Geppetto

Dr. Moretti’s office was near the Palazzo Grassi just off the Grand Canal. It seemed like Pinocchio would stumble out of the office at any moment as it resembled Geppetto’s shop from the original Tuscan tale.

“Ms. Ryan?” Moretti asked.

“Please call me Lyn,” she said shaking the man’s withered hand. His face bore the weight of his patients’ confessions.

“Then call me Howard.”

He led her into a small room packed with books and illuminated by dozens of flickering candles. She sat in a leather wingback chair facing the diminished man in distinguished clothes.

“What seems to be the problem, Lyn?”

“I’m lonely.”

Photo: loveandforever