“What are you doing here all alone?” Luciano asked.
They were now seated in a vibrant confectionery, the air smelling of sugar and cream. Renzo was buried in his favorite treat—a massive, decadent bowl featuring ten different flavors he had insisted on ordering, while clutching one big cone in his hand. Luciano sat back, watching the boy with an uncharacteristic patience. Though Renzo had offered him a spoonful, Luciano took only a single bite before letting the boy return to his feast.
“Oh, I came here with my mommy,” Renzo replied between messy spoonfuls. “She was doing work, and I got bored. So I walked away, and look! I found you, and you got me ice cream! Lots and lots of ice cream!”
He spoke with pure joy, licking his lips and looking down at the colorful scoops on the table as if
