Rina Zante

"Che la dea della luna ti protegga."

"Così sia." I opened my eyes, my amusement not hidden. "I'm relocating upstairs, Mammà, not leaving the county. "

"You always need prayers. Always. I tell you this all the time." Although her tone was stern, she bore a smile.

I pulled her to a hug, and planted a kiss on her chubby cheek. "Ti voglio bene."

"I love you too." We pulled apart. "Remember what I told you. Be nice—I trust you on that anyway. And don't ever hesitate to let me know should you find anything disturbing, okay?"

I nodded. I had told Mammà that Piccolo Maestro hadn't offended...