Outside the weaver’s cottage, where a blanket of thick clouds veiled the town and blocked the light of the moon, Alessandro pronounced his intentions to Letizia.
‘Do you think God would show us mercy if I waited for a miracle to feed my family when He has granted me strength enough to walk to Milan and seek work there?’ Letizia’s eyes watered with sadness with each word spoken by her husband.
‘Perhaps business will spring back as it has done before,’ she suggested.
‘If it does then next year we will be in a stronger position. But, for now there is work in Milan. Letizia, you must trust me. Allow me to leave with your blessing.’ The tears fell from Letizia’s eyes.
‘When will you be back?’ she asked. Alessandro wrapped his arms around his wife to comfort her. ‘Winter.’
‘After the birth
