The nun looked up at the young man, gloom returning to her eyes.
"Are you done laughing?"
"Tartaglia!"
"Oh, all right, I'm done, I'm done."
Tartaglia wiped away his tears, stood up, and walked toward the nun. As he moved, the loose end of the scarf fastened at his chest swung behind his left shoulder, looking rather dashing.
"You've had it rough, Rosaria."
The young man winked his blue eyes playfully. "Word came from New York. We can get moving."
"Hmph. Finally, I'm free."
The nun removed her veil and slipped out of her habit, revealing a stunning figure.
She tightened the straps on her legs and pulled off the cross "decoration" on her chest.
"Let's go. Who knows where the little one has rolled off to nap this time? We still have to find her."
In the park outside the church, a heavily bearded man sat on a bench, reading a newspaper intently.
Tartaglia strode over on his long legs and plopped down at the other end of the bench. He crossed his legs and draped an arm over the backrest.
The bearded man glanced at him, then hid his face behind his newspaper.
"Hmm, lovely weather today, isn't it?"
The young man's voice was bright and clear, as though he were talking to himself.
Holding a bag of corn kernels, Rosaria gently scattered them over the open ground, drawing a flock of pigeons that scrambled for the food.
Passersby couldn't help looking their way, their gazes lingering on the woman.
"See that beauty over there? She's so kindhearted."
Tartaglia pointed her out to the bearded man.
"She shouldn't be using corn. Pigeons need meat to have the strength to fly, and the wind is just right today."
The bearded man lowered his newspaper and narrowed his eyes,