“Wai--wait!” she squealed, her voice breaking into high-pitched laughter as Marcello loomed over her, fingers mercilessly attacking her sides. Cesario, grinning like a tiny conspirator, dove in to join the assault.

Her eyes squeezed shut, helpless against the onslaught, and she threw her head back, laughing so hard it came out in hiccupped chortles. She flailed in a desperate attempt to catch his hand, but Marcello was too quick, too relentless.

“P–please stop ah! Hahahaha! I’ll ...