THE MAFIA'S SUBMISSIVE

AVA

I watch as the last rays of sunlight dance through the library windows, tinting the space with golden hues as I organize the final books on the shelf.

The day is drawing to a close, and the comforting silence of the place brings a sense of serenity. Among the books I hold is an old and widely known romance. It is a time-worn copy, but its pages seem filled with timeless tales of love and adventure.

A smile escapes my lips as I flip through the book, losing myself in fleeting dreams of being the protagonist of that plot and falling in love with a wealthy and successful businessman.

For a moment, I allow myself to dive into the fantasy, imagining living the emotions described on the pages worn by time.

A sigh escapes my lips as I finally place the book back on the shelf, among its literary companions.

My eyes drift to the section of erotic novels, where everything is meticulously organized. I raise my head, adjusting my glasses on my face with a delicate gesture, when I notice a lady approaching, her face adorned with a warm smile.

"Good afternoon.", a woman with gray hair says, and I nod my head.

"Good afternoon. Can I help you with something?", I respond promptly, my voice soft and welcoming.

The woman nods, her eyes shining with a spark of excitement.

"I'm looking for a specific book. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde."

A smile lights up my face as I offer to accompany her to the correct section.

With light steps, we head to the classics area, where timeless volumes await discovery by readers eager for knowledge and adventure.

I reach for the desired book, carefully removing it from the shelf, and offering it to the woman with a graceful gesture.

"Here you go, a wonderful classic. I'm sure you'll enjoy it."

The woman accepts the book with gratitude, her fingers gently tracing the cover as a glow of contentment lights up her eyes.

"Thank you very much, my dear. It seems to be exactly what I was looking for."

A feeling of satisfaction warms my heart as I see the happiness in the woman's expression. It's moments like these that make my work at the library so rewarding. I have a genuine love for books and the magic they can create in people's lives.

As the woman walks away, carrying her literary treasure with her, I watch her with a serene smile.

"Ava?", I quickly turn my head when I see Paul calling my name.

"I'm here."

I approach the library manager, touching my glasses before looking at him more closely.

"We're closing the library early today. A bar opened, and I'm eager to drink lots of margaritas and dance; will you come with me?", he asks, smiling at me.

"I don't think it's a good idea for me today. I prefer to stay alone at home tonight, Paul. But I'll definitely accept your invitation next time.", I say, and he nods.

"You're going to the cemetery, right?"

His question makes me completely tense, and I avert my gaze to the front desk, picking up a pen in my hands.

"I'm still thinking about it.", I say honestly, and I feel it when he puts his hand on my shoulder.

"Don't live in mourning forever, Ava. Your family died a long time ago, you deserve to live without the shadows of loss in your life."

"I know that, Paul."

"Well, then let's close everything, okay?", he asks, and I nod, smiling.

As the sun begins to set on the horizon, I leave behind the comforting walls of the library and walk through the city sidewalks towards the cemetery.

The afternoon is pleasant, with a gentle breeze caressing my face as I cross a pedestrian crossing before pushing open the gates of the city cemetery.

The air around seems imbued with a solemn calm as I walk through the corridors dominated by tombs.

A melancholic feeling envelops me as I walk among the graves.

A sigh escapes my lips as I continue to walk until I finally stop in front of a simple tombstone.

I look at my trembling hands before placing the flowers I brought on the family's grave, feeling the tears wetting my face.

Robert Miller.

Samanta Miller.

Chloe Miller.

"I miss all of you in my life...", I murmur amidst the emotions overflowing in my chest.

I remain here for a long time, lost in my memories and in the void left by the absence of my loved ones.

When I finally blink my eyes, I realize that time has passed faster than I imagined.

The night is about to fall, and I know I need to leave before darkness takes over the cemetery.

With one last look at the tombstone, I bid a silent farewell and begin to walk back through the city streets.

As I cross the streets, my mind goes back in time, recalling the fateful day when my whole family was brutally taken from my life.

I was only ten years old at the time, but the images of the tragedy still echo in my mind, leaving emotional scars that will never fade away.

Despite the pain that accompanies me, I find comfort in visiting the cemetery. It's a moment to honor the memory of my loved ones and find a little peace amidst the bustle of the outside world.

I climb the stairs of the building I call home, feeling the weight of the day slowly dissipate with each step I take.

As I open the door to my small apartment, a sigh of relief escapes my lips. I carefully remove my boots and hang up my coat on a hook before heading towards the bedroom.

The tranquil atmosphere of my home envelops me as I take a long, hot shower, letting the warm water soothe my muscles and warm my soul.

Each drop that falls on my skin seems to carry away the worries of the day, leaving me refreshed and ready to relax.