She didn’t say anything at first, just hugged me hard. I desperately did not want to cry, but I couldn’t stop myself. I felt ashamed at displaying so much emotion, but it felt so good to be crushed to her breast, to be patted on the back and have my hair stroked by Lauretta’s big, callused hand. “Benedetta, we are very sorry to hear about your father.” Before I could answer, Iole and Emidio raced down the stairs and gave Lauretta hugs. I turned my face away so they couldn’t see my emotions. Lauretta caught my eye and an exchange was made. The little ones had not been told about Papa, and would not be told until I heard from the men in the mountains that Papa had not been seen. Only then would I be truly convinced that he was dead. “Are these two good little helpers, Benny?” Lauretta asked. Iole and Emidio looked at me, devilish smiles on their faces, daring me to answer in the negative.
