Beckett stood by his words. His wife was taken to various places, and he made her experience the unique things Italy had to offer. Beckett didn't even allow her to dwell on problems for a few seconds.

Every time she drifted off, even for a moment, thinking about her mother, Beckett immediately brought her back to the present.

“We’ll go back soon. For now, let’s enjoy the view.” Beckett pointed to the paintings inside the Scuola Grande di San Rocco—their last stop for the ...