~ Niamh ~
Massimo finally released Matteo, slowly lowering our son back down until his little shoes were planted firmly on the floor, but the warm moment shattered completely when his knees buckled right beneath him.
His massive frame swayed dangerously, and a collective gasp echoed through the lobby as everyone immediately sprang forward toward him in pure fear, hands reaching out to catch him before he hit the ground.
Massimo righted himself though, snapping his spine straight and putting his hand out to stop them in their tracks, his gesture a clear sign that he was completely okay, or rather, the sign of a proud leader who simply refused to appear weak.
I took a couple of steps toward him, completely unable to stop myself now that the panic was overriding my caution, and my voice trembled slightly as I asked, "Are you okay?"
Massimo swallowed hard and nodded once, his voice raspy. "Yes, I am fine."
