“It is hard to say. Sometimes she is perfectly lucid, the same Emilia, while others...” he trailed off solemnly. “The doctors have been talking about residential care but I think that is premature,” he added, almost to himself. Kim knew the very idea of it was killing him.

She stepped forward to give him another hug.

“It’ll be lovely to see her at the party and once all of this is over, I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with you both.”

He patted her back paternally. “It’s OK, I’m coming to terms with it, and for the most part she is still my Emilia. We’ve had a good life and have been through a lot together. She gave me two beautiful children and almost forty years of true love,” he said with a fond smile. “I would be nowhere else than by her side.”

“Then I’m even more grateful that you carved out the time for me. I know it must’ve been a wrench to leave her.”

He shook his head lightly. “No, no, she is excited about this. You needed me also, and of course she and I are not just your partners, but your friends, too. In any case,” he teased, “perhaps she will not even miss me.”

Though she knew he was joking, she could still hear the pain behind his words. Ever the optimist, she knew he was trying his utmost to not let his wife’s diagnosis blight their lives or dampen their spirits.

Now he took both of her hands in his. “So how are you, bella?”

Kim smiled gamely but knew it didn’t reach her eyes and Antonio would likely see through her own pretense just as easily. “Just OK,” she answered, averting her gaze. “I’m a bit tired. There’s been a lot going on and still loads to get through. At least I’m here on the ground now, the invites are out and the guest list is finalized...”

“Well, it’s a long list. Are your friends going to make it? The ladies who were with you that summer?”

Kim had almost forgotten she’d first met Antonio the same time as Annie and Colette. The three had come together as strangers six years ago at the villa but in the ensuing years had managed to maintain their friendship, albeit at long-distance with their contact now sporadic.

She and Colette had been guests at each other’s weddings, and she’d managed to meet up with Annie on a business trip to Dublin the year before last.

Of course, social media made it easy to keep track of each other’s lives, but Kim missed the closeness they’d shared that summer. It would be so lovely to get the gang back together in person for a reunion. Here at the villa, especially.