The lights in the house were still soft when I came down the stairs, my heels making a soft sound on the wooden floor. Giulia was in the living room with Maria, already in her pajamas, and when she saw me, her eyes sparkled.
"Wow, Isa! You look like a princess!" she exclaimed, her voice high and enchanted.
I smiled, nervous. The red dress with its delicate neckline and flowing fabric made me feel beautiful and exposed at the same time. Miguel came in right behind me and gave his daughter a kiss on the forehead.
"It'll be a quick night, my love. Maria will give you the ice cream I promised, okay?"
Giulia nodded, then ran to me and hugged me around the waist. I leaned down and returned the hug warmly.
"Good night, my little star," I whispered, feeling my chest tighten for the first time
