FEW DAYS LATER

Georgia sat at the back of the car, her cheek pressed lightly against the cool window. The early morning sun was rising behind the tall buildings of Milan, painting everything in a soft gold. Her suitcase sat in the trunk, and her heart felt full in a way she hadn’t felt in years.

The one week in Italy had flown by like a dream.

Luca had been the best teacher. Patient, funny, and smart. He never made her feel dumb when she asked questions. And boy, did she ask a lot. But he always said, "That’s how you learn, Miss Brooks. You ask. You try. You grow."...