Chapter 9
For several months we were confined to the estate at La Fata while the epidemic raged over the whole island. Its trail of death struck Catania and extended as far as Paternò, claiming victims even in the surrounding countryside.
One day towards the end of February with the wind still blowing over the fields, denying the arrival of spring, the almond trees burst into flower with their miraculous ephemeral blossom. I stopped in front of the delicate white pink-hearted petals, which clung to the branches with unshakeable determination.
I turned back towards the doorway, where Selene was preparing some pigments.
“Try doing white lead with just a hint of cinnabar. I want to capture the delicate tone of this wonder of nature.”
I realised she wasn't listening to me. She was leaning
