Vanessa's heart pounded in her chest as she turned to face him. For a moment, the world around her seemed to blur, leaving only the familiar, kind face of Riccardo's grandfather in focus. He looked older than she remembered, but his warm eyes and gentle smile were the same.
"Grandpa," Vanessa breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.
He took a few steps closer, his cane tapping lightly on the ground. "Vanessa, my dear," he said, his voice filled with affection. "It’s been too long."
Vanessa swallowed hard, fighting back the urge to cry. "I didn’t expect to see you here," she said, her voice wavering. "How have you been?"
"I could ask you the same," he replied, his eyes searching her face. "But first, come here. Let me take a good look at you."
Without hesitation, Vanessa closed the
