LITMIR.BIZ

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      “I can imagine. How horrible for him.”

      “His father is hoping that once the operation is over, he won’t be so anxious about everything.”

      “The poor dear. What are some of the things he likes?”

      “Swimming and comic books. His father won’t let him look at Diabolik for fear it will give him nightmares, but he’s allowed to read Lupo Alberto.”

      “I too loved the comics when I was young.” While she was deep in thought, she heard the sound of footsteps running down the hall toward the family room.

      Suddenly the boy raced inside but came to a halt when he saw Gabi.

      She jumped to her feet, taking in the sight of Dino Berettini in the blue smock all Italian children his age wore to school. He appeared on the taller side of seven with forget-me-not-blue eyes and black shiny hair like his mother’s in the photograph. The handsome child didn’t look like anything could be wrong with him.

      “Hello, Dino.”

      “Hi! Who are you?”

      His grandmother came in the room. “Dino? You should wait to be introduced.”

      “Sorry, Nonna,” he murmured.

      “I’d like you to meet Signora Gabi Parisi. She’s come all the way from Padova to meet you.”

      “How do you do, signora?” What an adorable boy. “Why have you come to see me?”

      Gabi took a deep breath. “Because you sent a letter to the Start with a Wish foundation, right?”

      His eyes widened. “You got it already?”

      “Yes. That’s where I work. Yesterday the mail came and I opened it.”

      “You did?” He sounded utterly incredulous, then turned to his grandmother. “You said you mailed it, but—”

      “You didn’t believe me?” The older woman sounded surprised.

      “Yes, but... I was afraid it wouldn’t get there.”

      Gabi took a step closer. “Well, it did, and it was my lucky day because my boss said I could come to visit you and bring you a present.” During their conversation Gabi had seen his eyes darting to the package on the table.

      “You have a boss?”

      “Yes. Her name is Edda.”

      “My papà is a boss, too.”

      She nodded. “He’s such an important boss, everyone knows him, even Edda. She was the one who wanted me to bring his son a special surprise in person. Would you like to open it?”

      “Yes, but it’s wrapped for Christmas.”

      “That’s true, but she said you could open it now if you want. I know if I were in your shoes, I’d run right over to the table and rip off the wrapping paper to see what she sent you.”

      A smile broke out on his face. No longer hesitating, he rushed toward the table. Gabi’s eyes met Giustina’s. They both walked over to watch the untidy unveiling.

      “A building blocks set!” His happy exclamation told her a lot.

      “It’s a winter wonderland scene. I bet you can make it look like the one here in Maniago at Christmastime.”

      Those brilliant blue eyes darted to her. “Can you stay and help me put it together?”

      “There’s nothing I’d rather do, if it’s all right with your grandmother.”

      “Is it, Nonna?”

      “Of course. I’ll have lunch served in here while you play.”

      “Can I call you Gabi?”

      “Of course.”

      “Evviva!”

      For the next two hours Gabi had the time of her life helping him put the project together while they ate. They talked about dinosaurs and his favorite emojis. Soon they got on the subject of another comic book character called Tex, from American television; the indomitable hero. Dino was so smart and a perfect delight. You’d never know anything was wrong with him.

      Unfortunately, she’d overstayed her welcome and the time had come when she needed to leave for Padova. Edda would want a report in person before the day was out. “Guess what, Dino? I’ve had such a terrific time, but now I’m due back at the office.”

      “No—” he cried out and jumped to his feet. The abrupt change in his demeanor took her by surprise.

      “I’m sorry.”

      Tears filled his eyes. “But I want you to stay.”

      “I would love to if I could.”

      “Will you come tomorrow?”

      “She has to get back to work,” Giustina spoke up. “Now thank her and say goodbye.”

      “But I don’t want her to go.” He was relentless. It was an indication of how difficult life could be for him at times. Her heart ached for him and his whole family. His grandmother looked absolutely crushed.

      As Gabi turned to leave, he dashed past her and out of the family room.

      The older woman seemed frantic. “I’m sorry. I’ve never seen him act quite like this before.”

      “He’s going through a very difficult time in his life.”

      “I shouldn’t have mailed his letter.”

      “Don’t say that. He loves and trusts you. Now he knows our foundation received it. He believed in something and it happened. That has to have increased the faith he needs to face his operation.”

      Giustina followed her to the door. “About his letter... There’s something I have to tell you before you go. As I told you, his father doesn’t know about it. When he finds out, I don’t want him to know everything Dino said. It would kill my son if he thought Dino saw him so unhappy all the time.”

      “I hear what you’re saying and will let Edda know.”

      “Thank you, Gabi.”

      “Thank you for the delicious lunch. I’m happy to have met you.”

      Gabi hurried out of the villa to her car. As she started the engine, she looked up and saw Dino standing at an upstairs window staring down at her. That precious boy. There was so much sadness in that house, she could hardly bear it as she drove away.

      Between the grandmother’s pain and the worry in Ines’s expression, Gabi couldn’t see any happiness. She wished something else could be done, but she didn’t know what.

      * * *

      At four o’clock, Luca ended the staff meeting and headed for home. His mother’s earlier message that she’d be picking up Dino had allowed him to get a lot of work done today.

      For the last two years Luca had trimmed his work schedule in order to put his traumatized boy first. Because he was no longer in kindergarten, their normal routine had changed.

      Monday through Saturday they ate breakfast together first before he drove Dino to primary school at eight o’clock. Then Luca would leave his office in time to pick him up at one o’clock and they’d go home for lunch. After that, Luca would go back to work until five and Dino’s nanny, Ines, would take over.

      But today had been an exception from start to finish. Now he could enjoy the rest of the time with his son. Maybe they’d go to another hockey match. He liked watching it with Luca.

      He got back in his car and drove to Tauriano. He was furious that his father, who’d always been cold and unyielding, seemed especially devoid of human feelings when it came to Dino. He’d always resented Luca’s marriage to Catarina, and had passed

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