She turned and offered a teary smile, one that pulled at Gina's heartstrings. 'I am just feeling sentimental. Remembering.' 'Oh, Nonna.' She slipped an arm around her frail shoulders. It was the third morning of their stay at the villa, and although her health had improved rapidly since leaving hospital, Gina couldn't help but worry. 'Are you sure you're up to this?' 'It was always going to be emotional.' 'I know, but...' Gina paused, biting her lip in indecision, looking across to where middle-aged, balding Paolo Benigni, a former fisherman who now ran chartered boat trips, was talking to Seb. 'You can change your mind at any time.' Her grandmother shook her head. 'This is right, Gina. I must do it—I want to do it.' 'OK.' 'It is time to do what we came here for... time things went full circle.' One frail hand cupped her cheek. 'Do not be sad, ragazza mia. It is the way of life. Think of all the happy years. Were it not for the life I have been blessed with—including having you as part of it—I would not be here at all.' Blinking back tears, Gina let out a shaky breath, keeping her misgivings to herself.
