“I’m the housekeeper and friend of the boys. Let me give you a quick tour. You haven’t been outside of the bedroom for days!” She sounds excited, and it makes me smile.

“Down here are a few spare bedrooms, each with their own private bathrooms. I nod as I look in the doors as we pass down the hallway, wondering if this is where wolfman sleeps.

“Downstairs here has all the living spaces, including an office, a small library, gym, and theatre room.” We walk down the stairs, her arm sweeping over the array of rooms and hallways that appear to be open for me to explore as I wish.

“It is a lovely home,” I say to her, which has her beaming.

“My dear, you have lovely manners.”

As we walk into the kitchen, I see the young boy already at the bench, eating the fruit and pastries Maria has prepared. She moves into the kitchen and starts getting busy making something on the stove.

“Can I help?” I ask as I begin to walk toward her. It is only right that I offer; I am staying here after all.

“No, darling, but why don’t you sit up at the bench for a while? You can watch and see how I do things?” she offers, and I nod before going and sitting next to the young boy, watching them both with interest.

This is all new, and the reason why I’m here is crazy, yet I feel so at home and welcomed.

“What are you cooking?” I ask her as I perch up onto a stool.

“Osso Buco,” She answers, her accent even thicker.

“Osso B...” I try to say.

“Buco, Bella. It is a traditional Italian dish, like a stew.”

“Are you Italian?” I ask, already knowing she must be, but trying to make conversation.

“Yes, Bella. Do you know any Italian?” she asks me, smiling.

I shake my head, feeling very sheltered having not traveled or done anything remotely interesting in my life.

“Well, I can teach you!” she says, and I perk right up with interest. I have never had the opportunity to learn another language, but even I know I would be stupid to pass up that offer.

“Really? That would be great!” I swear, my smile is now a mile wide.

As I watch and listen to Maria who starts talking to me and telling me sounds and words in Italian, I periodically look around the house, still not quite believing that I am here.

Who are you wolfman, and why have you brought me to your home for safekeeping?

9

Dante