THIRTY-TWO
Without his bizarre protective mask, the physician’s high cheek bones and long, straight nose surprised Sophia. Full-lips were caged by deep set half-moon lines that did not diminish their kind but firm set. Darkened flesh that hung heavy beneath sharp, bright blues eyes did not diminish their sympathy. He stood, still tall but stooped, in the threshold of the dimly lit salotto.
“I’m afraid the end is near, a few days perhaps, no more than a week.”
Lia’s sobs filled the quiet of small sitting room. Silent tears ran down Oriana’s face as she embraced her younger sister, her features wretched, frozen in pain as she stared up at signore Fucini.
He held out a small green bottle filled with purple liquid to Viviana. “This will keep him as comfortable and quiet as possible until t
