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“Bella,” she greets me.

She’s been talking to me in a mixture of Italian and English, because her English isn’t that great.

“We’re making dinner. Please tell me you will join us.” Her thick accent comes out on the last few words.

“I’m not very hungry. But thank you. I’ll definitely grab something later.”

Her smile fades, but the twinkle is still in her eyes. “No, no, no. You must eat something. Getting sick at sea is the worst. You will need your strength for the rest of the journey.” She points to the open sea. “I am making lasagna. The crew tells me I make the most delicious they ever tasted. Magnifico.”

She claps her hands with delight, and I can’t help but smile back at her. Deciding she’s tired of speaking English, she rattles off a few sentences in Italian, telling me about all the ingredients she added to the recipe.

“It sounds delicious, Roberta.”

Lasagna is one of my favorite foods, but I’ve found it hard to eat since I’ve been onboard. I’ve been living on rolls of bread and slices of cheese. That’s definitely not enough.

“I really go all out, my dear.” She nods with pride.

“I’ll absolutely eat some later.”

She rests a hand on my shoulder. “I make you a plate, yes?”

“Yes.”

“Good, good.”

She gives me one last smile, then heads back inside.

I turn back to the scenery and watch the waves roll in and out until a few drizzles of rain trickle on me.

It gets heavier, and I decide to head back in. It’s getting late anyway.

I make my way down to the cabin where Mama and I are staying. I find Mama inside organizing the clothes she brought with her on the little shelves in the cupboard.

Although my mother looks exhausted, the smile she gives me is that of a woman who has been reinvigorated and given a second chance at life with her daughter.

“Allegra.” She says my name as if she’s savoring it. I grin back at her, loving the sound of my name.

Mama smiles wider. “Allegra, Allegra, Allegra.” She moves toward me, cups my face, and plants a kiss on each of my cheeks. “I will never get tired of saying your name, my dear. I’m so excited about this new adventure of ours.” She waves a hand around the room. “Look. I tried to make it homier.”

She points to a cushion on my bed. It’s one that was in our toy room back at the house. Then she points to the nightstand where she’s put up some figurines Grandma gave her many years ago.

“It’s a little taste of home, the good parts,” Mama continues.

“It looks great, Mama.” I offer a smile, not wanting to ruin her mood with my reservations.

“Have you eaten anything?”

“I will later. Roberta just told me she’s making lasagna.”

“Oh my gosh. That woman can cook. Please make sure you have some.”

I’m already nodding. “Yes. I will. And you must eat, too.”

“Oh, you know I will.” Mama laughs. “I just wanted to finish up in here first so we can be more comfortable. I’ve never done a journey of this length before. I thought a week at sea was a long time. Your father has done longer cruises without me.”

At the mention of my father, my stomach twists. “Sure, he has.”

“Don’t worry about him, my love.” Mama smiles again. I can see she’s not worried about my father anymore. “How are you doing otherwise?” The gentleness in her eyes suggests she knows I’ve been thinking about Lev.