Adam's Breed

Gian-Luca made his peace with the clan very simply, by going one day to see them. And because of the deep sadness that they saw in his eyes, their warm hearts forgave him those months of neglect -- only Teresa's heart held aloof, for her heart remembered his mother. Looking at Teresa, so stern, so much alone, Gian-Luca made one more effort to win her, returning in spirit to the days of his childhood, but offering now the pity of a man to this arrogant, defiant old woman.

He said: "I would so much like you to love me -- is it impossible, Nonna? I would like you to want me, to need me a little -- not because of my advice about the Casa Boselli, you have Millo to help you with that now -- but because I am your grandson, the only living creature upon whom you have any real claim. " Then Teresa stood up and confronted her grandson, and they looked at each other eye to eye: "I have only loved once in my life, Gian-Luca. Only one creature have I loved in my life, and that was my daughter Olga."