SIXTY-ONE.

Stirring in my sleep, I roll over to my side, slowly blinking my eyes in a butterfly effect, willing them to open.

The first thought that springs to mind is that the smell of heavy disinfectant no longer assaults my nostrils, leaving a slight stinging sensation behind.

I’ve never liked the smell of hospitals.

I hate hospitals altogether with a passion.

It’s a place where people come to die in my family… My father!

In a state of panic, I sit up in the bed, frantically taking in my surroundings, realising that I am no longer at the hospital.

“Alessandro…” I breathe out his name as I exhale sharply.

Scarlett. The bombs…

O.M.G… What happened?

Combing my fingers through my hair, I freeze the instant a heavy hand snakes around my torso, forcing me backwards, my head hits the soft pillows.

“Buongiorno, amore mio.” A husky voice whispers in my ear. “You called me?”

The panic that was slowly drilling into my bones, dissipates, replacing it with relief.

Slowly, reminding myself to be cautious