“Don’t get off the phone,” I hastened to say, too shaken to be embarrassed by my need. The shaking in my hands had traveled up my arms into my shoulders and chest. I vibrated like a second engine in the driver’s seat. “Stay with me.” There was a silence that felt like a hand cupping my cheek, holding me still for one long, deep breath. “Bene, Elena, io sono con te. I am with you.”
