Chapter 9
Not even one year later, I received another letter. It was from my father.
“My child,
I must unfortunately be the bearer of news that I deeply regret having to give you. After Minerva, dear Lucia has also left us.
The fever weakened her to such an extent that she never really recovered. Although her body was still with us, her gaze was directed far away, towards unknown invisible worlds. She faded away, she became almost unearthly, and grew weaker and weaker by the day until she eventually stopped eating and moving. Then her heart gave out.
I think her destiny was to follow Minerva a few months earlier, but the Lord, in His mercy, wished to leave her with us a little longer.
We have no more tears and our house is emptier and sadder than ever. I pray to God each day to keep
