As the private jet landed in Orlando, the excitement in Matteo’s eyes was undeniable.
His small hands were pressed against the window, his little face practically glowing with joy.
“Mama! Papa! Look! We’re here!”
Carmen laughed, ruffling his curls. “Yes, baby, we’re here.”
Marco smirked, glancing at Matteo. “Are you ready for the best day ever, little man?”
Matteo nodded so hard, his curls bounced.
“YES!”
As soon as they stepped off the jet, a private car was already waiting for them.
And just like that—
Their Disney adventure began.
Most people had to fight through crowds, wait in long lines, and struggle to see their favorite attractions. But not their family.
Marco had done something that only a man like him could do. He had rented out the entire Disney park.
For one whole day—
Disneyland was theirs. No crowds. No waiting. No enemies.
Just Carmen, Marco, and Matteo.
As soon as they stepped through the entrance, Matteo froze, his little hands gripping Carmen’s.
His eyes were huge, his mouth slightly open in pure wonder.
“Mama… Papa…” he whispered. “We have Disney all to ourselves?”
Carmen smiled.
“Yes, baby.”
Matteo let out the loudest, happiest squeal she had ever heard.
“THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!”
And just like that—
The fun began.
They started with Dumbo’s Flying Elephants.
Matteo sat between Carmen and Marco, giggling as the ride lifted them into the air.
“Mama! We’re flying!” he squealed, pointing at the castle in the distance. “Just like our plane, huh?” Marco smirked.
“BETTER!” Matteo yelled, his laughter echoing through the empty park.
Next, they rode Peter Pan’s Flight, where Matteo pretended to be Peter Pan and Marco pretended to be Captain Hook.
“You’ll never catch me, Papa!” Matteo laughed.
“We’ll see about that, little pirate,” Marco teased, playfully ruffling his son’s hair.
For the first time in a long, long time, Carmen actually felt… happy. Light. Like she wasn’t constantly looking over her shoulder. Like they were just… a family.
And it felt good. Matteo was obsessed with Mickey Mouse.
So when they walked toward Mickey’s House, he practically sprinted forward. “MAMA! LOOK! IT’S MICKEY’S HOUSE!”
Carmen laughed, chasing after him.
As they entered, Mickey Mouse himself appeared.
“Oh boy! Welcome, Matteo!” the mascot greeted.
Matteo froze in excitement, his eyes as wide as saucers.
“You… You know my name?!”
“Of course I do, pal!” Mickey replied, wiggling his hands.
Matteo turned to Marco and Carmen.
“MAMA, PAPA! MICKEY KNOWS ME!”
Carmen and Marco both laughed, watching their son hug his favorite character.
As the sun started setting, they stood in front of Cinderella’s Castle. It was beautiful, glowing under the golden evening light.
“It’s like a dream,” Carmen whispered, holding Matteo’s hand.
Marco glanced at her, seeing the genuine happiness in her eyes.
Maybe… maybe this was working.
Maybe they could heal.
Just as the first firework shot into the sky, Matteo looked up at his parents and said—
“This is the best day ever.”
Carmen’s heart melted. “I’m glad, baby.”
Marco lifted Matteo onto his shoulders so he could see the fireworks better.
As the sky exploded in color, Matteo suddenly whispered—
“Mama… Papa?”
“Yes, baby?” Carmen replied, looking up at him.
Matteo’s little arms wrapped around Marco’s head, holding onto both of them.
“You’re the best Mom and Dad ever.”