A Gift Wrapped in Secrets

The morning light spilled through the curtains.

Inside the Ferraro household,

Alessio lay on the living room couch, one arm flung over his head. The television was on mute as he scrolled aimlessly through the morning news he wasn’t watching.

His mother walked in, standing by the doorway with her arms crossed, a kitchen towel slung over her shoulder. “You’re still here?” she said sharply. “It’s pas