When we finally returned to the villa, I helped my mom cook dinner. By the time we finished eating and cleaned up the kitchen, night had completely fallen. Exhausted from the long day of touring, we all gathered in the living room to watch a movie.

The overhead lights were off, leaving the room illuminated only by the flickering glow of the television screen. My mom claimed the single armchair, her eyes glued to the movie, while Eric and I stretched out together on the long, plush couch.

"I’m freezing," I complained, rubbing my bare arms. The air conditioning was blowing directly on us, and I desperately wanted an excuse...