Choking on Silence

The morning light spilled through the villa’s tall windows.

Despite the warm glow, the air around the table was cold and heavy.

Camilla sat across from Ginevra, her fingers resting on the edge of her cup. She hadn’t taken a sip.

Across from her, Dario leaned back in his chair, staring blankly at his plate.

Massimo sat at the head of the table, his expression stoic, the morning paper open in front