The Cost of Survival

WE WERE over an hour late for dinner. Lucia only gave me a knowing smile when we walked in before pulling me into a fierce hug.

“I’m so glad to see you looking and feeling better.” “I do,” I replied with a smile.

“Now, show me this rock my brother got you.”

I showed her my ring finger, tilting it side to side so the light would catch the blue fire of the stone.

“Damn, Rocco, you must love this wom