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You followed her at a fast walk- of course she wouldn’t be left out of watch, and indeed, over near a signpost and stone shrine lamp, you saw her. Finally, after a lonesome two years, you had your Yena again, holding Lorenzo against her shoulder. Her hair had grown even longer, and was held up in two braids, but when you called out to her, she stared blankly, like she wasn’t sure if you were real.
“He’s heee, he’s <span class="mu-i">hee!</span>” Vittoria continued shrieking and laughing as she tugged on her mother’s skirt and pointed, “Daddy’s <span class="mu-i">hee!</span>” She then charged straight at you, and you barely knelt down in time before she jumped for you and you caught her and brought her to your chest, holding her in the crook of one arm as you went towards Yena.
“You’ve gotten big, haven’t you?” You poked Vittoria’s cheek.
“I’m big, I’m big!”
Yena said nothing, but looked downcast as you tilted her chin up with a finger and kissed her on her lips. There was a moment of silence, as you let her go and brushed your nose against hers, put your arm around her.
“Why mommy sad?” Vittoria asked that rather impolitely, but she wasn’t even quite four yet.
“I’m sorry, dearest,” you said to Yena, “I truly am. But I didn’t know what I was getting into. What I’d be giving up. What I’d have to make you do. But I’m here now.”
Yena still said nothing for a few moments. “Palmiro…” she said quietly, “I’m happy to see you again, but I’m angry, too. Confused. Relieved. It’s all so much. Be patient with me, please.” Her voice was strained and stilted, uncertain right to its vowels.
“You’ve been patient enough with me,” you said, “Where do you live? You should sit down.”
“This way,” Yena turned, “Vittoria, do you know the way home?”
“Yeah I do!”
“Point the way for daddy, then, sweetheart,” you said to her.
