"Ria" Ro

ed the day aft

ervice had been small and quiet. A few of my mother's friends, some distant relatives. No on

inst the wooden step.

nswered, just to feel the small, pe

ith a carefully rehearsed sorrow.

. The word wa

e saw the notice. I can't

d, my eyes fixed on a

id, the old term of endearme

alvatore?" I aske

r apartment. Where are yo

y mother'

"Thank God. I was afraid you'

a placating tone. "After you told me about Elena. I'm sorry

again. "You

an argument. "Sofia was devastated, Ria. Absolute

listened to the dis

our mother,"

ne," I said, my voi

hispers exchanged. Then Sofi

sorry. I feel just awful. I loved

the lie almost

ce catching. "So kind. She shouldn't have startled Ca

ot in my chest. "My mother di

me with the insura

," I said, m

"See? It was a tragic acc

ts with dogs that have a history of

thick, damn

finally ground out, his

or," I sa

thinking clearly. We'll sort this out when I see you. I'll ha

my mother was

the Ricci Family alliance over me, ov

go," I sa

u going? I'm

ung

number. Then I blocked Sofia's. I watched their names disapp

d tried so hard to be the perfect Moretti woman. Polished, demure, supportive.

ad been revealed for what it was: a g

g but a quiet house filled with ghosts and