Apathy

11| Bonding

A S T R A E A

"Valerio, I swear to Lucifer if you don't give me my phone back I will cut your balls and feed them to you " I threaten coldly making him gulp, fear flashing in his eyes "fine you violent woman " he sigh and handed me the phone, I snatch it and rolled my eyes "I just wanted to spend time with you" he whined looking at me sadly, my eyes soften "we can do something " I suggest, his eyes immediately lit up "really," he asked hopefully, I nodded, he grins than proceed to take my hands and lead me to his room

Once I am inside I couldn't help but admire the decor of the bedroom it screams 'Valerio', the walls were a pale yellow—which I learn is his favorite color —and his furniture is white, he also has big jars filled with M&Ms or gummy bear it doesn't really surprise me it is Val's room after all but what astonished me the most was the set of pinceaux (paintbrush) and the colorful, huge collection of paint "you paint "I ask in disbelief, he turns to me to see me admiring his works "yeah.." he muttered sheepishly, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. Why is he so embarrassed his paintings are great?!

"They are amazing, you're very talented," I say impressed, his art was colorful it represents his personality perfect yet if you look closely you will notice that they have a deep, dark meaning, I know how the type of people like Val is they always hide their pain with fake smiles, trying to make everyone believe that they are fine they don't want to burden them with their problems, they hide their demons better than anyone else because no one ever expects them to be actually depressed, Valerio is also optimistic he always see the best in people or the best in the situation, his heart is honeyed, sometimes I wonder if he is too pure for this world, our world, our dirty dark world, the mafia

I never expected him to be a painter, but now that I think about it he does have an artistic and creative side, I guess painting is his way of letting go or expressing his emotion and I am glad he doesn't use harmful ways to do so ........like I use to

"thank you only a handful of people know about it " he explained to me who still is admiring his art in awe "do you want to pursue art after high school "I question raising an
eyebrow " I don't know, I am not sure yet maybe I can do it as a part-time job while working in the family business" he replied, some unreadable emotions floating in his eyes, I hum not questioning it further even knowing that there was something obviously holding him back, but I know that he isn't ready to talk about it so I won't push it we all have our secrets I would be a hypocrite if I insist that he reveals them to me when I have tons of secrets buried

"if you want to talk to someone I am always here" I murmur softly, I felt compelled to say it, I felt the need to, his head shot up to me, his brown eyes filled with gratefulness, and admiration "thank you" he muttered his voice above a whisper "I miss you so much, we all did, I am so glad you, Ares and Atlas are back, we can be a family again " he continued, he let go the tears that he was holding, I lift my thumb to wiped them away and then pulled him in a hug

we sat in silence for a few minutes, there was no need for words to be said...they were unspoken yet comprehended, just the silence and us....it was peaceful "enough of this sappy shit, let's watch Netflix " I say trying to be enthusiastic, "yes let's watch Dynasty " he squealed his voice laced with excitement "I love that show, Liam is one hot motherfucker " I agreed

• • •

we finished the first two season of the series, yes...we're binge-watcher, we are suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door "come in" Valerio shouts not moving his gaze from the TV, Hermes enter the room looking between Val and me then to the TV where the show is playing "you are watching Dynasty without me you traitors" he gasps dramatically "oops" Val and I muttered in unison "anyway lunch is ready to come on" he informs us before walking out of the room