Chapter 7 - Luna Opens Gabriel’s BoxDuring renovation of Apartment 5B, workers found something hidden behind the radiator.
A metal box.
Gabriel’s name.
Elena opened it.
Inside:
Photographs.
Letters.
A silver watch.
And a small voice recorder.
One file remained.
Recorded two days before Gabriel died.
He spoke directly to Luna.
She had been six months old.
Hi, little moon.
Elena started crying.
Luna climbed into her lap.
Gabriel’s voice continued.
If you hear this someday, it means your father got dramatic and recorded something embarrassing.
Elena laughed through tears.
Then:
Your mother is stronger than anyone I know.
Pause.
If something happens to me, don’t let anyone tell you I left because I wanted to.
Elena covered her mouth.
Then Gabriel said something that changed me.
Mr. Santoro is difficult.
Vincent laughed when he later heard it.
Gabriel continued:
But I believe there is still a decent man in there somewhere. If I’m wrong, Elena, make him regret proving me wrong.
For the first time since Gabriel died—
May you like
I laughed while crying.
He had known me too well.
