I don't remember what time I fell asleep, but it was noon by the time I woke up to a knock on my hotel room door. I heaved myself out of bed. My poor boobies were so sore and I really, really needed to pump.

I lugged myself over to the door, ready to just give Leo the biggest hug. I still got a hug, but it wasn't the hug I was expecting. It was a tight, strong hug that lifted my feet off the floor.

"I am so sorry," Ella said. "I feel like I have failed you."

"Oww. Put me down please!" I said.

She set me back on my feet. "You are okay?"

"Physically, yes, I guess so," I said. "Here, come on in."

"Yes," she said.

She walked past me and set her backpack down, then sat in the desk chair.

"Weird question, but do you mind if I pump? I...I really need to," I said, pointing to my breast pump because it seemed like she didn't get it at first.

"Oh...okay," she said. "I brought food, too. Enzo said you may be hungry."

"Where is he...Enzo, I mean?" I asked, turning around and hooking up my pump.

"He is working with Leo," she said. "I have spaghetti for you. He said that it is what you like most."

"Yummy!" I said, sitting down on the bed. I could already feel the relief. "Can you just hand it to me? I can't...really move."

I pulled up one of the sheets from the bed so I could cover myself. I really, really wished I had a portable pump right about now. My phone was dinging again. I could see Aunt Linda's name popping up on the screen with a text.

Sunny, I'm so worried about you. This isn't good for you. Just come home for a bit.

I couldn't help but think that if I left now, I'd be home in time for Thanksgiving.

"I should have known my job was not done. I should have kept a closer eye on him," Ella said.

"Who, Giuseppe? He was so sweet and nice...I don't know what got into him," I said.

"All mafia blood is bad, no matter how old."

I sighed. "I'm sad that you had to cut your ski trip short with your family to come all the way back here. You really didn't have to. I'm okay, honest."

"It is my job. I do not know for how long, but it is my job," she said.

"I really, really appreciate you, Ella. I know deep down, you really do like me a lot and if we were the same age, we'd totally be besties!" I said.

"Do not test me," she said.

I finished pumping and eating, then Ella gave me a ride to the hospital. She stayed with me in the boys' private room. The boys were doing okay. Not much of a change from yesterday, but they were stable. My phone dinged again while I was playing with Donato. He had his little pink fingers wrapped around my pinky. I had to take my hand away so I could see my phone. It was another text from Aunt Linda.

I got you tickets. Come home. The boys will be okay. This flight leaves in four hours. You have plenty of time. Please, Sunshine. Come home to your family where you're safe.

"I agree with her."

I jumped, not realizing that Ella was literally breathing down my neck.

"How did you sneak up on me like that?" I asked.

"You are really going to ask someone like me about being sneaky?

I giggled. "Yeah, I guess so." I looked back down at my phone.

"As your bodyguard, it is my job to look out for your safety, but also for your best interest. You have been through a lot. You are still young. You are only seventeen. Everyone needs a break. You are away from home a long time. I know how that feels."

"But the boys—"

"Enzo said Leo will be free this afternoon. Leo will be with them."

I looked down at the floor, then at Donato, then back at Ella.

"I love my boys so much, but at the same time, I really, really want to go home. I miss my aunt and my grandma and my sister and my best friend." I felt a little embarrassed because I started to cry. Sunny Sunshine never cried...in front of other people. "Sorry...I'm normally not like this."

Ella put her hands on my shoulders. "Let's get you back home."

I nodded and said a tearful goodbye to the boys, taking a picture of each one of them so I'd be able to see how big they got in two weeks when I'd be back, according to my tickets. I was going to see if maybe Aunt Linda could move that up.

Two weeks away from my precious little boys felt like a lot, but I felt in my heart like I had to do this for myself. I couldn't care for my boys if I wasn't the best version of myself. I'd go home, see my family, get some rest, and come right back, good as new.

Ella gave me a ride back to the hotel, where I checked out, then drove us back to my apartment. Leo and Enzo still weren't there, but the police were finally taking down the caution tape and letting everyone back in.

I grabbed my big suitcase and some of my clothes. I had a lot of stuff back home, so I left a lot of things behind in the apartment. There was no sense in bringing any of my toiletries home, I knew Aunt Linda would have a bunch of things waiting for me.

I sent Leo a few texts on my way to the airport, but I knew he wouldn't answer because he still didn't have his phone. I also made a quick call to the hospital to tell them I wouldn't be back for a bit. The nurses told me they'd keep an extra close eye on the boys.

Ella helped me get my suitcase out of the car. I just had one little carryon bag. I pulled up the handle so I could wheel it around. She handed me a passport. I didn't know how she got it, but I'm sure she had her ways. I just hoped it was legal and I wouldn't get in trouble.

"Good luck. See you—"

"Wait, you're not coming?" I asked.

"The threat has been eliminated in the United States. The FBI still has eyes on the ones left here. If there is any movement, they will let us know and I will come. But for now, you do not need to worry."

"Oh. Okay. Thanks a lot, Ella, especially for the spaghetti. It really hit the spot."

"You are welcome. Goodbye."

"Bye, see you soon!" I said as she got in the car. I waved as she drove away. I turned around and faced the entrance of the airport. "Wow. I can't believe I get to go home."