The D'Angelo Family

Chapter 39

Isabella, a book in hand, tiptoed into the room, drawn by the tranquility of the night. 

A soft sigh escaped her as she sank into the plush embrace of the couch, her eyes tracing the tranquil features of her eldest brother, Lorenzo.

He lay sprawled on the adjacent sofa, his usually composed demeanor surrendered to the vulnerability of sleep. 

The weight of responsibilities that marked his waking hours had melted away, leaving him in a state of quiet repose. 

The lines on his face, etched by duty, softened in the embrace of dreams.

A soft smile played on Isabella's lips as she observed Lorenzo's peaceful slumber. 

She couldn't help but marvel at the contrast between his awake and sleeping states—a testament to the burdens he carried as the eldest in a house full of spirited siblings.

In an impulse fueled by sibling affection, Isabella decided to cover Lorenzo with a cozy blanket. She moved quietly, ensuring not to disturb his restful state. 

As she finished, she took a step back, the satisfaction of a small act of care settling within her.

However, as Isabella stood there, she felt an unexpected pull. A desire to share the warmth of the couch with Lorenzo tugged at her. 

Carefully, she settled beside him, the soft fabric of the blanket cocooning them both.

The silence that enveloped the room was companionable, filled only by the soft rustle of the blanket. 

Isabella gazed at Lorenzo's relaxed face, his rhythmic breathing a lullaby in the quiet night.

Lorenzo stirred, a small murmur escaping his lips as he shifted. Isabella held her breath, half-expecting him to wake, but he settled back into a deeper slumber. Encouraged by the tranquility of the moment, Isabella decided to break the silence.

"Busy day?" she asked softly, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Lorenzo's eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light. He turned his head towards Isabella, a tired but content smile gracing his lips. "Isa? What are you doing here?"

Isabella shrugged a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Couldn't sleep. Thought I might find some company."

Lorenzo chuckled, a low, soothing sound. "You're always welcome, you know that."

They fell into a companionable quiet again, the subtle sounds of the night weaving a tapestry around them.

"I was thinking," Isabella began, her gaze fixed on a distant point, "how different you look when you're asleep. Like all the weight is lifted off your shoulders."

Lorenzo sighed, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Sleep has a way of doing that. It's the time when we're free from the worries of the day."

A soft smile tugged at Isabella's lips. "Do you worry a lot, Lorenzo?"

He considered the question for a moment before answering, "Being the eldest comes with its own set of concerns. I want to make sure all of you are okay, that I'm doing right by our parents."

Isabella nodded, her gaze never leaving Lorenzo's face. "You're doing an amazing job, you know. We all feel safe because you're here."

Lorenzo's eyes softened, gratitude flickering in their depths. "I appreciate that, Isa. But I'm not infallible. I make mistakes too."

A mischievous glint returned to Isabella's eyes. "Mistakes? You mean like when you tried to teach me math last week and ended up more confused than I was?"

Lorenzo chuckled, a hearty sound that filled the room. "Okay, maybe I'm not a math genius."

Isabella leaned back against the cushions, a comfortable silence settling between them once more. "You don't always have to be the responsible one, you know. We're here for you too."

Lorenzo turned to look at her, a tender expression in his eyes. "I know, Isa. And I'm grateful for that. You all mean the world to me."

As the night wore on, Isabella and Lorenzo exchanged stories, dreams, and quiet confidences. The air was charged with the warmth of their connection, the walls of sibling bonds fortified in the stillness of the night.

Eventually, Isabella yawned, realizing the late hour. "I should let you get some proper rest. I just wanted a little company."

Lorenzo shook his head, a fond smile playing on his lips. "No need to leave on my account. You can sleep with me, baby!"

Isabella squealed and got in with Lorenzo.