"What did you do?"
"Nothing you need to worry about."
"Bruno—"
"He understands his responsibilities now." Bruno's jaw tightens. "That's all you need to know."
I want to push. Want to demand answers. Want to know exactly what Bruno said to make my father suddenly willing to answer his phone after days of silence.
But I'm so tired.
So incredibly tired.
My father has been a weight on my shoulders for years.
I don't want to think about him right now.
I don't want to think about anything.
I let my head fall back against Bruno's chest. Close my eyes.
"Thank you," I whisper.
His hand resumes stroking my hair. "You don't need to thank me."
"I do." I press closer to him. "Whatever you said to him... thank you."
Bruno doesn't respond. Just holds me tighter.
The silence stretches between us. Comfortable. Safe.
I'm almost asleep when Bruno speaks again.
"Is there anything you want?"
I blink. "What?"
"Anything you want that you don't have." His voice is quiet. Almost hesitant. "Anything you need."
I consider the question. Turn it over in my mind.
What do I want?
What do I need?
The answer comes to me slowly. Rising up from somewhere deep inside.
"I want to work."
Bruno's hand stills in my hair. "Work?"
"Yes." I push myself up again. Look at him. "I want a job. Something to do. Something that's mine. I want to earn money."
Bruno stares at me for a long moment.
Then he laughs.
The sound startles me. It's not cruel. Not mocking. But it's definitely amused.