Seven years later

"Are you sure you want to do this, Piccola?" I ask as I look into her eyes and search for a hint of doubt. I don't see any, but I know she's nervous. "We can leave right now."

"No, I want to do this. It's time."

"I'll be by your side the whole time. I'm not going anywhere."

She smiles softly as she nods. "I know."

I take her hand in mine, and we walk into the nearly empty restaurant and make our way to the back. I'd specifically asked for a private room today, and we all wanted to be on neutral ground. When the manager...