44

Francesca

I WAS WALKING IN MY ROOM , on the verge of hysteria, when Giulio came back from the pharmacy.

“Here,” he said, handing me the bag. — I bought five, exactly as you asked.

- Thanks. I'm sure it's nothing. It has to be stress.

Giulio raised his palms. — I don't know anything about a woman's cycle, but I think you should check it out. Just to keep you calm, right?

I swallowed. - I know. You will be?

- It is clear. Go. Let's check together.

I went into the bathroom and opened the first box. The instructions seemed simple enough. Hold the stick in the pee, let it sit, and read the results. Maybe I should do two tests, just to be sure.

With shaking hands, I unwrapped another box and opened the paper on the stick. Holding them both, I sat down and peed, making sure to get each stick thoroughly wet. So I put them on the counter, cleaned them up and called Giulio.

He entered carefully, as if he were afraid of scaring me.

- Ready?

— Set your phone's timer for five minutes. Then we will