“No, but in the panic to get away the truck went into the ditch. We managed to jump clear, but he hurt his ankle on the way down. He’s some cuts and scratches, too. I don’t think any of them are very deep.”

“Did you have to walk the rest of the way home? How far is that?”

“It was only ten kilometers as the crow flies. Maybe a little more.”

“How did you manage it? Your friend—was he able to walk at all?”

“Nico carried him,” Father Bernardi called from the end of the hall.

At this, Nico sighed heavily. “I didn’t mind, and we’re here, aren’t we? The way of it makes no difference.”

“Were you injured?” Nina remembered to ask.

“Not so much as a scratch.”

“Good,” she said, though the single word scarcely captured the depth of her relief. Now she turned to Father Bernardi. “I’ll need your first-aid kit.”

“Do you still keep it in the kitchen?” Nico asked. “Yes? In that case I’ll fetch it. I’ve already had you running up and down the stairs all night.”

Nina went into the bedroom, switched on a nearby lamp rather than open the shutters, and sat on the chair next to the bed. Nico’s friend, who looked to be sleeping, was stretched out on top of the counterpane, his boots still in place, his clothes stiff with mud and dried blood. His beard had grown in, and his hair, long enough to touch his collar, was shot through with silver. He was older than Nico, though not by much. Somewhere, perhaps not far, there were people waiting for him. There were people who loved him.

She blinked hard, struggling to keep her tears at bay. She would not—could not—cry. She had to compose herself. Above all, she had to bury her fear.

The warm weight of Father Bernardi’s hand settled on her shoulder. “I know,” he said softly. “I know. Few things are harder than fearing for someone you love.”

She nodded, for it was true—not only of Nico, but also of her parents. “If only I could help them. But there isn’t a thing I can do.”

“Not directly, no, but your actions today will make a difference. To this man, and also to his family. To all the people he will go on to help in the months to come. And it’s by such actions that you tip the scales in our favor. A few grams today, a few more tomorrow. That is how we will prevail.”

She nodded, absorbing his words of comfort, wishing she were stronger. Wishing she wasn’t so consumed by fear.