Page 92 of Enzo

She nodded. “He’s been helping your papà a lot.”

“I’m surprised they’re getting along,” I remarked.

Mama chuckled. “Their relationship is like a river. Narrow in some places and wide in others.”

“Like your knitting.” The words were out and I smiled sheepishly. “A really nice river.”

“Liar!”

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. A person would have to be blind to like this. No matter, I’m doing it to relieve stress.”

“And it works?” I asked in shock.

She shrugged. “Not sure, but it’s either this or kill some people.”

I bit my cheek, my lips twitching. “Then I’m glad you’re knitting.”

“Good, now please sit down and maybe take a few hours to open your books and actually study.”

I flopped on the chair next to her.

It was a sound recommendation, and one I’d attempted several times today. But like before, it would prove fruitless. I just couldn’t concentrate.

“Where are Damiano and Armani?” I asked instead.

Classes had resumed at my brothers’ high school, but they should have been home by now.

“Library.” My eyebrows shot up. “I know, I know. I couldn’t believe it either, but their location pin confirms it.”

“Okaaay.”

I’d bet they left their phones in the library and then went to terrorize Palermo, but I zipped my lips. I was a teenager once too.

“Any updates from Dr. Gvozden?” I whispered.

Mama’s eyes flicked to my sister, then shook her head. “No, he’s struggling to find a live donor. Never mind a dead one.” She winced. “That sounds bad, I know.”

I shook my head. “I understand. This whole thing has brought the ugly out.” I gazed at my sister, watching the bundle of blankets rise and fall with her breaths. “Why not use me?” I asked slowly, not looking away. “I could be a match, but no one seems to be taking that possibility seriously. We share the same blood type.”

Mama sighed. “Dr. Gvozden said you’re not a match.”

“That makes no sense,” I muttered. “I was able to donate bone marrow the last time.”

Mama swallowed. “I know. It was exactly for that reason we got second and third opinions. None of us are the right fit.”

“I know I’m not a doctor, but none of this makes sense.” My instincts screamed, but I was starting to think it was my desperation to hold on to hope that was fucking with me. “Maybe a part of my liver could help temporarily. It would be better than nothing.” I put my elbows on my knees and dropped my head, my fingers tightening in my hair. “We should seek more opinions, Mama.”

“We already have.”

I straightened. “When?”

“When I asked you not to come along with us.” I opened my mouth to speak when she cut me off. “We had an independent doctor come in, Dr. Milan. He confirmed what Dr. Gvozden said.”

“There’s still hope. Doctors are doing everything and her chemo should…”

A sob tore from her lips, she wore such a sad expression that I almost heard her heart crack. Or was it mine?