Rina

Rina Zante

"Che la dea della luna ti protegga."

"Così sia." I opened my eyes, my amusement not hidden. "I'm relocating upstairs, Mammà, not leaving the county. "

"You always need prayers. Always. I tell you this all the time." Although her tone was stern, she bore a smile.

I pulled her to a hug, and planted a kiss on her chubby cheek. "Ti voglio bene."

"I love you too." We pulled apart. "Remember what I told you. Be nice—I trust you on that anyway. And don't ever hesitate to let me know should you find anything disturbing, okay?"

I nodded. I had told Mammà that Piccolo Maestro hadn't offended me in any way. Instead it was Mia I was concerned about. In my words, "she gives me bad vibes." Now, I knew it was wrong of me to put the blame on Mia. She hadn't really been nice, but then, she hadn't been that much of a problem to me. However, desperate situations called for drastic actions. I had to do what I had to do.

Mamma had told me not to worry. She too had noticed that from her. All I n