RINARina, take a deep breath. Breath in; breath out. There's nothing you can do. I had tears in my eyes and an emotion that was similar to the one I got when Papà died. Denial, that was what it was. Not wanting to believe a fact was a fact. Wishing so damn badly that the hands of time slid backwards to afford me the opportunity to right the wrong of the present. It laid on the ironing board, staring at me. The blackened spot around the breast pocket of Liliana's jumpsuit. The time she'd given me had long passed; I wasn't ready to leave the laundry room. I didn't think I could. What's the worse that can happen? An unknown voice rang in my mind. Yes, what was the worst? I didn't have a strong threshold for pain, and I probably would spend the night crying, but wasn't that where the torture would end? My hands came to my face, wiping off tears. A dry chuckle left my lips. Good riddance I hadn't been excited for the Festival of the Sun. Good riddance I hadn't imagined how much of a g

RINAGli Angeli della Città buzzed with a different kind of energy. It was the busiest tram terminal in the city, but was now packed much more than a can of sardines. You could hardly find a spot to place your foot. And while this was frustrating, there were hoodlums to look out for. People who'd sneak up on you and steal. This was one of the cons of festive periods. Mammà and I managed to snag ourselves some tickets amidst the chaos and the ticket seller’s unfriendliness. We got some things for Uncle Enrico’s family before claiming our seats. I might not look it, but I was happy. Couldn't even close my eyes for more than a minute last night, because all I could of was Uncle Enrico, Bella in my arms and the corn field. Mammà and I snacked, then—thanks to the graying sky—I slipped to sleep. I woke up some time later when Mammà nudged me. "Someone's been calling you." I looked down at my tote bag and drew out my phone. Whoever it was had called thrice. Sophia came to mind, but I

VINCENZOI buttoned up my sleeves and ensured—for the umpteenth time—that my shirt was properly tucked. Next came my tie. I made sure the clip was in place and my hair—even though not gelled—looked good. I didn't have to look like some one dimensional superhero in a comic strip to make an impression. I knew why I took my time, and I'd be damned if I didn't get the desired result. Four days of being suave couldn't go unrewarded. Spraying some bit of perfume, I grabbed my satchel and left the room. From what my watch said, Padre should be anything but ready. I was wrong. He was perched on a couch, sipping what I knew was espresso. All dressed and ready for the day's business.He looked me over, I must say, quite surprised at my punctuality and maybe my clean character these past few days. I knew so, even though his expression relayed nothing. "Coffee?" he asked as I took a seat opposite. "I already have."Silence took form; all the while, I watched him. He locked gazes with me tw

RINAWe climbed the porch stairs and found ourselves in the living room. Sure enough, Mammà was here. She was together with Uncle Enrico. They both gaped at us like we were aliens. It took a second thought to remember the huge driver was with us. Perhaps, he was the reason they looked stunned.Alessio broke the silence by greeting, at the same time reminding me I was supposed to make introductions. Mammà, however, was quick to speak before I could. "Oh, Alessio." Her gaze switched to me. I knew what she was thinking. Definitely, once Alessio leaves, we'd be having a talk. She eventually quit staring and approached Alessio to give him a half hug. "Rina has told me a lot about you. I'm glad you two know each other."Okay? That was totally unexpected. I blew a breath and imagined flicking sweat off my forehead. Alessio went on to engage in a light conversation with Mammà and Uncle Enrico. I took that as a cue to disappear and get my shit together. I picked Nico's voice as I left th

VINCENZO This would be the third time I glanced at my parents since I became aware of a fact: it was blaringly silent here. Deader than a doornail. No matter that my parent's expression gave no clue, I kept stealing glances with the hope of getting a break in my investigation. No such luck, however. Defeated, I returned to my food. This should be one of those days when the atmosphere was gloomy for no reason. And I was talking about some nine, ten months ago, long before some girl had showed up and pulled my mind all to herself; away from the darkness that wrapped me round. Now she was gone, everything had deteriorated. Everything was worse than before. Still, I hoped Lucia's words were true. That Rina had until next week to return. It did seem like a year. With all the lameness that characterized my nights, I was in dire need of an escape. Fuck, I'd been patient enough. It was no easy thing being away from her, separated by distance in every sense of it. The bitch truly had block