Twice Crowned in Crimson
The party hit its peak when my father climbed onto a makeshift platform to give his thank-you speech.
As his last words hung in the air and the clapping dwindled, Sebastian made his move. He strode through the parting crowd and came face-to-face with my father.
Then, he dropped to one knee.
Silence swept through the hall, every single eye locked on the young man who had always been in the background.
"Don Caruso," Sebastian's voice was not loud, but it cut through the silence, firm and clear, "I'm forever in debt to you and the Caruso family for taking me in these past two years. I'll never forget this act of kindness."