Chapter 52 - Mariano (2)

I met several of Riri's family. Her cousins, nieces, aunts, and uncles—even the frail dog that likes to stay hidden under a stool at the farthest corner of the house as if the noise is bothering her in the dining room. Riri tells me it's Gael's dog and that she's very old, so she's antisocial now. 

We're at the long dining table with Alessandro at the end of it and Nonna Flavia at the other. The old woman insisted I call her Nonna too, so I guess I am now. Val enters the dining room and hugs Riri, then gives me a playful punch on my upper arm as she passes by, pushing her Father, Pietro, in a wheelchair, who gives me a small nod, to which I assume that's what he can only manage. And respectfully, I slightly bow my head in greeting. I've heard great things about this man who ruled the North of Italy in his younger years.