The entry hallway felt darker than usual. The front light was flickering, stubbornly refusing to die, and for a second I almost changed it right then and there—before Marta could notice and deliver a full lecture about my supposed negligence.
But today… she wasn’t there.
For the first time in days, the house was waiting for me in peace.
I took a deep breath before turning the key.
The smell came first. Freshly cooked food mixed with something sweeter. Cinnamon? When I pushed the door open, I heard Giulia’s soft voice coming from the living room.
— …and the bear said, “I love you too, Mommy.”
Isa.
I smiled before I even saw them.
I dropped my briefcase on the console table and walked slowly, just to watch. Giulia was sitting in her lap, an open book resting across both their knees.
