Free Stella Mia by Rosanna Chiofalo Page A

frustrated look. I stare into her eyes, knowing this will probably be the last time I ever see her. I then let go. She disappears at the perfect time since there is a short pause before more fireworks erupt, allowing the darkness to completely cloak her before anyone notices her exit. I know from all the years that my family and I have watched the fireworks from Luigi’s roof that there are at least three pauses throughout the show. It seems to be taking longer than I remember for the second interval to come.
    â€œGuardate questo! È bellissimo!” My father is holding Enzo up, imploring him to look at an exceptionally beautiful shower of fireworks. Papá’s face is lit up momentarily in the fireworks’ glow. He is smiling, and if you didn’t know him, you’d never suspect there was so much evil inside him. I cannot help but think back to when I was Enzo’s age and the few times Papá was kind to me, like when he talked to me about all the fish he’d caught, and I wonder how long it will be until he begins hitting Enzo. Sometimes, I think he takes pleasure out of beating Mama and me. Does he ever realize how horrible he is toward us? Something tells me he has no idea, and even if he did, I am almost certain he would have no remorse.
    â€œOoh! Mama! Guarda! ” Carlotta is standing on the ledge of the roof, but my mother’s arm is wrapped tightly around her tiny form. They are completely transfixed by the fireworks. My gaze then falls on Pietro, who is in his carriage and is somehow able to sleep even with all the noise from the fireworks.
    I turn away. I cannot wait any longer lest I lose my nerve. Edging slowly to the stairs that lead back down to Luigi’s house, I continue to watch my family. Taking one last look at their huddled forms, I quickly turn around and run down the stairs. Tears are racing down my face. As I walk through Luigi’s living room, I freeze in my tracks at the sound of voices. I see an open window and realize the voices are coming from outside. It then dawns on me that the shadows I can barely make out are Agata and Giuseppe. Afraid someone will come down and hear them, I rush over to the window and close it quietly. I can’t resist peeking out, but I make sure to stay out of their sight. Giuseppe has his hands around Agata’s waist, and he is kissing her. Her eyes are closed, yet I can still detect a glow of happiness in her face.
    I smile and whisper, “Good-bye, my dear cousin.” I then tiptoe to the front door, closing it gently behind me. Once outside, I begin running. The crowds are too preoccupied with the fireworks spectacle to pay me any heed. I keep running until I know I am a good twenty blocks away from Luigi’s.
    I head over to the Duomo of Saint Sebastian, which is the largest church in Barcellona. I pray that her doors are kept open this late at night. As I approach the cathedral, I see light streaming through the stained-glass windows. I climb the steps and breathe a sigh of relief after pulling open the heavy wooden door. Thankfully, no one is inside. I step into the last pew and pull up the knee rest. Then I crouch down and sit on the floor. This will be where I will sleep for the night. Once morning comes, I will make my way to the bus station. I will not fully let down my guard until I am on the bus and out of Barcellona. I am nearly drenched in sweat. Taking off the top layer of my clothes, I roll them into a makeshift pillow. Sighing deeply, I stretch out underneath the pew and close my eyes. But sleep eludes me. The faces of my little brothers, sister, and mother haunt me. Will I ever see them again? Forcing these thoughts out of my mind, I focus instead on what lies ahead of me and the new life that I am about to embark upon.

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    Gioiello del Mediterraneo
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    JEWEL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
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    June 14, 1969
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    I am on my way to Taormina. I woke up at dawn and was able to sneak out