“I did something really stupid, dolcezza ….” His words instantly send a heavy dread inside me, pulsing through every limb, an ache in my chest so strong I think my heart will give out. I can’t do anything except sit like stone, eyes wide and frozen, and wait. Wait for whatever it is he needs to tell me with a growing trepidation that this could change everything.  

“What?” It’s so strained I don’t recognize my voice, the question impulsive from the agony of what’s ...