Acknowledgements

THIS STORY HAS been around for a long time, but it waited patiently for the right moment to be told. And although it has been written by my hand, so many other hands got together to make it possible.

My first thanks go to Raimonda, for having been the woman she was, unaware of what she would become for me: an invaluable treasure.

My heartfelt thanks to Gian Paolo for his tireless research and his courage in being the first to put down, in black in white, the necessity not to forget.

Thanks to Domitilla and Leonardo for their lessons, advice and indispensable support during my first drafts.

Thanks also to Elisabetta and Adriana, for having taken care of my words with respect, trust and sensitivity.

A special thank you to Carmen, who believed in me and in the spirit of this book from the first day, protecting both with unparalleled dedication and affection.

My final and most important thanks go to my family, the witnesses of my every ascent, descent, turning point and destination. To Stefania and Emanuele, for letting me go when the time came, and for welcoming me back with open arms when I returned. To Gabriele, for having been the sincerest voice and most precious presence while I was writing. And to Silvia, for always being on my side and for joining her hand to mine at the right moment.