Chapter 10

Passionate strains of IL Tabarro filled the air in the dimly lit niche. Shadows of a solitary image flickered across the walls, moving hauntingly amongst the posters lining every inch of available space, advertising long-dead opera stars and European performances of La Traviata, La Boheme, and Madame Butterfly. Nothing in the room gave testament to the living save the fingers working diligently in counterpoint to that concept... fingers fueled by the haunting Puccini tragedy. Tears of agony flowed freely across sallow cheeks as lyrics in the original Italian accompanied each note, refrain and coda. In song, Michele mourned the upcoming passing of his cuckolding wife, Giorgetta, and long-time friend, Luigi. What a shame they betrayed him. Now, it is time for them to pay.  Puccini toasts the mere mention of my name. Sleep well, sweet Casandra, maid of mourning...soon the world will know you as Giorgetta.