VINCENZO

I stared down at the water—jaw clenched in full concentration.

“Siete pronti.” [Ready?]

I braced up. Having gathered enough momentum, I signaled to Michele with a thumbs up.

"And go!"

I plunged headfirst into the freezing pool. The water hit me hard on the face. I pierced down to the bottom of the pool, coming to lie face up. Bubbles left my nostrils. I left my eyes open for a while before shutting them. The serenity of the pool lulled me to sleep.

Some time later, I jerked awake and pushed upwards to the surface. With my head out, I sucked in air. Fuck. My chest weighed tons. Ignoring...