Page 172 of Capuleto

She said no, on the contrary, if I was sharing a room with the mummy, it was at my father's express request. My wife was in the next room.

I flew into a rage and demanded to be moved immediately. She tried to calm me down and told me it would be better to talk to my father, who was meeting with the doctor to discuss my progress.

Half an hour later, Massimo Capulet entered my room, with the joy of a father who had slept very little in recent nights. Deep dark circles shadowed his overly vivid eyes.

As soon as he entered, he gave me a gentle initial hug that I couldn't refuse, accompanied by a couple of resounding kisses, the kind that come from the soul, not just a simple cheek-to-cheek touch. After receiving this affectionate display of relief, I demanded that he bring her.

He wanted to know the reason for my change in attitude. He wanted me to tell him in my own words what had happened, and I recounted in detail everything I had experienced. He informed me that before talking to me, he had questioned Andrey, Segarra, and even Cheng. Nevertheless, he preferred that I be the one to tell him what happened.

I told that damn nightmare a bit haphazardly. I was going to go crazy if I couldn't talk to Nikita and see with my own eyes that she was okay.

"I want to see her," was the first thing I said after spilling the truth to my father.

He looked at me sternly. Although he had heard what happened from my mouth, he still had some reservations.

"Maybe it would be best..."

"The best thing is for a wife to be with her husband. You may be my father, but in this matter, I decide. I don't understand why I have to be in a different room from Nikita when you've already been informed thoroughly about what happened."

"I had to clarify it with you. You know how things ended with your uncle in our last conversation; it's not like the Russian is his favorite person."

"Then you'd better make sure he changes his perspective. I wouldn't be breathing if it weren't for her, and that should be enough for all of you."

"Have you forgiven her?"

"What do you think? I owe her my life, and who doesn't make a mistake when it comes to protecting family?"

"Her 'mistake' was trying to end us all."

"Her mistake was not telling me what was happening because she felt confused. After thinking about it a lot, even though I don't agree with the decision she made, I can understand it."

"And that's it?"

"For God's sake, Dad! I shot my wife! She almost died because I refused to take her to the hospital, and I could have killed my child in the process!"

"I already told you she's still pregnant."

"All the more reason, I don't want that child to grow up without her." My father crossed his arms with an uncomfortable expression. "She killed her brother for me! What the hell do you want to prove that there's no better person to be by my side? She stepped in front of the bullet and took the hit for me!"

"She certainly has guts," my father smiled under his thin mustache, "I won't argue with that."

"You know Mom would like her."

"Yes, I'm afraid she would..." he sighed heavily. "I'll see how I can sort out this mess."

"You could start by calling my uncle and Nonna. I don't want any reprisals against Nikita. My wife made a mistake by withholding information, not showing clear intent, and considering the possibility of betraying us. I won't dispute that, but her actions speak louder than her doubts. We owe Koroleva for being alive."

"I've got your defense loud and clear, counselor," my father mocked. "Jelena and Irisha are with her. I brought them to see her."

"That sounds great, but ask for her to be moved. I don't want to be next to an octogenarian who's got two newscasts left," I muttered softly. I was separated from my roommate by a curtain.

"I'll take care of it."

My father grabbed a pillow.

"You don't need to kill him! Just ask the doctor for a transfer."

"I wasn't going to kill him; who do you take me for?" I raised my eyebrows. "I was just going to adjust your second pillow so you can see your wife properly when she comes in."

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