When Nonnina came downstairs and found Ricardo and Valentina standing in the living room in the middle of the night, she stopped so abruptly it was as if the house itself had startled her.
"Ricardo!" she barked immediately. "Why would you have her moving around by this time?!"
Ricardo straightened instantly, raising both hands slightly in defence. "I told her we could wait till morning," he said quickly, glancing at Valentina. "But she wouldn't listen."
Valentina's hands were clasped tightly together, her foot tapping faintly against the floor. "I couldn't wait," she said immediately. "Nonnina, I need— I need to talk to Luca."
Nonnina's gaze softened as she shifted focus to Valentina, taking in her face properly—the worry, the tension, the unmistakable fear. "Child…" Nonnina said more gently now, stepping forward and reaching for her arm. "Come. Come sit."
But Valentina pulled back just slightly, shaking her head. "No! No, I… I need to talk to Luca. Please."
