There’s Still Tomorrow

In post-war Italy, life for Delia, a traditional housewife, revolves around her family. Her days are filled with the usual routines of cooking, cleaning, and caring for her husband and children, particularly her beloved firstborn, Marcella. Delia’s life, however, is far from idyllic. Beneath the surface of her seemingly ordinary existence lies a deep well of unspoken pain, rooted in her abusive marriage to a domineering husband. His controlling behavior and harsh treatment have worn Delia down over the years, leaving her trapped in a life she no longer recognizes as her own.

The family’s focus shifts to Marcella’s impending engagement, a major event in their small, tight-knit community. Marcella is the pride of the family, and her engagement to a respectable young man is seen as a significant achievement, a source of joy and pride for everyone. Yet, for Delia, the occasion is bittersweet. While she is happy for her daughter, she cannot shake the growing unease that has been building inside her. The engagement forces Delia to confront her own life, making her question the choices she has made and the future she envisions for herself and her daughter.

Amid the preparations and celebrations, Delia receives a mysterious letter that turns her world upside down. The letter, which comes from an unexpected source, contains information that shakes Delia to her core. Its contents serve as a catalyst, awakening a long-buried resolve within her. For the first time in years, Delia begins to imagine a life different from the one she has known—a life free from fear, oppression, and abuse.

The letter becomes a turning point for Delia. It emboldens her to challenge the status quo and confront the man who has held her captive in a life of misery. Delia starts to question not just her marriage, but the societal norms that have kept her in this position. She begins to see the possibility of a future where she can be more than just a housewife, where she can live with dignity and self-respect.

As Delia wrestles with these newfound feelings, the impending engagement becomes a symbol of the choices she must make. She sees in Marcella the reflection of her younger self—full of hope and potential, yet at risk of being trapped in a similar cycle of unhappiness. Delia realizes that if she wants to break free, she must act not only for her own sake but for her daughter’s as well.

In a climactic confrontation, Delia finds the strength to stand up to her husband, a moment that is both terrifying and liberating. The experience of finally voicing her long-suppressed grievances is transformative. Delia understands that the path ahead will not be easy, but the mere act of imagining a better future gives her the courage to pursue it.

As the story concludes, Delia’s decision to embrace change sets her on a new course, one filled with uncertainty but also with hope. She has taken the first step toward reclaiming her life, determined to build a future where she and her children can thrive, free from the shadows of the past.