I’ve got a son a little older than you, although I think you’re taller, probably stronger. His nose always in a book, my Vicenzu, especially after the accident, and he loves his numbers.”“Numbers?”“You know, you add them, subtract them, make them tell whatever story you want. Vicenzu keeps the ledgers for the apothecary shop.”“Ledgers?”“Yes. He tells me I spend too much money. Do you believe it?”Arcangelo pulled at his sleeves.Serafina waited.“One day, I’ll be the doctor of animals. And your mule, dear lady, needs new shoes.”“I’ll tell Carlo, my oldest son. He’s supposed to tend to things like that.” She circled her hand in the air. “A mother doesn’t know about these things.”“My mother did, but she died.”Silence.Softly she said, “So did mine. Last year.” Serafina paused. “Terrible, the cholera. One day she was fine, the next day, dead. I miss her, and I’m a grown woman with children of my own, but I still need her. I talk to her and she answers.”
