[Poggio]

He had come prepared with a piece of paper next to his breast but at Zosas words he fell silent. The priest had to repeat himself again before his gaping mouth could find words and even then they did not hold the depth that the little phrase had come to mean. With his heart stuck in his throat he picked up Zosas ringed hand and sucked along the finger before wrapping his arms around the boy and whispering in his ear. His words came out in a quiet choking sob. “Zosa.... I never lie. When I say I will be there, I will be there. I can not image forever... I … don't want a day with out you. I am so scared. I love you so much... cause you and I both love..”