Alessandro and Joey didn't speak a word on the way back to the hotel. They were silent even when they got back to their room.

Joey could tell that Alessandro was in great pain, but she didn't know what to say. She wanted to reach out and comfort him, but she didn't know if that would make things better or worse. She didn't know how to help her husband.

Joey was the first one to speak. "I wish I knew what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," Alessandro replied, solemnly, sitting on the bed.

Joey looked down. She felt so helpless. There was only one thing she could think of to do.

The young woman went outside and called her father. She heard Mr. Peabody's voice at the other end of the line say, "Hello?"

"Daddy?" she said, almost crying.

"Josephine, what's wrong?" he asked, concerned.

Joey told him, crying, what had happened earlier. "I don't know how to help him, Daddy."

Mr. Peabody was quiet for a moment, then he spoke, softly. "I'm terribly sorry for what happened, Josephine. The best thing you can do for Alessandro is be there for him."

"How?"

"Support him. Let him know you love him and care about him. Don't pressure him to talk, and if he does decide to talk, listen. It will help him, immensely."

They talked for a little longer, then Joey said, "Thank you, Daddy. I'll do the best I can. I love you."

"Anytime, sweetie. I love you, too. Good bye."

Joey went back into the hotel room after hanging up with Mr. Peabody. Alessandro was laying on the bed under the covers. She sat down beside him and smoothed his dark hair. He turned over on his back and looked at her. Tears were in his sad, green eyes. Joey spoke, softly. "If it's any consolation, I'm here."

He nodded. "It does help a lot. At least I have a wife who loves me."

Joey smiled, which made Alessandro smile a little. Joey leaned down and kissed his lips, gently. Alessandro kissed her, passionately. He whispered in her ear, "Do you know what would really help me right now?"
"What?"

Alessandro took her hand and put it on his crotch. She rubbed it, smiling. She felt the bulge under his pajama pants get harder. They took off their clothes and made love, and afterward, they bathed together.

When they laid back down, Joey rubbed Alessandro's back until he fell asleep. Joey hoped that she was and would continue to do the right thing for him. She wanted to be the best wife she could be.