Vowless — The White Truffle Request

Then I'll take you upstairs. The wedding's tomorrow. Get some rest. Once I've settled Rosa in, I'll come check on you. With that, he lifted Rosa into his arms and headed straight for the second floor.

They walked into the master bedroom, the bedroom Vincenzo and I had shared for five The door clicked shut behind them and stayed closed. I walked calmly over to my suitcase and slipped my passport inside. Just as I closed the lid, a sharp pain suddenly tore through my abdomen.

My legs gave out beneath me. I collapsed onto the floor, cold sweat soaking through my clothes within seconds. It was the old wound, the one I had gotten when I took a bullet for Vincenzo. He had always believed I was simply injured during the chaos of the shootout.

My trembling fingers found my phone. I dialed his number. Vincenzo. I could barely get the words out.

My stomach hurts. I can hardly walk. Can you take me to the hospital? There was a brief silence.

Then Rosa's voice drifted through the phone, soft and nasal. Vincenzo, I'm still feeling dizzy. I want some bread with white truffle. Immediately, Vincenzo lowered his voice.

Rosa's only just started feeling better. She can't be left alone right now. Then he added, Lillian, she's not as strong as you are.

Curled up on the carpet, I felt as though a knife were twisting inside my abdomen. Another wave of pain hit, leaving me drenched in sweat. I really can't take this anymore. For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Rosa said gently, Vincenzo, maybe you should go check on our future Donna? She didn't even finish the sentence before he cut her off. Don't push yourself.