Renzo - ▇ Isabella - ▇

Backdating to March 10th, 2022. The Russo’s House.

italian — ▇ Reducio fiore delicato - delicate flower "Sì per favore, Isabella!" - "Yes please, Isabella!"

North West London, Oxford

In the back garden of the Russo house stood an impressive sized apple tree which held healthy red apples that were ready to be picked any day now. Beneath the tree would lay a large area of grass, minus a small patch right beside the trunk. That area particular had clearly been worn down. It had always been Renzo’s and Isabella’s spot for when they spent time together, and the worn out spot showed it was quite often.

The sun crept through the branches that protected their shaded spot, given them a wave of warmth every so often which was accompanied by a gentle breeze. The weather here was almost always so groggy and dull, specially around this time of year. Yet, it seemed whenever Isabella was around, the weather would almost try its hardest to shine. She had that effect on everything, and everyone. Renzo always thought of her as a ray of sunshine. Maybe there was a brewing tornado hidden within that lump of sunshine, but god.. nothing was powerful enough to take glimmer of happiness away from her without her own doing.

His eyes stared up at his sisters, whose were just like his. Dark brown, almost black and doe-like. Soft and gentle and filled with joy. She was speaking with so much passion of her recent trip to Italy to visit their mother. Her hands waved around in the air and her brows which had a mind of their own wiggled around with the rest of her expressions. "Oh! Oh Renzo! The cheese too! I don’t know how we have never been to that place before. I’ll have to bring you some back on my next visit out there!" She exclaimed, one hand resting over her heart for a touch of drama. The other hand rested on the top of his head, which rested in her lap.

He laughed at her excited nature, which triggered his own to rise. "Sì per favore, Isabella!" He chirped up and licked his lips quickly at the thought of tasting the cheese she spoke of. It was always one of his favourite foods, but the way she was speaking of it just now sent his cravings through the roof.

She tugged gently, and playfully at his hair, a part that she had braided not long ago. "English, Ren! You need to practice more and get better at it." She sounded just like mother, except Isabella’s tellings didn’t cause any sas or roll of the eyes to come from Renzo. "Okay okaaay.." He huffed slightly before leaning up and positioning himself now so that his back was to the tree. For a minute or two, they sat in silence, enjoying the peaceful sounds of rustling branches above them. There were never a moment were the two would really bicker or fall out.

"Isabella.." His voice was soft, almost as gentle sounding as her own. "Do you.. really have to go travelling next month? Can’t you.. stay here?" With eyes that became like puppies when they begged for a treat, he would stare over at her with a look of plea. He could see she was about to reply but he continued before she could. "It’s just… just… your birthday next month-..and-"

"Renzo.. "

"-and… and its so close.. you don’t need to rush off to-"

"Renzo!" Her voice was still calm, yet it had a flare of her Italian accent. It was enough to quieten him. "I’ll be back before you know it. I won’t be gone for that long. Besides, just think of all the stories I’ll have to share with you here when I get back!" She smiled widely, her button nose scrunched and her rose apple cheeks plumped from how much she was smiling. Renzo smiled too, but it was almost doubtful. She could see it. "Hey.. I promise, okay? I can’t leave my little renie-bear."

Renzo cringed at that nickname, yet he grinned widely to match her own now. Deep down, he loved it. "Okay.." He replied. Her gentle reassurance made him feel more at ease.

Plucking a daisy from the ground, he flicked off the dirt from the stem and leaned over to place it within her hair. Daisy's always reminded him of her. They were so feminine looking and gentle— delicate.

He finally leaned in, resting his head against her shoulder for comfort, whilst she stroked his hair and hummed softly to him.

Unbeknown to the two, this was to be the the last time they would sit together in their little patch beneath the tree.