Chapter 6

• After a pleasant lunch with the girls, I returned home to the Mancuso family mansion. However, my tranquility was soon disrupted when Federica came to me with a serious expression.
• “Federica, what's going on?” I asked, anxious.
• Federica looked at me, understanding my apprehension. “Don Salvatore has called you to his office. You should go there immediately.”
• I could only imagine that my request to lead 'Ndrangheta activities in Tuscany was about to be discussed with Don Salvatore.
• I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm, and thanked Federica before making my way to the office of the head of the Mancuso family. Likewise, I knew this moment was crucial, and my decisions would have a significant impact on my future in the mafia.
• Upon entering the office, I found Don Salvatore seated in his chair behind the desk. He looked at me with seriousness and gestured for me to approach. I took a seat in front of the desk, my mind spinning with anticipation.
• Don Salvatore broke the silence by saying, “Bambolina, I think it's time to give you your birthday present.”
• He picked up a black leather folder from the desk and placed it in front of me. My eyes locked onto the folder, and I picked it up, curious about its contents. I opened the folder, and my eyes widened in surprise when I saw what was inside: an admission letter to Harvard University.
• Confused, I looked at Don Salvatore. “But... I didn't apply to any university, let alone Harvard.”
• Don Salvatore smiled enigmatically, his experienced eyes watching my reaction. “I know, Catarina. But I took care of it for you.”
• I was perplexed. He had applied for me? I didn't know if I should be grateful or concerned. “Don Salvatore, I have no plans to go to college. My desire is to be part of the family's business, to lead activities in Tuscany.”
• He tilted his head, as if he expected my reaction. “Why do you want to get involved in this, Bambolina? You have great potential. Lucrezia spoke highly of your dedication to taking care of her, understanding the procedures that were...”
• I took a deep breath, feeling determined to explain my choice. “My potential is in the mafia, Don Salvatore, not in becoming a doctor. I know Mama Lucrezia's wish was for me to become a doctor, but my passion lies here, with the family and the business.”
• Don Salvatore stared at me, evaluating my words. His expression was serious, and he knew this decision could affect the family's dynamics.
• “I understand what you're saying, Bambolina,” he said finally. “But I believe you have incredible potential for an academic career. Furthermore, fulfilling Lucrezia's final wish is important to me.”
• My frustration grew. I didn't want to go to Harvard, and it was difficult to accept that my wishes were being ignored. “I respect Mama Lucrezia's wish, Don Salvatore, but my place is here with the family.”
• He sighed, his expression softening slightly. “Catarina, you need to understand that I'm doing this because I believe it's best for you. I took care of it personally, spoke with Lorenzo Morabito in the United States, and now you have a unique opportunity. Harvard is one of the best universities in the world, and I don't want you to waste this chance. I'm sure one day you'll thank me for this, Bambolina.”
• My stubbornness flared, and I abruptly stood up from the chair. “I'm not going to Harvard, Don Salvatore, and that's final.”
• He also stood up, looking at me firmly. “You will go, Catarina.”
• My anger overflowed, and I couldn't contain my frustration any longer. “I won't!”
• “Catarina, sit down now!” Salvatore ordered, irritated.
• Ignoring his stern look and the implicit warning in his voice, I turned and left Don Salvatore's office, leaving him behind.
• This wasn't how I had planned my birthday present, but it was clear that Don Salvatore wasn't going to yield. I left the office determined to find a way to forge my own path, even if it meant challenging the man who had rescued and raised me as his own daughter.
• ***
• After the intense argument with Don Salvatore, I left his office with anger and frustration in my heart. I went straight to my room and threw myself on the bed, letting the tears that had been building up flow freely. It was hard not to feel that my family didn't see me as part of it, despite all I had done to prove otherwise.
• I cried in silence, allowing my emotions to flow freely when Federica, my faithful companion and confidante, entered the room. She sat beside me on the bed, gently stroking my brown hair, as she always did in difficult times.
• “Catarina, dear, everything will be okay,” she said with a soft and comforting voice.
• I sobbed and shook my head, disbelieving. “Nothing will be okay, Federica. Apparently, not even Don Salvatore sees me as part of the family, no matter how hard I try.”
• Federica tried to console me, her words filled with love and concern. “He's thinking about what's best for you, Catarina, as if you were his own daughter.”
• I wiped the tears away with the back of my hand, feeling the bitterness of the situation. “But I'm not his daughter, Federica. And I'll never be seen as such. If that were true, I would already have the position I asked for and not just a frivolous party.”
• Federica sighed and continued to caress my hair, choosing her words carefully. “Catarina, please don't see things this way. Don Salvatore is doing what he believes is best for you. He loves you and cares about your future.”
• I looked at her with eyes filled with sadness. “If he loves me and cares about my future, then why doesn't he support me in the choices I want to make? Why does he insist on pushing me down a path that isn't mine?”
• Federica looked at me with tenderness. “Sometimes, what we want for ourselves isn't always what's best for us, Catarina. Don Salvatore wants to protect you, to keep you safe. And perhaps he's right to believe that you should stay out of this dangerous world.”
• I knew Federica was trying to comfort me, but my determination was unwavering. “I don't want to stay out of this world, Federica. This is my family, this is where I belong. I'll fight for my place.”
• Federica sighed again, but then her expression softened. “All right, Catarina, I understand your decision. But please, stop crying and get ready. Soon, the makeup, hair, and dress people will be here to get you ready for the party.”
• I took a deep breath, knowing that Federica was right. It was time to put on my emotional armor and face the world outside, even if it was a world full of challenges and uncertainties. My birthday party was approaching, and I was determined to show everyone that I was more than just a “Bambolina.” It was time to forge my own path and prove my worth in the Mancuso family.