THE EARTHQUAKE (IL TREMUOTO)

It was the night of 16 December, a fateful night that we cannot recall without pain and fear. The sky was completely clear of clouds, and the stars shone bright and pure; yet, as if the air were heavy with unseen vapors, there was a sense of weariness and unease that defied description.

From time to time, the chickens in the coops let out sad cries, and the dogs howled in the distance, as if sensing some mysterious disturbance in nature.

We sat down at the table, but my parents felt no need to eat; then, without sharing their fears (and if they had wished to, what fears could they have expressed?), they lowered their heads and remained lost in thought for a long while. My siblings and I noticed their sadness and tried to find ways to distract them, to bring some amusement, some small joy that might summon a smile to their lips.

But our parents paid no attention. Finally, unable to explain what weighed on their hearts, they rose and gave the order for us to go to bed.