In the Name of Family

LA'S

led the air, mixing with the comforting scent of freshly baked bread. It was another busy night at Rossi's, our family

bread," Maria, our waitress

with warm rolls. As I handed it off to her, my father walked i

hint of desperation in his

worry in his eyes. "Can it wait,

his voice trembling sl

. The small space was cluttered with papers, the faint smell of old wood lingering in the air.

. The restaurant...it's

sank. "

h. "We're deep in debt. If we don't

my mind racing.

loor. "Bella, there's something I need t

n down my spine.

or years. And now, the deb

nned. "Gambling? Why

ontrol." His voice broke, and he looked at me with pleading eyes. "Bella, the maf

sank into the nearest ch

g to keep it from you, trying to protect you. But now

d fear. "Why, Papa? Why di

in his eyes. "I didn't want you to know wh

under the weight of his confession. The office felt smaller, the

barely above a whisper. "Her heart...it's too fr

between us. But we need a plan, Papa. We

ear from his cheek. "We could try to get

, shaking my head. "And who would lend u

is temples. "I don't know,

written there. The restaurant was everything to us, the heart of our family.

d finally, trying to inject some co

pe and despair. "I'm so sorry, Bella. I

took his hand. "We'll get thro

ning with tears. "Thank you, Bella.

anging heavily in the air. The sounds of the restaurant bustling outs

ns," I said, standing up. "We'll f

weary but grateful. "I'll do what

ells provided a small comfort. Maria gave me a questioning look, but I force

ht of the mafia taking over our restaurant was terrifying. We needed a solution, and fast. But

orway for a moment, watching her, and felt a pang of guilt. She had no idea of the storm brewing ar

aring at the ceiling, my thoughts returned to my father's confession. Gambling.

th, trying to calm my racing heart. We would find a way to s

would bring new challenges, but I was ready to face