Page 66 of The Seventh Circle
"I visited the scientific academy while you were away. I took the train by myself!" Enzo announced, changing the subject. "They have a special program for mathematics. The headmaster said I could apply for next term."
"In Milano?" I asked, heart quickening.
Enzo nodded enthusiastically. "I got the information you asked for. The tuition costs—"
"We'll discuss it later," Papa interrupted, with a meaningful look at me. "Your brother is tired."
After dinner, I helped Mama with the dishes while Enzo showed Papa his latest drawings. The familiar domestic rhythm should have been comforting, but every moment felt like sand slipping through my fingers.
"Will you tell me what's really happening?" Mama asked quietly, handing me a plate to dry.
I kept my eyes on the cloth in my hands. "It's better if you don't know."
"Better for whom?" She took the dried plate from me before I could place it on the shelf, forcing me to look at her. "That man, Paolo—he came here while you were gone. Just to look, he said. To ensure your family was well."
My blood turned to ice. "What did he say exactly?"
"Nothing that needed saying." Her eyes, so like mine, searched my face. "But I know a threat when I hear one, figlio mio."
I wanted to reassure her, to promise that everything would be fine, that I'd protect them all. The lies died in my throat.
"We need to leave Roma," I said instead. "Soon."
"Because of the Benedettos?" When I didn't answer, she sighed. "Or because of the Benedetto boy?"
My hands froze on the dish I was drying. "What do you mean?"
"Mothers see what others don't, Tonio." She touched my cheek gently. "The way you speak of him. The look in your eyes when his name is mentioned."
Shame and fear crashed through me like a wave. "Mama—"
"No." She pressed her fingers to my lips. "I won't ask you to name it. But I know love when I see it, whatever form it takes."
I couldn't speak, throat closing around words I'd never thought to say aloud to her.
"Is he worth dying for?" she asked simply.
"Yes," I whispered, the truth escaping before I could consider it.
She nodded once, as if confirming something she'd long suspected. "Then we will find a way through this. Together, as a family."
I clutched her hand, overcome with gratitude and terror in equal measure. "There's a celebration tomorrow night. After that..." I couldn't finish.
"After that, we do what we must." She squeezed my hand. "Now go see Father Giuseppe. He asked for you this afternoon—said it was important."
I looked toward the door, my mind already on the church. I had to know what Lorenzo had said. "I'll go now. Lock the door behind me. Don't open it for anyone but me."
"Be careful, Tonio," Papa said from his chair, his eyes dark with worry.
"Always," I promised, giving Enzo's hair one last ruffle before slipping out into the night. The walk to Santa Maria degli Angeli would take half an hour. Half an hour I would be away from them, but it was necessary.
Santa Maria degli Angeli stood quiet in the early evening, most parishioners gone home to their suppers. I found Father Giuseppe lighting candles in the side chapel, his movements unhurried but purposeful.
"Antonio." He didn't seem surprised to see me. "I've been expecting you."
"Mama said you asked for me."
He gestured toward the confessional. "Not for confession this time. We need privacy."
