No More Tears for Nonna

By Al Esposito

Al Esposito's "No More Tears for Nonna" is a heartwarming tale that will resonate with readers of all genres. Set in Commack NY, in the late 1960s, this inspirational novel takes us on a journey through the vivid memories of young protagonist Freddy, who longs to escape the clutches of his domineering mother and to look to a brighter future. Fre

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oxford Book Writers
• Release date: Jul 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088189474

Book preview

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Al_Esposito_-_ebook_(3)Paul HendricksHashir362023-05-29T21:34:00Z2023-05-29T21:30:00Z2023-05-29T21:35:00Z52780168456962Aspose3808107253605816.0000

No More Tears

for Nonna

Al Esposito

Copyright © 2023

All Rights Reserved

This novel is a work of fiction. Any similarities to actual events or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author's imagination and should not be interpreted as real. The author neither endorses nor condones any actions, beliefs, or values depicted in this work of fiction. Please note that the novel may contain themes and language that some readers may find objectionable or offensive. Reader discretion is advised.

The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any harm or damage that may arise from reading or interpreting this work of fiction.

Dedication

To my beloved grandchildren, Adriana, Logan, Charlotte, London, Sam, and Zelda,

You are the bright stars that light up my universe, and your presence in my life has brought immeasurable joy and purpose. Your smiles, giggles, and insatiable curiosity fill my heart with a warmth that words cannot express.

As I release this novel to the world, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the memories we have shared together. From the bedtime stories to the outdoor escapades, each moment spent with you has been a source of inspiration and wonder.

This novel is dedicated to you, my dear grandchildren, as a tribute to the limitless power of imagination and creativity that resides within us all. May it encourage you to continue exploring, dreaming, and imagining, with a passion for life and a deep appreciation for the wonders of this world and beyond.

Thank you for being the driving force behind my writing, and for bringing so much light and love into my life. With all my heart, I dedicate this novel to you.

With love and gratitude,

Papa

Acknowledgment

I am immensely grateful to my parents for instilling in me the unwavering belief that hard work can make anything possible. Their unwavering support and relentless encouragement have served as the bedrock of my achievements.

Additionally, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my Italian American family, whose boundless love, invaluable guidance, and strong sense of community have played an instrumental role in shaping my character. It truly takes a village, and their rich cultural heritage has bestowed my life with profound depth and vibrant experiences.

I would be remiss not to express my deepest gratitude to my exceptional wife, whose unwavering companionship and unwavering support have been my constant source of strength during both triumphs and tribulations. Her unyielding faith in my abilities has propelled me forward even in the face of adversity.

Together, all of you have formed the bedrock that has kept me grounded and fueled my unwavering pursuit of my dreams. From the depths of my heart, I extend my sincerest thanks to each and every one of you.

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgment

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

About the Author

Al_Esposito_-_ebook_(3)Paul HendricksHashir362023-05-29T21:34:00Z2023-05-29T21:30:00Z2023-05-29T21:35:00Z52780168456962Aspose3808107253605816.0000

Chapter 1

Nonna eggs? Come on, Mr. Freddy, what are Nonna eggs? Mr. Ercolano, what are Nonna eggs? I want to make sure you eat, but I don’t know what you’re asking for? the attendant at the Long Island Center for Senior Care pleaded.

Mr. Ercolano, Freddy, stared straight ahead, lost in his thoughts. He hadn’t thought of Nonna eggs in over 70 years.

***

In 1959, in Harlem, New York, two-year-old Freddy was being scolded by his mother, Bobbie. You’re not leaving this table unless you finish your oatmeal!

I want Nonna, I want Nonna, and I want Nonna eggs! Freddy demanded.

He crossed his arms and clamped his mouth shut.

His father, Fred, navigated his way into the cramped kitchen and whispered to his son, You know how this will end. Just eat your oatmeal so we can have peace this morning.

Bobbie snapped at her husband, You're no help. He doesn’t listen.

Freddy Boy cast his eyes down. Bobbie’s jaw clenched, and the veins in her neck bulged.

She glared at her son. I told you, she started, you’re not leaving this table until you finish your oatmeal. Nonna is in bed, she is tired and sad. This is a tough day for her!

Bobbie raised her hand, and Freddy bolted from the table and darted down the hallway of the railroad apartment. The door crashed against the wall as he burst into Nonna’s room. Nonna was in bed, eyes glazed over, staring at the ceiling. She turned toward Freddy with a weary glance and a forced smile. The room was dark with just a hint of light coming through the tattered curtain. Freddy climbed onto the bed and tucked his head under Nonna’s arm.

She pulled him close and kissed the top of his head. "Ti amo, ti amo, mi amore," she whispered in Italian.

"Ti amo Nonna, ti amo, I love you too. Come to breakfast, Nonna, I want Nonna eggs. Come to breakfast, don’t be sad."

Nonna pulled him close, "Sona stanca, mi amore, I’m tired."

Freddy Boy gasped as he was yanked out of the bed by his mother.

"Mi dispiace, Mama, I’m sorry. He doesn’t listen. I told you to leave Nonna alone! Nonna doesn’t feel well, let her rest! Get out of here, go eat your breakfast before I get the spoon! Bobbie tossed her son out of the room and turned back to Nonna. I will bring you your eggs Mama. Now, riposo, rest."

Bobbie pulled Freddy Boy by his pajama shirt and dragged him down the hallway. Freddy tried to pull free but her grip only tightened. Freddy’s chair almost toppled over as Bobbie shoved him down.

I told you not to bother Nonna. Eat your oatmeal or you are going to get the spoon!

Freddy Boy closed his teary eyes, bowed his head, and slumped into his seat, bracing for the wooden spoon.

"Basta, basta, enough!"

Freddy Boy looked up. His eyes widened and filled with light. Nonna entered the kitchen, kissed the top of his head, lifted his bowl of oatmeal, and tossed it in the sink.

Nonna was almost 4’9, with steel grey hair, pulled back in a permanent bun. She wore ankle-length house dresses and moved with deliberate confidence. Nonna’s left arm was partially paralyzed, and she held it close to her waist. She had come to America in 1918. She had been sent by her family for an arranged marriage to Donato Capasso. Donato was a widowed Italian immigrant living in Harlem. He had two daughters with his deceased wife. After his wife’s death, he sent word to Italy for a wife and a mother for his girls. Nonna, Barbara Corbo, boarded a ship in Naples, Italy to come to America. She was a frightened 18-year-old girl who didn’t know the language or the man she would marry. Between her arrival in 1918 and 1928, she bore seven children. Nonna gave birth to six girls and one boy. Tessie, Angie, Josephine (Jeff), Millie, Susie, Anthony, and Barbara. Freddy’s mother, Barbara, though she went by Bobbie, was the youngest of seven. She saw a lot as the baby" of the family, and it shaped her views on life.

The Capasso family lived in the Italian section of Harlem and struggled to survive. Two to three sisters slept in one bed, and the bathtub in the kitchen, covered with old plywood, doubled as the kitchen table. Donato was a laborer for Con Ed. He never learned English. He was a tough, jealous, iron-fisted patriarch. Nonna often took the brunt of his jealousy. Bobbie was a fearless protector of her mother. The stories of Bobbie protecting her mother, from her disrespectful stepsisters, were legendary. They are part of family lore.

Bobbie wanted to attend college and pursue a career as a nurse. Donato would not allow it. Women don’t go to college, he proclaimed in Italian.

She took a job as a bank teller and, at age 25, married Alfred (Fred) Ercolano, from the neighborhood. They were deeply in love and considered the ugly ducklings of the neighborhood. Fred suffered from very severe acne and, as was popular in the 1940s, went for sunlamp treatments. Bobbie was rail thin, and people often teased her about being all skin and bones and told her to put rocks in her pockets so she wouldn’t get blown away by a strong wind.

Fred was a strong, silent, hard worker with old-world manners. Bobbie was tough with an infectious laugh but a scary strong will and legendary temper. Bobbie and Fred married and started a family late in life, for their generation. Bobbie had two miscarriages before she gave birth to her eldest, Diana, in June 1955. Two years later, in April of 1957, Alfred Jr. came along, better known as Freddy or Freddy Boy.

The instant Freddy was placed in Nonna’s arms, she pulled him close. Her body heaved and she wept tears of joy.

Nonna kissed him and whispered in Italian, I love you, I love you.

The family noticed a hint of life and joy return to her eyes. She had many other grandchildren over the past 15 years, but this seemed different, and no one could explain it. Baby Freddy seemed to bring life to her. Nonna had been in a deep, dark depression since that horrific day, September 18, 1942.

Chapter 2

September 18, 1942, everyone was gathered to celebrate Bobbie’s 18th birthday. The Capasso apartment was jam-packed with family. The noise was deafening and sounded like 10 different arguments were going on at once. Everyone was talking over everyone else, in a New York slang mixed with Neapolitan dialect Italian and boisterous laughter. Clouds of cigarette smoke filled the air. It was hot for a fall day and all the windows were open. The smell of Italian food was intoxicating. Children were playing on every inch of floor space. Folding chairs were crammed in every corner. It didn’t matter how tight it was—this was a celebration.

Nonna and her daughters were on top of each other, elbow to elbow, in the kitchen.

Her daughters pleaded with her to sit down, Siediti, Mama, siediti.

They knew this was pointless, but it was part of the ritual. Commanding the apartment was Donato Capasso. He sat at the head of the makeshift table, sipping red wine and reaching down to pick up and hug any grandchild who scooted by. He was powerful-looking with pure white hair, deep olive skin, and thick, muscular hands, worn by years of hard labor. He had a deep, raspy voice and spoke almost no English.

He pounded his open hand on the table, causing glasses to jump, dishes to rattle, and the apartment to fall silent.

In Italian, he proclaimed, Quiet before we eat, Barbara will read the letter!

His face softened and he looked over at Bobbie and patted his lap, "Siediti. Sit, Barbara, read."

Bobbie hopped over to her Papa with her eyes gleaming and a smile that engulfed her face. She sat down on his lap. They squeezed each other tight and kissed each cheek.

The quiet in the room was broken by a collective Awe!

Donato shot the room a steely glance.

Shhh, shhh, everyone whispered.

Bobbie pulled a perfectly folded letter out of her apron and unfolded it with care. The letter had arrived in the mail that morning. It was dated three months earlier and was from her beloved brother, Anthony, Tony. Tony was three years older than Bobbie and they were like two peas in a pod. He was the only son of Donato and Barbara Capasso. Tony was in Italy in the Army. WWII was winding down, but the family hadn’t heard from him in over three months.

Bobbie began to read.

Dear Bobbie,

I am very happy to know that you’ve reached your eighteenth birthday, in beauty and health. No brother in this world is luckier than I, to have such a sister to love, cherish, and want. This rainy morning, I’m hoping I can deliver this note of sincerity to my dear sister, and with God’s help, I’ll be saying Happy Birthday to you.

A brother like me, who has such great love for his sister, can go on and on with words of kindness and love, but my true feelings remain inside. Words can never be written to explain true love.

I remember the only person whom I looked forward to seeing during my times away from the family was you, Bobbie. The many times my life was endangered, I prayed to be able to see my kid sister once more. These are my exact feelings I had in combat, and they remain with me still. I’ll always hold you in my heart. Nothing or no one can put a scratch on my love for you. Please, Honey, be certain to reach your nineteenth birthday, as well as the others. The many other birthdays of yours to come will surely be great ones. Most likely, we’ll spend them together.

Your adoring brother,

Tony

Bobbie choked back tears as she finished the letter. Tears streamed down Donato’s face and he pulled her close. Nonna was silently crying as she leaned in and kissed Bobbie on the head. The women were using their aprons to wipe tears from their eyes. The men tried not to let anyone see their eyes also fill with tears. Even the children were moved by the letter and overcome by the emotion of the moment.

"Mangia, Mangia, eat, eat" someone yelled, and just like that, noise and laughter once again filled the apartment.

As everyone filled their plates, there was a knock at the door.

I’ll get it, Papa! Angie, Nonna’s second daughter, yelled over the noise.

Angie opened the door and dropped to the floor and let out a blood-curdling scream. NO! NO! Papa! Papa! NO!

Every head in the apartment snapped toward the door. Nonna dropped to the floor, screaming, sobbing, and shaking, without a sound coming out of her mouth. Bobbie screamed but quickly grabbed her mother and began to sob as Nonna disappeared in her arms. Donato banged his head on the table, wailing. The men rushed to grab their wives and children. Standing at the door was Father Dominic, from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Harlem, alongside a Casualty Notification Officer in his dress uniform.

This day would permanently alter the course of the Capasso family.

Chapter 3

Nonna wore black every day and became increasingly withdrawn. Getting out of bed was a burden. Donato moved slower and slower as the years wore on. Bobbie took care of her mother and father. All her sisters were grown, married, and had children.

She and Fred dated for four years before she agreed to marry. Post-WWII apartments were scarce, and they moved in with Nonna and Donato. Few men would have accepted this arrangement, but Fred was deeply in love with Bobbie, and he knew the depth of her pain that accompanied the loss of her brother, Tony. She buried her grief and mourning to care for her parents.

Donato became bedridden soon after their wedding. Nonna tried to help Bobbie care for Donato, though it was not easy. He became more belligerent and difficult as he needed more help. Bobbie suffered two miscarriages. She masked her grief to stay strong for her mother.

When she became pregnant the third time, Nonna sat her down and told her it was time to go live her life. The young couple needed their own apartment. They took an apartment in the next building and in June of 1955, she gave birth to Diana. This was a joyous occasion and Nonna tried to embrace the beauty in it, but it was a struggle. Two years later in April of 1957, Bobbie and Fred welcomed Freddy, later known as Freddy Boy, into the world. The family rejoiced at having a boy. Donato beamed as he held Freddy Boy in his arms.

At six months, Freddy Boy wouldn’t go to anyone else if Nonna was in the room, not even his parents. He wanted Nonna. No one could explain it. He was Nonna’s boy, and it was unmistakable. The family would tease him and try and take him away from Nonna, but he clung to her house dress for dear life. She would give a wry smile to whomever tried to take him.

Bobbie would tell him, Give Nonna a rest.

He wanted his Nonna. Once he began to walk, he would always make his way to Nonna and crawl into her lap. She would lift him with her right hand, guiding him with her crippled left arm.

She embraced him, softly kissed the top of his head, and whispered in Italian, "Ti amo, ti amo."

Bobbie would try and help, but Nonna wouldn’t hear of it. The family laughed and smiled as they watched the love between Freddy Boy and Nonna grow. At times, Bobbie grew impatient with it.

Donato grew weaker and weaker and eventually passed away in the summer of 1959. Nonna moved in with Freddy Boy and his family the next day. Freddy Boy instinctively knew Nonna was suffering, and he clung to her even more. Their connection grew deeper. Even at the age of two, he could sense her pain, suffering, and loss. Freddy Boy was always checking in on her as if he was taking her emotional temperature.

He wouldn’t eat unless Nonna was at the table. Nonna eggs, as he called them, were what he demanded. Nonna ate soft-boiled eggs in a cup with crushed saltine crackers. He loved them and would only eat them with Nonna. He knew if he insisted on Nonna eggs she would get out of bed and join him for breakfast, making sure he ate and saving him from the wrath of his mother.

On days she was having a tough day and wouldn’t get out of bed, he would burst into her room and climb in bed with her, saying, "Andiamo, Nonna, let’s go. Nonna, let’s go eat."

Nonna would beam with pride whenever he spoke Italian. While he didn’t know much, he knew enough to bring a smile to his Nonna.

Freddy Boy looked just like Nonna. It was uncanny, as he was all boy, but you would know he was hers the minute you saw them together. He had jet-black hair, olive skin, and hazel eyes. They were green most of the time. His energy was boundless.

He had a grasp of numbers and math that defied his age. Freddy Boy saw everything in numbers and was always counting. Two eggs, three crackers, fifteen cousins, nine girl cousins, six boy cousins, one sister, two bedrooms, four beds. He was up every day by 6 a.m. He would wait outside Nonna’s bedroom and burst in as soon as he heard her rustling.

"Buon Giorno, Nonna, good morning!" he would bellow as he climbed onto her bed.

A weary Nonna always welcomed him with a hug and his morning kiss on the forehead. "Ti amo, ti amo, mi amore."

She shared a room with Freddy’s sister, Diana. Diana was not too happy with the arrangement or the intrusion.

Diana would call out to her mother every morning, Mommy, you have to stop him. I can’t sleep, he doesn’t stay out. I’m tired, and he is annoying me, I’m gonna smack him. He’s stupid.

Freddy Boy just looked at her and laughed. He had an infectious laugh that came from his soul. This only added to Diana’s anger.

Nonna would hug him tighter and whisper, "Go get dressed, I have to get up. Go get dressed, piantagrane, troublemaker."

Freddy Boy would bolt out of the room laughing with Diana letting out a yell, Maaaaa!

Bobbie would be at the door as Freddy Boy scooted by. Every morning it’s the same thing. You kids are driving me crazy. Go get dressed before I get the spoon!

She walked over to Nonna and tried to help her out of bed.

Nonna would wave her away, saying, "Basta sta bene, enough, I’m good."

Bobbie would turn to Diana, Get dressed and let’s try and eat in peace this morning.

Diana’s temper would be at the boiling point. He does it every morning. I want my own room. I hate him.

Bobbie’s eyes emitted fire. Never say that about your brother, never!

"Go, go, Diana, be quiet," Nonna said as she got to her feet, her voice breaking Bobbie’s trance.

Nonna tried to reason with Diana, "He is your fratello, your brother, you must always amalo e proteggilo."

I don’t understand you, speak English, she whined.

Nonna shook her head in disbelief at the spoiled child standing before her. It was a good thing Bobbie had left the room. If she had heard Diana, there would have been hell to pay.

Bobbie yelled from the kitchen, "Come eat, mangia, breakfast is getting cold, hurry, andiamo, let’s go, Daddy wants to tell you something, before he goes to work, andiamo, andiamo."

Things were about to change for the family. Fred and Bobbie were about to make an announcement that would affect everyone, even Bobbie’s sisters.

Chapter 4

Fred sat at the head of the table sipping his coffee. The heat was stifling in the apartment. Every window was open, but there was no escaping the heat. Fred was in his grey work uniform with his name, in red, embroidered above the pocket and his picture ID hanging from a clip. He worked as a building maintenance man for a defense contractor, Radio Receptor, in Brooklyn, New York. It was 15 miles from Harlem, but the commute took an hour by subway, which was not an easy commute, especially in the summer. He never complained and never missed a day of work. He didn’t make much money and the family struggled but he worked as much overtime as possible, and they managed.

Bobbie was at the stove, sweat dripping from her brow, getting everyone’s breakfast. She moved with ease around the tight maze of chairs in the cramped kitchen.

Diana got to the table first and grabbed her father. Good morning, I love you, Daddy.

Fred gave her a big hug and kiss, I love you, too. How is my angel this morning?

Diana whined and pouted, He comes in every morning and wakes me up. I’m tired. Make him stop, Daddy. Make him stop, please.

Don’t worry, Angel, it will all change soon.

Diana climbed onto her father’s lap.

Bobbie snapped, Sit in your own seat. It’s too hot. Let your father finish his coffee.

Diana pouted and buried her head in her father’s chest. He patted her head and pulled her close. Bobbie shot her a sideways look and Diana jumped out of her father’s lap onto her chair.

Bobbie snapped, You spoil her.

Fred just smiled.

Even strong-willed Diana knew when you got the look, you better do as you were told.

Nonna made her way to the kitchen with Freddy holding her hand.

Freddy ran to his father and kissed him. Good morning, Daddy.

Nonna sat in her usual place opposite Fred. Freddy Boy sat at her side.

Good morning, Mama, did you sleep well? Fred asked affectionately.

"Buongiorno, sono stanco," Nonna replied quietly.

Fred gave her a loving smile. He knew some Italian, but very little. He understood that she said she was tired. They had the same exchange every morning. Bobbie put oatmeal in front of Diana and patted her head.

Diana looked up and smiled. Thank you, Mama.

Bobbie put a cup of soft-boiled eggs and saltine crackers, Nonna eggs, in front of Nonna. Freddy Boy looked up at his mother with anticipation.

She put oatmeal in front of him and snapped, You will eat what you get.

Before he could protest, Nonna gave him a spoon full of eggs. He beamed with joy.

Bobbie grew impatient, Ma! He doesn’t listen. He has to learn. Stop spoiling him!

Nonna didn’t look up. Instead, she defiantly gave Freddy Boy another spoon of eggs and smiled. Bobbie glared at her son.

Fred broke the tension. Listen, kids, I have great news. We are moving.

Diana interrupted, Do I get my own room?

Yes, Angel, you will, and a back yard.

Freddy Boy yelled out, Where is Nonna going? I’m going with Nonna!

Quiet! Bobbie snapped.

Fred continued, Freddy Boy, Nonna is coming with us. She is moving with us.

Diana was jumping out of her skin. When, Daddy, when? Where are we going? When?

We are moving to a big house in a town called Commack. I’m gonna be late for work, but the family will be here tonight, and we will tell you everything.

Fred stood up, kissed Diana, and walked over to Bobbie. He kissed her as he rustled Freddy Boy’s hair. He maneuvered his way out of the kitchen and headed off to work.

Nonna sat quietly, staring down at her eggs. Freddy Boy patted her hand, Nonna, don’t be sad. I’ll be with you.

She nodded and kissed him.

Bobbie rubbed Nonna’s back and spoke to her in Italian. "Ma, we talked about this. This neighborhood is getting worse, it’s not safe, and this apartment is too crowded."

Nonna reached up and rubbed Bobbies’ hand. "I know, I know, but I’ll miss la famiglia. Everyone is close by." Tears filled her eyes.

Bobbie kissed her and whispered, "Don’t worry, it will be fine."

Nonna had known only this neighborhood since her arrival from Italy 40 years earlier.

Bobbie cleaned up the breakfast dishes and turned to her son. Freddy, you stay with Nonna. Diana and I are going shopping.

Freddy’s eyes lit up. It would be him and Nonna, and no annoying Diana.

Nonna is going to lay down, just let her rest. If I find out you bothered her, I’m gonna get the spoon. Play with your toys, quietly.

The door banged shut and Freddy Boy ran back to Nonna. She was lying in bed looking up at the ceiling, her eyes glazed over with tears, the fan blowing warm air across her body.

"Nonna, Nonna, ti amo, ti amo, don’t be sad. I will be with you; we will move together."

Nonna turned toward Freddy Boy, gave him a forced smile, and brushed his cheek. She whispered in Italian, You give me hope, my little one. Read your books.

Freddy Boy sat quietly and tried to read his books. He couldn’t read much, but he loved the pictures, and he knew his numbers. Every few minutes he would look up from his books and check on his beloved Nonna. He held back his tears as he felt her pain.

The impending move was troubling Nonna. She had lived in the same building as two of her daughters and the other four lived in the next building. She was surrounded by family, daughters, sons-in-law, and 15 grandchildren. She understood the move, but it weighed heavily on her heart.

"What is this town, Commack? What kind of name is that?" she muttered to herself in Italian.

Freddy jumped to his feet. Nonna? What did you say? Do you need something?

No, mi amore, sta bene.

Freddy got on the bed with her, and even in the heat, she pulled him close as they drifted off to sleep.

Freddy jumped out of his sleep as Diana proclaimed, Ma! He is back here, sleeping in bed with Nonna. He didn’t leave her alone; he doesn’t listen! Get him out of my room! You are gonna get the spoon. I hope she hits you good.

Bobbie appeared at the door, hands on her hips, her eyes on fire. Get up! What’s wrong with you? Didn’t I tell you to leave Nonna to rest? It’s too hot to be lying next to her. Get out of that bed and clean up your books!

Nonna sat up and whispered in Italian, "He comforts me. Don’t be angry. Andiamo, I will help you cook."

Bobbie pleaded, "Ma, it’s too hot for you to cook. Riposo. Tessie and Angie are coming to help, so riposo, rest."

Nonna snapped at her daughter, "I will riposo when I’m dead."

Bobbie was frustrated, I don’t know why I talk. No one listens to me, no one.

I listen to you, Ma, Diana crowed.

"Stai zitto! Shut up! Help your brother clean up his books and make Nonna’s bed."

Diana stomped her foot, It’s not my mess! He…

Bobbie shot her the look and Diana knew not to continue, so she started picking up the books, glaring at her brother. As soon as Bobbie and Nonna were out of sight and headed to the kitchen, Diana threw a book at Freddy Boy. He ducked and it sailed over his head.

Get out! Diana shouted.

As he ran toward the kitchen, he caught his foot on the edge of the carpet, landed on his face, and let out a yell. He sat up and sobbed as he saw the blood dripping from his mouth. Diana was laughing. Nonna got to him first. No one knew how she did it, but she moved quickly once she heard him yell. She covered his mouth with a dish rag and lifted him to his feet.

She comforted him in Italian, saying, "It’s ok, I will