Night had already fallen when we left the art fair. Giulia talked nonstop from the back seat, excited about the paintings, her friends, and the colorful dessert one of the teachers had given her. Her enthusiasm was contagious—a sharp contrast to the usual calm of my car.
“It was the best day at school!” she declared, swinging her legs back and forth. “Daddy saw everything, Isa! Even the drawings I made of him!”
Isabella, sitting beside me, turned and smiled.
“You draw very well, Giulia. I think you should paint more.”
“I will!” Giulia agreed. “But right now I’m hungry. Really hungry.”
My gaze met Isabella’s for a brief moment before returning to the road.
“What do you want to eat?”
“Japanese food!” Giulia exclaimed. “Like the other time!”
I slowed the car into a turn more than nece
