Page 3 of I Survived and will rise again

Looking back at my life, it's incredible how much it has changed. I never believed I would gain a new family, let alone siblings. I remember the first time I met them—it was like a puzzle piece that fit perfectly into my life.

Even though Sadie is leaving, she and Jo will always be a part of my life, and I am excited to see all the amazing things that are ahead for them.

As for me, I am committed to being present in their lives, even if we are not physically together. I don’t want to miss out on any more than I already have. I want to cherish every moment, whether it's through phone calls, text messages, or video chats.

Looking at each of them, I feel relieved that they have finally found the happiness they deserve. Despite their tumultuous pasts, they have managed to forgive each other and move forward themselves, mending the present and fighting together for a brighter future.

CHAPTER 1

Earlier This Year

Sadie

That moment shattered my world into a million pieces. I cling to Jo as tears continue to fall, and my shoulders shake uncontrollably with each sob that escapes my lips.

Mom hugs Jo from the other side, and her cries mingle with mine. Abuela sits on the edge of the bed, resting her head on Jo's legs as she weeps.

The room is heavy with our pain, and the sound of our collective cries fills the air.

Jo's hospital gown is damp from our tears, but he doesn’t seem to mind. He just keeps whispering that everything will be okay. His soothing voice and mere presence have the power to ease my pain and calm my racing thoughts, and it’s the source of comfort and reassurance that I desperately need.

A doctor's voice interrupts our moment, pulling me away from Jo's embrace. I look toward the kind-looking doctor standing at the door and holding a clipboard. He flashes us a warm smile and directs his attention toward Jo. “How are you feeling, Jo?” he asks softly.

Jo clears his throat. “I'm feeling much better,” he says, his voice sounding hoarse but filled with relief.

“Good, I'm glad to hear that,” the doctor says, his voice gentle.

My eyes wander toward Jo's face, and I can't help but notice how much weight he has lost. His face looks thinner, and the dark shadows underneath his eyes and his dry, chapped lips tell a story of the suffering he went through while I was trying to move forward.

“Stop, Sade,” Jo says in a firm tone, but there's a noticeable crack in his voice like before. He can sense what I'm thinking, and that I blame myself for everything that has happened to him. A lump forms in my throat, and I tuck my lower lip inside my mouth, trying to hold back my emotions. I nod and force myself to sit beside him.

The doctor walks further into the room, his face calm and reassuring. He approaches the bed and stands in front of Jo, looking at him with a friendly expression. He takes a glance at the chart in his hand before continuing. “I want to let you know that we have received your test results. The tests show that you are severely malnourished, and you have developed extensive sores on your body, which is normal given the situation that you were in. The sores will need to be treated, and we'll need to gradually reintroduce proper nutrition to rebuild your strength,” the doctor explains. “We'll keep you here for at least a week until your body is stabilized. But you'll be back on your feet in no time.”

The doctor continues to explain Jo's medications and when he can be released. Before leaving the room, the doctor asks Jo, “Do you have any questions for me?”

Jo shakes his head. The doctor gives a reassuring smile to all of us and leaves, closing the door softly behind him.

When they brought Jo in, the handcuffs were so tight that the skin on his wrists and ankles became raw, and the soles of his feet were covered in painful sores due to the lack of shoes to protect them from the dirty ground.

I take his hand in mine without realizing it, and my fingers move gently over the white bandage wrapped around it. My mind is racing with ways to help Jo get through this. As I sit lost in my own thoughts, Jo gives me a reassuring squeeze. “I'm alright, sis,” he says, voice calm and steady. “Everything is going to be okay.”

I glance at him and force a smile, but my voice is only a whisper when I reply. “None of this is okay, Jo.” It pains me to think what he went through without the support of his family to protect him.

I inhale the crisp and refreshing night breeze as we make our way toward the house. My mother planned to spend the night at the hospital, leaving Donnie and Ash to drive Sophia, Abuela, and me back home.

A wave of relief washes over me as I push the door open. It was an exhausting day at the hospital, and my feet were killing me. I can’t stop thinking about Jo. I had a hard time leaving him after finally getting him back, but I knew he needed the rest.

Donnie whispers, “Don't worry, I'll put her to bed,” as he holds Sophia close to his chest, breaking me from my thoughts. Her tiny head rests in the crook of his neck, and she snores softly. Donnie carefully walks down the hallway to tuck her into her crib.

Abuela enters the living room and places her purse in the closet. “I'm going to bed,” she says softly in Spanish, wearinessetched on her face. Her hand brushes over my cheek, and a sad smile plays on her lips. I cannot help but notice the depth of pain that is reflected in her eyes. She has always harbored a soft spot for Jo who, as a young boy, was forced to shoulder the responsibility of protecting his family, a burden no child should ever bear.Angerhad become his constant companion, but that very emotion saved him from the perils of his recent circumstances. I know that Abuela has always held herself responsible for not taking us out of that environment, but now, having come to learn about the kind of people Papi was involved with, I’m grateful that she never did. I shudder to think about what could have happened to her if she had intervened.

As Ash comes to stand behind me, Abuela glances over my shoulder. Smiling, she extends her arms to him. “Thank you for giving us a ride back home.”

Ash responds with a weary tone, his voice heavy with exhaustion. “You're welcome, Abuela.” I love how Donnie and Ash both effortlessly fit into her life.

“Okay, she's all tucked in,” Donnie says, suddenly appearing. He's leaning against the doorframe that separates the living room and the hallway leading to the bedroom.

As I take him in, my attention is immediately drawn to his light gray Vanderbilt shirt that fits him like a glove, accentuating the contours of his broad chest. I can't help but admire the bulging muscles in his arms as he places them firmly across his chest. But what truly captivates me about him is his love for my little girl. The way he dotes on her and protects her with every fiber of his being is evidence of his devotion. He is my best friend and soulmate, and he completes me in every sense.

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