she rest, but the weight of her family's constant hovering was beginning to gnaw at her.

Her brothers, as well-meaning as they were, seemed incapable of giving her even a moment's space. Antonio paced near the window, his phone pressed to his ear. Enzo and Matteo were deep in a hushed conversation in the corner, stealing concerned glances her way every few seconds. Luca sat at the dining table, sorting through what looked like papers, but his eyes flicked toward her often. Dante was perched on the armrest of the couch, so close she could feel his nervous energy radiating.

"Can you all stop?" Fina finally snapped, her voice sharper than she intended.

The room fell silent. Antonio hung up his call, and everyone turned to look at her.

"Stop what, Fina?" Enzo asked cautiously.

"This!" She gestured around the room. "The constant staring, the hovering, the whispering. I get it, okay? I'm a mess. But can you all just back off for five minutes?"

Dante's brows furrowed. "We're just trying to help you."

"By suffocating me?" Fina shot back, her voice rising. "I can't breathe with all of you watching my every move."

Matteo stepped forward, his tone defensive. "Do you blame us? After what happened, we're scared, Fina. We don't want to lose you."

"I know that!" she shouted, her eyes welling with tears. "But I feel like I can't even think without one of you standing over me. I need space!"

"Space to do what?" Luca interjected, his voice calm but pointed. "To shut us out again? To hurt yourself?"

Fina recoiled as if he'd struck her, her chest tightening. "That's not fair," she whispered, her voice breaking.

"Life isn't fair, Fina!" Luca snapped, his usual composure cracking. "You scared the hell out of us, and now you want us to just pretend like everything's fine? We can't do that. I can't do that."

"Luca, enough," Antonio said, stepping between them.

"No, let him finish," Fina said, her tone bitter. "Let him tell me how I'm such a burden."

"That's not what I'm saying!" Luca shot back, his voice filled with frustration. "But do you have any idea what it was like to find those letters? To think we'd already lost you?" His voice cracked, and he looked away, running a hand through his hair. "We're just trying to keep you safe, Fina. But you won't even let us."

The tension in the room was suffocating. Fina's tears spilled over as she stood, clutching the blanket around her. "I didn't ask for this. Any of it. I didn't ask to feel like this, or to hurt everyone I care about. I'm sorry I'm such a screw-up, but I can't handle all of you treating me like I'm made of glass."

With that, she stormed out of the room, slamming the door to her bedroom behind her.

The silence left in her wake was deafening. Dante sank onto the couch, his head in his hands. "We pushed her too hard," he murmured.

Antonio sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "We need to find a balance. She's right—we're overwhelming her."

Luca leaned against the wall, his jaw tight as guilt settled over him. "I didn't mean to hurt her," he said quietly.

"We know," Enzo said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "But we have to figure out how to be there for her without smothering her."

In her room, Fina curled up on her bed, tears soaking into her pillow. She hated fighting with her family, but she couldn't shake the feeling that no one truly understood what she was going through.

Her chest ached with the weight of it all, and for the first time in days, she felt the faintest flicker of anger—at herself, at her situation, at the universe for putting her here. But maybe, just maybe, that anger could be the start of something. A reason to keep going.

Fina's muffled sobs filled her room as she lay curled up on her bed, clutching her blanket tightly. Her tears were unstoppable, her chest heaving with each breath as the weight of her argument with Luca replayed in her mind. She felt torn between guilt and frustration, unsure of how to process it all.

The door creaked open softly, and Alessandro and Isabella stepped inside.

"Tesoro," Isabella said gently, sitting on the edge of the bed. "What's wrong?"

Fina didn't answer immediately, burying her face deeper into the pillow. Alessandro knelt beside the bed, placing a steady hand on her back. "Fina, we're here. Talk to us," he said, his voice calm but laced with concern.

She sniffled, wiping her face with the back of her hand. "They hate me," she whispered, her voice cracking.

"Who?" Isabella asked, her brows knitting together.

"Luca... and the others," Fina managed, her voice trembling. "They don't trust me. They think I'm just... broken."

Alessandro frowned. "What did they say to make you feel this way?"

Fina sat up slowly, her tear-streaked face a mixture of anger and sadness. "Luca said I'm shutting everyone out and that I'm just going to hurt myself again," she said, her voice shaky. "And they all just stood there, like they agreed with him."

Isabella's expression darkened, her lips pressing into a firm line. Alessandro's jaw tightened, a rare flicker of anger in his eyes.

"Luca said that?" Alessandro asked, his tone low and steady, but there was no mistaking the edge to it.

Fina nodded, fresh tears spilling over. "I know they're worried, but... it feels like they think I'm a burden. Like I'll never be okay again."

Isabella pulled her daughter into a tight hug, stroking her hair gently. "Oh, mia cara," she whispered. "You are not a burden. Not to us, not to your brothers, not to anyone."

"We'll talk to them," Alessandro said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "That kind of pressure isn't what you need right now. They're going to understand that."

Fina sniffled against Isabella's shoulder. "They don't get it, Mamma. I didn't want to hurt anyone. I just didn't know how to stop feeling like this."

"You don't have to explain yourself to anyone," Isabella said, cupping Fina's face and wiping away her tears. "Your pain is real, Fina. And it's valid. But we will make sure your brothers understand how to support you, not make things worse."

Alessandro stood, his expression unreadable but his shoulders tense. "I'll handle Luca first," he said, heading for the door.

"Alessandro," Isabella called after him, her tone soft but firm. "Be gentle. They're worried too."

He paused, nodding curtly before leaving the room.

Isabella turned back to Fina, holding her hands tightly. "Listen to me, Fina. You're going to get through this. We're all going to get through this. But you have to tell us when something hurts, okay? No keeping it bottled up."

Fina nodded, her throat tightening with emotion. "Okay."

As Isabella kissed her forehead and held her close.

Fina lay in her bed, her body heavy with exhaustion and the lingering ache of her emotions. The events of the morning still felt raw, and as she looked out the window, the sunlight seemed distant and far away. Her tears had long since stopped, but the silence in the room was louder than ever.

Her thoughts kept spiraling—Luca's harsh words, her inability to get things right, and the overwhelming pressure she felt from everyone around her. She needed comfort, something familiar to steady her once more.

Tentatively, she sat up, wiping her face with the back of her hand, and then she reached for the button on her bed frame that called her father in. She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt like she couldn't handle this alone anymore.

A few minutes later, Alessandro appeared in the doorway. His expression was a mix of concern and softness, and his gaze immediately softened when he saw her, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Papa..." Fina whispered, her voice barely audible.

Alessandro's brows furrowed in concern as he walked toward her. "Fina, tesoro, what's wrong?" he asked, kneeling down to her level.

She sniffled, her hands fidgeting nervously in her lap. "I just... I just need you to hold me, Papa. Please." Her voice cracked, and she couldn't hold back the vulnerable tears that sprang to her eyes.

Alessandro's heart clenched at the sight of his daughter, so small and broken. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace. "I've got you," he whispered softly, his voice thick with emotion.

Fina's body trembled as she collapsed against him, the warmth of his hug offering her a sense of safety she hadn't realized she needed. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt grounded, like maybe everything would be okay.

"You don't have to face this alone," Alessandro said quietly, brushing a strand of hair away from Fina's face. "We're here, Fina. Your family loves you. We always will."

Fina nodded into his chest, taking in a shaky breath. "I'm sorry, Papa. I don't want to keep disappointing everyone."

"You're not disappointing anyone," he replied firmly, kissing the top of her head. "You're strong, Fina. And we're here to help you through this. Whatever you need, we're with you."

She stayed in his arms for what felt like hours, letting the familiar, steady presence of her father wash over her. The tears had stopped flowing, but the comfort she felt in his arms helped put the broken pieces of her heart back together, one small, fragile piece at a time.

After holding Fina close for as long as she needed, Alessandro reluctantly released her, pressing a final kiss to her forehead before standing. "Stay here, tesoro. I'll be back soon," he said softly.

Fina nodded, her eyes still heavy, but there was a sense of peace in the way she curled up in her bed, knowing her father was there for her. Alessandro walked out of the room, his steps firm and purposeful. He needed to speak to his sons, to make sure they understood the weight of what had happened.

The sound of raised voices echoed from the living room, and as he entered, Alessandro found Luca standing near the door, his arms crossed. Matteo and Enzo were on the couch, their expressions uneasy, and Dante stood by the window, looking out but not meeting anyone's gaze.

"Enough," Alessandro said, his voice low and commanding, causing everyone to fall silent. His eyes were sharp, the protective father in him fully awakened.

Luca shifted uncomfortably, but he stood his ground. "I just don't get it, Papa. She's pushing us away—"

"You don't get it?" Alessandro interrupted, his voice rising slightly. "She's hurting, Luca. And instead of being there for her, you're pushing her further into a corner."

Luca's face reddened with frustration. "But we're trying to help! It's like she doesn't want any of us around. She keeps shutting us out!"

"And how is that helping her, Luca?" Alessandro shot back. "Do you honestly think that criticizing her, pushing her, and making her feel like she's a burden is what she needs right now?"

Enzo shifted uneasily on the couch, and even Matteo looked guilty, his eyes downcast. Dante, who had been silent, finally spoke up in a soft voice. "We just want to make sure she's okay."

Alessandro's gaze softened slightly, but his tone didn't lose its edge. "I know you're worried about her. We all are. But there's a way to support someone, and it's not by pressuring them, it's not by making them feel like they're doing something wrong just for existing in their pain."

Luca opened his mouth to argue, but Alessandro held up his hand. "No. You're not going to argue with me on this. I've seen my daughter break, and I've seen her fighting to heal, but she can't do it alone, especially when the people she loves make her feel like she's a problem."

Luca looked away, guilt flashing across his face. Matteo spoke up quietly. "Papa... we didn't mean for it to go this far."

Alessandro took a deep breath, calming himself. "I know you didn't, Matteo. But it's time for all of you to learn how to be there for her in the way she needs. That means understanding her pain, not forcing it away." He turned to Luca. "You need to go in there and apologize. Now."

Luca's shoulders slumped, but he nodded reluctantly. He knew there was no point in arguing with his father when he was this resolute.

Alessandro looked at all of his sons with a final, hard look. "And remember this: She is not a burden to us. She's our family. And we will always stand by her, no matter what."

As Luca slowly made his way toward Fina's room, Alessandro turned to the rest of the boys. "You'll all have a chance to apologize. But for now, Luca is the one who needs to make things right with her."

With that, Alessandro turned and left the living room, his heavy footsteps echoing down the hallway. The tension in the room remained thick, but it was clear that things were changing—both for Fina and for her brothers. They had a lot to learn about what it meant to truly support her, and Alessandro wasn't going to let them fail her again.

As Alessandro stood in the living room, still locked in a tense conversation with his sons, Fina's steps were soft but purposeful as she made her way down the hallway. The argument between her brothers and father had started to feel overwhelming, the raised voices making the walls of the house feel like they were closing in on her. She had been lying in her bed, unable to sleep, her mind still racing.

When she heard her father's voice rising, she couldn't stay away any longer. She needed to feel the comfort and safety that only Alessandro could provide right now.

Without knocking, she pushed open the door, her eyes immediately finding her father's. The tension in the room seemed to pause for a moment, all eyes turning to Fina. The sight of her, standing there so small and fragile in the doorway, softened the harsh edges of the confrontation.

Alessandro's expression changed instantly. His features softened, and without a word, he opened his arms wide, inviting her in. His protective instinct flared, and he knew that the arguing had gone on long enough.

Fina, feeling the weight of everything pressing against her chest, moved towards him, her feet heavy. She didn't speak, not needing to. She simply walked into her father's embrace, her body instinctively seeking the comfort she so desperately needed.

Alessandro wrapped his arms around her tightly, pulling her close to him. "Hey, tesoro," he whispered, brushing her hair back. "Are you okay?"

Fina didn't answer. Instead, she curled up into his chest, letting the warmth of his body surround her. She nestled under him, seeking solace in the embrace she knew would always be a refuge. She was tired—physically and emotionally—and she didn't have the strength to pretend anymore.

Her brothers, witnessing the quiet tenderness between them, felt a shift in the room. Luca, Matteo, Enzo, and Dante stood in stunned silence. The room was heavy with the weight of the unspoken truths that had just been revealed—Fina wasn't just the girl they had been pushing around; she was hurting, and they had failed to see it.

For a moment, the noise of the world outside their small family bubble seemed to disappear, and it was just Fina and Alessandro, in the quiet comfort of each other's presence.

Alessandro gently kissed the top of Fina's head, feeling the tremble in her body. "You don't have to say anything," he murmured. "Just rest, we're here."

Fina's grip tightened on his shirt, seeking reassurance in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. She closed her eyes, feeling the tears she had been holding back for so long start to fall, but this time, there was no shame in them.

Alessandro held her close, rocking her ever so slightly. "It's okay, tesoro," he whispered again. "You're safe now."

The room remained silent, with the sound of Fina's soft sobs the only thing breaking the stillness. It wasn't perfect. There was still so much hurt, so many things left unsaid. But for now, in this moment, she was exactly where she needed to be. Wrapped in the warmth and protection of her father, who would never let go, no matter how dark the world seemed.

a/n

hellooooo againnnnn. should Aiden and fina get back together ????????