A Place to Breathe

The soft aroma of tomato sauce and garlic filled the small kitchen. Sunlight streamed in through the open window.

“Pass me the olive oil, Chiara,” Mrs. Ferraro said, stirring the pot of stew simmering on the stove.

Chiara, sitting cross-legged on the counter, reached over and handed it to her. “This meal smells nice, I'm already feeling hungry.” She complimented her cooking. “But isn't it a bit to