Chapter 41

Mirko was in the main room, setting the table. I heard him bang the cutlery.

“How is that broth?” Mom asked me, and came over to see.

“The first boil is already breaking, we can add the meat.”

“Mika…”

“I’m on it, I’m on it.”

My brother came to the industrial stove with a large tray loaded with fresh pieces of beef, and he added them little by little to the saucepan. I stepped aside, taking the bottle from Sasha and making her burp. It was very hot there. The salty and vegetal smell of the broth, the ferrous smell of the meat, the spiciness of the onions, the starch of the potatoes, the spices and seasonings, the sweet sugar of the fruits… the natural essences of the people around me. The house was huge and smelled of many things; the everyday fragrances were very calming for me. The last fortnight had been more peaceful, since the press was losing interest in us. That peace helped me relax, and also my children.

At home, no one had much else to do