EVENING

Valentina stood in the glass-walled lounge overlooking the gardens of Bellavista Hills, early evening shadow cooling the marble floor beneath her bare feet. Lucas was in the kitchen preparing herbal tea when she arrived—steam swirling above the brass kettle. She hesitated at the doorway, clutching a card with tight fingers. Her chest felt heavy with each breath, it was as if she'll die at any second. She has excused herself to go take some air, and even though she was outside she ...