That evening, after cena, or supper, Giovanna took Carlo to the main square of Altamura for the evening passeggiata, a ritual event for families to get together in the piazze where they walk arm in arm, striking up conversations with friends who were also sharing the evening air.
Zia and Cristiano went along and, just behind them, came Gia and Carlo. She was already comfortable enough with her house guest that she slipped her hand through his arm as they walked, and she pointed to friends, calling out “ciao” and “buona sera” frequently, and telling Carlo about the people of Altamura.
Gia had the olive complexion, dark eyes, and luxurious tresses common to her heritage as a southern Italian woman. Her eyes smiled along with her lips, and she took great pleasure in telling Carlo about the
