Rosalia's Bittersweet Pastry Shop by Rosanna Chiofalo Page A

the poor girl was anxious to be reunited with her family. Madre Carmela would accompany Rosalia and the police to Terme Vigliatore after they had their midday meal.
    Though she was happy for Rosalia, she couldn’t help feeling sad that she would not see the beautiful young woman anymore. It had pleased her so much to see Rosalia bloom back to life since they had found her by the cave. And the girl had even taken a liking to helping the sisters and the lay workers in the kitchen, where she learned to make a new pastry every day. Madre Carmela still could not believe how quickly Rosalia had taken to pastry making, but what astounded her even more was the young woman’s natural talent for baking. She seemed to possess a photographic memory and was able to remember the ingredients to a recipe after only learning it once. Madre Carmela had watched her bake a few of their popular pastries, which they made several times a week, and every time, Rosalia remembered the ingredients.
    Madre Carmela sighed. Shaking her head, she mentally scolded herself. Shame on you! You should be happy for the girl and not feeling sad that you will miss her.
    The chocolate had finally melted to the perfect thick, but not too thick, consistency she wanted. She reached for a wooden spoon and scooped up a little of the chocolate. Blowing on it first so she wouldn’t scald her tongue, she tasted the melted chocolate.
    â€œAh! È buono! ” She closed her eyes, reveling in the rich, silky chocolate. Instantly, her mood lifted. She would put some of the pudding aside for Rosalia to take home to her family.
    â€œ Ciao, Madre Carmela.”
    â€œRosalia! You look so pretty today.”
    She was wearing a violet-colored dress that contrasted perfectly with her raven hair, which was tied in a loose ponytail with a matching violet ribbon. The ponytail was swept to the side and lay over her left shoulder. There was an unmistakable glow in her face. She was happy.
    â€œ Grazie, Madre Carmela. Anunziata let me borrow this dress.”
    Anunziata was one of the lay workers at the pastry shop, and she also resided at the convent. Rosalia and Anunziata had formed a friendship during the past month. Madre Carmela had seen Anunziata earlier that morning, and she, too, looked sad—no doubt that she would be losing her new friend.
    â€œThat was nice of Anunziata.”
    Rosalia nodded her head. “I will miss her, as well as you and everyone else, Madre Carmela. But you’ll see me again when I come back to return Anunziata’s dress.”
    Madre Carmela’s heart leaped for a moment, hearing that she would see Rosalia again. But she couldn’t help wondering if Rosalia’s family would allow her to come back. She had wondered if she should tell Rosalia to feel free to visit anytime she wanted. But Madre Carmela didn’t want the girl to feel obligated and as if she were in any debt toward the convent for having nursed her back to health. After all, the sisters always helped others in service to God, and not in hopes of getting or expecting anything in return. So she refrained from encouraging Rosalia to visit.
    â€œAnd we will miss you, too, Rosalia. Try some of this chocolate that I have melted for a pudding. We will have it for dessert.” Madre Carmela spooned up a good dollop of chocolate and held it out for Rosalia to taste.
    Rosalia leaned forward and carefully tasted the hot, melted chocolate. “ Delizioso! ”
    â€œWait until it is done. It will taste even better. There is no doubt you will be dreaming about it tonight.”
    Rosalia laughed. “I am certain of it. Thank you, Madre, for everything. I will never forget all that you and the other nuns have done for me.”
    â€œI am just happy your health has been restored and that you will be with your family soon. You must be so excited.”
    â€œI am. I hardly slept last night in anticipation.”
    â€œWell, soon enough, you will be