About this story
At dawn you slip out alone to help a dying fruit-seller, collapse from the heat before a doctor can be found, and wake in total darkness, sealed inside a coffin. Clawing free, you discover yourself inside your own family's burial vault, already mourned and recorded dead, with the only way out locked from the cemetery side.
How it opens
Before the cholera reached Naples, your villa seemed protected by affection and wealth.
Guido has delayed his return to Rome so Stella may keep her favourite visitor.
Your little daughter accepted Ferrari's devotion as naturally as your oldest friendship.
Guido FerrariFabio trusts happiness because he has never given it reason to hide.
Let trust enjoy the evening before either of you makes it philosophy.
Choose
Say that friendship and marriage deserve confidence until conduct disproves it.
Ask whether his sudden seriousness concerns any danger he knows.