Beyond Reach

BEYOND REACH

For Rosabella Terrazzo and Mattia Ballaconia, love isn’t merely beyond reach, it’s unthinkable.

Rosabella has single-mindedly run her family’s business for fifty years. She has never allowed any interests to rival her commitment to the Terrazzo company.

Mattia has withdrawn from the world since his wife died forty-five years ago. Talking and laughing with people – let alone, love – are not part of his daily routine.

From opposing balconies, they start a journey neither could have anticipated.

Beyond Reach is a five-part story that will be published on The 3:57 website on successive Tuesdays starting on October 26. The complete publication schedule is as follows:

• October 26: Chapter One – His Voice
• November 2: Chapter Two – Her Voice
• November 9: Chapter Three – Mutuals
• November 16: Chapter Four – Two Soliloquies
• November 23: Chapter Five – Responsibilities

In addition to Spear’s story, the art for BEYOND REACH is by N. Krok. The artist is a graduate of Raritan Valley Community College and is finishing up their degree at The College of New Jersey in Art Education with a minor in Art History. They enjoy graphic design, art history, and finding new adventures to read and writing some along the way.

The following is a preview of Chapter One: His Voice:

Chapter One: His Voice

Mattia had grown old ignoring the rhythms of his street. He ignored the people walking about. Paid no attention to the cafes full of talking and laughter. Or the tables draped in shadows where love might take flight – and often did!

But those rhythms have gone silent. In fact, the world has come to a standstill. The pandemic has introduced a new term into public conversation – social distancing. Six feet here, six feet there, and face masks everywhere.

Romance was difficult when two could not become one.

Not that Mattia Ballaconia wanted to be part of a two. He was barely even a one.

He was seventy-five and a widower for the last forty-five years. He hid from the world and withdrew from other peoples’ lives. Talking and laughing were not part of his daily routine.

Until he saw Rosabella Terrazzo standing on her balcony. He was awe-struck by her presence and looked through an ancient camera with a zoom lens for proof and thought – “Magnifica! Such a Great Lady!”

But his first encounter with her could not have gone worse.

Please return on Tuesday, October 26 for Chapter One of BEYOND REACH.