The Tuscan Child

by Rhys Bowen

To realise that one has nobody in the world—that is a sobering thought.

“When the world has gone mad, we must help each other when we can. Most of my neighbours are good and share what little they have.

Lords and chimney sweeps fight side by side and die side by side, and nobody cares what they once were.”

“Don’t look so sad,” she said, touching my cheek. “All is well. We are tested and we survive, and life will be good again.”