Valentina

As I stretch, a peculiar pressure nudges my stomach. Blinking away sleep, I slowly assimilate to the room’s brightness. It dawns on me that Nonna and I fell asleep in the studio. Taking care not to disturb Nonna, I delicately lift the frame that had been poking at my stomach earlier.

Nonna moves, her eyes trying to adjust to the brightness.

“We slept off in the studio?” she asks, adjusting her clothes.

“Yes, after balling our eyes.”

“What’s the time?” she asks.

A soft knock comes from the door.

“Come in,” she urges.

“Good morning, Madame Rosemarie, ma’am Valentina. Didn’t know you slept in the studio. Looking for the two of you after the burial yesterday, I heard whimpers down here and decided to give you both your space. Unknown to me, you would sleep off. Please forgive me. It won’t repeat itself.”

“Alberto, take a break. We all need it.”

“I’m sorry I can’t, ma’am, as it is my duty to oversee things here and ensure security and safety. Mr. Aiden and Mr. Thomas have arrived.”

“Alread