The Unexpected Return

The late morning light streamed through the curtains, casting warm stripes on the marble floor.

Alessio’s mother sat on the couch, her hands wrapped around a cup of tea, while the television hummed softly in the background.

She looked frailer than before, the hospital had taken a toll on her strength, but her spirit still shone through her eyes.

The doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it,” Alessio said, risi