Chapter fourApril 1945
Fiume
Their heart-breaking decision to leave Fiume was a sound one, but Contessa knew it was not going to be easy. It was difficult to gain permission to leave the German-annexed city, and she was aware that many had been refused.
‘There has to be a way to get papers,’ she thought out loud. Then an idea struck her. ‘Father Giovanni. He will know what to do.’
It seemed like an age had passed since the Partisans’ visit, but it had been mere hours. The children were in bed, sleeping soundly, and Lisa and Dino were back in the farmhouse. Nonna and Contessa were sitting in front of the fire at their small table, righted after the intrusion.
‘Yes, he has friends in city hall,’ Nonna agreed.
‘I will see him first thing in the morning.’
With this decided, Contessa and
