Page 1 of I Survived and will rise again

Prologue

JAVIER

Istand in the doorway of Sadie's room and watch her pack her bags for college. Her room is a freaking disaster, with clothes strewn across the bed and the floor and stacks of books and supplies piled on the desk. I can’t believe she’s leaving already. It seems like she came into my life just yesterday.

"You're going to do great things in Tennessee," I say with a smile.

Turning around to face me, Sadie's expression softens as she returns the smile. "You think so, huh?"

I slowly nod in agreement, trying to hide my sadness. Even though I would have loved to spend more time with her, I understand it's time for her to move on and achieve her dreams. "Yep. I sure do," I reply, pushing off the doorframe and stepping into her room. "After all, we are related." I smirk and plop on her bed, grabbing a stuffed Care Bear and holding it in my hands.

I lift the teddy bear to her face, a mischievous grin spreading across my lips. "What are you, five?" I quip teasingly beforetossing the fluffy toy in her direction. She catches it with ease, a playful laugh escaping her.

"Shut up," she says, swatting playfully at my shoulder. “We’re still on for tonight? You didn’t come here to cancel, right?" Sadie asks as she places the Care Bear back on the bed, then walks into her closet to grab more clothes.

I lean back on my elbows. "Yeah, of course we’re still on for tonight.” Sadie rummages through her wardrobe, then turns to face me. "And you’re bringing my baby niece, right?" she asks, her gaze fixed on my face.

"Yes, ma’am."

Sadie nods, giving me a content smile. "Good."

We have dinner plans at Fransico's Pizzeria, which happens to be Sadie and Jo's favorite hang-out spot. We’re going to celebrate Shorty's acceptance to college in Tennessee.

I watch as Sadie fights with the tape dispenser. "Do you need help?" I ask with a lighthearted chuckle. The tape seems to cling to the roll, making it impossible for her to cut a piece without it sticking. I can't help but grin at her adorable scowl.

Sadie looks up at me, her scowl slightly easing a bit. "Here," she says, tossing the tape dispenser toward me. "Damn thing is annoying as hell.

With a smirk, I catch the tape and rise from the bed. I start taping up the cardboard boxes that are scattered around the room. Silence fills the air as we continue to pack, with the only noise coming from "Adicto" by Anuel AA & Ozuna playing in the background.

I pick up the last box and turn to Sadie. "So, are you excited about college?" I ask, quickly sealing the box.

With a heavy sigh, she replies, "Yes and no. It's just so hard to leave everything behind, you know? Mom, Abuela, Jo, my crew... and you." She pauses, her voice catching in her throat.

Sadie's eyes become misty and she gives me a wistful smile.

"I'm going to miss you too, kiddo," I say, putting my arm around her. "I know it's hard, but this is an important step for you. You'll meet new people and have unforgettable experiences. And it's not like we won't stay in touch."

Sadie's head bobs up and down slowly as she takes a deep breath. "Yeah, I guess so," she says.

"I'm so fucking proud of you, Sadie," I tell her.

She lifts her gaze to me. "That means a lot to me Javi," she says softly as her tears finally flow freely. "Thank you for coming into my life at the right time. Thank you for being my brother." She chokes out the last words.

I look down at her, my lips curving into a smile. Gathering my composure, I speak calmly yet resolutely. "That's what big brothers are for, right? You can always count on me, no matter where you are. Whenever you need me, I'll always be there."

"Yo, Sade! Are you here?"

As we turn our heads to the door, Jo walks into the room, holding Sophia in his arms. It is impossible not to notice how he has transformed in the past few months. He is more toned and muscular, his arms bulging slightly under Sophia's weight. He looks healthy and happy.

He sits at the desk and greets us with a smile. "Wassup?"

"Hey, Jo," I respond.

Jo's gaze shifts from me to Sadie, a concerned expression on his face. "Is everything alright?" he asks.

"Yeah, everything's fine. Where’s Elisa?" Sadie asks.

"She's with her counselor."

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