The final breath of the sea

De: Emiliana Erriquez

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Barbara and Chiara grew up side by side, inseparable since they were six years old. Attending the same school and sharing the quintessential experiences of adolescence, their bond seemed unbreakable—until Barbara met Andrea. He was an older man whose influence slowly distanced her from her best friend. The rift caused both of them great pain, as if life had swept them away onto opposing paths. Yet, this separation was not destined to last forever. Eventually, Barbara and Chiara found their way back to each other, rediscovering how much they truly needed one another. They acknowledged past mistakes and unspoken absences, silently vowing never to be apart again.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Apulian countryside in enchanting Ostuni, with its sparkling blue sea and bustling beaches, the two girls matured into women. They each found themselves married, with Chiara expecting her first child—whom Barbara loved as her own. Despite their profound connection, a shadow loomed; Chiara sensed Barbara was hiding a devastating secret. When the truth finally emerged, Barbara confronted it with the unwavering support of her friend, facing what seemed to be the greatest sorrow of her life.

The ensuing years were marked by hardship—pain, remorse, insecurity, and loss—as Barbara slowly rebuilt herself. Chiara became her guiding light, imparting a strength and willpower Barbara had never known she possessed. Just as balance seemed restored, life delivered yet another challenge that tested her very existence. Through years of wrestling with guilt and the blurred lines between right and wrong, and haunted by painful memories that surfaced daily, Barbara came to recognize the profound fortune of having love and devotion in her life, all thanks to Chiara.

Emiliana Erriquez graduated in Foreign Languages and Literatures and holds a Master’s degree in English-Italian Translation. Since 2004, she has worked as a translator, freelance journalist, and contributor to various publications. After a brief stay in Texas, USA, she returned to Italy, where she continues her writing and translation work. She is the author of the essay Oriana Fallaci: A Life Lived Fully, winner of the 2006 Giuseppe Sciacca Award in the essay category. She also received an honorable mention in the literary competition I borghi della lettura for her story Gli occhi della memoria. Her published works include A metà del sonno, Il peso delle stelle, and La chiamavano Nocciolina with Les Flaneurs Edizioni. Previous titles include Lasciami stare, Sono solo una bambina, and Non lasciarmi cadere. (The English translations are coming soon).