The journey to Milan becomes for Marina a passage between life and shadow. Still reeling from the explosion that nearly killed her, she finds refuge in a night taxi, while the city approaches like a promise of anonymity and salvation. Sleep drags her into a visceral nightmare, populated by voices and faces that seem more real than memories, where the past and danger intertwine in a prophetic vision.
When she wakes, the lights of Milan shine like a mirage, and in Piazza Duomo, reality hits her in all its harshness: life goes on, indifferent to pain. But amidst the chaos, she finds Caterina, the only person she can trust. A deep, suspended intimacy flows between them, made of silent gestures and unspoken promises. It's only the beginning of a new escape, more subtle, more dangerous—from the invisible web that surrounds her.
Escaping an attack and haunted by a nightmare, Marina seeks refuge in the heart of Milan
Stories. The Enigma of the Abandoned House of Foppolo. Chapter 18 B: Marina’s Return Beneath the Lights of the Duomo
“Good evening. Milan, Piazza Duomo.”
“At this hour?” he asks with a half-smile, starting the meter.
“Yes. It’s urgent.”
I settle into the back seat. The smell of disinfectant and synthetic fabric fills my nose. Outside, the village drifts past slowly, then disappears behind us. The lights stretch into lines, the countryside fading into a single dark mass.
After ten minutes or so I ask, hesitantly,
“Excuse me… could I use your phone for a moment? Mine’s broken.”
The driver nods, handing me his smartphone. “Of course, but please be brief—I need the line free for work calls.”
“It’ll just take a minute.”
I dial Caterina’s number—the only person I still dare to trust.
She answers after two rings.
“Caterina, it’s me… yes, I’m alive.
More or less. I’ll explain later. Listen, I need you to meet me in Milan, in front of the Mondadori store in Piazza Duomo. In an hour. It’s important. Don’t ask why now. Please—be on time.”I stay silent a few seconds after hanging up. My heart beats like a muffled drum.
I return the phone, thank the driver, then sink back into the seat.
Outside, the highway unrolls like a serpent of white and red lights dissolving into darkness.
I close my eyes.....
