CHAPTER 24
I heard the frightening dialogue of the dead,
made of woodworm in the dark woods of the sacristies.
(Paolo Volponi, from “Il Ramarro”, Urbino 1948)
The air in the room was saturated with smoke. The ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts witnessed Lucia’s work and in two days she had given herself a few hours’ rest. Above the table, the computer turned on, several volumes opened, some sheets of notes and several paper cups soiled with coffee residues. The young woman lit another cigarette, heedless of the one that, still not completely extinguished, contributed to weigh down the atmosphere of the environment. She felt the presence of Andrea who peeped out the door, turned around and struck him with her gaze. The purpose was to chase him away without uttering a single word,
